Statement of Faith
Our goal is to be like the Bereans who checked Paul’s message against the Scriptures to see if it was true or not (Acts 17:11). We have changed our beliefs in the past and will continue to do so as God leads us and shows us more of his truth. Living Hope is a restorationist group, seeking to recover authentic Christianity and live it out today. We believe in doctrinal humility, and we welcome dialogue on any of the beliefs listed below (Prov 12:15; 18:15).
We believe that…
The Scriptures are Inspired
God inspired the Scriptures, which is why they are reliable, authoritative, and full of truth (2 Tim 3:16; 2 Pet 1:20–21). He has preserved the sixty-six books of the Bible that they may show humanity how to become saved, how to live for God, and what to believe about God, our world, and the future (John 5:39; 2 Pet 1:3).
Yahweh Alone Is God
Yahweh alone is the one God over all (Deut 4:35, 39; 6:4). He is the creator and sustainer of our universe and the father of Jesus of Nazareth, his only begotten son (John 17:3; Heb 5:5). He is the God of love and justice, who balances mercy and wrath and bestows forgiveness without compromising holiness (Exod 34:6–7; Isa 6:3).
Jesus is the Messiah
Jesus is the virginally conceived, sinless, God-anointed Messiah who died for our sins, was raised from the dead, and ascended to God’s right hand (Matt 1:18, 25; Heb 4:15; 1 Cor 15:3–4). He is both our savior and our lord whose teachings we follow today as his disciples (Matt 16:24; Luke 6:46).
The Gospel is the Kingdom, the Cross, and the Resurrection
The gospel of salvation includes Christ’s death for our sins, Christ’s resurrection from the dead, and Christ’s return to establish the kingdom of God (Luke 4:43; Acts 8:12; 2 Tim 2:8). Those who believe in this gospel and repent of their sins receive God’s gracious gift of salvation (Acts 2:38; 3:19).
Salvation Entails Perseverance
People are not able to save themselves by their good deeds (Eph 2:8; 2 Tim 1:9). Rather, salvation is by faith in the gospel message (Rom 1:16). Genuine faith is always accompanied by obedience (Jas 2:17). Though God is willing to forgive the repentant when they sin (1 John 1:9), continuing in disobedience can lead to falling away from the faith and ultimate exclusion from the kingdom of God (1 Cor 15:2; Heb 6:6; 10:26).
We Live in the New Covenant
As Moses was the mediator of the old covenant to ancient Israel, so Jesus is the mediator of the new covenant to the church (Heb 9:15–26). Christ-followers are not obligated to live by the Law of Moses (Gal 3:24–25; 5:18) but are beholden to the mandates of Christ and his apostles (John 14:15; 1 Cor 9:20–21).
Gifts of the Spirit are Available
Gifts of the spirit are available to Christians today, including, but not limited to speaking in tongues, interpretation of tongues, and prophecy (1 Cor 12:4–11; Heb 2:4). Healing, miracles, and exorcisms can also happen today as God’s children step out in faith (Matt 10:1; John 14:12; Jas 5:14–15).
The Dead are Asleep
The dead, whether righteous or unrighteous, are asleep in a state of unconsciousness (Eccl 9:5, 10; Ps 6:5). When Christ returns, he will awake those who are in the tombs (Dan 12:2; John 5:28), resurrecting his followers to immortality (1 Cor 15:51–54)
The Kingdom Will be on Earth
Following resurrection, Christ will initiate God’s kingdom on earth (Rev 11:15), setting everything wrong with the world right (Isa 2:4; 25:6–8; 65:17–25). Eventually, God himself will dwell with his children forever in a renewed world where there will be no sin, sickness, or death (Rev 21:3–4; 22:4–5).
The Wicked will be Annihilated
In the end the wicked and unrepentant will also rise from the dead for judgement (Dan 12:2; John 5:28). Those not found written in the book of life will be destroyed in the second death (Rev 20:11–15; 21:8).
