What we at PBC Believe
What we at PBC BelieveThe Board of Elders has adopted the following doctrinal statement. It is intended to summarize, but not comprehensively review, the basic doctrinal specifics emphasized at Peninsula Bible Church. It is subscribed to by the elders and the pastoral staff, but agreement with all its statements is neither required nor expected of those worshipping or seeking the Lord with us. We believe that the Christian faith is a progressive, individually unique, process in which we are all at different points. Wherever you are in this process, you are welcome to fellowship with us.
We believe that the original writings of both Old and New Testaments were breathed out by God to prophets, apostles, and apostolic associates by means of the Spirit, who chose the words employed according to the personality and background of the human author, and that these writings were without error and are of supreme and final authority in the lives of believers in any age.
We believe there is but one true God, who eternally exists as three distinct persons, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, who exclusively share in the work of creation, maintenance of the universe, redemption and judgment.
We believe that man was created in the image of God, but because of Adam's sin that image was damaged, and that all human beings are now born with a sinful nature, are unable to function in moral responsibility before God, and need a spiritual regeneration before they can become what they were meant to be.
We believe that the Eternal Son entered the human race as the virgin-born son of Mary, was named Jesus, fulfilled Old Testament prophecies of the Messiah, was rejected by Jewish leaders, condemned by Pontius Pilate, crucified by the Romans, buried in a borrowed tomb, but on the third day arose bodily from the dead in accordance with the predictions of the Old Testament scriptures.
We believe Jesus died upon the cross as a sinless substitute for sinners of all ages and times, and that the Father was thus, by means of the Spirit, reconciling the world to Himself. All who receive the risen Jesus as Lord, by faith, are spiritually born into permanent membership in the family of God.
We believe that the resurrected Jesus ascended to heaven and on the day of Pentecost sent the Holy Spirit to indwell, guide, teach, and empower all who believe by imparting to them the life of Jesus so that they may live godly lives and engage in loving service to any who are in need.
We believe that the Church consists of all who have been regenerated by the Spirit, and finds expression as local churches, operating under the direction of Jesus as Lord and Head of His body, through elders, pastor-teachers, and evangelists, who equip the saints to fulfill the work of the ministry as described in the scriptures.
We believe that salvation is a gift of God to all who place their faith in His Son Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Jesus directed new believers to follow that step of faith with water baptism as an outward symbol of their spiritual identification with His death, burial, and resurrection. Jesus also directed His followers to participate together in the memorial supper to remember His death until He comes again in glory.
We believe that all believers have been made new persons in Christ, through spiritual rebirth. We are still capable of acting on the urges of the sinful nature (the flesh) with which we once were identified. When we do so, we can produce only works which are not pleasing to God. We can choose, rather, to rely upon the Holy Spirit and His love living within us. The choice leads to a fruitful life that glorifies and pleases the Father.
We believe that Jesus Christ will return to this earth in visible,
human form; judging the evil of the world, calling the Church
into eternal companionship with Himself, and recalling Israel,
through judgment and cleansing, into fulfillment of the prophetic
promises of a millennial kingdom on the earth. The prophetic predictions
of the kingdom describe both the present spiritual blessings upon
the Church and the future literal establishment of this kingdom.
It will conclude with a last resurgence of evil which will be
totally and finally overcome by God, and the new heaven and earth
will be created, in which righteousness alone shall eternally
dwell.
We believe that all human beings will be raised from the dead,
at their proper time, to participate either in the eternal life
prepared for those who have been redeemed, or to participate in
the eternal punishment reserved for the devil and his angels.