The following beliefs represent the core beliefs from a biblical and historical perspective. While a full understanding and the ability to adequately articulate these beliefs is not required, the explicit rejection of any one of these particular beliefs disqualifies one from membership at The Wilmington Church of Christ.
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 45:5-6; 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)
We are, along with all humanity with the ability to choose (Christ excluded), in action a sinner [1]. (Genesis 6:5; Psalm 51:5; Jeremiah 17:9; Romans 3:23, 5:8, 12-2, 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 a substitute to pay the penalty for our sins. (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 physically 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 [2]. 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 we be reconciled to God and experience true life and joy [3]. (John 3:18, 14:6; Acts 4:12; Romans 3:21-26; 1 Timothy 2:5-6)
[1] We recognize that Adam and Eve were not “born” and were not created sinful; rather, they became sinful through their choice and action.
[2] This is not intended to deny the salvation of Old Testament saints, but is instead a recognition that they were saved through faith in Jesus Christ, though the content of that faith was less clear than it is for us on this side of the cross and resurrection.
[3] See previous footnote.
STATEMENT OF BIBLICAL DOCTRINE
While the doctrines expressed in the “Statement of Basic Belief” are those that are recognized to be universal and primary within the Church, there are a number of distinct beliefs about which the leadership of The Wilmington Church of Christ is passionate. Complete agreement is not required for the sake of membership or partnership, but it should be known that The Wilmington Church of Christ will preach, teach, and counsel in accordance with these theological convictions.
These distinctives represent two areas of doctrine and practice:
The complementary roles of men and women in the church
and home
Baptism by immersion
Men and women are absolutely equal in essence, dignity and value but are different by divine design. As part of God’s good created order, men and women are to have different yet complementary roles and responsibilities in the home and church, especially as it comes to teaching and authority. These role distinctions are God’s grace to man and woman and are to be protected, preserved and practiced for His glory and our joy. (1 Corinthians 11:2-16, 14:33-35; Ephesians 5:22-33; Colossians 3:18-19; 1 Timothy 2:8-15;
1 Peter 3:1-7)
Baptism is intended only for those who have professed faith in Jesus Christ and have repented of sin. Those who can give sufficient testimony to the basics of Christian beliefs may be baptized. We baptize by immersion because it is the original meaning of the word and best symbolizes the reality to which baptism points: our death and resurrection in Christ. (Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 2:38;
Romans 6:1-11)
We also baptize because something spiritual occurs during baptism: Scripture guarantees that a person who is baptized in faith will have sins cut away, the conscience cleansed and the gift of the Holy Spirit. (Acts 2:38; Colossians 2:9-11; 1 Peter 3:21
Finally, we understand the importance of submission to church leadership and will be diligent to preserve unity and peace; We will adhere to The Wilmington Church of Christ’s “Statement of Basic Belief,” and we will not be divisive over The Wilmington Church of Christ’s theological distinctives found here in the “Statement of Biblical Doctrine” and expounded in the “Statement of Basic Belief.”