Statement of Faith

WHAT WE BELIEVE


In essential beliefs — we have unity.
“There is one Body and one Spirit...there is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God and Father of us all...”

Eph. 4:4-6

In non-essential beliefs — we have liberty.
“Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on disputable matters... Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls... So then each of us will give an account of himself to God... So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God.” Romans  14:1,4,12,22

In all our beliefs — we show charity.
“...If I hold in my mind not only all human knowledge but also the very secrets of God, and if I have the faith that can move mountains — but haveno love, I amount to nothing at all.” 1 Cor. 13:2 (Ph)



DVBC STATEMENT OF FAITH


1. God is one, forever existent in three persons, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

  • Deut. 6:4; Deut. 33:27; Eph. 4:6; John 1:1-3; Heb. 1:8; Heb. 9:14.


2. The Bible is the Word of God, wholly inspired by Him, inerrant in its original documents, and the sole rule of faith and practice.

  • 2 Tim. 3:16,17; 1 Thess. 2:13; 2 Peter 1:21.


3.The Lord Jesus Christ took a human body, being absolute in holy perfection. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of a virgin. The eternal Son did not cease to be God but evidenced God in his flesh. He died a representative, substitutionary and sacrificial death, becoming the only Saviour. In this Christ became the appeasement for the forgiveness of human sin. He rose bodily from the dead and ascended to His Father's right hand in heaven, where, as our Great High Priest, He intercedes for those who come to God by Him.

  • Phil. 2:7; Heb. 2:16; Heb. 4:15; Luke 1:35; Matt. 1:20; 1 Tim. 3:16; John 14:9; Col. 2:9; Gal. 2:20; 1 Peter 2:24; Heb. 10:12; 2 Cor. 5:21; 1 John 2:2; Luke 24:39; Eph. 1:20; Heb. 4:14,15; Heb. 7:24-26.


4. The Holy Spirit is Christ's Representativeon earth today who convicts sinners and generates spiritual birth in those who believe in Christ. He indwells the believer who is sealed until the day of redemption. He leads, instructs, empowers and controls the believer to lead a godly life.

  • John 16:14, John 16:8; John 3:5,6,16; Eph. 1:13,14; Eph. 4:30; John 14:17; John 16:13,14; Gal. 2:20.


5. Humanity was created sinless in the image and likeness of God. In consequence of Adam's disobedience sin entered the human race and death by sin, alienating all people from God. Failing repentance under the convicting power of the Holy Spirit and a personal acceptance of the pardon which God offers in Christ, a person is lost. They will die in their sins and be condemned to everlasting punishment. The repentant sinner who accepts Christ as personal Saviour has everlasting life. The state of the deceased after death and before resurrection is that of conscious enjoyment of Christ for the believer and conscious torment for the unbeliever.

  • Gen. 1:26,27; Gen. 9:6; 1 Cor. 11:7; Rom. 5:12; Rom. 3:1012; John 8:24; Rev. 20:11-15; John 5:29; Phil. 1:23; 11 Cor. 5:8; Luke 16:22,23,27,28.


6. The Devil or Satan was created an angelic being but since his fall, has become the prince and god of this world. He perverts the Scripture and opposes God's work.

  • Ise. 14:12-15; 2 Cor. 4:4; Matt. 4:6; Zech. 3:1; 1 Thess. 2:18; 1 Peter 5:8; Matt. 25:41; Rev. 20:10.


7. The Church universal began with the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost and is composed of all believers in the Lord Jesus Christ. These believers are united to Him and to one another by the indwelling Holy Spirit. Christ is the Head of the Church, which is His Body.

  • Acts 2; Eph. 1:22,23; Col. 1:18.


The Church universal in its local aspect is composed of believers in any community who gather in Christ's Name for celebration of the Lord's Supper, worship, prayer, edification, evangelism and fellowship. The local Church is responsible for its own government and discipline. This corporate testimony to the Lordship of Christ expresses visibly the unity of all believers.

  • Matt. 18:20; Eph. 4:2-4; 1 Cor. 11 :23-26; John 4:23; Acts 2:42; Eph. 4:12; 1 Tim. 4:2; Matt. 18:15-17.


8. The Ordinances
Baptism is by immersion and is for believers. It symbolizes their death, burial and resurrection with Christ to walk in newness of life with Him.

  • Rom. 6:4-5; Col. 2:12; Matt. 28:19.


The Lord's Supper is likewise for all believers who are godly in life and sound in doctrine.

  • Luke 22:19; 1 Cor. 11:24-29; Rom. 16:17-18.


9. The universal Church awaits the return of Christ in the air to call all believers to Himself.

  • 1 Thess. 4:13-18; 1 Cor. 15:51-55; Dan. 2:32-45; Matt. 24:29,30; Matt. 25:31-34; Rev.20:4,5,11-15; Rev. 21:8; 1 Peter 3:10-13.