The Mountainside Church of Christ believes that the Bible is the Inspired Word of God, completely true and reliable. In an ideal world, this would suffice as a statement of belief. However, because there are so many variations in belief among sincere believers in Christ, we offer the following statement to clarify the faith and practice of the Mountainside Church of Christ. We realize that there will be differences among us on matters not covered in this statement; yet we love and accept one another in spite of these differences.
The Trinity
We believe in God, the Father Almighty, the Maker of heaven and earth. We believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord. We believe in the Holy Spirit, God’s promised presence in the world.
Man’s Nature
We believe that mankind is sinful by nature and is incapable of living a righteous life through his own power. In his natural state, he is under the wrath of God and in need of a savior.1
Jesus’ Identity and Mission
We believe that God sent His one and only Son, Jesus, to be our Savior. He was born of the virgin Mary, lived a sinless life, and revealed the very nature of God through His life and teaching. He was crucified on a cross for our sins in order to pay the debt that we could not pay.2 On the third day following His crucifixion He was raised to life by the power of God. Because of His death and resurrection, mankind can be forgiven and accepted by God as His children.
Salvation
We believe that salvation is totally by the grace of God through the saving work of Jesus on the cross and is not based on any work that one may offer to God.3 “There is no other name under heaven whereby men may be saved” than the name of Jesus.4
Baptism
We believe that one becomes a child of God through faith in Jesus Christ. This faith is expressed in ones repentance from sin, confession of faith in Jesus, and baptism into Him.5
The Holy Spirit
We believe that all baptized believers receive the gift of the Holy Spirit who dwells within them, serves as a seal guaranteeing their inheritance as children of God, empowers them to live a righteous life, and guides them in accordance with the Bible which He inspired.6
Our Calling
We believe that, although mankind cannot earn his salvation through good works, God has called believers to live holy and righteous lives in His service and to do good works which glorify Him and express His nature. He has called believers to love and serve one another, and the community in which they live.7
Sharing the Gospel
We believe that God has called Christians to share the story of Jesus and the salvation He offers with their family, friends, and neighbors so they may experience the joy of knowing Christ and living with Him eternally in heaven.8
Judgment Day
We believe that Jesus Christ is returning at the end of time to judge the world. He will take the righteous (those who have obtained righteousness through faith in Him) to live eternally with Him in heaven, and He will banish the wicked to eternal torment in hell “which has been prepared for the devil and his angels.”9
References
Ephesians 2:3; Romans 3:23
1 Peter 3:18, 2 Corinthians 5:21
Galatians 2:16
Acts 4:12
Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38
Acts 2:38; Ephesians 1:13-14; Galatians 5:22-23; 2 Timothy 3:16
Ephesians 2:8-10; John 13:34-35; Galatians 6:10
Matthew 28:18-20
Matthew 25:41