God A holy (without sin), spiritual being, all knowing, everywhere present, eternally existent in three distinct personalities – God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit – one God (Exodus 3:14-15, John 4:24, Matthew 28:19, John 1:1-2).
God the Father is the Supreme Being in whom we believe, whom we worship. He is the ultimate Creator, Ruler, and Preserver of all things. He is perfect, has all power, and knows all things. (Psalms 68:5-6, James 1:16-18, Luke 12:32)
Jesus Christ Jesus became “God in the flesh.” He was born through the miracle of a virgin birth, lived a sinless life, was crucified and died a physical death as an atonement for our sins, and was physically resurrected from the grave. (Matthew 1:18-25, 1 Corinthians 15:3-8) He will return in bodily form as Lord of the universe, to gather his followers and judge those who have rejected him (Acts 1:9-11, Hebrews 9:27-28).
The Holy Spirit Lives within those who believe in Jesus Christ as Comforter and Advocate, and helps us become more like Jesus in thought, word, actions and character (John 16:5-15).
Sin Men and women were created in the image of God but are now separated from God by sin (Romans 5:12-21).
Salvation Faith (belief and trust) in Jesus and his sacrifice on the cross is the only way to be reconciled with God (Acts 4:8-12). Salvation cannot be earned; it is offered through Jesus based on grace, not merit. What we couldn’t do for ourselves (reconcile with God), Jesus did through his death on the cross (Ephesians 2:8-9). God lovingly offers salvation to every person, and every person has the freedom to accept it. (John 3:16-18). Faith requires repentance (conforming our lifestyle to Christ’s), and results in obedience. Baptism by immersion demonstrates a pledge of our willingness to live for Him (Acts 8:26-38, Romans 6:1-4).
The Bible The Bible is inspired by God and is therefore without error or contradiction, and is the sole authority for faith and practice. All our beliefs come from the Bible (2 Timothy 3:15-16, 2 Peter 3:15-16).
The Church The Church of Jesus Christ is not limited to any one institution or denomination; it consists of all who have trusted Jesus Christ for the redemption of their sins. Downey First Christian Church is therefore but one part of the greater Church (1 Corinthians 12:12-17).