We behave what we believe.
Some Christians view the word “doctrine” as almost a curse word. They reason that doctrine is to be avoided because doctrine causes division among Christians.
While it is true that doctrine does cause division, if the division is due to a disagreement over an important biblical teaching - division is not necessarily a bad thing. The Christian faith, more than any other, is based on doctrine.
We have 7 doctrines that we feel are essential and non-negotiable at Mosaic. If any of these are removed from our beliefs, then our faith is empty and void. If they cause division to the point that someone feels they can’t support them, then they should probably find another church to fellowship in.
The other problem we have in the Body of Christ at large, is the tremendous amount of division due to doctrines that should not have “essential” status.
Although every doctrine carries some importance, and there are dedicated Christ-loving believers on every side – we simply believe you should not divide over non-essential issues.
The 7 Doctrines we feel are essential beliefs are as follows:
Doctrinal Statement / Our Essential Beliefs
Supporting Scriptures provided upon Request
The Bible – The Bible is God’s Word to us. Human authors, under the supernatural guidance and inspiration of the Holy Spirit, wrote it. It is the supreme source of truth for Christian beliefs and living. Because God inspires it, it is the truth without error.
God – We believe there is one God who is the creator and ruler of the universe. He eternally exists in three persons: the Father, the Son, & the Holy Spirit.
Jesus Christ – We believe in the deity of Jesus Christ, His virgin birth, His sinless life, and His bodily resurrection from the dead to demonstrate His power over sin and death, His miracles, His ascension into heaven, and His return to earth to reign as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
The Holy Spirit – The Holy Spirit is co-equal with the Father and the Son. He is present in the world to make people aware of their need for Jesus Christ. He lives in every Christian from the moment of salvation. He provides the Christian with the power to live a Godly life and understand spiritual truth. He gives every believer a spiritual gift when they are saved.
Human Beings – People are made in the spiritual image of God, to be like Him in character. People are the supreme object of God’s creation. All people were born marred by a state of disobedience toward God called “sin.” This state and its resulting behaviors separate people from God. That separation will be eternal in a place called Hell unless all people are born-again by the spirit of God.
Salvation – Salvation is initiated by God and is a free gift to all who personally accept it. Once we accept Jesus Christ as our personal savior we are assured of spending eternity in heaven with God. We are saved by faith, and not by our own self-improvement or good works.
Church – We believe there is One Church (bride) that Jesus Christ (bridegroom) is coming back for. The Church is made up of born-again Christians all over the world. The Church is the people and the people are the Church.
In Essential Beliefs
we have unity.
“Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit… there is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God and Father of us all…” (Eph. 4:3-6)
In non-essential beliefs
we have liberty.
“Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on disputable matters… Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls… So then each of us will give an account of himself to God… So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God.” (Romans 14:1,4,12,22)
In all our beliefs
we show forth love.
“…If I hold in my mind not only all human knowledge, but also the very secrets of God, and if I have the faith that can move mountains – but have no love, I amount to nothing at all.” (1 Cor. 13:1-2)
The Apostles Creed
We also embrace the ancient roots of the Christian faith as expressed by the early followers of Jesus. These early followers expressed their faith and beliefs in the form of Creeds (a statement of faith and belief). The most universally accepted of these Creeds is the Apostles Creed.
I believe in God, the Father Almighty,
Maker of heaven and earth.
And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died and was buried.
He descended into hell.
On the third day He rose again from the dead.
He ascended into heaven
and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty.
From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Holy Christian Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting.
Amen.