Mosaic Church Statement of Faith
Four Foundational Truths: The four foundational truths will be used as doctrinal shorthand. While this isn’t everything we can say about God, we will often refer to these foundational truths in order to communicate who God is, what He has done, and what our response to Him should be.
God is great || He is sovereign over all things. (Gen. 1; Gen. 50:20; Ps. 24:1; Rom. 8:18-30; Col. 1:15-20)
God is gracious || He saves his people. (Gen. 3:15; Gen. 15; Ex. 6:1-13; 1 Kings 8; Ps. 130; Is. 53; Matt. 1:21; Lk. 4:16-30; Eph. 2:1-10; 2 Cor. 5:16-21; Rev. 21:1-6)
God is glorious || He satisfies his people. (Psalm 8; Psalm 107:9; Psalm 22:26; Psalm 16:11; Psalm 119; Is. 6:1-7; Zeph. 3:17; Jn. 6:35)
God is good || He is worthy of our trust. (Ex. 34:6-7; Deut. 32:4; Prov. 3:5-6; Josh. 1:9; Ps. 62:5-8; Ps. 73:1; Rom. 8:28; James 1:12-18; 1 Pt. 2:1-3)
Statement of Faith: Mosaic Church is a church that exists under the lordship of Jesus Christ. Therefore, we are committed to contending for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints (Jude 1:3). In unity with the historic Christian Church, we believe and confess the Apostles’, Nicene and Chalcedonian Creeds as accurate representations of Scripture’s teaching. In addition to these historic formulations, we are situated within the evangelical, Reformed and Baptist traditions.
Basic Doctrines
The basic doctrines within Mosaic Church’s Statement of Faith represent what we believe to be core elements of biblical teaching. We expect all members of Mosaic Church to affirm these doctrines.
I. Of Revelation
We believe that God has made Himself known to His creation. He has revealed Himself to us in His Son, in Scripture, and in creation.
We believe that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is the perfect revelation of who God is. Jesus Christ is the “image of the invisible God,” “the exact imprint of his nature” and a perfect reflection of God the Father.
We believe that the Holy Bible was written by men divinely inspired, and is a perfect treasure of heavenly instruction; that it has God for its author, salvation for its end, and truth without any mixture of error for its matter; that it reveals the principles by which God will judge and reward us; and therefore is, and shall remain to the end of the world, the true center of Christian union, and the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds, and opinions should be tried.
(Heb.1:1-2; Heb. 1:3; 2 Tim. 3:16; Ps. 8; Rom. 1:20; Col. 1:15; John 5:19)
II. Of The True God
We believe that there is one, and only one, living and true God, an infinite, intelligent Spirit, whose name is YAHWEH, the Maker and Supreme Ruler of heaven and earth; inexpressibly glorious in holiness, and worthy of all possible honor, trust, and love; that in the unity of the Godhead there are three persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit; equal in every divine perfection, and executing distinct but harmonious offices in the great work of redemption.
IIa. The Father is the first member of the Trinity, unbegotten, an infinite, personal Spirit, perfect in holiness, wisdom, power and love. We believe that He concerns Himself mercifully in the affairs of men, that He hears and answers prayer, and that He saves from sin and death all that come to Him through Jesus Christ. We believe that He orders and disposes all things according to His own purpose and grace.
IIb. Jesus, the Son, is coequal, consubstantial (i.e., having the same substance, nature, or essence), and coeternal with the Father. He is eternally begotten. He was with the Father in the beginning and all things were made through him. He was incarnated into our world by being born of a virgin, becoming human that he might succeed where Adam failed and save all those who put their trust in his substitutionary, propitiatory death. He was raised bodily from the dead, ascended into heaven, and will make a personal, visible return to earth.
IIc. We believe in the Holy Spirit who is sent from the Father and the Son to convict the world of sin, righteousness and judgment. The Holy Spirit eternally proceeds from the Father through the Son. In all the divine attributes, He is coequal, consubstantial, and coeternal with the Father and the Son. We believe that he is the supernatural and sovereign agent in regeneration; it is His work to indwell, sanctify, instruct, empower for service, and seal until the day of redemption all who believe on Jesus Christ. We believe he indwells every believer in Christ, and that he is an abiding helper, teacher and guide.
(Gen. 1; Is. 6; Matt. 28:18-20, Jn. 1:1-18; Jn. 7:38-39; Eph. 1; Col. 1:15-20; Heb. 1:3)
III. Of Creation and Providence
God created the whole world from nothing. God’s creative work is the overflow of the love present within the Trinitarian fellowship. Creation, according to the design of God, was good. God created without strain or exhaustion.
God upholds the universe by the word of His power, and He holds the world together in himself. God knows all, is sovereign over all, and directs all things to their proper end.
(Gen. 1:1-2; Gen. 1:3-31; Job 38; Ps. 24:1; Rom. 8: 28; Col. 1:17)
IV. Of Humanity and Purpose
We believe that humanity has been created in the image of God. This means that every individual, regardless of gender, race, intellectual ability or age are image bearers and worthy of unconditional dignity and respect. God has commissioned humanity to exercise his rule over creation by being faithful stewards of what He has entrusted to them. Men and women only find their true purpose and joy when they place their life in God.
(Gen. 1:27-31; Ps. 4:7; Ps. 8; Ps. 139:13; Matt. 11:28-30; Phil. 4:11-13)
V. Of The Fall Of Man
We believe that humanity was created in holiness, under the law of his Maker; but by voluntary transgression fell from that holy and happy state. As a result in all humanity are now sinners, not by constraint but choice; being by nature utterly void of that holiness required by the law of God, positively inclined to evil; and therefore under just condemnation to eternal ruin, without defense or excuse.
(Gen. 3; Ps. 51; Rom. 1:18-32; Rom. 3:9-20; Eph. 2:1-3)
VI. Of The Way Of Salvation
We believe that the salvation of sinners is wholly of grace; through the mediatorial offices of the Son of God; who by the appointment of the Father, freely took upon him our nature, yet without sin; fulfilled the divine law by his personal obedience, and by his death made a full atonement for our sins; that having risen from the dead he is now enthroned in heaven; and uniting in His wonderful person the tenderest sympathies with divine perfections, he is every way qualified to be a suitable, a compassionate, and an all-sufficient Savior.
(Gen. 3:15; Gen. 15; Lev. 16; Is. 53; Luke 4:16-30; Eph. 2:4-10; Heb. 10:14; Heb. 10:19-23)
VII. Of Justification
We believe that the great Gospel blessing which Christ secures to such as believe in Him is justification; that justification includes the pardon of sin, and the promise of eternal life; that it is bestowed, not in consideration of any works of righteousness which we have done, but solely through faith in the Redeemer’s blood; by virtue of which faith His perfect righteousness is freely imputed to us by God; that it brings us into a state of most blessed peace and favor with God, and secures every other blessing needful for time and eternity.
(Ge. 15:6; Jn. 1:12; Gal. 2:16; Eph. 2:8-9; Rom. 3:28; Rom. 5:1-11)
VIII. Of The Freeness Of Salvation
We believe that the blessings of salvation are made free to all by the Gospel; that it is the immediate duty of all to accept them by a cordial, penitent, and obedient faith; and that nothing prevents the salvation of the greatest sinner on earth, but his own inherent depravity and voluntary rejection of the gospel; which rejection involves him in condemnation.
(Gen. 15:1-18; Ex. 2:23-25; Ps. 130; Matt. 11:18-20; Lk. 15:10; Jn. 3:16-17; Eph. 2:8-9)
IX. Of Grace In Regeneration
We believe that, in order to be saved, sinners must be regenerated, or born again; that regeneration is effected in a manner above our comprehension by the power of the Holy Spirit, in connection with divine truth, so as to secure our voluntary obedience to the gospel; and that its proper evidence appears in the holy fruits of repentance, faith, newness of life, and fruit of the spirit.
(Ez. 36:22-36; Jn. 3:1-15)
X. Of Repentance and faith
We believe that repentance and faith are sacred duties, and also inseparable graces, wrought in our souls by the regenerating Spirit of God; whereby being deeply convinced of our guilt, danger and helplessness, and of the way of salvation by Christ, we turn to God with unfeigned contrition, confession, and supplication for mercy; at the same time heartily receiving the Lord Jesus Christ as our Prophet, Priest and King, and relying on Him alone as the only and all sufficient Savior.
(Matt. 3:2; Matt. 4:17; Mk. 1:14-15; Lk. 5:32; Jn. 10:26-28)
XI. Of Sanctification
We believe that sanctification is the process by which, according to the will of God, we are conformed to the image of Christ. It is a progressive work; that it is begun in regeneration; and that it is carried on in the hearts of believers by the presence and power of the Holy Spirit, the Sealer and Comforter, in the continual use of the appointed means–especially, the word of God, self-examination, self-denial, watchfulness and prayer.
(Jn. 17:18-19; Phil. 1:6; Phil. 4:4-9; Heb. 10:10; Heb. 10:14; 1 Thess. 5:23; 1 Pet. 1:14-15)
XII. Of The Perseverance Of Saints
We believe that real believers will endure unto the end; that their persevering attachment to Christ is the grand mark which distinguishes them from superficial professors; that a special Providence watches over their welfare; and they are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation.
(Matt. 7:23; Lk. 22:31-32; Phil. 1:6; 1 Jn. 2:13)
XIII. Of A Gospel Church
We believe that a visible church of Christ is a congregation of baptized believers, associated by covenant in the faith and fellowship of the Gospel; observing the ordinances of Christ; governed by His laws; and exercising the gifts, rights, and privileges invested in them by His word; that its only scriptural officers are Elders and Deacons, whose qualifications, claims, and duties are defined in scripture, and particularly the Epistles to Timothy and Titus.
(Num. 11:16:30; Acts 6; 1 Tim. 3; Titus 1-2)
XIV. Of Baptism And The Lord’s Supper
We believe that Christian baptism is the immersion in water of a believer, into the Name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. It is a public demonstration of our faith in the crucified, buried, and risen Savior, with its effect, in our death to sin and resurrection to a new life. Believer’s baptism is a prerequisite to the privileges of a church relation. The Lord’s Supper is that ordinance by which the church remembers the work of Christ celebrated in baptism by the sacred use of bread and cup. In the Lord’s Supper, God’s people are invited to taste and see that the Lord is good.
(Matt. 3:13-17; Matt. 26:26-29; Matt. 28:18-20; Lk. 22:19-20; Acts 10:47; Acts 16:31-33; Rom. 6:1-11; 1 Cor. 11:17-34; 1 Cor. 12:13)
XV. Of The Christian Sabbath
We believe that God has called his people to weekly rest. This rest is an opportunity for God’s people to remember and rehearse the truth that God is infinite and sovereign while we are limited and needy. While we do not believe that the Sabbath rest must fall on a specific day, we believe that the scriptural principle of Sabbath rest is to be faithfully kept among God’s people.
(Gen. 2:1-3; Ex. 20:8-11; Matt. 12:10-12; Lk. 4:16; Heb. 4:1-11)
XVI. The Gifts of the Spirit
We believe that the Holy Spirit has gifted each local church with all the necessary abilities and characteristics to pursue obedience, worship, and mission. We believe that the gospel work, to which every faithful church is called, can only be accomplished by the power of the Holy Spirit operating in the lives of the members of the church.
We believe that the gifts, often called the “sign gifts,” are still operational in the life of the church for the edification of the body and the going forth of the gospel into the world. These gifts should be practiced in accordance with the biblical prescriptions and should not become divisive in the life of the body.
(Joel 2:28-29; Matt. 10:1-15; Acts 2; 1 Cor. 11-14)
XVIII. Of The World To Come
We believe that the end of the world is approaching; that at the last day, Christ will descend from heaven, and raise the dead from the grave to final retribution; that a solemn separation will then take place; that the wicked will be adjudged to endless punishment, and the righteous to endless joy; and that this judgment will fix forever the final state of men in heaven or hell, on principles of righteousness.
(Matt. 24; 1 Thess. 4-5; Rev. 21:1-8)
Distinctives
Gospel-Centered Theology
God is the initiator of Salvation and Jesus is the Hero. God doesn’t respond to us – we respond to God’s initiative and calling. He saves and secures us for salvation and we respond only because of and by his grace. Jesus’ life, death, resurrection, ascension and sending of the Spirit are the center and fulfillment of our faith. It is through him, because of him and in him that we come to be God’s people, are transformed and have hope for final restoration.
Charismatic Pneumatology
We believe the Holy Spirit is alive and active in regeneration, empowerment and ongoing filling for the purposes of God in this world. We believe all of the gifts of the Holy Spirit are still available today, but not one of them in particular is required to give evidence of the baptism or filling of the Spirit. The baptism of the Spirit accompanies believer’s baptism, which is its proper symbol.
Already-Not-Yet Eschatology
We believe the Kingdom of God was inaugurated in Jesus’ first coming and will be consummated in his second coming. We live in the “in between” where we can experience the reign of Jesus while longing for its completion as we also experience the reality that things are not yet fully as they will be within the new heaven and new earth. We acknowledge the variety of views within inaugurated eschatology and allow for this variety within our family.
Missional Ecclesiology
We believe the church is the family of God sent by the Spirit to make disciples of Jesus to all nations throughout the world. We are saved by God’s power for God’s purposes to bring him glory in all things wherever we are. The church is always being sent by God to accomplish his mission.
Gospel Communities On Mission As Prime Organizing Structure
We believe the most irreducible and effective structure for making disciples as the church is a Gospel Community. This is a smaller group of people who gather regularly and engage in everyday life on mission throughout the week with a commitment to reaching a particular people and place together with the goal of making disciples and multiplying and sending more GCs.
Ordered Equality in Shared Ministry
We are complementarians in that we believe men and women are created in the image of God equally, yet with distinct roles in the church. Men and women are called to use their gifts fully in the ministry of the church under the leadership of biblically qualified male elders/pastors. While the office of elder is reserved for biblically qualified men, we believe that both biblically qualified men and women can be ordained and serve as deacons/ministers in the life of the church.
Family Discipleship in worship
We believe that the primary discipling presence for children in a Christian household should be the parents. We believe that it is the role of the church and its officers to encourage, equip, and empower parents to regularly engage in the discipleship of those in their household. In light of this, we actively encourage families, at the first moment that children are able, to include their children in the corporate worship of the body as it gathers weekly.