Biblical Authority: God’s Unchanging Word

In a world where truth claims constantly shift with cultural trends and personal preferences, we’ve anchored our faith in the unchanging, authoritative Word of God. The sixty-six books of the Old and New Testaments stand as our supreme and final authority for all matters of faith and practice.

This conviction shapes everything about our church’s identity, teaching, and ministry. Why do we place such confidence in the Bible’s authority?

Inspiration:
We believe Scripture is “God-breathed” (2 Timothy 3:16)—that Divine while written by human authors, every word originated in the mind of God and was communicated through the guidance of the Holy Spirit. This divine inspiration extends to the very words of the original manuscripts, not merely to the ideas they contain.

The Bible itself claims this divine origin: “Prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit” (2 Peter 1:21). Jesus Himself affirmed the divine authority of Scripture, often prefacing His statements with “It is written” as the final word on any matter.

Complete Truthfulness:
Because the Bible comes from God who cannot lie (Titus 1:2), Scripture is completely trustworthy in all it affirms. This doesn’t mean the Bible is a scientific textbook or exhaustive historical chronicle, but that when properly interpreted according to its intended purpose and literary context, it speaks with divine accuracy on whatever subjects it addresses.

Jesus declared, “Your word is truth” (John 17:17), and this complete truthfulness extends to historical accounts, doctrinal teachings, moral instructions, and prophetic declarations. While some passages present interpretive challenges, these arise from our limited understanding rather than any deficiency in Scripture itself.

Final Authority:
In a world of competing voices and shifting cultural values, Scripture stands as our unchanging standard for faith and practice. Where tradition, experience, or human reasoning conflicts with the clear teaching of Scripture, we submit to biblical authority.

This doesn’t mean we disregard church tradition, spiritual experience, or rational thought—all have their proper place. But we evaluate all these by Scripture rather than interpreting Scripture through these lenses. The Bible judges our experience, not vice versa.

Complete Sufficiency:
The Bible contains everything necessary for understanding salvation and living a life that pleases God. While we value insights from theology, history, and contemporary application, we believe God has provided all essential spiritual truth within the pages of Scripture.

Peter affirms that God “has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him” (2 Peter 1:3), and this knowledge comes primarily through His revealed Word. We need no additional sacred texts or authoritative revelations beyond Scripture to know God’s will.

Spiritual Illumination:
Though containing profound mysteries, the central message of Scripture can be understood by anyone sincerely seeking truth, regardless of education or background. The Holy Spirit illuminates Scripture’s meaning to those who approach it with faith.

Jesus promised that the Spirit would “guide you into all the truth” (John 16:13), and this guidance particularly applies to understanding Scripture. While scholarly study is valuable, even the unlearned can grasp Scripture’s essential meaning through the Spirit’s illumination.

Transformative Power:
The Bible is not merely informational but transformational. God’s Word actively accomplishes His purposes (Isaiah 55:11), penetrating hearts, convicting of sin, and renewing minds when received in faith.

Scripture is “living and active, sharper than any double-edged sword” (Hebrews 4:12)—not a static text but the dynamic vehicle of God’s ongoing communication with His people. Through Scripture, we experience not just information about God but God Himself speaking to us today.

Our commitment to biblical authority shapes every aspect of our church life—from our preaching and teaching to our governance structure and ministry priorities. We approach Scripture with reverence, careful study, and obedient hearts, believing it provides the foundation for genuine Christian faith and practice.

This commitment doesn’t eliminate all interpretive differences among sincere believers, and we maintain charitable attitudes on secondary issues. But on the fundamental doctrines clearly taught in Scripture, we stand unmoved by cultural pressure or changing opinions.

In a world where relativism and subjectivity dominate, we invite you to discover the freedom that comes from building your life on the unshakable foundation of God’s Word.

Jesus Christ: Saviour, Lord, King

At the very center of our faith stands a Person, not a philosophy—Jesus Christ Himself. All of Scripture points to Him, all of creation was made through Him, and all of history moves toward His ultimate reign. As John’s Gospel declares, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God… Through him all things were made” (John 1:1, 3).

At ChristAlive Church, we proclaim the full biblical revelation of Jesus Christ. Our identity is premised on a profound commitment to revealing Jesus Christ in the fullness of His glory. This commitment recognizes that Christ fulfills three primary offices in relation to His church and creation: Savior, Lord, and King. Understanding these distinct yet complementary roles shape our vision, mission, doctrine, and practice as a Spirit-filled community of believers.

Jesus as Savior—The Foundation of our Faith

The office of Jesus as Savior represents the foundational truth upon which all Christian faith and practice rests. “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners” (1 Timothy 1:15), accomplishing this salvation through His substitutionary death on the cross where He bore the punishment for our sins, satisfying divine justice and making forgiveness possible. “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Corinthians 5:21). This substitutionary atonement stands at the very heart of the gospel—Christ died in our place.

Salvation comes exclusively through faith in Christ’s finished work. “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). We cannot earn salvation through religious effort or moral achievement—it comes solely by grace through faith in what Christ accomplished at Calvary.

At ChristAlive Church, the cross stands at the absolute center of our message. We affirm that salvation comes by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. No human effort, religious ritual, or moral achievement can earn God’s favor or forgiveness. Salvation is entirely the work of God through Christ’s perfect sacrifice.

Manifested in Our Vision

In our worship services, teaching ministry, and evangelistic outreach, we consistently proclaim:

1. The reality of human sin and its eternal consequences.
2. The perfection of Christ’s atoning sacrifice.
3. The sufficiency of His blood to cleanse from all sin.
4. The invitation to receive salvation through repentance and faith.
5. The assurance of eternal life for all who trust in Him.

At ChristAlive Church, we recognize that Jesus’ saving work extends beyond spiritual reconciliation to include physical healing. Isaiah 53:5 declares, “By His wounds we are healed,” establishing divine healing as part of God’s redemptive package purchased at Calvary. Our healing ministry flows directly from our understanding of Christ as Savior, whose redemptive work addresses the whole person—spirit, soul, and body.

Jesus as Lord—the Authority for our Lives

While Jesus as Savior secures our forgiveness, Jesus as Lord establishes His rightful authority over every aspect of our lives. “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved” (Romans 10:9). Acknowledging Christ’s lordship isn’t optional but essential to authentic Christian faith.

This lordship extends beyond religious activities to encompass our relationships, finances, career choices, time management, thought life, and every other dimension of human experience. Jesus doesn’t accept partial allegiance or compartmentalized devotion. His lordship demands complete surrender.

 Manifested in Our Vision

Our vision to reveal Jesus in all His glory necessarily includes revealing Him as the rightful Lord of all creation. His glory shines not only in His saving work but in His sovereign authority over every sphere of life and society.

In practical terms, this means:

• Teaching the full counsel of Scripture, not just comfortable truths.
• Maintaining biblical standards even when culturally unpopular.
• Practicing Spirit-led living that prioritizes divine guidance over human wisdom.
• Creating discipleship pathways that develop complete obedience to Christ.
• Modeling leadership that reflects Christ’s servant-hearted authority.

Applied in Our Mission

Our mission to “make disciples who reveal all the glory of Jesus in their lives, ministry and vocation” directly aligns with Christ’s lordship. We believe disciples should manifest Christ’s authority in three primary spheres:

Character and outlook – Personal character and lifestyle choices that demonstrate submission to Christ’s lordship through obedience to Scripture and sensitivity to the Spirit’s guidance.

Ministry – Service within the church body that operates under Christ’s authority and employs spiritual gifts according to His direction rather than human preference or tradition

Vocation – Professional work and daily responsibilities approached as divine assignments where believers represent Christ’s interests and values in the marketplace

The baptism in the Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in empowering believers to live under Christ’s lordship. Through this supernatural experience, disciples receive power to witness effectively (Acts 1:8) and access spiritual gifts that equip them for ministry under Christ’s authority. At ChristAlive Church, we actively encourage and facilitate this empowerment through regular opportunities for Spirit baptism, gift discovery, and ministry deployment.

Jesus as King—the Hope for our Future

 While Jesus as Savior secures our forgiveness, Jesus as Lord establishes His rightful authority over every aspect of our lives. “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved” (Romans 10:9). Acknowledging Christ’s lordship isn’t optional but essential to authentic Christian faith.

This lordship extends beyond religious activities to encompass our relationships, finances, career choices, time management, thought life, and every other dimension of human experience. Jesus doesn’t accept partial allegiance or compartmentalized devotion. His lordship demands complete surrender.

Christ’s work isn’t finished. He who came first as the suffering Servant will return as the conquering King to establish His righteous rule over all creation. “This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven” (Acts 1:11).

This return will be personal, visible, and glorious. Every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord (Philippians 2:10-11). He will judge the living and the dead, vindicate His people, and establish His eternal kingdom where there will be no more death, mourning, crying, or pain (Revelation 21:4).

 Manifested in Our Vision

Our vision of revealing Jesus in all His glory necessarily includes His royal majesty and sovereign authority. While the world may see Jesus as merely a historical figure or religious teacher, we proclaim Him as the reigning King of the universe whose authority extends over every nation, culture, and power.

This kingly glory manifests in:

1. Worship that acknowledges and celebrates His sovereignty
2. Prayer that appeals to and activates His royal authority
3. Teaching that explains the nature and principles of His kingdom
4. Prophetic ministry that declares His royal decrees
5. Healing and deliverance that demonstrates His kingly power over disease and darkness

Applied in Our Mission

Our mission to plant “sound local churches that are self-supporting, self-propagating, and self-governing” reflects our commitment to establishing outposts of Christ’s kingdom throughout the world. Each congregation serves as an embassy of the King, representing His interests and extending His influence within their community.

As subjects of King Jesus, we recognize:

1. His Kingdom Has Come – Through Christ’s first coming, death, resurrection, and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, the kingdom has already broken into this present age (Luke 17:21)
2. His Kingdom Is Coming – Through the church’s witness and ministry, the kingdom continues to advance against opposing forces (Matthew 11:12)
3. His Kingdom Will Come – At Christ’s return, His reign will be fully established, all opposition crushed, and creation restored to its intended glory (Revelation 11:15)

This understanding of Christ’s kingship informs our approach to:

1. Spiritual Warfare – We engage in warfare prayer and deliverance ministry with the authority of citizens representing our King’s interests against demonic opposition.
2. Social Engagement – We advocate for kingdom values and justice in society while recognizing that complete transformation awaits Christ’s return.
3. Evangelistic Urgency – We proclaim the gospel with urgency, knowing that all must eventually bow before the returning King.
4. Eschatological Hope – We maintain joyful expectation of Christ’s return while faithfully advancing His kingdom in the present.

At ChristAlive Church, we are committed to proclaiming and demonstrating Jesus Christ in the fullness of His threefold office as Savior, Lord, and King. This comprehensive vision of Christ shapes our identity, guides our mission, and empowers our ministry as a Spirit-filled community of believers.

We believe that when Jesus is revealed in the complete glory of His saving grace, sovereign authority, and kingly power, lives are transformed, communities are renewed, and the kingdom of God advances. Our prayer and passion remain that all would come to know Him as Savior, submit to Him as Lord, and serve Him as King until that day when every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Beyond these vital offices, we affirm these essential truths about Christ’s person:

His Eternal Deity:
Jesus isn’t merely a great teacher or prophet but the eternal Son of God, fully divine in every respect. “In Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form” (Colossians 2:9). He shares all divine attributes with the Father and Spirit, including omnipotence, omniscience, and eternality.

His Genuine Humanity:
Without surrendering His divine nature, the eternal Son became truly human through virgin conception by the Holy Spirit. Jesus experienced authentic human limitations, emotions, and temptations, yet without sin (Hebrews 4:15). This full humanity was essential for Him to represent us as our substitute.

His Bodily Resurrection:
After truly dying on the cross, Jesus rose bodily from the grave on the third day. This wasn’t a spiritual vision or metaphorical event but a physical resurrection that transformed His human body into an immortal, glorified state—the firstfruits of the resurrection awaiting all believers.

His Present Ministry:
Christ isn’t a historical figure whose work is finished but the living Lord who continues His ministry today. At the Father’s right hand, He intercedes for believers (Romans 8:34), directs His church through the Holy Spirit, and administers spiritual gifts to His body.

Our faith in Jesus Christ isn’t merely intellectual assent to these truths but personal trust in and commitment to the living Lord. We invite you to know Him not just as a historical figure or religious symbol but as your personal Savior, Healer, Baptizer, and soon-coming King.

The Holy Spirit: The Promise of the Father

In many churches, the Holy Spirit receives token acknowledgment but little expectation of His supernatural presence and power. At ChristAlive Church, we embrace the full biblical teaching about the Holy Spirit as the Promise of the Father—sent by Jesus to empower the church until He returns.

Jesus emphasized the Spirit’s importance when He told His disciples: “It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you” (John 16:7). The Spirit’s coming wasn’t a consolation prize for Christ’s absence but an upgrade to a new dimension of divine presence and power.

We affirm these fundamental truths about the Holy Spirit:

The Spirit’s Divine Personhood:
The Holy Spirit is not an impersonal force or energy but the third Person of the Trinity—fully God and equal with the Father and Son. He possesses all divine attributes including eternality, omnipresence, omniscience, and omnipotence. As a divine Person, He has intellect (1 Corinthians 2:10-11), emotions (Ephesians 4:30), and will (1 Corinthians 12:11).

The Spirit’s Regenerating Work:
At salvation, the Holy Spirit gives spiritual life to those dead in sin. Jesus called this being “born of the Spirit” (John 3:5-8), emphasizing its supernatural nature. This regeneration isn’t gradual moral improvement but instantaneous spiritual resurrection that enables faith and repentance.

The Spirit’s Indwelling Presence:
At conversion, the Spirit permanently indwells every genuine believer as God’s seal of ownership (Ephesians 1:13-14). This indwelling presence distinguishes New Covenant believers from Old Testament saints who experienced the Spirit’s temporary anointing but not His permanent residence.

The Spirit’s Baptism for Power:
Beyond conversion, we believe in a subsequent experience Scripture calls the “baptism” or “filling” with the Holy Spirit for supernatural empowerment. Jesus promised: “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses” (Acts 1:8).

Throughout Acts, this distinct experience typically occurred after salvation and was characterized by speaking in tongues (Acts 2:4, 10:46, 19:6). We believe this initial physical evidence remains the biblical pattern today. This Spirit baptism isn’t about spiritual superiority but about supernatural effectiveness in ministry.

The Spirit’s Gifts for Ministry:
The Holy Spirit distributes supernatural gifts to equip believers for ministry (1 Corinthians 12:4-11). These include:

• Revelatory gifts (word of wisdom, word of knowledge, discerning of spirits)
• Power gifts (faith, healings, miracles)
• Vocal gifts (prophecy, tongues, interpretation of tongues)

We believe all spiritual gifts mentioned in the New Testament remain valid and essential for the church today until “the perfect comes” at Christ’s return (1 Corinthians 13:8-12). These gifts aren’t optional accessories but necessary equipment for effective ministry.

The Spirit’s Fruit for Character:
Alongside supernatural gifts, the Spirit produces Christlike character through progressive sanctification. “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23). This character transformation authenticates spiritual gifts and prevents their misuse.

The Spirit’s Guidance for Mission:
The Holy Spirit directs the church’s mission through both Scripture and ongoing supernatural guidance. In Acts, we see the Spirit providing specific direction through prophecy, visions, supernatural circumstances, and inner promptings. We expect similar guidance today as we remain sensitive to His leading.

The Spirit’s Conviction of Sin:
Jesus taught that the Holy Spirit “will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment” (John 16:8). This convicting work precedes conversion, creating awareness of sin and need for salvation. The Spirit continues this convicting function in believers’ lives, bringing specific sins to light for confession and repentance.

The Spirit’s Glorification of Christ:
Jesus said the Spirit “will glorify me because it is from me that he will receive what he will make known to you” (John 16:14). Authentic Holy Spirit activity always exalts Jesus rather than drawing attention to itself or to human personalities. This Christ-centeredness serves as a key test of genuine spiritual manifestations.

Our emphasis on the Holy Spirit isn’t a theological sideline or denominational distinctive but alignment with the New Testament pattern. The early church was born in Pentecostal power and continued in supernatural ministry throughout Acts. This same pattern of Spirit-empowered witness remains God’s design for His church until Christ returns.

We invite you to experience the fullness of the Spirit’s presence and power—not as an optional spiritual enhancement but as the normal Christian life Jesus intended for all His followers.