Statement of Faith
of the
Harrisburg Christian Performing Arts Center
The Scriptures
The Bible is the inspired Word of God, a revelation from God to men, the infallible rule of faith and conduct, and superior to conscience and reason, but not contrary to reason (2 Timothy 3:15-17; 1 Peter 1:23-25; Hebrews 4:12).
God
The one true God has revealed Himself as the eternally self-existent, self-revealed “I AM,” and has further revealed Himself as embodying the principles of relationship and association, by simultaneously existing as Father, Son and Holy Spirit (Deuteronomy 6:4; Mark 12:29; Isaiah 43:10, 11; Matthew 28:19).
Jesus Christ
We believe in the deity of our Lord Jesus Christ, in His virgin birth, in His sinless life, in His vicarious and atoning death through His shed blood, in His bodily resurrection, in His ascension to the right-hand of the Father, and in His personal return in power and glory (Philippians 2:5-8; Matthew 1:16-23; Hebrews 10:12-14; Ephesians 1:17-23; Acts 1:9-11).
The Holy Spirit
All believers should ardently expect and earnestly seek the Promise of the Father, which is the baptism in the Holy Spirit. With it comes the infilling of power for life and service, and the bestowment of the gifts and their uses in the work of the ministry. This experience may be distinct from and subsequent to the experience of the New Birth (Luke 24:49; Acts 1:4-8; 1 Corinthians 12:1-31).
Humanity
We believe that God created human beings, male and female, in His image as an expression of His love. Therefore, human life is sacred and possesses inherent value above all other forms of life, and we are commanded to love the people around us. Humanity’s greatest joy and purpose is to glorify God by enjoying His fellowship, surrendering to His authority, and accomplishing His will on earth (Genesis 1:26-27, 3:1-6; James 3:9; Romans 3:10-18, 21-24, 5:12-19).
Man’s Fall and Redemption
Man was created good and upright, for God said, “Let Us make man in Our image and after Our likeness.” Man, by voluntary transgression, fell, and his only hope of redemption is in Jesus Christ, the Son of God (Genesis 1:26-31; Genesis 3:17; Romans 5:12-21).
Conditions of Salvation
The Grace of God, which brings salvation, has appeared to all men, through the preaching of repentance toward God and through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; man is saved by the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, and being justified by grace, has become heir of God according to the hope of eternal life (Titus 2:11; 3:5-7; Romans 10:13-15; Luke 24:47).
Evidences of Salvation
The inward evidence to the believer of his salvation is the direct witness of the Spirit (Romans 8:16). The outward evidence to all men is a life of holiness (1 Thessalonians 4:7, 2 Timothy 1:9).
The Blessed Hope
The resurrection of those who have fallen asleep in Christ and their translation, together with those who are alive and remain unto the Lord, is imminent and is the blessed hope of the church (1 Thessalonians 4:16; Romans 6:23; Titus 2:13; 1 Corinthians 15:51,52).
The Millennial Reign of Jesus
The revelation of the Lord Jesus Christ from heaven, the salvation of national Israel, and the millennial reign of Christ on the earth are Scriptural promises and our hope (2 Thessalonians 1:7; Revelation 19:11-16; Romans 11:25; Revelation 20:1-7).
The Lake of Fire
The devil and his angels, the beast and the false prophet, and whosoever is not found written in the Lamb’s Book of Life shall be consigned to everlasting punishment in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death (Revelation 19:20; 20:10-15).
The New Heavens and New Earth
We, as promised in the Scriptures, look for a new heavens and a new earth wherein righteousness dwells (2 Peter 3:13; Revelation 21:1).
The Church
The church is the holy Body of Christ, the habitation of God through the Spirit, with divine appointments for the fulfillment of her great commission. Each believer is an integral part of the church, and their names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life (1 Thessalonians 2:4).
Marriage
God created marriage. It is a covenant made between one man and one woman that makes them one (Genesis 2:22,24; Matthew 19:5-6).