My Statement of Faith – David J. Claassen
I believe that God created this universe and our world (Genesis 1:1). I believe He created humans in His image (Genesis 1:27) to be in relationship with Him (Deuteronomy 6:5) and to partner with Him in carrying out His great and grand purposes (Matthew 6:10).
I believe God's creation was designed for good and was made perfect by Him (Genesis 1:31), but through free choice we people have turned the wrong way, acting sinfully. The result is that we live in a sin-damaged world (Romans 8:22) and are alienated from God, continuing to be influenced by the Evil One, Satan. (Romans 3:23)
I believe we humans are incapable of making the world and our lives right on our own. It is only by the grace and mercy of God's action that this can happen. (Romans 8:3) God solved our sinful dilemma by entering human history, incarnating Himself in Jesus as one of us. His main purpose in being born among us was to die for us. (Mark 10:45) His death paid the price, covering the penalty for our sin so that we could be His now and forever (John 3:16). Jesus then rose from the dead (Matthew 28:5-6), proving He was who He said He was, the Son of God who came from the Heavenly Father. Because He lives He is always with those who turn to Him, never leaving them or forsaking them. (Matthew 28:20)
I believe the coming of Jesus into the world revealed clearly that God is triune in nature. God is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. (Matthew 28:19)
I believe the Holy Spirit dwells within those who open their hearts to Jesus Christ. We become His temple, a sacred place where He dwells. The Holy Spirit of God empowers us, guides us, convicts us, comforts us, and brings all the goodness of God into our individual lives and into our life together as the church. (John 14:16)
I believe the church is the physical presence of Christ here on earth, His body here on earth. (1 Corinthians 12:27) It is God's desire that everyone be a part of the fellowship of a local church, for there is strength in numbers. (Hebrews 10:25)
My great desire is to bring people to Jesus Christ so that He may be their Savior and Lord, as He is for me. I believe that it is my calling to spread this Good News about Jesus to those within my sphere of influence and, through my financial and prayer support of mission efforts, to people all over the world. (Matthew 28:19)
I believe that this is a very broken world. Therefore, I acknowledge my responsibility to alleviate pain and suffering that comes from alienation of relationships, addictions, inadequate food, and the shortage of other necessities of life. (Matthew 25:34- 40)
I believe God has recorded His words and actions in the Bible, making it His inspired Word that, like Him, is without error and full of truth. It is my infallible guide to living according to His will. (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
I believe someday Jesus will return to earth. (Acts 1:11) He will create a new heaven and a new earth. (2 Peter 3:13) There will be a final judgment where people's destiny is set forever as to whether they spend it in a hellish existence without Him or in a heavenly existence with Him (John 5:24-29). Because of God's initiative of love in our world and toward me, I can, and do, accept His invitation to live an abundant life with Him now and forever. (Psalm 16:11)
