Every Bible believing church has a set of core values and tenets of their faith. This is referred to as a dogma, or the expression of cardinal points of doctrine. Dogma summarizes the fundamental points of the faith. In this aspect, it is used as a positive term. What is the relationship between doctrine and dogma? Doctrine is the revelation of God regarding a truth which is found in the Bible. Dogma is the declaration of man about this truth, expressed in a creed. At Word Inspire Ministries, this is what we believe:
- We believe that the Bible is the Word of God, inerrant and inspired in its original writings; the complete and final revelation of God. 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:19-21
- We believe in one God, personal and knowable, Who manifests Himself in three persons, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Deuteronomy 6:4; John 6:27; Acts 5:3-4; 1 John 5:20
- We believe that Jesus Christ is God manifest in the flesh, born of a virgin, without sin and that He died on the cross for our sins, was buried, rose again from the dead and ascended bodily to heaven. 1 Timothy 3:16; John 1:1-14; 20:30-31
- We believe that all persons are sinners, guilty before God, deserving of judgment, and in need of a Savior, Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 3:19-26; 5:12-21
- We believe that salvation from sin, by God’s grace, is based on the work of Jesus Christ alone, and is received by faith apart from any human performance or merit. John 14:6; Acts 16:31; Ephesians 2:1
- We believe that all believers in Jesus Christ are indwelt by the Holy Spirit and that He empowers those believers who obey God and separate from sinful habits and lifestyles. John 14:16-18; Ephesians 5:15-21
- We believe that the baptism of the Holy Spirit is a subsequent experience to the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Furthermore, it is available to all believers, provides power to be a witness, and is evidenced by speaking in tongues and other charismatic gifts. Acts 1:8; 2:4; 10:44-48; 1Corinthians 12:1-11
- We believe in the eternal punishment of the unbeliever in hell and the eternal life of the believer in heaven. Matthew 25:46; 2 Thessalonians 1:8-10; Revelation 20:11-15; John 14:1-3
- We believe in the visible, bodily return of Christ to this earth to judge the world and to claim His bride. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Revelation 1:7
- We believe that all believers should assemble in local churches for mutual edification, encouragement, evangelism, service and worship. Acts 2:41-47; 14:21-27; Ephesians 4:1-16
- We believe in divine healing for the human body based on the finished work of Christ on the cross, made available through the prayer of faith. 1 Peter 2:24; James 5:14-15
- We believe that water baptism and the Lord’s Supper are ordinances of the church and should be practiced regularly. Acts 2:38; Romans 6:3-10