STATEMENT OF FAITH

This Statement of Faith does not exhaust the full extent of our beliefs. The Holy Bible is the sole and final authority for all that we believe. This statement, however, accurately reflects the teachings of Scripture and is therefore binding upon all members, staff, and volunteers of Belview Church.

We believe in the Holy Bible as the inspired Word of God.
We believe in the Deity of Jesus Christ and that Jesus Christ is the only way to salvation.
We believe in the virgin birth of Jesus Christ and that He is God incarnate.
We believe in the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
We believe in the Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
We believe in salvation by grace through faith.
We believe in monotheism—one God eternally existent in three persons.
We affirm the Apostles’ Creed as a faithful summary of biblical doctrine.

Additional Religious Beliefs

Love

We believe we are called to demonstrate love toward all people—both believers and non-believers—including those who oppose us or engage in sinful behavior. We are to respond with grace, humility, gentleness, and patience. God forbids the stirring up of strife, the seeking of revenge, or the threat or use of violence as a means of resolving conflict or obtaining personal justice. While we are commanded to reject sinful actions, we are equally commanded to love and pray for every person.
(Lev. 19:18; Matt. 5:44–48; Luke 6:31; John 13:34–35; Rom. 12:9–10, 17–21; 13:8–10; Phil. 2:2–4; 2 Tim. 2:24–26; Titus 3:2; 1 Peter 3:8–9; 1 John 3:17–18)

Protection of Children

We believe children are a blessing from the Lord and must be absolutely protected within the church from all forms of abuse or molestation. Belview Church maintains a zero-tolerance policy for abuse of any kind. This policy applies to all staff, volunteers, members, and visitors.
(Ps. 127:3–5; Matt. 18:6; 19:14; Mark 10:14)

Marriage

We believe that marriage has only one legitimate meaning: a covenantal union sanctioned by God between one man and one woman, as defined by Scripture. Marriage ceremonies performed in any facility owned, leased, or rented by Belview Church shall reflect this biblical definition. Gender is determined by biological sex at birth and is not subject to change. In the event of a conflict between this belief and any civil or legal standard, the church’s Statement of Faith and biblical convictions shall govern.
(Gen. 2:24; Mark 10:6–9; Eph. 5:22–33; 1 Cor. 7:1–9)

Sexuality

We believe that God has ordained sexual intimacy to occur only within the context of marriage as defined above. Any sexual activity, identity, or expression outside of this biblical definition of marriage is contrary to God’s design and purpose for human sexuality.
(Gen. 2:24; Gen. 19:5; Lev. 18:1–30; Rom. 1:26–29; 1 Cor. 5:1; 6:9–10; 1 Thess. 4:1–8; Heb. 13:4)

Gender

We believe that God created humanity as male and female. These two distinct and unchangeable genders together reflect the image and nature of God. The rejection of one’s biological sex is a rejection of God’s created design.
(Gen. 1:26–27)

Sanctity of Human Life

We believe that human life begins at conception and that every unborn child is a living human being created by God. Abortion constitutes the unjust taking of innocent human life.
(Job 3:16; Ps. 51:5; 139:13–16; Isa. 44:24; 49:1, 5; Jer. 1:5; 20:15–18; Luke 1:36, 44)

End of Life

We believe that intentionally causing or facilitating premature death is a decision reserved for God alone. However, the discontinuation of extraordinary or disproportionate medical treatments that no longer offer reasonable hope of benefit does not constitute euthanasia.
(Ex. 20:13; 23:7; Matt. 5:21; Acts 17:28)