Beliefs

We hold to certain beliefs as essential to our faith, whereas other beliefs are what we call non-essential to the foundation of living as a follower of Jesus Christ.   We have unity in the essentials (Ephesians 4:4-6; Romans 15:5) and freedom in the non-essentials (Romans 14:1-23; Galatians 5:1). The following statements of faith are designed to help you understand our essential beliefs that fundamentally define who we are:

God

We believe that there is one sovereign God eternally existing in three persons – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. He is the Creator of all things.

(Genesis 1:1, Matthew 3:16-17, John 1:1-2, Acts 2:32-33)

Jesus Christ

We believe that Jesus Christ, God’s only Son was born of a virgin, lived a perfect life, died in our place on the cross, and rose from the dead.

(Colossians 2:9, Luke 1:30-35, 1 Corinthians 15:3-4, 2 Corinthians 5:21)

Holy Spirit

We believe the Holy Spirit convicts the world of sin and indwells every believer, equipping them for personal growth and service to Jesus Christ.

(John 16:8; Acts 2:38; Ephesians 1:13-14)

Bible

We believe the Bible is the inspired Word of God and the final authority for all matters of faith and practice.

(2 Timothy 3:16-17)

Humanity

We believe that man, created in God’s image, willfully sinned and as a result is condemned and without hope apart from Jesus Christ.

(Genesis 1:27; Romans 3:23, 6:23; Acts 4:12)

Salvation

We believe that salvation – the forgiveness of sins – is available only by the grace of God through the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This free gift of salvation is offered to all who receive Christ as Lord and Savior through faith.  We believe those accepting Christ should confess their faith, repent of sin, be baptized, and live according to God’s Word.

(John 3:16; Ephesians 2:8-9; Colossians 2:6; Acts 2:38; 2 Timothy 2:5; Romans 10:9; Acts 2:38; 2 John 8-9)

Church

We believe the church was established by Jesus Christ to proclaim his message of hope to the world. The church also exists to promote unity among believers and build up the body of Christ in a way that represents Christ to those who do not know Him.

(Matthew 16:18-19; Ephesians 4:16)

Ordinances

We believe that Baptism is by immersion and the Lord’s Supper is a memorial to His suffering and death on the cross and reminder of His second coming. These are ordinances to be observed by the church. They are, however, not to be regarded as means for salvation.

Eternity

We believe that death seals the eternal destiny of each person. When Christ returns he will pronounce the eternal fate of each individual-only those who believe in Christ will experience eternal fellowship with God.

(Acts 1:10-11; John 5:28-29; 2 Corinthians 4:14).

 Hillview Baptist Church Affirms the Baptist Faith & Message 2000 as our broader doctrinal statement:

To learn more, please refer to the Baptist Faith & Message 2000.