What We Believe

We believe that Jesus died for our sins, the ultimate display of God’s love, offered freely to those who repent and trust him for forgiveness.

This love compels us to honor God and love other people sacrificially. We’re called to be compassionate to the poor and oppressed. We’re instructed to make disciples among all people. We do it imperfectly. But through God’s Word, the Spirit’s power, and prayer in Christ’s name, we’ll keep doing it.

By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you… that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day…

– 1 Corinthians 15-2-4

Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.’

– 1 Corinthians 15-2-4

1

God

We believe in one God, the creator of all things. He’s sovereign, eternal, perfect, existing in three persons: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Out of love, God has purposed to redeem a people for Himself and to make all things new to His glory.

2

The Bible

God has spoken in the Scriptures, both Old and New Testaments, through the words of human authors. As the verbally inspired Word of God, the Bible is trustworthy in all that it teaches, obeyed in all it requires, and sure in all that it promises.

3

Sin

God created Adam and Eve in His image, but they sinned when tempted by Satan. In union with Adam, human beings are sinners by nature and by choice, alienated from God, and under His wrath. Only through God’s saving work in Jesus Christ can we be rescued, reconciled and renewed.

4

Jesus

Jesus Christ is God incarnate – fully God and fully man. He lived a sinless life, was crucified on a cross, rose from the dead, ascended into heaven, and now reigns in heaven as our Savior and Advocate.

5

The Cross

We believe that Jesus Christ shed His blood on the cross as the perfect, all-sufficient sacrifice for our sins. His death – and victorious resurrection – are our rescue when we turn from our sin to Him.

6

The Spirit

The Holy Spirit, in all that He does, glorifies Jesus Christ. He convicts the world of its guilt. He awakens sinners to their need for Jesus. He indwells, guides, equips and empowers believers to serve others and follow Christ.

7

The Church

The Church is made up of all who have been justified by God’s grace through faith in Christ. The Church’s people are united by the Holy Spirit as one “body,” and spur each other on to follow Jesus. Through baptism and communion, the Church celebrates and remembers the gospel. It seeks to humbly serve its communities and neighbors, offering hope.

8

Living

God’s grace must not be separated from His command. We love God well by loving others sacrificially. Our faith is tangible through care for one another, compassion toward the poor and justice for the oppressed. With God’s Word, the Spirit’s power, and fervent prayer, we are to combat the spiritual forces of evil, spreading the good news of Jesus.

9

Christ’s Return

We believe that Jesus Christ will return. The coming of Christ, at a time known only to God, propels us to expectant and intentional living through service and energetic mission.

10

Our Response

We believe that God commands everyone everywhere to believe the gospel by turning to Him in repentance and receiving the Lord Jesus Christ.

Westwood Church is part of the Evangelical Free Church of America. Learn more at www.efca.org.