| Beliefs |
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There is probably no more divisive an issue in Christianity than beliefs and doctrine. However, at Heartland we would rather focus on what we do believe and what transforms our lives than where we differ from other churches. After all, when it comes down to it, the differences pale in light of the similarities. Besides, defining ourselves by what we are not is not nearly as helpful or proactive as positively stating who we are and what are our convictions. All the beliefs and doctrines of Heartland Fellowship are based on the Holy Bible, God's infallible written Word contained in the sixty-six books of the Old and New Testaments. We believe that it was uniquely, verbally, and fully inspired by the Holy Spirit and that it was written without error (inerrant) in the original manuscripts. It is the supreme and final authority in all matters on which it speaks. It is, along with the Holy Spirit, God’s primary gift to his people and the manner through which we believe he speaks authoritatively and practically into our lives. As a Christian church, part of the Christian Reformed Church, we subscribe to the historic and ecumenical creeds of the Christian faith as found in the early creedal statements such as The Apostles’ Creed, c. 250 AD: I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to hell. The third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended to heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty. From there he will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen. |