Statement of Faith

The Bible

The Bible, consisting of both Old and New Testaments, is inspired by God. Through it God speaks to us, and every word is reliable and trustworthy. It is our supreme authority for what we believe and practise.

God

There is only one God, eternally existing as three co-equal persons: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. God is sovereign in creation, revelation, redemption and judgement

The Lord Jesus Christ

The Lord Jesus Christ, God’s eternal Son, became human. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. He lived a sinless life as our pattern and example. He came to be the Saviour of the world, and to destroy the works of the devil. Through his substitutionary death there is freedom from the guilt and penalty of sin.

On the third day after his crucifixion he was raised bodily from death, and in his risen glorified body he ascended into heaven to the right hand of God the Father. There he continues as mediator and intercessor. He will return one day to earth to be the judge and ruler of all, receiving the redeemed into eternal glory, and establishing God’s just condemnation upon the impenitent.

Salvation

Salvation cannot be earned or deserved. It is God’s free gift, given when a person repents and believes in Jesus Christ alone as Saviour and Lord. The benefits of this gracious salvation include the complete forgiveness of sins, adoption into God’s family, the gift of the Holy Spirit and eternal life.

The Future

The Lord Jesus Christ will return personally and visibly to gather those who have believed in him, both those who have died and those who are still alive.

He will bring to completion our salvation and establish his kingdom of justice and truth.

 

Baptism

What we believe about baptism.

We believe the bible is very clear on who can be baptised, why they are baptised, and where they are baptised. And that the person themselves makes this decision.

Some churches baptise/christen children as babies and when they are older confirm the decision the parents made for them as a baby. We do not do this at APEC but would have a thanksgiving/celebration service for the child and parents, thanking God for the gift of the child.

Who can be baptised.

Anyone who recognises they are a sinner before a Holy God and believes that when Jesus died on the cross He was atoning for their sins past, present and future and who make a personnel profession in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour, and seek to allow Him to live in and through them by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Why are they baptised

This is an outward demonstration to family friends and the church that they have died to themselves and want to live for Jesus Christ. This baptism is by full emersion.

The person goes into the water, as they go under the water they are saying they are dying to their old self and identifying with the death of Jesus on the cross. As they come up out of the water they are identifying with the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, who gives eternal life to all who believe. There is nothing special about the water or the words, this is an identification and proclamation of a changed life.

Where are they baptised.

Any where there is water, in the sea, a swimming pool, a river. Mostly in the UK churches who participate in adult baptism will have a tank in the floor at the front of the church for this purpose.

Verses from the bible concerning baptism:

 Matthew chapter 28 verse 19

 Jesus said “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of  the Son and of the Holy Spirit”

Acts chapter 2 verse 38 

Repent and be baptised, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit

Acts chapter 6 verse 3-5

Don’t you know that all of us who were baptised into Christ Jesus were baptised into his death. We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, as Christ has been raised fron ra ised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.

A suggested reading about baptism is a little booklet called “Believe and be baptised”

 

If you would like a booklet or more information please

 

email contact@apec-coventry.org.uk