Statement of Theological Distinctives

While the doctrines expressed in the Statement of Essential Beliefs are recognized to be Christian orthodoxy and universal within evangelical Christianity, there are a number of secondary beliefs that we passionately preach and teach. Though not all Christians hold these beliefs, at Redeemer Community Church, we believe they are important and true, as we understand Scripture. Complete agreement to these distinctives is not a requirement for membership, but it should be known that we preach, teach and counsel in accordance with these beliefs. Therefore, these distinctives are not to be the source of arguments or debate that would cause disunity, but rather as a description of the theology that makes us who we are as Redeemer Community Church.

The Sovereignty of God

God is sovereign over all things. There is nothing outside of His ultimate control and rule. There is nothing that surprises God or forces Him to respond in ways He first did not choose. God has complete foreknowledge and sovereignty. It is His sovereignty over the work of salvation that is a theological distinction. We believe that the free will of man always leads man to choose rebellion and sin. Therefore, we believe it is exceedingly glorious and good that salvation is not dependent on the work and will of man, but is dependent of the grace and mercy of God’s eternal decree of election. Though man is responsible for his sin, God is ultimately responsible for overcoming man’s natural resistance to the Gospel and drawing the elect to Himself. Left to his own choosing apart of the work of God, man would always choose rebellion and rejection. Therefore, salvation, from beginning to end, is the complete work of God. Therefore, the glory of the Gospel and salvation is rightfully God’s alone that man should never boast. (Psalm 115:3; 135:6; Romans 8:26-9:23; Ephesians 1:3-14)

The Security of the Believer

With salvation being completely the work of God and not of man, we believe that the security of salvation rests in God and not with man. We believe that God saves to the uttermost. In other words, the salvation found in the person and work of Jesus through the Gospel is complete and eternal; it cannot neither be lost nor refused. Those who through faith in Jesus, repentance of sin, and obedience to the Gospel will never fall away from the salvation provided to them by the grace of God; they shall persevere to the end. (John 10:27-30; Romans 8:26-9:23; Ephesians 1:3-14)

The Gifts of the Holy Spirit

The gifts of the Holy Spirit as described in Scripture have not ceased with the death of the last Apostle or the closing of the New Testament canon. These gifts are available today and are to be eagerly desired and practiced in submission to the Holy Spirit and Scripture. These gifts are spiritual in nature; therefore, the gifts are only available to those who are born of the Spirit through salvation provided by the grace of God and faith in Jesus. As with all things, these gifts are to be practiced and used in accordance with Scripture and in an orderly manner as dictated by the Elders. (Romans 12:3-8; 1 Corinthians 12-14; Ephesians 4:1-16)

The Complementary Roles of Men and Women

Men and women are absolutely equal in essence, dignity, and value but are different by divine design. As a part of God’s created order and design, men and women are to have different yet complementary roles and responsibilities in the home and the church, especially in matters of teaching and authority. Therefore, at Redeemer Community Church, the role of elder is limited to men. These roles are a reflection of God’s design and grace. They 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)

Our Delight in God’s Glory

We believe that our greatest joy and satisfaction in found only in an obedient relationship with God through Jesus. Our enjoyment of God being God is the chief means by which He is glorified. Our satisfaction in pursuing and knowing God is our ultimate act of worship and the greatest means of bringing Him the glory He richly deserves. (Psalm 16:11; 37:4; Matthew 13:44; John 15:11; Philippians 3:8)

The Duty of Personal Holiness and Self-Denial

Though most evangelical Christians would agree that we must pursue holiness in our lives, few actively pursue personal holiness with radical urgency and passion. As a part of our redemption and sanctification through Jesus, we should “be holy in all your conduct.” Personal holiness requires us to daily evaluate our lives and how we seek to honor God through purity, integrity, and Christlikeness. Personal holiness is not a list of requirements, but an attitude of self-denial that allows for the rule and reign of Jesus in our lives. Personal holiness should never push us toward legalistic and religious slavery; it allows for perfect freedom provided by Jesus. Personal holiness and self-denial allows us to fully serve Jesus without the fear of death, suffering, rejection or failure. (Luke 9:23-27; 14:25-33; Colossians 3:1-17; 1 Peter 1:13-25)

Prayer and Fasting

Prayer is essential to the spiritual growth of every follower of Jesus; this is hardly debated among Christian evangelicals. However, the extent in which prayer is practiced and implemented throughout the life of the church is a distinctive at Redeemer Community Church. Prayer reminds us of our complete dependence on God for every aspect of life in our homes and in our church. Also, prayer is the manner in which we connect to the awesome power and supernatural work of God. In the same sense, fasting is a spiritual discipline that we must practice in order to reduce our worldly appetites and increase our hunger for God. Understanding our limited ability to accomplish any work or ministry without the help and empowerment of God, Redeemer Community Church will passionately and intensely practice the disciplines of prayer and fasting. (Matthew 6:5-24; Acts 13:1-3; 2 Corinthians 1:11; Ephesians 6:18; James 5:13-14)