Belief & Practice

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Details of Belief and Practice

It is recognized that differences in the understanding of the Scriptures regarding some matters may exist among true Christians. We believe that fellowship among true Christians can exist regardless of such differences. The position of the EAST LANSING TRINITY CHURCH in certain details of belief and practice is as follows: Open Close

A. We believe that whenever a true child of God sins, he will repent and seek pardon and restoration to fellowship with God. He will not make a habit of sinning. (Hebrews 6:4-8; 10:26-31; I John 1:9; 3:6,9)

B. We believe the Christian is sanctified positionally in Christ Jesus; that sanctification is progressive in experience; and that ultimately it will be fully realized when we stand in the presence of the Lord. ( John 17:17; II Corinthians 3:18; 7:1; Ephesians 4:24; 5:25-27; I Thessalonians 5:23; Hebrews 10:10,14 )

C. We further hold that the following practices should be evident in the lives of believers:

1. That believers should establish and maintain personal fellowship with the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ through private reading of the Word and prayer. (II Timothy 2:15; 3:16,17; Hebrews 4:16 )

2. That believers should likewise have corporate fellowship. This includes formal and informal group study of the Bible and group prayer. (Acts 2:42; I Timothy 2:8; Hebrews 10:25; I John 1:3,7)

3. That believers, in obedience to the Word of God, should flee ungodliness and worldliness, practicing self-denial and positive virtues. (John 17:15,16; Romans 12:2; II Corinthians 7:1; Titus 2:12; James 4:4; I John 2:15-17)

4. That believers should be witnesses to all people as Jesus Christ commanded. This should be done through the power of the Holy Spirit so as to bring glory to God and salvation to men. (Matthew 28:19; Acts 1:8; II Corinthians 4:3-7; 5:20; Colossians 4:5,6; I Peter 3:15)

D. We believe that a true child of God is secure forever and is predestined to be conformed to the image of Christ. (John 5:24; 10:28; 13:1; 14:16; 17:11; Romans 8:29,30; Ephesians 1:3-5; Hebrews 7:25; I John 5:13; Jude 1:24)

E. We believe that groups of believers should form local churches to provide fellowship and instruction for themselves and an effective testimony to the world. (Acts 20:28; I Thessalonians 1:8)

F. We believe that Jesus Christ is the Head of the Church and that the local church should respond to His leadership. (Colossians 1:17,18)

G. We believe that the government of a local church should be autonomous and simple, with sufficient structure to allow things to be done decently and in order. (I Corinthians 14:40; Titus 1:5)

H. We believe that the Church has been given two ordinances by the Lord:

1. Regular observance of the Lord's Supper. (Luke 22:19,20; I Corinthians 11:23-26)

2. Water baptism. This Church recommends and will practice baptism by immersion. This we hold to be for all those who have received salvation according to the command of Jesus Christ, who is the Head of the Church. In this act of obedience the believer is identified with the Lord Jesus Christ in His death, burial and resurrection, and signifies his willingness to walk in all the ways of Christ. (Acts 10:47,48; 16:32-34; 18:8; Romans 6:3-10)

I. We believe that the local Church has the obligation to exercise discipline of its members in all matters of faith and conduct according to the principles of Scripture. (Matthew 18:15-17; I Corinthians 5)

J. We believe in the imminent, premillenial rapture of the Church. (John 14:1-3; I Corinthians 15:51,52; Philippians 3:20,21;I Thessalonians 4:13-18; Titus 2:11-14)