The beliefs of ECC are called “Evangelical.” That is, we are associated with those branches of Protestant Christianity that hold to Scripture as the only authority for faith and life, that salvation is through faith not by works, and that Jesus Christ is the only way to salvation. Our other beliefs that meet the standards of the historic Christian faith include the following
Concerning God
There is one God, who is infinitely perfect, existing eternally in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit, who are equal in power and glory and executing distinct and harmonious offices in the great work of creation and redemption. Gen. 1:26-27; 3:22; Matt 3:16-17; 28:19; 2 Cor 13:14.
Concerning Jesus Christ
Jesus Christ is true God and true man. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary, being God manifest in the flesh. He lived a life of absolute sinlessness. He died upon the cross, the Just for the unjust, as a substitutionary sacrifice, and all who believe in Him are justified on the ground of His shed blood. He was buried and rose again from the dead on the third day and ascended bodily into heaven. He accomplished a decisive victory over sin for His people and established His Kingdom among men. He is now at the right hand of God the Father. As our High Priest, He is interceding for us. As our Prophet, He is now speaking to men through the Word. As our King, He is continuing to establish His Kingdom in us and in the world. The Lord Jesus Christ will return in glory and triumph for the final judgment and the full realization of His Kingdom. Phil 2:5-11; 1 Tim 3:16; Heb 1:5-13; John 1:1
Concerning the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is a divine person, sent to seal, indwell, guide, teach, empower the believers, and convict the world of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment. John 16:5-16; 1 Cor 12; Eph. 4:11-13.
Concerning the Scriptures
The Old and New Testaments, inerrant as originally given, were verbally inspired by God, written by men as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit, and are a complete revelation of His will for men. They are the only and infallible authority of Christian faith and practice. 2 Peter 1:21, 2 Tim 3:16
Concerning Man
Man was originally created in the image and likeness of God as a rational, moral and spiritual being. He fell through disobedience. This corrupted him spiritually, intellectually, and physically, resulting in both spiritual and physical death. All men are born with a sinful nature, are separated from the life of God, and can be saved only through the atoning work of the Lord Jesus Christ on the cross. The punishment of those who do not know God and do not believe and obey the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ is everlasting destruction in hell and separation from the presence of God. Those who believe in Jesus Christ have eternal life and will live forever in the presence of God. John 6:44; Rom. 3:23, 8:7; 1 Cor. 2:14; 2 Cor. 3:5; Phil 2:12-13
Concerning Salvation
Salvation has been provided by grace through Jesus Christ for all who believe. Those who repent and believe in Him are born again of the Holy Spirit, receive the gift of eternal life and become the children of God. Eph. 2:8, Rom. 3:28
Concerning Sanctification
It is the will of God that all believers should be filled with the Holy Spirit and be sanctified, thereby receiving power for holy living and effective service. They should be separated from sin, the world and the works of the devil; and be fully dedicated to the will of God. This is progressive experience wrought in the life of the believer. Romans 6:11-14
Concerning the Church
The Church consists of all those who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. Christ is the Head of the Body, the Church. The local church is a body of believers in Christ who are joined together for worship, fellowship and service. Matt 16:18; Eph 1:22-23, 4:15-16
Concerning the Last Days
In the Last Days when the great work of redemption has been completed, Christ will visibly and bodily return to this earth in glory and triumph to judge the living and the dead. The dead will be resurrected, the believing to everlasting life and the unbelieving to eternal condemnation. The new heaven and the new earth will appear and the Kingdom of God will be fully realized. This is the believer’s blessed hope and is a vital truth which is an incentive to holy living and faithful service. Matt. 24, Rev. 19-21
