What we Believe at Vine Church
Whilst not exhaustive, this list presents a summary of the doctrines we believe and preach at Vine Church.Broadly speaking, we are evangelical, charismatic and reformed.
1. God
2. The Bible
God has revealed himself in the Bible, which consists of the Old and New Testaments. Every word was inspired by God through human authors, so that the Bible as originally given is in its entirety the Word of God, without error and fully reliable in fact and doctrine. The Bible alone speaks with final authority and is always sufficient for all matters of belief and practice.
3. The Human Race
All men and women, being created in the image of God, have inherent and equal dignity and worth. Their greatest purpose is to obey, worship and love God. As a result of the fall of our first parents, every aspect of human nature has been corrupted and all men and women are without spiritual life, guilty sinners and hostile to God. Every person is therefore under the just condemnation of God and needs to be born again, forgiven and reconciled to God in order to know and please him.
4. The Lord Jesus Christ
The Lord Jesus Christ is truly God and truly man. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, and lived a sinless life in obedience to the Father. He taught with authority and all his words are true. On the cross he died in the place of sinners, bearing God’s punishment for their sin, redeeming them by his blood. He rose from the dead as a foretaste of our salvation. In his resurrection body he ascended into heaven where he is exalted as Lord of all. He intercedes for his people in the presence of the Father.
5. Salvation
Salvation is entirely a work of God’s grace and cannot be earned or deserved. It has been accomplished by the Lord Jesus Christ and is offered to all in the gospel. God in his love forgives sinners whom he calls, granting them repentance and faith. All who believe in Christ are justified by faith alone, adopted into the family of God and receive eternal life.
6. The Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit has been sent from heaven to glorify Christ and to apply his work of salvation. He convicts sinners, imparts spiritual life, and gives a true understanding of the Scriptures. He indwells all believers, brings assurance of salvation, and produces increasing likeness to Christ. He builds up the Church and empowers its members for worship, service, and mission.
7. The Gifts of the Holy Spirit
The work of the Holy Spirit also includes a manifestation of charismatic gifts for the upbuilding of the church. The Spirit gives prophecy, tongues, healings, words of knowledge etc. These are subject to the authority of the Word of God and must be tested accordingly. The Church is called to earnestly desire these gifts, and not despise them, therefore, we seek these gifts in our worship.
8. The Church
The universal Church is the body of which Christ is the head and to which all who are saved belong. It is made visible in local churches, which are congregations of believers who are committed to each other for the worship of God, the preaching of the Word, the administering of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper; for pastoral care and discipline, and for evangelism. Christ has established elders as the leaders of these local churches, of which only qualified men may be. The unity of the body of Christ is expressed within and between churches by mutual love, care, and encouragement.
9. Baptism and the Lord’s Supper
Baptism and the Lord’s Supper have been given to the churches by Christ as visible signs and seals of the gospel. Baptism is a symbol of union with Christ and entry into his Church. The Lord’s Supper is a covenant meal, representing Christ’s sacrifice offered once for all time. Whilst neither of these sacraments save us, both impart blessings, which are received by faith. Both of these signs are intended only for believers participating in the life of the Church.
10. The Kingdom and The Future
The Kingdom of God was established in Christ’s first coming, he now reigns from Heaven whilst his enemies are being made his footstool. The Lord Jesus Christ will return in glory to hand over the Kingdom to the Father. He will raise the dead and judge the world in righteousness. The wicked will be sent to eternal punishment and the righteous will be resurrected in glorified bodies to enjoy the new creation in eternal joy and fellowship with God, who will be glorified forever.