BELIEFS

STATEMENT OF BIBLICAL AUTHORITY
At the center of Christian faith and practice stands the belief that God has spoken to the world in the person and work of Jesus Christ, which is accurately and authoritatively revealed in the Christian Bible (“the Bible,” “Scripture” or “Scriptures”). The Bible is the inspired, inerrant, and sufficient Word of God and is thus the ultimate authority for life, faith, and morals. Though the various theological statements of the Church reflect succinct summaries of biblical boundaries, it is the Bible itself to which we are in ultimate submission.

STATEMENT OF BASIC BELIEF
The following Statement of Basic Belief and the accompanying Statements on Marriage and Sexuality and Sanctity of Life represents the core orthodox beliefs of the Church from a biblical and historical perspective. While all employees are not required to fully understand or articulate all aspects of the following Statements, the explicit rejection of, or personal disbelief in, any part of them disqualifies one from employment at Foothill Church or any of its ministries.

We believe…

The Scriptures are true, authoritative, and sufficient.
(Psalm 19:7-11; 2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20-21)

There is only one God.
(Deuteronomy 6:4; Isaiah 46:9-10; John 17:3; 1 Corinthians 8:4-6; 1 Timothy 2:5)

The Father is God. The Son is God. The Holy Spirit is God. The Father is neither the Son nor the Holy Spirit. The Son is neither the Father nor the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is neither the Father nor the Son.
(Genesis 1:26; Psalm 45:6-7; Psalm 110:1; Matthew 3:13-17; Matthew 28:17-20; 1 Corinthians 12:4-6)

I am, along with all humanity (Christ excluded), by birth and action a sinner.
(Genesis 6:5; Psalm 51:5; Jeremiah 17:9; Romans 3:23, 5:8, 12-21, 7:18; Ephesians 2:1-3)

The deserved penalty for sin is death, both physical and spiritual.
(Genesis 2:15-17; Genesis 3:19; Romans 5:12, 6:23; James 1:14-15)

Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God, was born of a virgin and is both fully God and fully human.
(Matthew 1:20; Luke 2:52; John 1:1-4, 14; Colossians 1:15-20; Hebrews 1:1-3)

Jesus Christ died as my substitute to pay the penalty for my sin.
(John 1:29; 10:1-18; Romans 5:8; 1 Corinthians 15:1-4; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Galatians 1:4; 1 Peter 3:18)

Jesus Christ bodily rose from the dead.
(Matthew 28:1-20; Mark 16:1-8; Luke 24:1-53; John 1:20-21:25; 1 Corinthians 15:12-34)

Jesus Christ physically ascended into heaven and will one day physically return.
(John 14:3; Acts 1:11; 1 Thessalonians 4:16; Hebrews 9:28; 1 John 3:2; Revelation 1:7)

There will be a future physical resurrection of the dead. Those who trust in Jesus Christ alone will be raised to eternal reward. Those who have not trusted in Jesus Christ will be raised to eternal punishment.
(Matthew 25:31-46; John 5:28-29; Acts 24-15)

Only by trusting in the person and work of Jesus Christ alone can I be reconciled to God and experience true life and joy.
(John 3:18, 14:6; Acts 4:12; Romans 3:21-26; 1 Timothy 2:5-6)

STATEMENT ON MARRIAGE AND SEXUALITY
It is the biblical position that marriage involves the union of one man and one woman in permanent, sacred fidelity. Though various cultures and customs have evolving definitions of marriage, it is God alone who has ultimate authority to prescribe and describe the marital relationship.
(Genesis 2:24, Matthew 19:1-9, Mark 10:1-12)

Furthermore, sexual intimacy is only properly exercised and pursued within the confines of this marital relationship. Sexual immorality, defined as any sexual activity outside of the boundaries of the sacred marital relationship between one man and one woman, is clearly and expressly prohibited by the Lord.
(Matthew 15:19, 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, 1 Thessalonians 4:3, Hebrews 13:4)

As a consequence, the Church regards any and all forms of sexual immorality, including adultery, fornication, homosexual behavior, bisexual conduct, bestiality, incest, pornography or even lustful intent toward such, as sinful and ultimately unsatisfying. Moreover, the Church also regards as sinful the intent or desire to surgically alter one’s biological sex to a different sex. Since the body is a creation of God, the Church holds sexual identity to be biologically determined, and associated gender norms are to be observed as appropriate to biblical standards. Disagreement with, or rejection of, one’s biological sex is rejection of the image of God within that person and only leads to spiritual confusion and emotional chaos.
(Genesis 1:27, Romans 1:26-32, 1 Corinthians 6:9-11)

In order to preserve the function and integrity of the Church as the local Body of Christ, and to provide a biblical example to the Church Partners and the community, it is imperative that all persons employed by the Church in any capacity should abide by and personally agree with this “Statement on Marriage and Sexuality“ and conduct themselves accordingly.

Though sinful sexual expression is egregious (as is all sin), the gospel provides redemption and restoration to all who confess and forsake their sin, seeking mercy and forgiveness through Jesus Christ.
(1 Corinthians 6:9-11, Ephesians 2:1-10, Titus 3:3-7)

Furthermore, there is a difference between temptation and unrepentant sin. Jesus was tempted in all ways as we are, yet He never sinned. Employees of the Church wrestling with all manner of sexual temptation will find a Church ready to point them to Jesus and join with them to fight for their obedience to Christ. Jesus called the weary and heavy-laden to Himself. As a church desiring to follow Christ fully, the Church will be a safe place for men and women fighting sexual temptations of all kinds. For those fighting temptation and repenting of sin, the Church will provide love, care, and direction.
(Matthew 11:28-30, 1 Corinthians 10:13, Hebrews 2:17-18, Hebrews 4:14-16)

The Church’s Statement on Marriage and Sexuality does not provide grounds for bigotry, bullying, or hate, as we fully believe that every person must be afforded compassion, love, kindness, respect, and dignity, regardless of his or her lifestyle.

STATEMENT ON SANCTITY OF HUMAN LIFE
Human beings are the pinnacle of God’s creation. We are the only part of God’s creation made in His image. He is intimately involved in the creation of every human being.
(Psalm 139)

Therefore, we believe all human life is sacred and of inestimable worth in all its dimensions. That worth extends to every human being including pre-born babies, the elderly, the physically and mentally challenged, the chronically ill and every other stage or condition from conception through natural death. We are therefore called to defend, protect, and value all human life.

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