What We Believe

Statement of Beliefs 

St. Augustine said, “In essentials, unity. In non–essentials, liberty. In all things, charity.” Because we believe that God can be known to his followers, we must take great care in making certain we seek to know God as he self–defines, not as we imagine he should be or might be.

Because some things are essentials, RHCC articulates a statement of common belief.

About God

We believe in one God expressed in three persons—the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Matthew 3:16–17, John 14:9–10, 1 Peter 1:2

About Jesus

We believe that Jesus Christ is God’s only son and Savior of the world.

Matthew 1:22–23, John 3:16, Romans 1:3–4

About the Holy Spirit

We believe the Holy Spirit lives in every Christian at the moment of salvation, and provides that person with power for living, understanding of spiritual truth, and guidance in doing what pleases God.

John 16:5–15, 1 Corinthians 2:12, 1 Corinthians 3:16

About the Bible

We believe the Bible is God’s inspired word and is the ultimate and final authority on all matters of faith.

Romans 15:4, Hebrews 4:12, 2 Timothy 3:16

About Man

We believe that man was created by God to be like God, but that man willfully sinned and became separated from God, only to be reconciled through salvation and a fruitful relationship with Jesus Christ.

Genesis 1:27, John 15:4, Acts 4:12

About Salvation

We believe salvation, or the forgiveness of sins, is a gift from God to man and comes only by grace through the blood of Christ (his death on the cross).

Romans 6:23, Ephesians 2:8–9, Titus 3:4–5

About Eternal Security

We believe that because God freely gives man eternal life through Christ, followers of Christ have security in their salvation for eternity—not by their own efforts, but by the grace and power of God.

John 10:28–29, Romans 8:35–39, Hebrews 7:25

About Baptism

We believe baptism by immersion symbolizes the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ and is the public declaration that Jesus is one’s Savior. We do not believe that baptism is salvific, or essential to salvation, in nature, but we do believe that it shows our obedience to Christ’s lordship in our lives.

Matthew 28:19–20, Romans 6:1–4, Colossians 2:12