Statement of Faith

We believe there is one, and only one, living and true God. He is the eternal, infinite Creator and supreme Ruler of heaven and earth. He is just, merciful, and loving, and he governs all things according to his sovereign will. He is inexpressibly glorious in holiness and is worthy of all possible honor, confidence, and love. In the unity of the Godhead there are three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. They are equal in every divine perfection, and they carry out distinct but harmonious offices in the great work of redemption.

We also believe God, from eternity, decrees or permits all things that come to pass, and perpetually upholds, directs, and governs all creatures and all events. However, God is not in any way the author or approver of sin, nor does he destroy the free agency and responsibility of mankind.

1.上帝：我們相信上帝是獨一無二，又真又活的上帝。祂是永恆無限的造物主，天地間至高無上的統治者。他至為公義，滿了憐憫和慈愛，且以其至高旨意掌管一切。祂聖潔的榮光難以言傳，配得一切可能的尊榮、信靠和愛戴。上帝是獨一之神，在祂裡面有三個位格：父、子、聖靈。三個位格同有神性的完美，在救贖大功中，各自擔任其獨特但和諧的職分。
我們也相信，神自永恆中即已命定並准許一切將要成就的事，永遠保持、指導、掌管一切受造物及其行動與事物。然而，神絕對沒有創始、認可罪惡，也不破壞人類的自由選擇和責任。

Exodus 20:3–4; Deuteronomy 4:35; 4:39; 6:4–5; 32:39; 1 Samuel 2:2; 1 Kings 8:23; Psalm 86:8–10; Isaiah 6:3; 44:6–8; 45:5–25; 46:9; Jeremiah 10:6–10; Micah 7:18; Malachi 3:6; Matthew 3:13–17; 28:18–20; John 4:24; 10:30; 14:6; 17:3; 17:11; 17:20–21; Acts 5:3–4; 1 Corinthians 8:4–6; 2 Corinthians 3:17; 13:14; Galatians 3:20; Ephesians 1:3–14; 4:5–6; 1 Thessalonians 1:9; 1 Timothy 1:17; 2:5; James 2:19; 1 John 5:20; Jude 25; Revelation 4:11

We believe the Holy Bible, both Old and New Testaments, was written by persons who were divinely inspired, and that it is a perfect treasure of heavenly instruction. God is its author, salvation is its purpose, and truth, without any mixture of error, is its content. Scripture reveals the principles by which God will judge us and the way of salvation through Jesus Christ. Therefore, it is now, and will be to the end of the world, the true center of Christian fellowship and the supreme standard for evaluating all human conduct, creeds, and opinions.

2.聖經：我們相信《聖經》，即舊約和新約聖經，都是在神的默示下寫的，是一個完美的寶庫，裡面承載著從天而來的指示。上帝是《聖經》的作者，救恩乃其要旨，而沒有任何錯誤混雜於其中的真理，則為其內容。聖經啟示了神將審判我們所依據的原則，和通過耶穌基督得救的道路。因此，從現在開始，直到世界的末了，《聖經》都是基督徒團契交通的真正核心，且是評斷所有人類行為、信經和意見的最高標準。

Psalm 119; Proverbs 30:5–6; Isaiah 40:8; Luke 24:25–47; John 5:39; Romans 2:12; Philippians 2:16; 1 Thessalonians 2:13; 2 Timothy 3:15–17; Hebrews 1:1–2; 4:12–13; 2 Peter 1:19–21; 3:15–16; 1 John 4:1

We believe God created humanity in his own image, and because of this every person—regardless of culture, ethnicity, developmental stage, mental capacity, or any other factor—has inherent and equal value. God created humanity male and female, as the crowning jewel of his creation. Differences between male and female are immutably rooted in God’s original biological design and are intended to foster human flourishing. His design also encompasses marriage, which is the lifelong covenant union of one biological man and one biological woman and reflects the unbreakable love between Christ and his bride, the church; and singleness, which is a gracious gift God gives in order to serve him without distraction and divided interests, and to remind us that human marriage is not the final destiny of anyone, for all who are in Christ will ultimately and gloriously be wed to Christ himself.

3.人類：我們相信上帝按著自己的形像造人，因此，不論文化、種族、發展階段、智力或其他任何因素，每個人都具有與生俱來平等的價值。上帝造男、造女，人在祂所造之物當中是冠冕上的寶石。男女之間的差異根源在上帝最初的生物設計中，永不改變，其目的在於促進人類的興盛發展。祂的設計還包括婚姻，這是為一位生物特徵的男人和一位生物特徵的女人所定的終身之久聖約聯合，婚姻反映了基督和他的新婦（教會）之間那打不破的愛情；而單身是神出於恩典所賜的禮物，為了讓人在服事祂時沒有分心和罣慮之事；此外婚姻還提醒我們，人類的婚姻不是任何人的終點，所有在基督裡的人最終都會榮耀地嫁給基督祂自己。

Genesis 1:26–30; 2:5, 7, 18–22, 24; 9:6; Exodus 21:16; Psalms 1; 8:3–6; 139:14; Matthew 19:4–6; 19:10–12; Mark 2:19–20; Mark 10:6–9; 12:25; 1 Corinthians 7:1–9, 25–35, 38–40; Colossians 1:16; Ephesians 5:25–32; 1 Timothy 1:10; Revelation 7:17; 19:7–9; 2 Corinthians 11:2; Isaiah 54:5; Revelation 21:9–10

We believe that though originally free from sin, humanity voluntarily rebelled against God and fell from their holy and happy state. As a result, all persons are now sinners and lack the righteousness required by the law of God, having inherited a corrupt nature wholly opposed to him. Therefore, they are under just condemnation to a sentence of eternal ruin, without defense or excuse.

4.墮落：我們相信，人在起初被造時雖是無罪的，卻是自願背叛神，並從其聖潔蒙恩的狀態中墮落。因此，現在所有人都是罪人，虧缺神的律法所要求的公義，承接了全然反對神的敗壞本性。因此，人招來公義的定罪，其結局是永遠滅亡，他們無法替自己辯護且無可推諉。

Genesis 1:27; 31; 2:16–17; 3:1–24; 6:5, 12; 8:21; Psalm 51:5; Ecclesiastes 7:29; Isaiah 53:6; Ezekiel 18:19–20; Matthew 20:15; Acts 17:26–29; Romans 1:18–32; 2:1–16; 3:9–18; 5:12; Galatians 3:10, 22; Ephesians 2:1–3; Colossians 1:21

We believe God eternally chose some persons unto everlasting life, not because he foresaw merit in them, but solely because of his mercy in Christ, through which he called, justified, and glorified them. Election displays God’s sovereign goodness and his infinite freedom, wisdom, compassion, and unchangeable character. It is perfectly consistent with human free agency and includes all the means necessary to achieve God’s purpose. Indeed, it encourages the greatest possible exercise of human responsibility. Electing grace extinguishes boasting, cultivates humility, promotes love, fosters prayer, fuels evangelism, and solidifies trust in God to keep those who are his.

5.上帝賜下恩典的目的：我們相信神在永恆中揀選了一些人得永生，但祂並不是因爲預見他們裡面有任何功德，而僅藉著祂在基督裡所施的憐憫呼召他們、稱他們為義，且使他們得榮耀。神的揀選體現了神出於祂至高主權的良善，以及祂無限的自由、智慧、憐愛和不變的性情。揀選完全不違背人的自由選擇，且包括了實現上帝目的所需的一切方法。事實上，揀選也鼓勵人儘可能最大地履行個人的責任。揀選的恩典使人無法自誇、使人謙卑、激發愛心、儆醒禱告、熱心傳福音，並堅固人對上帝必定保守屬祂之人的信心。

Exodus 33:18–19; Deuteronomy 7:7–8; Jeremiah 31:3; Luke 10:22; John 1:12–13; 6:37–44; 10:16; 15:16; Acts 2:22–23; 4:27–28; 13:48; 15:14; 16:14; 18:12; Romans 3:27; 4:16; 8:28–9:24; 11:5–6; 11:28–36; 1 Corinthians 1:26–31;3:5–7; 9:22; 15:10; Galatians 1:15–16; Ephesians 1:1–2:10; Philippians 1:6; 3:12; Colossians 3:12; 1 Thessalonians 1:4–10; 2:12; 2 Thessalonians 2:13– 14; 2 Timothy 1:8–9; 2:10; Hebrews 6:11; 1 Peter 1:1–2; 2 Peter 1:10–11; 1 John 4:19; Revelation 13:8

We believe the salvation of sinners is only by the grace of God through the work of Jesus Christ, apart from any human work. Jesus is the promised Messiah and Savior of the world, and is the mediator of a new covenant between God and humanity. By the appointment of the Father, he freely took on our nature but not our sin. He honored the divine law by his personal obedience and made a full atonement for our sins by his substitutionary death, satisfying God’s justice. He rose from the dead and is now enthroned in heaven. Jesus Christ unites in his person the tenderest sympathies with divine perfections and, as such, is qualified in every way to be a suitable, compassionate, and all-sufficient Savior.

6.中保：我們相信，罪人只能藉著神的恩典，通過耶穌基督的工作而得救，人在這件事上全無功勞。耶穌是那位應許的彌賽亞和世界的救主，是神與人之間所立之新約的中保。祂接受父的差派，自願取了我們的人性，但未承接我們的罪。藉著個人順服並尊重神的律法，且代替我們而死，祂為我們贖罪，滿足了神公義的要求。他從死裡復活，現正坐在高天的寶座上。耶穌基督在其位格中，將最溫柔的悲憫之心，與其完美神性結合在一起，因此，祂在各方面都有資格成為一位合適的、滿了憐憫，且有充分能力的救主。

Isaiah 53:4–5; 55:1; Jeremiah 31:31–34; Matthew 4:17; 11:20–24, 28–30; Mark 1:15; Luke 19:10; John 1:1–14;3:16–21; 5:40; 6:29; 1 Timothy 2:5

We believe sinners must be regenerated, or born again, in order to be saved. Regeneration is a change of heart, accomplished by the Holy Spirit, who resurrects those dead in trespasses and sins. God’s Spirit enlightens sinners’ minds to understand God’s Word, and he renews their whole nature so that they voluntarily trust and obey God’s Son. Regeneration is a work of God’s free and special grace alone, and its proper evidence appears in the holy fruits of repentance, faith, and newness of life.

7.重生：我們相信罪人必須重生才能得救。重生是聖靈所作人心的改變，聖靈復活了那些死在過犯罪惡之中的人。神的靈光照罪人的心思意念，使他們明白神的話，更新他們整個本性，使他們自願信靠並順服神的兒子。重生唯獨是神白白恩典的工作，這工作適當的證據顯現在悔改、信心和生命更新的聖潔果實中。

Jeremiah 31:31–34; Ezekiel 36:25–27; John 1:12–13; 3:3–7; Acts 10:44; 2 Corinthians 5:17–21; Galatians 5:22–23; Ephesians 2:1–5; Colossians 2:13; James 1:17–18; 1 Peter 1:3; 1 John 2:29; 3:9–10; 4:7; 5:1–4, 18

We believe the power of the gospel is sufficient to save even the greatest sinner—and that all persons everywhere are commanded to repent and believe in Jesus. Repentance and faith are sacred duties as well as inseparable graces. They are produced in our souls by the regenerating Spirit of God, who convinces us of our guilt, danger, and helplessness, and of the way of salvation by Christ. They consist of turning to God with genuine sorrow, confession, and a petition for mercy; receiving heartily the Lord Jesus Christ as prophet, priest, and king; and relying on him alone as the only and all-sufficient Savior. Faith does not guarantee a believer will enjoy physical health or wealth in this world; instead, faithful believers will often suffer on this side of heaven. But even through earthly pain, true faith trusts God for help, hope, and the joy held out to us in the promises of the gospel.

8.悔改與信心：我們相信福音的大能足以拯救最大的罪人，因此神命令全地所有人都要悔改並相信耶穌。悔改和信心既是人神聖的責任，也是不可分割的恩典。悔改和信心，是使人重生之神的靈在我們心中所作的工，說服我們有罪，使我們看到自己的危險和無助，並相信基督的救恩之道。悔改和信心的內涵包括了：因真正的憂傷而轉向神、認罪、求神憐憫；真心接受主耶穌基督為先知、祭司和君王；並單單依靠祂為獨一且完全充分的救主。信心並不能保證信徒在這世上擁有健康的身體或財富；相反的，忠心的信徒往往會在進入天國前受苦。但即使信徒會經歷地上的苦難，真實的信心會信靠神的幫助、盼望，並經歷福音應許的喜樂。

Isaiah 55:1–7; Matthew 11:28–30; Mark 1:15; Luke 15:18–21; 24:46–47; John 1:12; 3:16; 6:37; 7:37; 16:8; Acts 2:37–38; 3:19–23; 11:18; 16:30–31; 17:30; 20:21; Romans 2:4; 10:9–11, 17; 2 Corinthians 7:9–10; Ephesians 2:8–10; 2 Timothy 1:12; Hebrews 4:14; 6:1; 7:25

We believe justification is God’s gracious and full acquittal of sinners wherein he removes our guilt, reconciles us to himself, and declares us righteous. God justifies the ungodly through faith alone in Jesus Christ alone, not through anything done by us. It is solely on account of Christ’s substitutionary death and subsequent resurrection, and on the basis of his perfect righteousness, which is freely credited to us by God. Justification immediately brings us into a relationship of peace and favor with God, and secures every other blessing needed for time and eternity.

9.稱義：我們相信，稱義是神出於恩典完全宣告罪人為無罪，藉此挪走了我們的罪孽，使我們與祂自己和好，並宣告我們為義人。神唯獨在耶穌基督裡藉著信心，而非我們所作的一切，稱那不虔不敬的人為義人。這稱義完全是因爲基督替代性的死和隨後的復活，並且根基於祂完全的公義上，是神白白地歸算給我們的。稱義立即使我們與神建立和睦的關係並蒙神的恩典，同時確立現時和永恆裡所需的其他一切祝福。

Psalm 103:12; Isaiah 53:11–12; Matthew 9:6; John 1:16; Acts 10:43; Romans 3:20–28; 4:1–5:21; 6:23; 8:30–34; 2 Corinthians 5:17–21; Galatians 2:15–17; 3:24; Philippians 3:7–9; Titus 3:5–7; 1 Peter 3:18; 1 John 2:12, 25

We believe sanctification is God’s work of consecrating a believer unto holiness for his purposes; it is also a progressive work of conforming believers to the likeness of Jesus Christ. It begins at regeneration and is carried on for the duration of life in believing hearts, by the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. While growth in holiness is a gift of grace, it requires believers to actively and persistently fight sin through means such as reading and hearing God’s Word, prayer, self-examination, self-denial, and the mutual edification of Christian community.

10.成聖：我們相信成聖是神的工作，神為了其目的，藉此工作將信徒分別為聖；此外，這也是使信徒長成耶穌基督樣式的漸進工作。成聖始於重生，並藉著聖靈的同在和大能，在相信之人的一生中持續地做下去。雖然在聖潔中成長是恩典的禮物，但信徒若要有所成長就必須藉著閱讀並聆聽神的話、禱告、自我省察、捨己，和基督徒群體相互造就等方法，經常不斷地抵擋罪。

John 17:17; Romans 6:5–6, 11–19; 1 Corinthians 1:2; 6:11; 2 Corinthians 3:18; 7:1; Galatians 2:20; 5:16–24; Ephesians 4:20–24; Philippians 3:13–14; Colossians 3:5–10; 1 Thessalonians 5:23; Titus 3:5; Hebrews 4:14; 10:24–25; 12:1, 14; 1 Peter 1:15; 1 John 3:9; Revelation 3:19

We believe all genuine believers endure to the end. Their persevering trust and obedience to Christ, and attachment to his people, are the primary marks distinguishing them from superficial professors. Though true believers may fall, through neglect and temptation, into sin—and thereby grieve the Spirit, impair their fellowship with Christ, bring reproach on his name, and incur his loving discipline—yet they shall again be renewed unto repentance and kept by the power of God, through faith, unto salvation.

11.聖徒的堅忍：我們相信，所有真正的信徒都會忍耐到底。他們會堅忍到底，信靠並順服基督，與基督的子民緊密連結，這些是他們與那些膚淺的宣信者不同的主要區別標誌。雖然真信徒可能因疏忽和受試探而陷入罪中，使聖靈擔憂、損及他們與基督的團契交通、使祂的名遭到羞辱，並導致祂作出出於愛心的懲戒，但他們將再次獲得更新而悔改，並憑著信心，有神大能的保守以致得救。

Matthew 5:13; 24:13; John 6:38–40; 8:31; 10:27–29; 15:6; Romans 8:30; 11:22; 1 Corinthians 9:27; 10:12; 15:1; Ephesians 1:13– 14; 4:30; Philippians 1:6; Colossians 1:22–23; 1 Timothy 4:1; 2 Timothy 2:12; Hebrews 1:14; 3:12–14; 4:11; 6:12; 9:15; 1 Peter 1:4–5; 2 Peter 1:10; 1 John 2:19; 2 John 1:9; Jude 20; Revelation 2–3; 14:12; 21:7

We believe that Christians, regenerated by the Holy Spirit, from every tribe, language, people, and nation, are to associate themselves into local churches. A visible church is a congregation of baptized believers, bound together by covenant in the faith and fellowship of the gospel. It observes the ordinances of Christ, submits to his commands, and exercises the gifts given by the Holy Spirit for mutual edification. The local church is governed by the Word of God, which teaches that Jesus alone is its king and head; that elders are qualified men given to shepherd the church as pastors; that deacons are to serve the church; and that the congregation, comprised of all members, has the responsibility to affirm members, defend doctrine, hold its leaders accountable, and carry out discipline when Scripture requires. Church members are commanded to assemble regularly, love one another, promote gospel unity, seek the good of their neighbors, make disciples of the nations, and live for the glory of God.

12.教會：我們相信，各族、各方、各民、各國由聖靈重生的基督徒應該與參與當地的教會。有形的教會是指一個由受洗信眾組成的教會，他們因信福音及福音裡的團契交通而結合在一個聖約中。教會順服基督的律例，服從祂的命令，並且為了彼此造就而運用聖靈的恩賜。當地的教會受神話語的管治，並教導唯獨耶穌才是教會的王和頭；長老是神所賜有資格以牧師身分牧養教會的人；執事應服事教會；而由所有成員組成的會眾有責任確立成員的身分、捍衛教義，要求其領袖負起責任，且按《聖經》要求執行懲戒。神命令教會成員應當定期聚會、彼此相愛、促成福音裡的合一、尋求鄰舍的益處、使萬民作門徒，且為了神的榮耀而活。

Matthew 5:16; 16:13–19; 18:15–20; 28:18–20; John 1:12; 13:34–35; 17:20–24; Acts 2:41–42, 47; 5:14; 6:1–6; 11:26; 14:23; 20:28; Romans 16:1; 1 Corinthians 1:2; 5:1–13; 11:25–26; 1 Corinthians 14:1–40; 2 Corinthians 2:6–8; Ephesians 3:10; 4:1–2, 11–12; 5:22–23; 1 Timothy 2:12; 3:1–13, 15; 4:13; 5:17; Titus 1:5–9; Hebrews 10:19–25;13:7, 17; 1 Peter 5:1–5; Revelation 5:9

We believe Christian baptism is the immersion of a believer in water into the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. It is a joyful duty and beautiful emblem that declares our faith in the crucified, buried, and risen Savior—and our union with Christ in death to sin and resurrection to new life. Because baptism is also an ordinance of the church, it is prerequisite to the privileges of church membership and the Lord’s Supper.

We likewise believe the Supper is a symbolic act of obedience whereby the members of a church, following earnest self-examination, commemorate together the saving sacrifice of Christ and their communion with him and one another. Eating the bread and drinking the cup is in no sense a sacrifice, but rather is designed to commemorate Christ’s dying love; to confirm the faith of his people; and to renew their mutual bond. The ordinances belong to the gathered church, marking off believers from unbelievers and making the church visible on earth.

13.洗禮和聖餐：我們相信，基督徒的洗禮是將信徒浸入水中，歸於父、子、聖靈的名。這是信徒喜樂的本分和美麗的記號，洗禮宣告了我們對那被釘、埋葬且復活之救主的信心，並且我們在基督裡與祂聯合，向著罪死，並復活得了新生命。由於洗禮也是教會的律例，所以這是成為教會成員，以及領受聖餐的先決條件。

            我們同樣相信，聖餐象徵了順服的行動。教會成員在聖餐中，經過認真的自我省察後，一同紀念基督為了救贖我們所獻的祭，以及他們與基督和與彼此之間的團契相交。在意義上，吃這餅、喝這杯絕對不是一種獻祭，而是為了紀念基督犧牲的愛；堅定祂子民的信心；並更新子民之間的連結。教會應當聚集並遵守這些命令，藉此將信徒與非信徒分開，使教會成為地上可見的團體。
            Matthew 3:13–17; 26:26–29; 28:18–20; Acts 2:38–42; 8:36–38; 16:32–33; 20:7; Romans 6:4; 1 Corinthians 11:17–34; Galatians 3:27; Colossians 2:11–12; 1 Peter 3:20–21

We believe the first day of the week is the Lord’s Day. It is a Christian institution for regular observance. It commemorates the resurrection of Christ from the dead and points to the rest that awaits the people of God. It should include exercises of worship and spiritual devotion, both public and private. Activities on the Lord’s Day should be commensurate with the Christian’s conscience under the lordship of Jesus Christ.

14.主日：我們相信七天的第一天是主日，是基督徒要經常持守的日子。這日紀念基督從死裡復活，並指向那等著神子民去享受的安息。主日應包括公開和私下進行的敬拜和靈修。主日進行的活動，應當與基督徒服在耶穌基督主權下的良心相稱。

Genesis 2:3; Exodus 20:8; Leviticus 19:30; Psalms 26:8; 87:3; 118:15, 24; Isaiah 58:13–14; Isaiah 56:2–8; Matthew 12:1–8; Mark 2:27; Luke 4:16; John 20:19; Acts 11:26; 13:44; 17:2–3; 20:7; 1 Corinthians 16:1–2; Colossians 2:16–17; Hebrews 4:3–11; 10:24–25; Revelation 1:10

We believe God alone is Lord of the conscience and has designed it to be free from the doctrines and commandments of men that are contrary to his Word or not contained in it. We also believe God appointed civil government for the benefit and good order of human society. Christians should pray for, honor, and obey public officials except in things opposed to the will of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is the Prince of the kings of the earth.

15.良心的自由：我們相信惟獨上帝是良心的主，且按祂的設計，這良心要脫離一切與祂的話相悖或未見於這話語中的人的道理與吩咐。我們還相信，上帝為了人類社會的福祉並維繫良好秩序而任命了政府。基督徒應當為政府官員禱告，並且尊敬及服從他們，但與我們主耶穌基督的旨意相反的事情則除外，因祂是全地的君王。

2 Samuel 23:3–4; Psalm 2:2–6; Mark 12:13–17; Luke 12:13–15; Romans 13:1–7; 1 Timothy 2:1–3; Titus 3:1; 1 Peter 2:13–17; Revelation 19:16

We believe death is not the end. Though human bodies after death return to dust, their spirits live on—the righteous departing immediately to be with the Lord, and the unrighteous to be reserved under darkness until the day of judgment. We also believe the end of the world is approaching. On the last day, Christ will descend from heaven and raise the dead to final judgment. A public separation will take place that will forever fix the final state of persons in heaven or hell—the unrighteous being justly assigned to endless punishment and the righteous to endless joy, to the glory of a holy and merciful God.

16.復活和來世：我們相信死亡不是人的終點。雖然人的身體死後歸土，但靈魂仍繼續存在：義人立刻歸返，與主同在；不義的人被留在黑暗中，直到審判那日。我們也相信世界的末了近了。在末日，基督要從天上而降，使死人復活，接受最後的審判。所有人將被公開地分開，且將永遠確定人最終狀態是在天上或地獄中。不義的人受到公正的審判，進入無止盡的懲罰；而義人則被指定享受永遠的喜樂，進入聖潔和憐憫之神的榮耀中。

Daniel 12:2; Isaiah 65:17–25; Matthew 13:36–50; 24:31–46; 25:31–46; Mark 9:43–48; Luke 14:14; John 3:36; 4:36; 5:28–29; 6:40; 11:23–27; Acts 1:11; 3:21; 10:42; 17:31; 1 Thessalonians 4:13–5:11; 2 Thessalonians 1:5–12; Revelation 20:1–22:21