Our Theological Positions

The Inerrancy of the Bible

We teach that the Bible is without error in its original manuscripts. Although scribal errors have occurred, even these are surprisingly few and have not resulted in any breakdown in the Bible’s integrity, unity and trustworthiness in being the very Word of God transmitted by the Holy Spirit through God’s servants. We believe that the Scripture “canon” is closed, i.e., nothing can be added to or taken away from its 66 books.

Worship

We adhere to the practice of orderly worship that glorifies the Lord Jesus Christ and focuses our attention, praise and thanksgiving on our unity in Him, which in turn edifies the body of worshipers. (1 Corinthians 14).

Baptism

We teach baptism should follow a personal commitment of faith rather than precede it. While the mode of baptism is secondary to one’s personal faith in Jesus Christ, we believe immersion best demonstrates baptism’s meaning and symbolism, and that this was also the mode demonstrated by Jesus (Matthew 3:6; Matthew 28:18; Acts 8:38-39). We teach that so-called “Holy Spirit baptism” and being “born again” are synonymous (Romans 8:9; John 3:5-8).

God’s Sovereignty and Our Salvation

We teach that election is the act of God by which, before the foundation of the world, He chose in Christ those whom He graciously regenerates, saves and sanctifies (Romans 8:28-30; Ephesians 1:4-11; 2 Thessalonians 2:13; 2 Timothy 2:10; 1 Peter 1:1-2).

We teach that sovereign election does not contradict or negate the responsibility of man to repent and trust Christ as Savior and Lord

(Ezekiel 18:23; Ezekiel 18:32; Ezekiel 33:11; John 3:18-19; John 3:36; John 5:40; Romans 9:22-23; 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12; Revelation 22:17). Nevertheless, since sovereign grace includes the means of receiving the gift of salvation as well as the gift itself, sovereign election will result in what God determines. All whom the Father call to Himself will come in faith and all who come in faith the Father will receive (John 6:37-40; John 6:44; Acts 13:48; James 4:8).

We teach that the unmerited favor that God grants to totally depraved sinners is not related to any initiative of their own part nor

by their own will, but is solely of His sovereign grace and mercy (Ephesians 1:4-7; Titus 3:4-7; 1 Peter 1:2).

We teach that election should not be looked upon as based merely on abstract sovereignty. God is truly sovereign but He exercises this sovereignty in harmony with His other attributes, especially His omniscience, justice, holiness, wisdom, grace and love (Romans 9:11-16). This sovereignty will always exalt the will of God in a manner totally consistent with His character as revealed in the life of our Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 11:25-28; 2 Timothy 1:9).

Revelation

We teach that understanding the Word of God is revelational, i.e. that it requires revelation to our minds by the Holy Spirit (John 16:12-13, Hebrews 4:12).

Creation vs. Evolution

Grace Fellowship strongly believes in the reliability and enduring truth of the Scriptures. We teach that science supports Biblical creation. Macro-evolution, one species evolving into another, cannot be proven scientifically and therefore should not be taught as fact, but as a theory, in the public school system. We believe that where science has failed to prove macro-evolution, the Bible confirms that macro-evolution has not occurred. We believe that variation does occur within species (micro-evolution), but although there are many varieties of dogs, a dog can never evolve into a horse. “God made each according to his kind” (Genesis 1:24-25). We believe science supports this truth.

The End Times

We would encourage continual study of the end times as prescribed by the Bible. We would allow for a range of biblical scenarios which result in the believer’s readiness and preparation for Jesus’ return in power and glory to destroy by fire the devil and a world ruled and deceived by him and his demons. (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12; Revelation; Daniel).