Theology

The Church of the Nazarene is the largest denomination in the Wesleyan-Arminian theological tradition. The doctrine that distinguishes the Church of the Nazarene and other Wesleyan denominations from most other Christian denominations, is that of entire sanctification. Nazarenes believe that God calls Christians to a life of holy living that is marked by an act of God; cleansing the heart from original sin and filling the individual with love for God and humankind. This experience is marked by entire consecration of the believer to do God’s will, and is followed by a life of seeking to serve God through service to others. Like salvation, entire sanctification is an act of God’s grace, not of works. Our pursuant service to God is an act of love; whereby we show our appreciation for the grace that has been extended to us through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Statement of Faith

The Bible: We believe the Bible is inspired by God (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

The Trinity: We believe in the Trinity, that God is three: Father, Son and Holy Spirit who are One (2 Cor. 13:14).

The Fall of Man: We believe that all people were created in the image of God, but that by voluntary disobedience fell from perfection (Romans 5:12).

The Plan of Salvation: We believe that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us, offering forgiveness to all who believe in Him (John 3:16, Romans 5:8).

Salvation through Grace: We believe that salvation is not a result of our efforts, but it is the free gift of God (Ephesians 2:8).

Repentance and Acceptance: We believe that upon sincere repentance and whole hearted acceptance of Christ, we are forgiven and made perfect before God (1 John 1:9).

The New Birth: We believe that salvation is a spiritual new birth that offers new life in Christ (2 Cor. 5:17, John 3:5-7).

Daily Christian Life: We believe that God desires every believer to live for Him daily (Hebrews 6:1, Galatians 2:20).

Baptism and Communion: We believe that baptism by immersion is an outward sign of an inward work (Matthew 28:19). We believe in the commemoration of the Lord’s Supper by the use of bread and juice of the vine (1 Cor. 11:24, 25).

Holy Living: We believe that one purpose of the Holy Spirit is to fill the believer with power, and that His presence enables believers to live the Christian life (1 Peter 1:13-16).

The Spirit-filled Life: We believe that it is the will of God that we walk in the Spirit daily (Ephesians 4:15-16).

The Gifts and Fruit of the Spirit: We believe that the Holy Spirit has gifts to give to the Christian; and that we should show spiritual fruit as evidence of a Spirit-filled life (1 Corinthians 12:1-11).

The Second Coming of Christ: We believe in the second coming of Christ where He will come for His church (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17).

The Final Judgment: We believe that all shall stand some day before the judgment seat of God; and there receive eternal life or death (2 Corinthians 5:10).

Heaven: We believe that heaven is the glorious eternal home of believers (John 14:1-3, Revelation 7:15-17).

Hell: We believe that hell is the place of eternal judgment for all who reject Christ as their Savior (Revelation 20:10, 15).

Evangelism: We believe that sharing Christ with others is the responsibility and the privilege of all believers. It is through evangelism that salvation through Jesus Christ is spread (James 5:20).