what we believe at dsc - our statement of faith

The Scriptures ~ we believe the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testament to be the verbally inspired word of God, the final authority for faith and life, inerrant in the original writings, infallible and God-breathed (II Tim 3:16, 17; II Peter 1:20,21; Matt 5:18; John 16:12,13).

The Godhead ~ we believe in one Triune God, eternally existing in three persons--Father, Son, and Holy Spirit-co-eternal in being, co-eternal in nature, co-equal in power and glory, having the same attributes and perfections (Deut 6:4; II Cor 13:14).

The Person and Work of Christ ~ we believe that the Lord Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God became man without ceasing to be God, having been conceived by the Holy Spirit, and born of the Virgin Mary, in order that He might reveal God and redeem sinful man (John 1:1,2,14; Luke 1:35). We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ accomplished our redemption through His death on the cross as a representative, vicarious, substitutionary sacrifice; and that our justification is made sure by His literal, physical resurrection from the dead (Rom 3:24; I Peter 2:24; Eph 1:7; I Peter 1:3-5). We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ ascended into heaven and is now exalted at the right hand of God, where, as our High Priest, He fulfills the ministry of Representative, Intercessor, and Advocate (Acts 1:9, 10; Heb 7:25, Heb 9:24; Rom 8:34; I John 2:1-2).

The Person and Work of the Holy Spirit ~ we believe that the Holy Spirit is a person who convicts the world of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment; and that He is the Supernatural agent in regeneration, baptizing all believers into the body of Christ, indwelling and sealing them unto the day of redemption (John 16:8-11; II Cor 3:6; I Cor 12:12-14; Rom 8:9; Eph5:18).

The Fallenness of Man ~ we believe that man was created in the image and likeness of God, but that through Adam's sin the race fell, inherited a sinful nature, and became alienated from God; and that man is utterly unable to remedy his lost condition outside of Christ’s atoning work and God’s opening up our eyes to see who Jesus really is (Gen 1:26,27 Rom 3:22, 23, 5:12; Eph 2:1-3, 8-12).

Salvation ~ we believe that salvation is the gift of God brought to man by grace and received by personal faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, whose precious blood was shed on Calvary for the forgiveness of our sins (Eph 2:8-10; John 1:12; Eph 1:7; I Peter 1:18-19).

Assurance of Salvation for the Believer in Jesus ~ we believe that all the redeemed, once saved, are kept by God's power and are thus secure in Christ forever (John 6:37-40, 10:27-30; Rom 8:1, 38, 39; I Cor 1:4-8; I Peter 1:5). We believe it is the privilege of believers to rejoice in the assurance of their salvation. We see this God-given need for assurance as a foundation for our Christian walk and not as a license to sin. Eternal life is a gift for those who believe in Jesus— a gift which is not earned but received, can’t be lost (but rewards can be lost) and can’t be maintained by our works—though we’re empowered and encouraged to partner with Jesus in good works. (Rom 13:13,14; Gal 5:13; Titus 2:11-15; Eph. 2:8-10).

We Believe in the Gifts of the Holy Spirit mentioned in the Scriptures, and that they are valid for today and are to be exercised within scriptural guidelines. We, as believers, are to covet the best gifts, seeking to exercise them in love that the whole Body of Christ might be edified.

The Church ~ we believe that the church, which is the body and espoused bride of Christ, is a spiritual organism made up of all born-again persons (Eph 1:22,23; 5:25-27; I Cor 12:12-14; II Cor 11:2). We believe that the establishment and continuance of local churches is clearly taught and defined in the New Testament scriptures (Acts 14:27, 18:22, 20:17, I Tim 3:1-3 & Titus 1:5-11). We believe that each local church, whether in a denomination or not, has a certain God-given autonomy and that the leaders are accountable for the members of their congregation (Acts 13:1-4, 15:19-31, 20:28-32; Rom 16:1,4; I Cor 5; I Peter 5:1-4; Hebrews 13:17). We recognize believer's baptism and the Lord's supper as scriptural means of testimony for the Acts 18:8; I Cor 11:23-26).