As a Christian constituency of Bible Believers, we at Shalom Ministry, Bible College & Seminary, and Commerce Community Church subscribe to the following Declaration of the things which are most surely believed among us.
1. The Holy Scriptures
We believe that the Bible is God's Holy Word. It was written by individuals divinely inspired, both the Old Testament and New Testament -2 Peter 1:21. We believe that it is the supreme authority in all matters of Faith and conduct, and that the Holy Scriptures present to us the complete Revelation of God's Divine will for the Salvation of humanity -2 Timothy 3:16-17.
2. The Godhead
Our God is a Trinity manifested in three persons: The Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost. God, being the Father, is the Creator of all. The Son, Jesus Christ, was Begotten of the Father, accepting the robe of flesh, being the True God-True Man, conceived by the Holy Ghost and born of the Virgin Mary. He died upon the Cross, and all who believe in Him are justified by His shed Blood. He arose from the dead and is now at the right hand of Father God. He is our Intercessor and Great High Priest, and He will return again to establish His Kingdom of righteousness and justice. Jesus Christ, being the Son, is the Co-creator with God. The Holy Ghost is a Divine person, Executor of the Godhead on earth, the Comforter sent by Jesus Christ to indwell, guide, illuminate and teach the believer. He is the Spirit of Truth.
3. Humanity, the Fall, Redemption
Man is a created being, made in the likeness and image of God; but through Adam's transgression, rebellion, and fall, sin came into the world - Romans 5:12; Romans 3:23; Romans 3:10. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, was manifested to undo the work of the devil; and through Jesus' shed Blood on Calvary, Redeemed and restored man back to God -John 3:8. Salvation is the Gift of God to man through our Lord Jesus Christ.
4. The Church
The True Church is the living spiritual body of Jesus Christ -Colossians 1:18; Ephesians 4:15, Christ being the Head. The Church is made up of born again believers, born of the Spirit and by the Word -1 Peter 1:23.
5. Ministry
We believe that God calls men and women by His Holy Spirit to serve as Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors, Counselors and Teachers for the perfecting of the Saints -Ephesians 4:11-12. We believe that the Father also calls men and women to serve in the nations of the world, to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and that the laity of the Church have a responsibility to serve in the area of Deacons and Elders and in the Ministry of Helps.
6. Concerning The Sacraments ... Acts instituted by Jesus Christ.
A. Water Baptism. Immersion is a direct command of our Lord Jesus Christ for the Born again believer - Matthew 28:19. Biblical instruction should be given to all candidates before the immersion. Water Baptism is a drama of Jesus Christ's death, burial and resurrection and truly identifies the one immersed with Jesus Christ -Romans 6:4; Colossians 2:12.
B. Spirit Baptism. We believe in the Baptism of the Holy Ghost and Fire -Matthew 3:11. It is a Gift of God, promised by the Lord Jesus Christ to all believers in this dispensation and is given after Salvation -John 14:16-17; Acts 1:8; 2:4, 38-39; 10:44-48. This immersion/Baptism in the Spirit is evidenced by speaking in other tongues as the Holy Spirit gives utterance. This is the physical sign of the inward fulfillment. We believe in the operation of the Gifts of the Spirit -1 Corinthians 12:4-17.
C. The Lord's Supper. The Sacrament of the Lord's Supper was instituted by Jesus Christ and is a Memorial to His death and Resurrection -1 Corinthians 11:26-27. The Bread and the Fruit of the Vine become an expression of the Body and Blood of our Saviour when blessed, broken and given -Matthew 26:29; Mark 14:22; Luke 22:18. We believe that the Lord's Supper should be received often, kept sacred, and that the children should be taught this worship at an early age. We also believe in the humility of foot washing, as set forth by our Lord Jesus Christ.
D. Intercession. We believe in prayer for the sick, prayer for deliverance, the laying on of hands, the Anointing with Holy oil, and intercession of the Spirit -Mark 16:18; James 5:14-15; Romans 8:26.
7. Rapture, Revelation and Eternal Life.
We believe the Word of God teaches us, "This same Jesus shall come in like manner ...." -Acts 1:11. His coming is imminent -1 Thessalonians 4:16-17. We believe in the Thousand year reign of Revelation 20:6. We also believe that it is unwise to teach a fixed time for His return, but to exhort readiness at all times -Matthew 24:43. Eternal Life is spent in heaven or hell. We believe that if one dies in an unregenerated condition, he is eternally lost -Hebrews 9:27; Matthew 25:41-46.
