"For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ."
Statement of Faith
Chagrin Valley Chapel affirms the doctrinal foundations set forth below,
which are derived from the Holy Scriptures.
Section 1: Authority of Scripture
We believe the Scriptures of the Old and New Testament are the Word of God, inerrant and infallible in their original writings, recorded by divinely inspired men, and that these scriptures are of supreme and final authority in all matters of faith and practice (2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21).
Section 2: The Trinity
We believe in one God, eternally existing in three co-equal persons: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. These three persons possess the same divine attributes, power, and glory, yet there is but one God (Matthew 28:19; 1 John 5:6-8; Deuteronomy 6:4).
Section 3: Creation
We believe that God created the heavens and the earth and all things therein in six days, and rested on the seventh day. God created mankind, both male and female, in His own image and likeness. All creation is sustained by God's power and exists for His glory (Genesis 1-2; Colossians 1:16-17).
Section 4: Sin
We believe that man was created in holiness, under the law of his Maker; but by voluntary transgression fell from that holy and happy state; in consequence of which all mankind are now sinners, not by constraint, but choice; being by nature utterly void of that holiness required by the law of God, positively inclined to evil; and therefore under just condemnation to eternal ruin, without defense or excuse. (Genesis 3, Romans 3:10-12, Romans 3:23)
Section 5: The Nature and Work of Christ
We believe that Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God, who became incarnate through conception by the Holy Spirit and was born of the virgin Mary. He is fully God and fully man in one person, without confusion or division. In accordance with scripture, He lived a sinless life, died on the cross as a representative and substitutionary sacrifice for the sins of all who would believe in Him, rose bodily from the dead on the third day, ascended into heaven, and now sits at the right hand of God as our High Priest and Advocate (John 1:1-14; Romans 5:8-21; Hebrews 4:14-16).
Section 6: Salvation
We believe salvation comes by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. Those who have been born again by the Holy Spirit repent of sin; they are justified by Christ’s substitutionary atonement; they become sanctified as children of God and heirs of eternal life. We affirm the biblical doctrines of election and predestination as taught in Scripture, and that salvation is secure in Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9; John 3:3-7; 1 John 5:1; Romans 8:28-39, 10:9-10;).
Section 7: The Church
We believe the Church is the body of Christ, consisting of all believers in Jesus Christ of all ages. The local church is composed of baptized believers who have covenanted together for worship, instruction, and service. The Church's mission is to preach the Gospel to all nations, to nurture believers in spiritual maturity, and to demonstrate the love of Christ in word and deed (Ephesians 1:22-23; Matthew 28:19-20).
Section 8: Church Structure
We believe that the one supreme authority for the church is Christ and that church leadership, gifts, order, discipline, and worship are all appointed through His sovereignty as found in the Scriptures. The biblically designated officers serving under Christ and over the assembly are elders (also called overseers and pastors), who must meet biblical qualifications. The elders of a local congregation consist of spiritually qualified men who lead, teach and shepherd as servants of Christ and have His authority in directing the church. The congregation is to submit to their leadership. (1 Corinthians 11:3; 1 Timothy 3:1–13; Titus 1:5–9; 1 Peter 5:1–5)
Section 9: Marriage
We believe that marriage is a covenant ordained by God between one man and one woman for life. Marriage reflects the union between Christ and the Church and is established as the foundation for family life and human relationship (Genesis 2:18-25; Ephesians 5:21-33; Matthew 19:4-6).
Section 10: Ordinances (The Sacraments)
We believe that the sacred ordinances of the Church, given by our Lord Jesus Christ, are Baptism and the Lord's Table (Communion). These signify the believer's covenant relationship with Christ. Baptism, administered to believers, represents the believer's death to sin and resurrection to new life in Christ. Communion commemorates Christ's sacrificial death, and reaffirms the believer's unity with Christ, and His Church (Matthew 28:19-20; Romans 6:3-4; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26).