What we believe
Westside Family Church obtains its mission, priorities, and operating values from the timeless and inerrant truth of Scripture. God’s Word lovingly reveals clear direction and purpose to his people, and when we align ourselves with God's truth, our church-family experiences great unity and joy.
We believe that God demonstrated his unconditional love through His son Jesus Christ, who is God revealed to humankind. While sinful rebellion separates every human from God, Jesus offers us eternal life by paying for our sin-debt by his substitutionary death on the cross. While we could never earn God's forgiveness, Jesus offers to restore our relationship with God as a gift of grace when we believe and accept Him as our Lord. This is your invitation to join us in discovering God’s unconditional love.
GOD
We believe God is the Creator and Ruler of the universe who has eternally existed in three distinct personalities: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three are co-equal and are one God.
Genesis 1:1,26,27; 3:22; Psalm 90:2; Matthew 28:19; 1 Peter 1:2; 2 Corinthians 13:14
Jesus Christ
We believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and that He is co-equal, and pre-existed with the Father. Jesus lived a sinless human life and offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all people by dying on a cross. He arose from the dead after three days to demonstrate His power over sin and death. He ascended to Heaven's glory and will return again someday to reign as King of Kings, and Lord of Lords.
Matthew 1:22,23; Isaiah 9:6; John 1:1-5, 14:10-30; Hebrews 4:14,15; 1 Corinthians 15:3,4; Romans 1:3,4; Acts 1:9-11; 1 Timothy 6:14,15; Titus 2:13
Holy Spirit
We believe the Holy Spirit is co-equal with the Father and the Son of God. He is present in the world to make men aware of their need for Jesus Christ. He also lives in every Christian from the moment of salvation. He gives them power for living the Christian life, helps them understand spiritual truth, and guides them in doing what is right. He gives every believer a spiritual gift when they are saved. As Christians we seek to live under His control daily.
2 Corinthians 3:17; John 16:7-13, 14:16,17; Acts 1:8, 1 Cor. 2:12, 3:16; Ephesians 1:13; Galatians 5:25; Ephesians 5:18
Human Beings
We believe that human beings were created in the image of God to have fellowship with Him. People are the supreme object of God's creation. Although every person has tremendous potential for good, all of us are marred by an attitude of disobedience toward God called 'sin'. This attitude separates people from God and causes many problems in life.
Genesis 1:27; Psalm 8:3-6; Isaiah 53:6; Romans 3:23; Isaiah 59:1,2
The Bible
We believe the Bible is God's Word to us. It was written by human authors, under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is the supreme source of truth for Christian beliefs and living. Because it is inspired by God, it is the truth without any mixture of error.
2 Timothy 3:16, 2 Peter 1:20,21; 2 Timothy 1:13; Psalm 119:105,160; Proverbs 30:5
Salvation
We believe salvation is God's free gift to us but we must accept it. We can never make up for our sin by self-improvement or good works. Only by trusting in Jesus Christ as God's offer of forgiveness can anyone be saved from sin's penalty. When we turn from our self-ruled life and turn to Jesus in faith we are saved. Eternal life begins the moment one receives Jesus Christ into his life by faith.
Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8,9; John 14:6, 1:12; Titus 3:5; Galatians 3:26; Romans 5:1
Eternal Security
We believe that because God gives us eternal life through Jesus Christ, the true believer is secure in that salvation for eternity. If you have been genuinely saved, you cannot 'lose' it. Salvation is maintained by the grace and power of God, not by the self-effort of the Christian. It is the grace and keeping power of God that gives us this security.
John 10:29; 2 Timothy 1:12; Hebrews 7:25; Hebrews 10:10,14; 1 Peter 1:3-5
Eternity
We believe people were created to exist forever. We will either exist eternally separated from God by sin, or eternally with God through forgiveness and salvation. To be eternally separated from God is Hell. To be eternally in union with Him is eternal life. Heaven and Hell are real places of eternal existence.
John 3:16; John 2:25; John 5:11-13; Romans 6:23; Revelation 20:15; Matthew 10:28; Matthew 25:46