At International Bethel Church Philadelphia, we are guided by a set of core beliefs that form the foundation of our faith and shape our identity as a Christian community. These beliefs serve as a compass, guiding our actions and shaping our interactions with God, one another, and the world around us.
- The Triune God: We believe in one true God who eternally exists in three persons: the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit. Each person of the Trinity possesses the exact divine nature and works harmoniously in the redemption and transformation of humanity.
- The Scriptures: We affirm the authority and inspiration of the Bible, both the Old and New Testaments, as God’s infallible and divinely inspired Word. It is the ultimate source of truth and the guidebook for our faith and conduct.
- Salvation through Jesus Christ: We believe salvation is found in Jesus Christ alone. Through His sacrificial death on the cross and His resurrection, Jesus made it possible for humanity to be reconciled with God and receive forgiveness of sins. We believe in the necessity of faith in Jesus Christ for salvation and in the transformative power of His grace.
- Grace and Faith: We affirm that salvation results from God’s grace and cannot be earned through good works or personal merits. It is a gift offered freely to all who place their faith and trust in Jesus Christ. We emphasize the importance of responding to God’s grace with faith, repentance, and a commitment to follow Christ.
- The Holy Spirit: We believe in the presence and work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers. The Holy Spirit convicts, guides, empowers and equips us for spiritual growth and service. We seek to cultivate a personal relationship with the Holy Spirit, inviting Him to lead and transform our lives.
- The Church: We affirm the significance of the Church as the body of Christ, consisting of all believers from every nation, tribe, and language. We believe in the unity and diversity of the Church and strive to create an inclusive and welcoming community that reflects God’s love for all.
- Baptism and Communion: We practice two sacraments, baptism, and communion, as symbols of our faith and obedience to Christ’s teachings. Baptism is a public declaration of faith and identification with Christ. At the same time, communion (the Lord’s Supper) is a remembrance of Christ’s sacrifice and an expression of our unity as the body of believers.
- The Second Coming: We anticipate the personal and visible return of Jesus Christ, which will usher in the consummation of God’s kingdom and the restoration of all things. We live in hopeful expectation of His coming and strive to be faithful in our service and witness until that day.
These beliefs form the foundation of our theology and guide our practices as a faith community. While we may hold individual perspectives on secondary theological matters, we unite around these core beliefs and seek to live out our faith with love, integrity, and a commitment to positively impacting the world.
For further exploration and understanding of our beliefs, we encourage you to study Bible, participate in our worship services, and connect with our pastors and fellow believers. We welcome sincere seekers of truth and invite you to join us on the journey of faith and discovery at International Bethel Church Philadelphia.