Cornerstone Faith Church
“What We Believe”
I. The Scriptures
We believe the Holy Bible is the divinely inspired Word of God—written by men under divine inspiration. It is a perfect treasure of heavenly instruction, having God for its author, salvation for its end, and truth without any mixture of error for its matter. The Bible reveals the principles by which God will judge us and remains the true center of Christian unity and the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds, and opinions are to be measured.
(2 Timothy 3:16–17; 2 Peter 1:20–21)
II. The True God
We believe there is one living and true God—an infinite, intelligent Spirit, the Maker and supreme Ruler of heaven and earth, inexpressibly glorious in holiness and worthy of all honor, confidence, and love. In the unity of the Godhead there are three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit—equal in every divine perfection and executing distinct yet harmonious offices in the great work of redemption.
(Deuteronomy 6:4; John 4:24; Matthew 28:19; 1 John 5:7)
III. The Fall of Man
We believe man was created in holiness under the law of his Maker, but by voluntary transgression fell from that holy and happy state. In consequence, all mankind are sinners by nature and by choice—utterly void of holiness, inclined to evil, and under just condemnation to eternal ruin without defense or excuse.
(Genesis 1:27; Romans 3:23; 5:12–19)
IV. The Way of Salvation
We believe salvation is wholly of grace through faith in Jesus Christ, the Son of God. By the appointment of the Father, He freely took upon Himself our nature, yet without sin; fulfilled the divine law through perfect obedience; and by His death made full atonement for our sins. Having risen from the dead, He is now enthroned in heaven as the all-sufficient Savior.
(John 3:16; Romans 10:9–10; Ephesians 2:8–9)
V. Justification
We believe justification is the gracious and full acquittal from all sin through the blood of Jesus Christ. It brings the believer into a state of peace and favor with God, not by works of righteousness, but by faith alone.
(Romans 5:1–2; Galatians 2:16)
VI. The Freeness of Salvation
We believe the Scriptures teach that the blessings of salvation are made freely available to all through the Gospel. It is the immediate duty of all people to accept this gift by sincere, repentant, and obedient faith. Nothing prevents even the greatest sinner from being saved except their own willful refusal to believe and receive the Gospel. Those who reject this free gift bring upon themselves the consequences of separation from God.
(Isaiah 55:1–3; John 3:16–18; Romans 10:9–13; Revelation 22:17)
VII. God’s Purpose of Grace
We believe the Scriptures teach that election is the eternal purpose of God according to which He graciously regenerates, sanctifies, and saves sinners. God’s purpose of grace is consistent with human freedom and reveals His sovereign goodness, infinite wisdom, and unchanging love. This truth eliminates boasting, encourages humility, inspires faith, and strengthens assurance in the believer’s heart. Those who truly experience God’s grace will respond with gratitude, obedience, and devotion to His will.
(Ephesians 1:3–7; 2 Timothy 1:9; Titus 3:4–7; Romans 8:28–30)
VIII. Regeneration (The New Birth)
We believe that in order to be saved, sinners must be regenerated or born again. This work is accomplished by the Holy Spirit, giving a holy disposition to the mind and producing repentance, faith, and newness of life.
(John 3:3–7; Titus 3:5; 2 Corinthians 5:17)
IX. Repentance and Faith
We believe repentance and faith are sacred duties, inseparable graces, and the result of the regenerating work of the Holy Spirit. Through repentance, we turn from sin to God; through faith, we receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our Prophet, Priest, and King.
(Mark 1:15; Acts 20:21; Hebrews 11:6)
X. Sanctification
We believe sanctification is the process by which we are made partakers of God’s holiness. It begins in regeneration and continues by the operation of the Holy Spirit through the Word of God, self-denial, watchfulness, and prayer.
(1 Thessalonians 4:3–7; John 17:17; Hebrews 12:14)
XI. The Holy Spirit and His Gifts
We believe it is God’s will that every believer be filled with the Holy Spirit, empowered to live victoriously, and equipped for service. We affirm the operation of the gifts of the Spirit in the Church today, both individually and corporately.
(Acts 1:8; 2:1–4; 1 Corinthians 12:4–11)
XII. The Church
We believe the Church is a body of baptized believers, united by covenant in faith and fellowship of the Gospel, observing the ordinances of Christ, and governed by His Word. Its scriptural officers are Pastors and Deacons.
(Matthew 16:18; Acts 2:41–47; Ephesians 4:11–13)
XIII. Baptism and the Lord’s Supper
We believe Christian baptism is the immersion of a believer in water in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, symbolizing our death to sin and resurrection to new life. The Lord’s Supper is a sacred memorial in which believers commemorate together the death of Christ.
(Matthew 28:19; Acts 2:41; 1 Corinthians 11:23–26)
XIV. Prayer and Fasting
We believe in prayer and fasting as vital spiritual disciplines that draw us closer to God, strengthen our spirit, and humble our flesh before Him.
(Isaiah 58:6; Matthew 6:6–18; 1 Timothy 2:8)
XV. Divine Healing
We believe that through the redemptive work of Jesus Christ, believers may experience divine healing—spiritually, emotionally, and physically.
(Isaiah 53:4–5; James 5:14–16; Luke 4:18–19)
XVI. Marriage and Family
We believe marriage is a sacred covenant ordained by God between one man and one woman, established as the foundation for family and community life.
(Genesis 2:18–24; Matthew 19:4–6; Ephesians 5:22–33)
XVII. The Believer’s Responsibility
We believe every believer has a personal responsibility to seek God, study His Word, renew their mind, and live a life that reflects Christ in the world.
(Romans 12:1–2; 2 Timothy 2:15; 1 Peter 2:2)
XVIII. The Christian Life and Perseverance
We believe true believers will endure to the end, empowered by the Spirit to live lives of holiness, obedience, and faithfulness. Their perseverance is the mark of genuine faith.
(Matthew 24:13; Philippians 3:12–14; 2 Peter 1:5–10)
XIX. The Return of Christ and Eternal Life
We believe Jesus Christ will return personally and visibly to judge the living and the dead. The righteous will receive eternal life and joy in the presence of God, while the unrepentant will face eternal separation.
(John 5:28–29; 1 Thessalonians 4:16–17; Revelation 20:11–15)
XX. Civil Government
We believe that civil government is divinely appointed for the good of society. Believers are to respect, pray for, and obey those in authority except in matters contrary to the will of Christ, who alone is Lord of conscience and the King of Kings.
(Romans 13:1–7; 1 Peter 2:13–17)
XXI. Our Confession of Faith
We confess Jesus Christ as Lord, the Bible as the inspired Word of God, and the Church as His living body. We are called to transform lives, renew minds, and build a stronger community through the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
(Romans 12:2; Ephesians 2:19–22)