Our Beliefs

God & His Word

1. We believe the Bible to be the only inspired, infallible, authoritative Word of God. The Bible, as originally given, is the Word of God without error. It is sufficient for life and godliness.

   Bible references: Psalm 138:2 John 17:17 Psalm 19:7–9 2 Timothy 3:16 2 Peter 1:20–21 Revelation 22:18–19

2. We believe that there is only one God, eternally existent in three distinct but equal and united persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

   Bible references: Deuteronomy 6:4 Matthew 3:16–17, 28:19 John 1 1 Peter 1:2

3. We believe that God is unchanging in nature, holy and perfect. He makes Himself known in His Word and through what He has made.

   Bible references: James 1:17 Numbers 23:19 Psalm 19

4. We believe that God created the heavens and the earth, all that is seen and unseen. This not only includes all living things and creatures, but also immaterial spiritual beings, who are real and at work in this world, yet always subject to God’s sovereign purposes.

   Bible references: Genesis 1 John 1:1–3 Job 1:6–12 Psalm 91:11 Mark 5:1–17 Luke 22:31–32 Romans 16:20 Hebrews 1:13–14

5. We believe that God created, sustains, and rules all things, according to His sovereign will for His own glory and praise. God can and does work miraculously in the lives of people, according to His will and pleasure.

   Bible references: Psalm 103:19 Ephesians 1:11 Colossians 1:16–17 Galatians 3:5 Hebrews 2:4

Man & Sin

1. We believe that God created the first man (Adam) and woman (Eve), with particular dignity as God’s image bearers on earth. All men and women are created equal in dignity and worth, and have equal access to God through faith in Christ.

   Bible references: Genesis 1:26–31 Galatians 3:28

2. We believe that God created us male and female, and that our bodies are His good design. Marriage is a lifelong covenant between one man and one woman, given by God for companionship, for the blessing of children, and as a picture of Christ and His church. Sexual intimacy belongs only within marriage.

   Bible references: Genesis 1:27–28, 2:18–24 Malachi 2:14–15 Matthew 19:4–6 1 Corinthians 7:2–5 Ephesians 5:31–32 Hebrews 13:4

3. We believe that the worship of God is the end for which people were created. Abiding joy is only to be found by loving, obeying, and delighting in God through all of life, including hardship and death.

   Bible references: Psalm 16:11 1 Corinthians 10:31 Philippians 1:20–21

4. We believe our first parents, Adam and Eve, sinned against God and that everyone since is a sinner by nature and choice. Sin has affected all of creation, including marring the image and likeness of God in us, so that all of our being is stained by sin (e.g. reasoning, desires and emotions).

   Bible references: Genesis 3:17–19 Romans 3:9–18, 3:23, 5:12–21 Ephesians 2:1–3

5. We believe that because all people have sinned, rebelled, and separated themselves from the Holy God, every person is under His judgment and wrath. He is obligated to save no one from the justly deserved punishments of hell.

   Bible references: Romans 1:18, 6:23 John 3:36 Ephesians 2:8–9

Jesus Christ & the Holy Spirit

1. We believe in the deity of our Lord Jesus Christ. He is both truly God and truly man, one Person in two natures. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of a virgin. We believe that He lived a sinless life, in obedience to the Father.

   Bible references: John 1:1, 1:14, 5:30, 6:38, 10:30, 8:58, 20:28 Colossians 1:15–20, 2:9 Hebrews 1:3, 2:14, 4:14–16 Philippians 2:5–8 Luke 1:27, 31, 34–35, 2:52, 22:42 Matthew 1:18, 4:2 2 Corinthians 5:21 1 Peter 2:22 1 John 3:5

2. We believe that Jesus Christ went willingly to the cross, was crucified, died and was buried. We believe that He was raised from the dead, and ascended to the right hand of the Father. He is now exalted above all things as our High Priest and Advocate.

   Bible references: 1 Corinthians 15:1–4 Colossians 1:15–17 John 14:30–31 Matthew 28:18 Acts 1:9–11 Hebrews 7:25 1 John 2:1

3. We believe that salvation was accomplished by the sinless life, substitutionary atoning death, and literal physical resurrection of Jesus Christ in place of His people for the forgiveness of their sins, through the shedding of His blood as the perfect, all-sufficient sacrifice.

   Bible references: Isaiah 53:5–6 Romans 3:24–25 1 Corinthians 15:3–4 2 Corinthians 5:21 1 Timothy 3:16 Hebrews 1:1–3 1 Peter 2:24

4. We believe that there is no salvation apart from faith in Jesus Christ alone.

   Bible references: John 14:6 Acts 4:11–12 1 Timothy 2:5–6 Galatians 1:9

5. We believe that salvation is by God’s grace alone, ordained by God in eternity past. God, in unparalleled love and mercy, has chosen to save some people for His glory, granting them repentance and faith. God’s saving grace is ultimately irresistible, and God softens even the hardest of hearts and saves the worst of sinners according to His will.

   Bible references: Matthew 25:34 Acts 2:22–23 Galatians 4:4–5 Ephesians 1:3–12 John 3:17–18 Romans 3:22–25, 5:6–11 Acts 11:18 2 Timothy 2:25 Ephesians 2:8–9 Philippians 1:29 John 6:37 Acts 16:14 Romans 9:14–18 2 Corinthians 4:3–6 1 Timothy 1:12–16

6. We believe that regeneration by the Holy Spirit is essential for salvation.

   Bible references: John 3:3 Titus 3:5 Romans 8:9

7. We believe that the Holy Spirit is active and present in God’s people, convicting of sin, illuminating the Scriptures, and glorifying Jesus Christ.

   Bible references: John 16:7–11 John 14:16–17 John 16:13–14 1 Corinthians 2:10–14

8. We believe the indwelling Holy Spirit enables Christians to live godly lives. This is evidenced by personal transformation through ongoing repentance of sin and faith in Jesus Christ, which leads to good works.

   Bible references: Ephesians 2:4–10 Titus 2:11–14 Ezekiel 36:27 Romans 8:7–17 Philippians 2:12–13 Philippians 1:6, 9–11 1 Thessalonians 5:23–24 1 John 2:4–6, 29, 3:10–18

9. We believe that true Christians, born again of the Holy Spirit, have assurance that they will be kept by God for eternity.

   Bible references: John 3:3–8, 6:63 Romans 8:7–17 John 10:27–29 Romans 8:38–39 1 Peter 1:3–5

10. We believe Spiritual Gifts are given to God’s people as the Holy Spirit enables, distributed according to His will and pleasure. All are beneficial to individual believers. All gifts are to be used to edify and build up the church, in agreement with and subservient to Biblical parameters.

    Bible references: 1 Corinthians 12, 14 Romans 12:6–8 1 Peter 4:10–11

The Church & Gospel Mission

1. We believe the Church was established and founded upon the teaching of the Apostles and the prophets, with Jesus Christ as the cornerstone.

   Bible references: Ephesians 2:19–22 1 Peter 2:6 Acts 2:42

2. We believe that all true Christians are united spiritually through our Lord Jesus Christ, adopted into one family. God alone judges and knows those who are His people.

   Bible references: John 17:20–23 1 Corinthians 12:12–14 Ephesians 4:4–6 Psalm 9:8 Matthew 7:21–23 John 10:14–16 Acts 17:30–31 Galatians 4:4–7 Ephesians 1:5 2 Timothy 2:19

3. We believe that Christians are instructed to gather regularly in local churches, under the shepherding, discipline, and care of appointed Elders. Together Christians are to worship the Lord through the preaching of the Word, participating in Baptism and the Lord’s Supper, praying, exercising spiritual gifts, singing, and sharing fellowship in the Lord.

   Bible references: Colossians 1:28 Acts 2:42, 20:28 1 Corinthians 14:26 Hebrews 10:25, 13:17 1 Peter 5:1–3 Titus 1:5 1 Timothy 5:17

4. We believe in complementarian roles for men and women in church life and leadership, as well as within the family unit. Only certain Biblically qualified men may serve as Elders, who bear the privilege and responsibility of preaching within the Sunday gathering. Others may be invited to preach, under the authority of the Elders and at their discretion, in accordance with the Redeemer Church Constitution. All members, whether male or female, may participate and serve in all other aspects of church life.

   Bible references: Genesis 1:26–27, 2:15–25 Ephesians 5:22–33 1 Peter 3:1–7 1 Corinthians 11:3 1 Timothy 2:11–12 Titus 1:5–9

5. We believe that the local church administers the ordinances given by God for Christians. These are water Baptism and sharing communion in the Lord’s Supper.

   Bible references: Matthew 28:19–20 Acts 2:38–42 1 Corinthians 11:17–34

6. We believe that Baptism is an ordinance instituted by the Lord Jesus, by which those who have repented and come to faith express their union with Christ in His death and resurrection. It signifies belonging to the new people of God, cleansing from sin, and death to the old life of unbelief. Baptism is only for the repentant who profess faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, and is administered with water in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Our practice and settled conviction is Baptism by immersion, and we neither practise nor encourage any other mode; yet we will not require one already baptised as a believer by another mode, who in good conscience holds it valid, to be baptised again.

   Bible references: Romans 6:3–5 Colossians 2:12 Galatians 3:27 Acts 22:16 1 Peter 3:21 Acts 2:41, 8:12, 8:36–37 Matthew 28:19 Matthew 3:16 John 3:23

7. We believe that the Lord’s Supper is an ordinance instituted by the Lord Jesus on the night He was betrayed, to be observed by His gathered church. In it believers eat bread and drink the cup, remembering Christ’s body given and His blood shed for them, and proclaiming His death until He comes. It is a memorial of His once-for-all sacrifice, not a further sacrifice for sin. The bread and cup remain bread and cup; yet those who eat and drink in faith truly feed on Christ, not physically but spiritually, and so grow in grace. The table is for believers who trust in Christ and walk in repentance and unity with His people. To eat and drink worthily is to examine ourselves, discerning the Lord’s body and turning from sin and division; it is not a call to withdraw over a sense of unworthiness, for the Supper is Christ’s gift of grace to needy sinners, from which only unbelief and unrepentance exclude. We celebrate the Lord’s Supper together whenever the church gathers on the Lord’s Day.

   Bible references: 1 Corinthians 11:23–26 Hebrews 9:25–28 1 Corinthians 10:16–17 1 Corinthians 11:27–29 Acts 20:7 cf. Acts 2:42

8. We believe that God’s people should passionately and urgently proclaim the gospel to all people, so that all who hear God’s Word and believe, by the power of the Holy Spirit, may be saved.

   Bible references: Matthew 28:18–20 Luke 24:45–49 John 20:21 Acts 1:8 Romans 10:13–15

9. We believe the church’s primary mission is making disciples of all nations, locally, nationally, and internationally. The church teaches and equips disciples of Christ to take the gospel message to those outside the church, in turn making more disciples. The church expresses the love of God through the love that the members show to one another and to the lost, through the ministry of the Word and practical care, with urgency to the poorest of the poor and those who are yet to hear the gospel.

   Bible references: Matthew 4:19, 28:18–20 Mark 16:15 2 Timothy 2:2 1 Peter 2:9 1 Corinthians 9:19–23 John 13:34–35 Luke 4:18 Galatians 2:10 James 1:27 Romans 15:20

10. We believe that although the local church is not the Kingdom of God, it is a physical representation of the Kingdom that witnesses to it and is an instrument and custodian of it.

    Bible references: Matthew 16:18–19 Ephesians 3:10 Colossians 1:13 1 Peter 2:9–10

11. We believe, not just in the multiplication of disciples, but of local churches, as God’s primary witness in the world. Every Christian should belong to a local church, gathering together as the body of Christ, and where a church does not yet exist, one must be planted.

    Bible references: Acts 14:21–23 Romans 15:20 Titus 1:5

12. We believe that the sovereign plan of God is accomplished through us, His people, as we pray, evangelise, and do good works, according to His design, for His glory.

    Bible references: Luke 18:1–8 Acts 10:42, 13:46–48 Ephesians 2:10 James 5:16 Romans 10:13–15 2 Corinthians 5:17–20 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18

13. We believe that the Father has appointed a day in which the Son will return to earth in power and glory, to judge the world in righteousness. There will be a resurrection of both the saved and the lost: the saved to resurrection life and eternal enjoyment of God, and the lost to the resurrection of condemnation. God’s people will enjoy the fulfilment of Christ’s kingdom in the new heavens and the new earth, and God will be glorified forever.

    Bible references: Matthew 16:27 Acts 1:11 Acts 17:31 2 Thessalonians 1:7–10 Hebrews 9:28 John 5:28–29 Revelation 20 Isaiah 65:17 Revelation 21:1–4, 22:3–5 2 Peter 3:13

What We Do Not Believe

We consider it helpful, in order to clarify some of our beliefs, to declare what we do not believe nor hold to be biblical truth. We seek to have open and upfront disclosure for those wishing to join us here at Redeemer Church.

1. We are not so-called progressive or liberal Christians who embrace culture without discernment and in so doing compromise the distinctives of the gospel. Rather, we are Christians who believe the truths of the Bible are eternal and therefore fitting for every time, place and people.

   Bible references: Psalm 119:89 Isaiah 40:8 1 Corinthians 1:21–24 2 Timothy 3:16 Hebrews 4:12 1 Peter 1:23–25 1 John 2:15–17

2. We are not Christian fundamentalists who retreat from cultural involvement and transformation, but rather we aim to be missionaries, faithful to both the content of the Bible and the context of ministry.

   Bible references: Romans 10:13–15 Matthew 28:18–20 1 Corinthians 9:22–23

3. We are not isolationists, but rather we seek to partner with like-minded churches, including the Newfrontiers and Acts 29 families of churches, and with Christians from various churches, denominations and organisations.

   Bible references: John 17:20–23 1 Corinthians 12:12–14 Ephesians 4:4–6 Philippians 1:3–5

4. We are not Christian nationalists. We do not believe that Christ’s kingdom advances by political power, or that any nation today is God’s chosen people. His kingdom advances by the gospel, through His church, in the power of the Spirit. Yet Christ is Lord over all of life, so we encourage believers to serve faithfully in public life, to seek the good of the society God has placed us in, and to pray for and honour those in authority.

   Bible references: Jeremiah 29:7 John 18:36 Romans 13:1–7 2 Corinthians 10:3–5 Philippians 3:20 1 Timothy 2:1–4 1 Peter 2:9–17

5. We are not hyper-Calvinists, but rather pray, evangelise, and do good works because we believe that the sovereign plan of God is accomplished through us, His people.

   Bible references: Luke 18:1–8 Acts 10:42, 13:46–48 Romans 10:13–15 2 Corinthians 5:17–20 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18

6. We are not egalitarians, but complementarians. We believe men should humbly head their homes, and that Biblically qualified men should serve as Elders and lead the church with servant-hearted, Christlike love. All members, men and women, are equal in dignity and worth, and may serve in every other aspect of church life, including as Deacons.

   Bible references: Genesis 1:26–27, 2:15–25 Galatians 3:28 Ephesians 5:22–33 1 Peter 3:1–7 1 Corinthians 11:3 1 Timothy 2:11–12 Titus 1:5–9

7. We do not believe marriage can be redefined: it is a lifelong covenant between one man and one woman, and we receive our bodies, male and female, as God’s good design.

   Bible references: Genesis 1:27, 2:24 Matthew 19:4–6 Hebrews 13:4

8. We are not Open Theists, but instead believe in the sovereignty and foreknowledge of God in all things.

   Bible references: Deuteronomy 32:39 Isaiah 45:5–7, 46:8–10 Acts 4:24–28 Romans 11:33–36

9. We are not religious pluralists, but rather believe that there is no salvation apart from faith in Jesus Christ alone.

   Bible references: John 14:6 Acts 4:11–12 1 Timothy 2:5–6

10. We are not moralists, only seeking to help people live good lives, but instead evangelists labouring that people would become new creations in Christ.

    Bible references: 2 Corinthians 5:14–21 Galatians 3:2–9 Ephesians 4:20–24

11. We do not reduce the gospel to therapy or self-help, as though its aim were our self-esteem or personal fulfilment. Yet we believe the gospel truly heals: through His Word, by His Spirit, and within His church, Christ forgives sin, renews our minds, comforts the hurting, and frees us from sin’s power. So we counsel one another from Scripture, which is sufficient for life and godliness, bearing one another’s burdens in love. Because we are body and soul, we also welcome medical care, including medication where it is wise, to treat physical problems and relieve symptoms that may hinder or complicate the care of the heart.

    Bible references: Psalm 147:3 Romans 12:2 2 Corinthians 1:3–4, 4:16, 5:17 Galatians 6:1–2 Colossians 3:16 1 Timothy 5:23 2 Timothy 3:16–17 Hebrews 4:12 2 Peter 1:3

12. We are neither legalists nor antinomians. We distinguish between law and gospel: we are saved by grace alone, not by keeping the law, and have nothing to boast in and no one to look down on. Yet we believe God’s law is holy, righteous and good, and that both law and gospel, including exhortation and instruction in godly living, are to be faithfully taught and preached, as the Reformers affirmed.

    Bible references: Matthew 5:17–19 John 14:15 Romans 3:28, 3:31, 7:12 Galatians 2:16, 5:13–14 Ephesians 2:8–10 2 Timothy 3:16–17 Titus 2:11–14 1 John 5:3

13. We are not Hebrew Roots or Torah-observant Christians who require believers to keep the ceremonial laws of Moses, such as the Sabbaths, feasts and food laws, or who treat them as a mark of true or mature faith. These were shadows of what was to come, and Christ has fulfilled them. We gladly honour the Old Testament as Christian Scripture, and learn from the Jewish setting of the Bible, but we hold fast to the freedom we have in Christ.

    Bible references: Matthew 5:17 Mark 7:19 Acts 15:1–11 Romans 14:5–6 Galatians 3:23–25, 4:9–11, 5:1–6 Colossians 2:16–17 Hebrews 8:13, 10:1

14. We are not Universalists, but rather we believe that many people will sadly spend eternity in the conscious torments of hell, as the Bible teaches.

    Bible references: Matthew 5:22, 25:41, 46 John 3:36 2 Thessalonians 1:8–9 Revelation 21:8

15. We are not naturalists, but rather we believe in Angels and that Satan and demons are real and are at work in this world and yet always subject to God.

    Bible references: Job 1:6–12 Psalm 91:11 Mark 5:1–17 Luke 22:31–32 Romans 16:20 Hebrews 1:13–14

16. We are not rationalists, but rather we believe that not everything can be known. God calls us to live by faith with mystery and partial knowledge regarding many things.

    Bible references: Deuteronomy 29:29 Job 26:14 Psalm 145:3 Isaiah 55:8–9 Romans 11:33–36 1 Corinthians 13:12

17. We are not Christian feminists who rename God or reshape His revealed character to suit the culture, but rather we believe that God reveals Himself as a Father, and is to be honoured by the names He has revealed to us in the Bible, without apology.

    Bible references: Psalm 68:5 Isaiah 64:8 Matthew 6:9 Romans 8:15 1 Corinthians 8:6

18. We are not embarrassed by the bloody death of Jesus Christ, but rather we affirm that He died as the substitute for His people, bearing in their place the judgment their sins deserved, in selfless love.

    Bible references: Isaiah 53:5–6 2 Corinthians 5:21 Hebrews 9:11–14, 26–28 1 Peter 2:24

19. We are not ashamed of the gospel, but rather we proclaim a loving gospel of grace which sounds like foolishness and is offensive to the unrepentant, while saving multitudes with the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

    Bible references: Romans 1:16 1 Corinthians 1:18–24

20. We are not hyper-charismatics or hyper-Pentecostals: we do not believe that today’s prophecies carry the authority of Scripture, nor that any apostle or prophet has authority over the church apart from God’s Word. Yet neither are we cessationists: we earnestly desire spiritual gifts and use them within biblical parameters, for building up the church.

    Bible references: 1 Corinthians 12, 14:1, 14:29 Ephesians 2:19–20 1 Thessalonians 5:19–21 2 Timothy 3:16–17 1 John 4:1

21. We do not adhere to the health, wealth and prosperity gospel, which is no gospel at all.

    Bible references: Matthew 6:19–24, 16:24–26 Mark 10:17–25 Luke 12:15 1 Timothy 6:9–11