Westend Church of Christ does not endorse or adhere to any creedal statement.Neither do we have a hierarchial system that determines our stand on doctrinal issues.Instead, each person is encouraged to search the scriptures for themselves and determine their beliefs through personal study, prayer, and the leading of the Holy Spirit.The statements below are offered simply to give you an understanding of the core beliefs upon which our faith is built.
GOD We believe there is one divine being who has existed eternally. God is the Creator, Ruler and Sustainer of the universe who reveals himself to humanity in three distinct, equally divine personalities: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. (Genesis 1:1, 26-27; Psalm 90:2; 2 Corinthians 13:14; 1 Peter 1:2)
JESUS Jesus is the eternal Son of God. He is co-equal with the Father. Jesus chose voluntarily to take on humanity and live among us in the flesh.Conceived of the Holy Spirit and the virgin Mary, He was born both fully human and fully divine. He lived a sinless human life, and offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all people by dying on a cross. After three days He rose from the dead demonstrating His power over sin and death. He ascended to Heaven and will return again someday to judge the living and the dead. (Matthew 1:22-23; John 1:1-18; 14:10-30; Hebrews 4:14-15; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4; Romans 1:3-4; Acts 1:1-11; Titus 2:13)
HOLY SPIRIT The Holy Spirit is co-equal with the Father and Jesus the Son of God. He is present in the world to make people aware of their need for Jesus Christ. He also lives in every Christ follower from the moment of salvation, distinguishing us as children of God. The Holy Spirit provides every Christian with the power to live a fruitful, victorious life, the ability to understand spiritual truth, and boldness to share the good news of Jesus with others. The Holy Spirit continuously transforms us into increasing holiness as we daily yield our will to His.(2 Corinthians 3:17; John 16:7-13; 14:16-17; Acts 1:8; 1 Corinthians 2:12; 3:16; 12:4-11; Ephesians 1:13;Galatians 5:25; Ephesians 5:18; Romans 6:11-13 )
MAN
Mankind is different from all creation in that he alone is created in the image of God.God created mankind in two distinct genders—male and female.He was created with the capacity to experience intimate, loving relationship with both God and one another.As God’s crowning creation man was given the responsibility to subdue, rule over and fill the earth.(Genesis 1:26-28, 2:15, 2:21-25)
SIN AND SALVATION God created all of humanity to live in relationship with him, but due to our own willful rebellion against God’s authority, we are alienated from him and are consequently lost and without hope. Jesus Christ is our only hope for having our sinful rebellion forgiven and our relationship with God restored. Salvation—the forgiveness of our sins and rebirth by the power of the Spirit of the risen Christ—cannot be earned.It is given freely by the grace of God through the sacrifice of Jesus. We connect with God’s grace through the act of baptism. Baptism is not a work, but an act of faith in response to God’s gift of life through Jesus’ death.(Genesis 3:1-19, Romans 3:23-24; Acts 2:36-41, 4:12; Romans 5:1-11, 6:1-11, 23; Ephesians 2:8-10)
THE BIBLE We believe the Bible is the inspired word of God making it a completely accurate, reliable, and trustworthy source of eternal truth.We accept the Bible as our timeless authority in all matters of our faith and practice. We further believe that the Bible is not a “rule book” for living, but a “love letter” from God through which He reveals Himself and His undying efforts to restore us to relationship with Him. (Mark 12:36; Acts 1:16; 2 Timothy 3:14-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21)
SATAN AND EVIL We believe Satan is a real spiritual being; the ultimate personification of evil. He was originally an angel created by God, who, before the creation of the human race, rebelled against the Creator and became the chief antagonist of God and man. He and his army of fallen angels (demons) as well as the oppressive systems they perpetuate, continue to work against God’s purposes in the world. (2 Corinthians 4:3-4; Revelation 12:10; Ephesians 2:2; 6:11-12)
THE CHURCH The church is the living body of Christ through which God continues His ministry of revealing His love to the world.Under the headship of Christ, in His authority, and by His power the church goes into all the world to serve, seek and save the lost.The church is also the community which gathers to experience fellowship and encourage one another toward deeper relationship with God and greater service in His kingdom. (Matthew 28:18-20, Acts 3:42-47, Colossians 2:19; Romans 12:4-5; 1 Corinthians 12:12-27, Hebrews 10:24-25)
Westend Church of Christ 3040 Perryville Road P.O. Box 971 Danville, KY 40423 westendcoc@kywimax.com
