"This We Believe..."
The Doctrinal Statement of Greenwood Union Church
Copyright, 2007, Greenwood Union Church

SECTION ONE...GOD

A. The Holy Trinity
There is only one living and true God, existing in three persons: The Father, The Son and The Holy Spirit. These three are one in deity, eternity, and purpose; filled with infinite power, wisdom, holiness, faithfulness and goodness. The Father is the Creative mind behind creation, has many immutable characteristics such as wisdom and power, and whose boundless love prompts a desire to draw people unto Himself.
References: Erickson, Grudem, Johnson/Webber.
Bible References: Genesis 1:1-2; Deuteronomy 6:4; Matthew 28:19;
John 1:1-3, 14; 3:16-17; 4:21-26; 5:19-23; 8:58; 14:9-11; 2 Corinthians 13:14.

B. Christ
1. God was Himself in Christ Jesus to reconcile man to God. Christ was God in human flesh, all God and all man. He was pre-existent before the creation and equally eternal with the Father. Jesus was active at the time of creation, shares oneness with the Father and even carries the identification as being the Creator.
References: Barnett, Bockmuehl, Bruce, Grudem, Letham.
Bible References: Micah 5:2; John 1:1-4; 8:58; 17:5; Philippians 2:5-8;
Colossians 1:15-23; Hebrews 7:3; Revelation 22:13.

2. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. Even though born of a virgin, Jesus was fully Man and fully God. He got tired, thirsty, hungry; sorrowful and was presented with temptations, yet without sin. Jesus is worthy of worship and adoration.
References: Barnett, Bruce, Letham.
Bible References: Isaiah 7:14; 9:2; 53:9; Matthew 2:1-12; 14:32-33; 26:37; Luke 1:31, 35; Luke 2:40; Luke 4:2; Luke 8:23; Luke 9:58; John 1:14; John 4:6;  2 Corinthians 5:21; Philippians 2:5-11; Hebrews 4:15; 1 Peter 1:19; 2:22.

3. Jesus Christ was crucified, dead and is risen from the dead, victorious
over death, hell and the grave. The resurrection is not only necessary for believers to have victory over death, but a verifiable fact of history, attested to by the writings of such historians as Josephus, Tacitus, Eusebius and Origen.
These things were necessary for the Lord Jesus to restore us to a right
relationship with God, a relationship broken by the sinfulness and total depravity of man. (The level of sinfulness will be covered in the section on man.)
From this exalted and glorified state, He ascended into heaven, and now
sits as both our Lord, Advocate, and Mediator before the Father. He is pure, holy, righteous and worthy of worship and adoration. One day, every knee shall bow and tongue confess that JESUS IS LORD!
References: Barnett, Bruce, Erickson, Hoekema, Johnson/Webber, Lethem, Luther, McGrath, Menzies/Horton.
Bible References: Matthew 25:31-32; Luke 24:1-7, 39; John 20:19; Acts 1:7-11; 2:24; Romans 8:33-34; 1 Corinthians 15; 2 Corinthians 5:10, 18-19; Philippians 2:9-11; 1 Timothy 2:5-6; Hebrews 1:1-4; 2:17; 1 Peter 2:21-22; 1John 2:1-2.

C. The Holy Spirit
1. The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity and is equal in deity, majesty, glory and power. He is God, effective in Creation and active in the Church. As part of the Godhead, He has a personality. He is the Comforter; He can be resisted and be grieved. With His own ministry, the Holy Spirit continues to reveal and glorify the Son.
References: Bennett, Frost, Grudem, Menzies/Horton.
Bible References: Matthew 28:19; John 4:24; 14:16-17; 15:26; 16:13-15; Acts 5:1-11; Ephesians 4:30.

2. The Holy Spirit is active in the work of salvation. He is the effective agent in drawing us to the Risen Christ. He convicts us of sin and is present in the believer's life from the time of conversion. He regenerates and sanctifies the believer. Thus, we are indwelled by the Holy Spirit at the time of conversion. All subsequent experiences are examples of a believer's maturation in Christ, a deepening relationship with Him, and a fresh anointing in His Holy Spirit.
References: Grudem, Menzies/Horton.
Bible References: Luke 3:16; John 16:7-8; Acts 15:8-9; Romans 8:9,
14-16; 1 Corinthians 3:16; 2 Corinthians 3:17-18; Galatians 4:6.

3. The Holy Spirit is poured out upon the Church by the Son. He bestows the love of God upon the believer and makes real the Lordship of Christ in a believer's life. He bestows gifts for the building up of the saints and the maturation of the Body of Christ.
There is an order for the practice and administration of the gifts. This order
is prescribed so that the Body of Christ may grow to full maturity without confusion.
Each one of these gifts is appropriate for the church today if practiced according to the guidelines set forth in the Word of God. It is clear that the Word is the authority and not our experience.
References: Bennett, Frost, Hayford, Grudem, Menzies/Horton.
Bible References: John 16:5-16; Acts 2:1-21; 5:3-4; Romans 8:14; 8:26-27; 12:4-8; 1 Corinthians 12-14; Ephesians 4:11-16; 2 Timothy 3:14-17; 2 Peter 1:21.

SECTION TWO...THE SCRIPTURES

The Scriptures--the Holy Bible--both Old and New Testaments, are God's inerrant, inspired and written Word. They are God-breathed and wholly without error and reveal to us the mind of God. They are God's revelation for all mankind and are to be studied, learned, meditated upon and made a part of a believer's  life. They are the perfect rule for faith, practice, church discipline and government.
God gave us this gift through His Holy Spirit, but uniquely did so by utilizing the personalities and writing styles of the human vessels.
On a unique level, over 5-thousand full or partial manuscripts of the New
Testament exist today, attesting to the reality, accuracy and truthfulness of the Bible. No other ancient work has as many attestations to its authenticity.
References: Erickson, Grudem, Johnson/Webber, Ladd, McGrath, Menzies/Horton, Morris.
Bible References: Deuteronomy 4:2; Psalm 19:7-11; Psalm 119:9-16, 33-36, 43-48; Isaiah 55:9-11; Matthew 5:17-18; 24:35; Mark 8:38; John 14:24-26; Romans 15:4; 1 Timothy 4:13; 2 Timothy 2:15; 3:14-17; Hebrews 4:12; 2 Peter 1:20-21.

SECTION THREE...MAN

Man was created in God's own image, and was given free will within the
framework and sovereignty of the Lord. Even in a state of perfect relationship with God, man chose to do evil and rebelled. By Adam's sin, all people are born with the stain of sin, completely incapable of saving themselves. Adam's sin is imputed to us, and therefore, on our own merit, fellowship with God is irreconcilably broken.
Sin has destroyed man's ability to think clearly and to make appropriate
decisions regarding morality and justice. It has also brought all mankind to a state of depravity which makes all people incapable of choosing any good on their own initiative. Martin Luther even referred to this state as The Bondage of the Will.  This state is only changed by Jesus Christ and His willing sacrifice on our behalf. Through Christ, and our trust in Him by faith, our minds are restored and the broken relationship between God and all mankind may be restored.
References: Erickson, Grudem, Luther.
Bible References: Genesis 1:26-27, 31; 2:16-17; 3 (all); 6:5; Psalm 14; 51:5; Isaiah 53:6; 55:8-9; 64:6; Jeremiah 17:9; John 8:34; 14:6; Romans 3:10, 23; 5:17-19; 10:9; 2 Corinthians 4:4; 2 Corinthians 5:17-19; Galatians 3:11-14; Ephesians 2:8-9; Colossians 1:20-23; 1 Timothy 2:4-6; 2 Peter 3:9; 1 John 1:8-2:2; Jude 3-16.

SECTION FOUR...SALVATION

A. Christ's Sacrifice
Christ's death on the cross is the only real, true and perfect sacrifice for sin.  This sacrifice makes a new life in Christ possible, and no real life is possible apart from Christ.  With Christ we have the assurance of salvation. With Christ, the act of redemption was accomplished once for all time. There is no need for Jesus to return to the cross. The Scriptures are clear on this point with St. John recording Jesus’ last words: “It is finished.”
References: Barnett, Bruce, Erickson, Grudem, Lethem, Luther.
Bible References: Luke 24:46-48; John 1:12; 3:16; Acts 4:12; Romans 5:8-11; 10:9, 13; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 2:16; Galatians 3:11-14; Ephesians 1:7-8; Colossians 1:9-14; Hebrews 9:11-14.

B. Election
Even though God gave mankind free will, it is clear from Scripture that the
order of salvation is initiated by the Lord Himself. The initiation of the process is not through any merit in us, because on our own, we would not seek to be in the presence of a holy and sinless, spotless and pure God and Saviour. He shows His mercy by choosing to come after us with the free gift of salvation.  Jesus says in John 6:44 that no one comes to the Lord unless the Father draws Him. Election is the action through which the Lord draws us to Himself. The truth of election is shown by passages like Acts 13:48 which read: "...And as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed."  In His mercy, the Lord makes that call open to all (John 12:32). Still, it is important to remember that no one merits salvation and it is His initiative.  Election does not eliminate the exercise of free will. God has mercifully chosen to give us free will within the context of His divine sovereignty. The choice is still there. One example of this is in John 6:65-68 when Jesus asks His disciples if they too would choose to no longer walk with Him. Surrounding this exchange are the two verses in which Christ says He chose His disciples.
References: Grudem, Hoekema.
Bible References: Psalm 65:4; John 6:65-70; Romans 8:28-30;
Romans 9:11-13; Ephesians 1:4-6; 2 Thessalonians 2:13; 1 Peter 1:1;
1 Peter 2:9; Revelation 13:7-8.

C. Justification and Adoption
Justification means that we are accounted as righteous by our new faith in Christ Jesus. The old sinful self is washed away by His cleansing blood and we are made free from the penalty of sin. This process also makes us able to count ourselves as sons and daughters of God, newly grafted into His family.
Bible References: Psalm 32:1-2; John 1:12; Acts 10:43; Romans 3:21-26; 4:2-5; 5:8-9; Romans 8:15-17; 1 Corinthians 6:11; Galatians 4:4-7; Ephesians 1:5-6; Philippians 3:9; 1 John 3:1-3.

D. Regeneration
This process makes the believer new from the inside-out. Upon receiving
Christ, we are made a new creation by an inner cleansing. His blood shed on the cross washes away the sin and cleanses us of all unrighteousness.
References: Grudem, Johnson/Webber, Lethem, Menzies/Horton.
Bible References: Ezekiel 36:26-27; John 5:24; Romans 5:18-21; 6:4-6;
8:28; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Ephesians 1:7; 2:8-10; 4:22-24; Colossians 3:9-10; Titus 3:4-5; Hebrews 10:19-22; 1 Peter 1:23.

E. Sanctification/Holiness
Sanctification is part of the process in a believer's walk with the Lord. The
process begins at conversion and is continuous until the physical death of the believer.  Specifically, it is the process whereby the believer is more fully empowered to live a life of obedience. The process is ably described by Paul in his letter to the Philippians (2:12-13). Paul writes of a deepening relationship with Christ who works in us, enabling us to be set apart for service to the Lord.  Holiness is commanded of us by God. It is intended that we live holy lives in Christ.  Three plain references to this are Leviticus 19:2; Matthew 5:48; 1 Peter 1:16. Even so, it is to be understood that this perfection and holiness is God's holiness imputed to us and not anything we can accomplish on our own strength.
References: Erickson, Grudem,
Bible References: Leviticus 11:44; 20:7-8; Matthew 5:48; John 14:16-17; Romans 15:16; 1 Corinthians 6:11; 7:14; Galatians 5:22-26; Ephesians 4:11-15, 22-25; Philippians 1:6; 2:12; 1 Thessalonians 5:23; 2 Thessalonians 2:13; Hebrews 10:14, 29; 1 Peter 1:15-16.

SECTION FIVE...THE CHURCH

A. The Body of Christ
The study of the Church is called ecclesiology, from the Greek word ekklesia, meaning assembly or gathering. The idea of a gathering or assembly comes from the Old Testament, where God called the people of Israel as His people, or His ekklesia. However, this reference wasn't necessarily tied to a particular ethnic identity.  The promise to Israel in Exodus 19:3-7 was conditional, and applied only if the people were obedient.
The concept of a gathering or an assembly carried over from Israel to the New Testament. Paul refers to believers as spiritual children of Abraham (Romans 4:13-17), and inheritors of the promise if the Church remains faithful.
Peter also tells us in 1 Peter, referring to the passage in Exodus, that God's family is a gathering. Peter used the word ethnos, which is the word from which we get the modern term ethnic. The Lord's intention is to open up His promise for all who would be His faithful followers. This gathering refers to the Body of Christ over the entire earth as well as a local gathering of believers.
Therefore, the Church is the entire Body of Christ on earth. Christ is the Head of the Body, which is His Church.
The Church exists to glorify Him and to fulfil His purpose and His mission.
THE MISSION: To preach the Gospel until He returns to gather His people to Himself.
Signs of a healthy church are a LOCAL gathering which fulfils those two purposes--to worship Him and to fulfil His mission. His mission is clear: TO REACH THE LOST AND DISCIPLE THE NEW BELIEVER TO MATURITY.
References: Barnett, Bruce.
Bible References: Matthew 16:15-18; Acts 2:41-47; 9:31; 14:23-26;
1 Corinthians 1:2; Ephesians 1:22-23; 5:22-23; 1 Timothy 3:14-15; 1 Peter 2:9-10.

B. The Great Commission
This is the outward sign of a growing and maturing body, for all believers are commanded to "Go and make disciples of all nations."
This statement has come be labelled as the "Great Commission," and should be regarded as a "Standing Order" from our "Commander-in-Chief" Jesus. This involves every believer taking up his or her cross to follow Christ. This is to be sacrificial and the command is to be carried out in any and all circumstances. Without this standing order from the Lord, the Church has little if any purpose.
References: Erickson, Frost, Grudem, Hayford.
Bible References: Isaiah 6:1-8; Jeremiah 1:4-9; Matthew 4:18-22; Mark 1:14-20; Mark 10:17-40; Luke 5:1-11; Luke 9:23-27, 57-62; John 1:29-43; John 20:21; Matthew 28:18-20; Luke 24:44-47; Acts 1:7-11.

C. Worship
Worship is the act whereby believers glorify the Lord, give praise to His holy name and proclaim His Gospel in corporate unity. Worship is also to edify the body; but can also serve to evangelise the lost.
There are enough Scripture references to show that church attendance is important. David proclaimed in Psalm 122:1 that he, "was glad when they said to me, `Let us go into the house of the Lord.'" Paul echoed this idea when he wrote to Timothy, "...devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture," and the writer of Hebrews tells us not to stop meeting together (Hebrews 10:25).
Worship attendance is commanded to give believers accountability and mutual encouragement (1Thessalonians 4:18; Hebrews 10, 13).
In practice, the worship service should be in the language of the people so that all may be edified.
References: Bennett, Grudem, Hayford.
Bible References: 1 Chronicles 16:29; Psalm 29:2; 95:6; 96:9; 100:2; 122:1; John 4:23-24; Romans 12:1-2; 1 Corinthians 14; Revelation 14:7.

D. The Sacraments/Ordinances
1. BAPTISM  Water baptism is a sacrament of the Church, commanded by our Lord, and is an outward testimony to the inward death of the old person and rebirth of a new person in Christ. Because of the testimony of new life this sacrament provides, the PROPER demonstration is with older children and adults by immersion. The Greek verb baptizo indicates that baptism is meant to be by immersion.
References: Johnson/Webber.
Bible References: Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 2:38; 8:12-17; 9:18; 16:33; Romans 6:4-6; 1 Corinthians 12:13; Colossians 2:11-12.

2. HOLY COMMUNION   The sacrament of Holy Communion, also known as the Lord's Supper or the Eucharist, is a sacrament which celebrates our redemption by Christ's death. This sacrament is also a celebration of our new life in Christ and should not be entered into lightly. By partaking of the bread and "wine," we are receiving the body and blood of our Lord. This presence is spiritual; but it is still made clear by the Lord's own words: "Take eat, this is My body."
The solemnity of the celebration is made clear by Paul in 1 Corinthians 11:27-29 where the Apostle says that whoever takes the Lord's Supper lightly is sinning against the body and blood of the Lord.
References: Johnson/Webber.
Bible References: Mark 10:35-40; 14:22-24; Luke 12:50; John 6:53-58; Acts 2:46; 1 Corinthians 5:7-8; 10:16; 11:20, 23-29.

SECTION SIX...LAST THINGS

A. The Kingdom of God
This is the believer's major task--proclaiming the kingdom--and the believer's greatest hope. We are commanded by the Lord to proclaim the Kingdom of God, both for the present and for the future. The present Kingdom is shown by how believers live for Christ daily, glorify Him through our display of His work in our lives and proclaim His Good News.
The Kingdom of God also means the eternal kingdom which will be established upon Christ's return. This is the blessed hope to which Paul refers in Titus 2:13.
For the future, the return of Christ should be expectantly proclaimed and enthusiastically anticipated.
References: Erickson, Grudem.
Bible References: Matthew 6:10, 19-20; 24:14; Acts 1:8; Romans 8:19-23; 1 Corinthians 15:20-25; Philippians 2:9-10; 2 Peter 3:3-10.

B. Judgment
Scripture makes clear that we will give an account of our lives before the Lord. There is a Heaven and a hell. Upon a person's death, a person will face an immediate judgement. Before the Lord, we have to give an instant accounting of our actions in this life. This largely includes whether or not we responded to the call of the Lord to repent and follow Him.
This is not a particularly pleasant subject, but the Bible indicates that at the time of death, the Spirit goes to its eternal location. Those in Christ will go to heaven; those without Him will depart to everlasting torment. To dispute the existence of hell is to disagree with the Lord Himself.
References: Erickson, Grudem.
Bible References: Matt. 25:31-46; Mark 9:42-48; Luke 16:19-31; Romans 14:9-12; 2 Corinthians 5:6, 8, 10; Hebrews 9:27; and Revelation 20:11-15.

C. The Return of Christ
Scripture clearly indicates that Christ will return. We have the Lord's own
words on the subject of His return, a time of tribulation and a millennial reign.

Views on the Rapture are divided on whether there will be a pre-, mid-, or post tribulation rapture, even though the word rapture never appears in the New Testament. Words such as "caught-up" and "meeting the Lord in the air," are mentioned (1 Thessalonians 4:16-18). Textually, passages covering the removal of the brethren frequently precede passages dealing with judgment.
If Matthew 24:36-51 is a chronological account, along with the position of the events in Revelation, a pre-Tribulation rapture is indicated.
Scripture strongly teaches a pre-millennial return of Christ to establish His reign on earth.
References: Menzies/Horton.
Bible References: Daniel 7; Daniel 12; Matthew 24-25; Mark 13; Luke 21; John 14:1-3; Acts 1:9-11; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Titus 2:11-14; Hebrews 9:27-28; Revelation 1:7; 19:11-16; Revelation 20:1-6; 22:6-7, 12, 20.

D. Resurrection and the Final Judgment
There will be a bodily resurrection of both the just and the wicked. The just will enter into eternal reward and the wicked--those who have rejected Christ's gift of salvation--will enter into eternal punishment in the lake of fire.
Bible Reference: Matthew 25; Revelation 19-21.

SECTION SEVEN...OTHER ISSUES

A. The devil
1. Scripture clearly teaches that there is a devil. He is a fallen angel and now acts as the deceiver, the accuser of the brethren and is actively attempting to thwart God's purposes. He is a liar and the father of lies. He is also the "god of this world." He tries to do this by blinding people's eyes, tempting them to sin and destruction and masquerading as an "angel of light."
However, Scripture tells us he is a defeated foe who is destined to the eternal lake of fire.
Believers are commanded to be vigilant and be aware of his schemes so that we can resist him.
Bible References: Genesis 3:1-15; Isaiah 14:12-21; Ezekiel 28:11-19; Zechariah 3:1-2; Matthew 25:41; John 8:44; 2 Corinthians 4:4; 11:14; Ephesians 6:10-20; James 4:7; 1 Peter 5:8-9; Revelation 20:11-15.

2. Spiritual warfare is also a reality, from Paul's admonition in Ephesians 6 to James simply telling us to "Resist the devil and he will flee from you (James 4:7). Even so, the devil is a defeated foe and by the blood of Jesus we have victory over him (Revelation 12:11).
References: Grudem.
Bible References: 2 Corinthians 10:3-6; Ephesians 6:17-18; James 4:7.

B. Other Moral Issues
Scripture teaches against drunkenness (Ephesians 5:18) and against personal vanity and pride.
In terms of whether a believer should abstain from alcohol, Scripture never
truly condemns the consumption of alcohol, nor does Scripture ever truly endorse it.
The issue tends to raise strident emotions on both sides.
Paul's comment to Timothy (1 Timothy 5:23) was aimed at a single purpose, a medicinal aide for Timothy's weak stomach. The idea that Jesus condoned social consumption of alcohol, derived primarily from His miracle at Cana, and the passing of the cup at the Last Supper, misses the point of Christ and His entire mission on earth.
The question is best resolved from Romans 14 and 1 Corinthians 8 and 9. If we are to honestly represent Christ as His ambassadors (2 Corinthians 5:20), then we have to be sensitive to other people. If we want to show a witness to others, which is our primary mission, we have to be aware that the world is watching. Should we do something if we believe it may cause some one to stumble? And if we callously participate knowing the price the activity may cause some one else to pay, are we acting in love to others? The answer to both of those questions is "No."
Thus, a true disciple should be constantly guided by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit and the Law of Love as Paul describes it in Romans 14:13-23.
References: Menzies/Horton.
Bible References: John 14:4; Romans 14:13-23; 1 Corinthians 1:23; 1 Corinthians 9:16; Philippians 3:7-11; Colossians 1:15-20; 2:6, 7; 3:11; 2 Timothy 1:8, 9; 4:1-5; James 4:4; 1 Peter 1:13-15.

References

Barnett, Paul (1997). Jesus and the Logic of History. Grand Rapids, MI: Wm. B. Eerdman’s Publishing Company.
Bennett, Dennis (1970). Nine O’Clock in the Morning. Gainesville, FL: Bridge-Logos Publishing Company.
Bockmuehl, Markus (1994). This Jesus: Martyr, Lord, Messiah. Downer’s Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.
Bruce, F. F. (1986). The Jesus Library: Jesus, Lord and Savior. Downer’s Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.
Erickson, Millard (1985). Christian Doctrine. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House.
Frost, Robert (1965). Aglow with the Spirit. Northridge, CA: Voice Publications.
Grudem, Wayne (1994). Systematic Theology. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House.
Hayford, Jack (1996). The Beauty of Spiritual Language. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers.
Hoekema, Anthony (1989). Saved by grace. Grand Rapids, MI: Wm. B. Eerdman’s Publishing Company.
House, Paul R. (1998). Old Testament Theology. Downer’s Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.
Johnson, Alan & Webber, Robert (1989/1993). What Christians Believe: A Biblical and Historical Summary. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House.
Ladd, George E. (1974). A Theology of the New Testament. Grand Rapids, MI: Wm. B. Eerdman's Publishing Company.
Letham, Robert (1993). The Work of Christ. Downer’s Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.
Luther, Martin (1521/1957/1993). The Bondage of the Will. Grand Rapids, MI: Fleming H. Revell, a Division of Baker Book House.
McGrath, Alister (1998). Historical Theology: An Introduction to the history of Christian thought. Malden, MA: Blackwell Publishers, Ltd.
Menzies, William & Horton, Stanley (1994). Bible Doctrines: A Pentecostal Perspective.
Springfield, MO: Logion Press, an Imprint of Gospel Publishing House.
Morris, Leon (1986). New Testament Theology. Grand Rapids, MI: Academie, an Imprint of Zondervan Publishing House.