Our Beliefs
This following statement summarizes the basic doctrinal tenets emphasized at Valley Bible Church.
The Bible
The original writings of both Old and New Testaments were breathed out by God to prophets, apostles, and apostolic associates by means of the Spirit, who chose the words employed according to the personality and background of the human author, and that these writings were without error and are of supreme and final authority in the lives of believers in any age.
God
There is but one true God, who eternally exists as three distinct persons, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, who exclusively share in the work of creation, maintenance of the universe, redemption and judgment.
The Son
The Eternal Son entered the human race as the virgin-born son of Mary, was named Jesus, fulfilled Old Testament prophecies of the Messiah, was rejected by Jewish leaders, condemned by Pontius Pilate, crucified by the Romans, buried in a borrowed tomb, but on the third day arose bodily from the dead in accordance with the predictions of the Old Testament scriptures.
The Holy Spirit
The resurrected Jesus ascended to heaven and on the day of Pentecost sent the Holy Spirit to indwell, guide, teach, and empower all who believe by imparting to them the life of Jesus so that they may live godly lives and engage in loving service to any who are in need.
Man and His Need
God created man perfect, in His own image, but because of Adam's sin God's image in man was corrupted. All human beings are now born dead in sin, and are unable to function in moral responsibility before God. Thus they need a spiritual regeneration before they can become what they were meant to be.
Redemption
Jesus died upon the cross as a sinless substitute for sinners of all ages and times, and the Father was thus, by means of the Spirit, reconciling the world to Himself. All who repent and believe in the risen Jesus as Lord, by faith alone, are regenerated, spiritually born again into permanent membership in the family of God.
The Church
The Church consists of all who have been regenerated by the Spirit, and finds expression as local churches, operating under the direction of Jesus as Lord and Head of His body, through elders, pastor teachers, and evangelists, who equip the saints to fulfill the work of the ministry as described in the scriptures.
Ordinances
Salvation is a gift of God to all who repent and place their faith in His Son Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Ordinances impart no grace to the believer, but serve as a constant memorial to Jesus Christ and the believer's relationship with Him. Jesus directed new believers to follow that step of faith with water baptism as an outward symbol of their spiritual identification with His death, burial, and resurrection. Jesus also directed His followers to participate together in the memorial supper to remember His death until He comes again in glory.
The Christian's Responsibility
All believers have been made new persons in Christ, through spiritual rebirth. We are still capable of acting on the urges of the sinful nature (the flesh) with which we once were identified. When we do so, we can produce only works which are not pleasing to God. We can choose, rather, to rely upon the Holy Spirit and His love living within us. The choice leads to a fruitful life that glorifies and pleases the Father.
Future Things
We look ahead to the visible, bodily return of Jesus Christ to earth. This hope calls us to holy living, genuine witness, and encouragement of heart. At his return Christ will complete his kingdom, judge the world in righteousness and fulfill his promises to his people (Israel and the Church). His future work on earth will conclude with the destruction of all evil and the creation of a new heaven and earth.
All human beings will be raised from the dead, at their proper time, to participate either in eternal life prepared for those who have been redeemed, or to participate in eternal punishment reserved for the devil and his angels.