The following are the core beliefs of Mason Street Church of Christ based on the foundational truths taught in the bible. All of our teaching and ministry is rooted in and flows out of these biblical doctrines.
There is One God - Three Persons
When God creates man in Genesis 1:26 he says “Let Us make man in Our image.” This reveals that God is multiple persons who we learn elsewhere are the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Although they are three distinct entities, they operate together in perfect harmony. (Genesis 1:26; Matthew 3:16-17, 28:19; Luke 1:35, 10:21-22, 11:13; John 15:26-27; Isaiah 9:6; Acts 2:32-33).
Jesus Christ is the Messiah
Jesus Christ is God’s only Son and our risen Savior. He was fully God and fully man. He was born of a virgin through the power of the Holy Spirit. Jesus taught how we are to live for God in word and actions. His authority was confirmed by the signs and miracles He performed. After living a sinless life, He sacrificed His life on the cross thereby atoning for our sins through the shedding of His blood. Jesus broke the bonds of death by rising from the dead on the third day as predicted in the Scriptures. He ascended to heaven where he reigns at the right hand of the Father. We know that He will return again in power and glory (Luke 1:35; John 1:1-3,14; Acts 2:22; 1 Timothy 3:16; Isaiah 53:1-12; Philippians 2:5-11; 1 Corinthians 15:1-8; 1 Timothy 2:5).
We Need Reconciliation with God
Man is not born sinful but eventually will choose sin like Adam and Eve did in the garden. We are given “free will” to serve God or reject Him. Our sin is a rejection of God that creates a wall between God and man. Christ broke down that wall and created a path that we can choose to take back to a right relationship with God. (Gen.1:26-31, 3:1-7; Romans 5:12-21; Ephesians 2:13-16).
We are Saved by Grace Through Faith in Jesus
Salvation is a gift from God, not a result of our good works or of any human efforts. Jesus did all of the heavy lifting by paying the price for our sins on the cross. We have been set free from the bondage of sin to live for God instead of ourselves. (Ephesians 2:8-10; Galatians 2:15-16; Titus 3:5; Romans 10:9-10; Acts 4:8-12, 16:31; Romans 3:21-28; Colossians 2:21-23).
Christ’s Sacrifice Changes Our Lives
When we accept Christ as our Lord and Savior, it causes us to want to live in a way worthy of the grace we have received. Repentance is our commitment to turn away from a self-centered life serving the flesh to one that seeks to be Christ-like. Grace is not cheap, it cost Jesus everything. Therefore, we repent of our old way of life to walk in a new way of life imitating Jesus. (Luke 15:1-10, 24:45-47; Acts 2:38, 3:19-21; Romans 2:3-4; 2 Corinthians 6:14-19).
Baptism is a Burial and Resurrection
When a believer accepts Christ’s offer of salvation, they are immersed in water for the forgiveness of their sins. This also marks an end to their old life and a commitment to lead a new life led by the Spirit instead of the flesh. All biblical examples of baptism involve individuals who profess their faith and are immersed in water. (Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 2:37-41, 8:12-13, 35-39, 16:14-15, 25-33; Romans 6:1-7; Galatians3:26-27).
The Bible is the Inspired, Authoritative Word of God
The Bible tells us about God’s plan for humanity from creation through the establishment of the church. It reveals God’s character, His nature and His desire for a relationship with us. Studying the Bible teaches what God desires from us and how we can live in a way that pleases Him. (2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20-21; Acts 17:11;Romans 16:25-26).
We are a Family of Believers
The church is the Body of Christ, and we are all members of His body. We all bring different gifts, experiences and abilities, but each is equally important in forming Christ’s body. As brothers and sisters in Christ, we care for one another’s needs and support each other spiritually, emotionally and physically. The Holy Spirit unites all believers as part of the household of God. (Romans 12:4-8; 1 Corinthians 12:12-18, 16:19-20; Ephesians 1:22-23; Colossians 1:17-20; Philemon 1:1-3).
