Theology

Theology

The statement below summarizes the major doctrinal positions of Wildwood Bible Church. Click here for a copy of the full doctrinal statement.  For a copy of the church bylaws, please click here.

THE BIBLE

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.

GOD

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.

THE SON

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.

THE HOLY SPIRIT

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.

MAN AND HIS NEED

God created man perfect, in His own image, but because of Adam’s sin God’s image in man was corrupted. 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.

REDEMPTION

Jesus died upon the cross as a sinless substitute for sinners of all ages and times, and 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 regenerated, spiritually born into permanent membership in the family of God.

THE CHURCH

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.

ORDINANCES

Salvation is a gift of God to all who place their faith in His Son Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Ordinances impart no grace to the believer, but serve as a constant memorial to Jesus Christ and the believer’s relationship with Him. 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.

THE CHRISTIANS RESPONSIBILITY

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.

FUTURE THINGS

We look ahead to the visible, bodily return of Jesus Christ to earth. This hope calls us to holy living, genuine witness and encouragement of heart. At his return Christ will complete his kingdom, judge the world in righteousness and fulfill his promises to his people (Israel and the Church). His future work on earth will conclude with the destruction of all evil and the creation of a new heaven and earth.

All human beings will be raised from the dead, at their proper time, to participate either in eternal life prepared for those who have been redeemed, or to participate in eternal punishment reserved for the devil and his angels.

(adopted June, 2004)