What We Believe
If you are reading this, you are obviously interested in the basic beliefs of those at The Crash. It is important to note that no one here has all of the answers. We are a group of people in the process of finding God's truth together. We do believe that all of God's answers can be found in the Bible however. The unifying beliefs of the church for the most part have not changed since Jesus' teachings 2000 years ago. The beliefs listed below are in line with most mainstream Christian communities.
As John Wesley in the 1700’s, we seek to be a church of the via media or “middle way.” We wish to avoid extremes of beliefs, but live out our beliefs fully.
1. We believe God is Creator and Ruler of the universe. He has eternally existed in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three are co-equal and are one God. (Genesis 1:1, 26-27; Psalm 90:2; Matthew 28:19; 2 Corinthians 13:14; 1 Peter 1:2)
2. We believe Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He is co-equal with the Father and the Holy Spirit. Jesus Christ entered the human race through a virgin birth. He lived a sinless life, then after dying on a cross, he rose from the dead after three days to demonstrate His power over sin and death. He ascended to Heaven's glory and will return again to earth to reign as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. (Isaiah 9:6; Matthew 1:22-23; John 1:1-5; 14:10-30; Acts 1:9-11; Romans 1:3-4; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4; 1 Timothy 6:14-15; Titus 2:13; Hebrews 4:14-15)
3. We believe the Holy Spirit is equal with the Father and the Son as God. He is present in the world to make us aware of our need for Jesus Christ. He also lives within every Christian from the moment of salvation. He provides the Christian with power for living a holy life, understanding of spiritual truth, and guidance for doing what is right. The Christian seeks to surrender their life and live under His control daily. (John 14:16-17; 16:7-13; Acts 1:8; 1 Corinthians 2:12; 3:16; 2 Corinthians 3:17; Galatians 5:25; Ephesians 1:13; 5:18; 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24)
4. We believe salvation is a gift from God to each one of us. We can never make up for our sin by self-improvement or good works. Only by trusting in Jesus Christ as God's offer of forgiveness can one be saved from sin's penalty. Eternal life begins the moment one receives Jesus Christ into their life by faith. (John 1:12; 3:16; 14:6; Romans 5:1; 6:23; Galatians 3:26; Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:5)
5. We believe we were created to exist forever. We will either exist eternally separated from God by sin, or in an intimate relationship with God through forgiveness and salvation. To be eternally separated from God is in hell. To be eternally in union with Him is eternal life in heaven. We believe heaven and hell are real places of eternal existence. (John 3:16; Romans 6:23; 1 John 2:25; 5:11-13; Revelation 20:15)
6. We believe human beings are made in the image of God, to be like Him in character. We are the supreme objects of God's creation. Although we have tremendous potential for good, we are marred by an attitude of disobedience toward God called "sin". Sin separates us from God. (Genesis 1:27; Psalm 8:3-6; Isaiah 53:6a; 59:1-2; Romans 3:23)
7. We believe the Bible is God's word to all people. It was written by human authors under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is the supreme source of truth for Christian beliefs and living. (Psalm 12:6; 119:105, 160; Proverbs 30:5; 2 Timothy 1:13; 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20-21; Hebrews 4:12-13)
8. Finally, we recognize that we are all at different places in our own faith journeys. These are beliefs that are widely accepted in the Christian community, around which we can basically be unified. However, we also value authenticity and believe that when we seek God honestly, we will find him. As the century old saying goes, “In essentials unity, in non-essentials liberty, in all things charity.” This value provides room for all, particularly those who are authentic and genuine in exploring their faith.
