It is not our purpose on this page to create a creed. Yet, unfortunately, to simply state, “We believe the Bible,” though certainly true, would not be helpful in identifying what distinguishes Abell Street from other churches. It is tragic that division exists over church doctrines, despite the prayer of Jesus (“I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You: that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent me.” John 17:20-21) and the admonition of Paul (Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. 1 Corinthians 1:10). It is equally tragic that just because the words “Church of Christ” are associated with a particular congregation does not mean that said congregation holds fast to the truth. With that in mind, we want to let you know what we believe the Bible teaches on a few important matters.
ABOUT GOD
We believe that there is one God, manifested in three distinct but equal personalities: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit (“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” Matthew 28:19; “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen” 2 Corinthians 13:14).
ABOUT THE BIBLE
We believe that the Bible is verbally inspired of God in its totality (“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”2 Timothy 3:16-17) and that it is the only divinely inspired verbal communication of God to man.
We believe that the Old Testament remains profitable for our learning (‘”For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.” Romans 15:4) and is applicable by way of general principle or example (“Now these things became our examples, to the intent that we should not lust after evil things as they also lusted.” “Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come. 1 Corinthians 10:6, 11), but the specific law to which we are accountable today, and by which we will be judged, is the New Testament (“But now He has obtained a more excellent ministry, inasmuch as He is also Mediator of a better covenant, which was established on better promises.: Heb. 8:6-7; “then He said, “Behold, I have come to do Your will, O God.” “He takes away the first that He may establish the second”10:9-10; “He who rejects Me, and does not receive My words, has that which judges him – the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day.” John 12:48).
ABOUT SALVATION
We believe that salvation is by God’s grace (“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” Eph. 2:8-9) and cannot be earned or merited by man (“Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit.” Titus 3:5).
We believe that Jesus paid the penalty for the sins of the world in his death (“But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that He, by the grace of God, might taste death for everyone.” Hebrews 2:9) and resurrection (“Who was delivered up because of our offenses, and was raised because of our justification.” Romans 4:25). Therefore, salvation is found only in Christ (“Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:12).
We believe that for one to accept God’s free offer of salvation in Christ, one must learn the good news about Jesus (“How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?” Rom. 10:14; “It is written in the prophets, ‘And they shall all be taught by God.’ Therefore everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to Me.” John 6:45; “Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house.” Acts 16:32), believe that Jesus is the Son of God (“Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for if you do not believe that I am He, you will die in your sins.” John 8:24), repent of past sins (“I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish” Luke 13:3; “Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men every where to repent,” Acts 17:30), confess one’s faith in Jesus (“Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven. But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven.” Matt. 10:32-33; “For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” Rom. 10:10), and be immersed in water so that the blood of Jesus can wash away those sins (“Then Peter said to them, ‘Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” Acts 2:38; “And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.” 22:16; “and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the first born from the dead, and the ruler over the kings of the earth.”Rev. 1:5).
We believe that a Christian must continue to walk in the light in order to maintain fellowship with God and with other faithful Christians (“But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.” 1 John 1:7).
ABOUT THE CHURCH
We believe that Jesus built one church (“And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.” Matthew 16:18) and that it was established in Jerusalem on the first Pentecost Day following His resurrection from the dead (Acts 2:1-47).
We believe that the church is singular in nature, not denominational (“There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.” Ephesians 4:4-6; “And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.” 1:22-23). It has no earthly headquarters and answers to no convention, council, synod, college, or regulatory body. Each congregation is autonomous (i.e., self-governing).
