What we believe
These things don’t change at Bethany. This is what we believe, and it’s who we are at the core as a congregation.
We believe in one God
There is one God, eternally existing in three distinct persons: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. These three are co-equal and each possess all of the attributes of God. God is the Creator and Sustainer of the universe and everything in it.
We believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of the Living God
Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He is one with God the Father and the Holy Spirit. Jesus Christ is our Savior, who was born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, died on a cross for all sin, and was raised from the grave after three days to demonstrate His defeat of sin and death. He ascended into heaven and will return again to earth to reign as our powerful King.
We believe in the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is one with God the Father and Jesus Christ. Those who accept Christ as their Savior will receive the Holy Spirit to live inside them. The Holy Spirit serves as our comforter, guide and advocate. The Holy Spirit is given to Christians and provides guidance in living, understanding of the Bible, and prayerfully intercedes for them.
We believe in the Bible
Our foundation is based firmly upon the Bible as our final authority on Christian beliefs and as a guide to living. The Bible is divinely inspired by God, without error, given to man so that we may know and understand the truth of God and his love.
What we believe about humanity
All people are made in the image of God and were created to live the adventure of following Jesus Christ. Although people have tremendous potential for good, we also have the freedom to do evil. Our disobedience toward God is called sin; that separates all humanity from God.
What we believe about salvation
Salvation is not something that can be purchased or earned. It is a free gift from God provided by Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross and is received through faith. It is available to everyone who accepts Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord. That faith is expressed through repentance of sin and baptism by immersion.
We believe about eternity
People were created to exist forever. Every person will either exist eternally in union with God in heaven through following Jesus Christ or eternally separated from God in hell due to our refusal to follow Him.