Shoreline Beliefs

About God

God is the Creator and Ruler of the universe. He has eternally existed in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three are co-equal, co-eternal, co-essential, and are one God. (Genesis 1:1, 26, 27; 3:22; Psalm 90:2; Matthew 28:19; 2 Corinthians 13:141 Peter 1:2)

About Human Beings

We are made in the spiritual image of God, to be like Him in character. People are the supreme object of God’s creation. Although we have tremendous potential for good, we are marred by attitudes and actions of disobedience toward God. The biblical word for this is “sin.” Sin separates people from God. God loves us so much that he has made a way to restore our relationship with Him and to give us hope in this life and assurance of eternal life with Him. (Genesis 1:26-27; John 2:25; Romans 3:23)

About Jesus Christ

Jesus Christ is the Son of God and fully divine. He lived a sinless human life and offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all people by dying on the cross. He rose from the dead after three days to demonstrate His power over sin and death. He ascended to heaven’s glory and will return again to earth to reign as King of kings and Lord of lords. (Matthew 1:22-23; Isaiah 9:6; John 1:1-5; 14:10-30; Hebrews 4:14-15; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4; Romans 1:3-4; Acts 1:9-11; 1 Timothy 6:14-15; Titus 2:13)

About Salvation

God loves us so much that He has offered His greatest gift to humanity. Human beings can never make up for sin by self-improvement or good works. Only by God’s offer of forgiveness and grace, that are received by trusting in Jesus Christ, can men and women be saved from the power and penalty of sin. Eternal life with God begins the moment one receives Jesus Christ by faith. (Romans 5:1; 6:23; Ephesians 1:8-9; John 1:12; 14:6; Titus 3:5; Galatians 3:26)

About the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit is present in the world to make people aware of their need for Jesus Christ. He also lives in every Christian from the moment of salvation. He provides the believer with power for living, understanding of spiritual truth, and guidance in doing what is right. The Christian seeks to live under His control daily.  The Holy Spirit gifts Christians for service and ministry and grows fruit in every follower of Jesus. (2 Corinthians 3:17; John 16:7-13; 14:16-17; Acts 1:8; 1 Corinthians 2:12; 3:16; Ephesians 1:13; 5:1; Galatians 5:25)

About the Bible

The Bible is God’s Word to all people. It was written by human authors, under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is the only supreme source of truth for Christian beliefs and living. Because it is inspired by God, it is without any error. (2 Timothy 1:13; 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20-21; Psalm 12:6, 119:105; Proverbs 30:5)

Priesthood of Believers

In the Old Testament we read that people came to God through a priest. In the New Testament, we are taught that Jesus Christ is our access to the Father and none of us needs to go through anyone except Him to reach God. We come to the Father through faith in Jesus Christ by the leading of the Holy Spirit. Because of this, all believers are called a “royal priesthood” and we are invited to come confidently to God in the name of Jesus Christ. (John 14:6; 1 Timothy 2:5; 1 Peter 2:9)

About Eternity

Human beings were created to exist forever. God’s desire is for all people to come to Him through faith in Jesus. Those who receive God’s grace through Jesus will exist eternally in union with God. This is called heaven. Those who do not receive the free gift of Jesus in this life will remain eternally separated from God because of their sin. This is called hell. Heaven and hell are places of eternal existence. (John 3:16; Romans 6:23; Matthew 25:31-46; Revelation 20:15)