Open the Gates

The Vision of GateCity Church

What We Believe

The human phraseology employed in this statement is not inspired nor contended for, but the truth set forth is held to be essential to a full Gospel ministry. No claim is made that it contains all the truth in the Bible, only that it covers orthodox fundamental matters.

The Bible is the inspired Word of God, a revelation from God to men, the infallible rule of faith and conduct, and superior to conscience and reason, but not contrary to reason (2 Timothy 3:15, 17; 1 Peter 1:23-25; Hebrews 4:12).

The one true God has revealed Himself as the eternally self-existent, self-revealed “I AM,” and has further revealed Himself as embodying the principles of relationship and association by simultaneously existing as Father, Son and Holy Spirit. (Deuteronomy 6:4; Mark 12:29; Isaiah 43:10, 11; Matthew 28:19).

Mankind was created good and upright, for God said, “Let us make man in our image and after our likeness.” Man, by voluntary transgression, fell, and his only hope of redemption is in Jesus Christ, the Son of God (Genesis 1:26-31; Genesis 3:17; Romans. 5:12-21).

Conditions of Salvation

The Grace of God, which brings salvation, has appeared to all men, through the preaching of repentance toward God and through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Man is saved by the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, and being justified by grace, has become heir of God, according to the hope of eternal life (Titus 2:11; 3:5-7; Romans 10:13-15; Luke 24:47).

Evidence of Salvation

The inward evidence to the believer of his salvation is the direct witness of the Spirit (Romans 8:16). The outward evidence to all men is a life of holiness (1 Thessalonians 4:7, 2 Timothy 1:9).

The ordinance of baptism by burial with Christ should be observed (as commanded in the Scriptures) by all that have repented of their sins and in their hearts have believed on Christ as their Savior and Lord. In doing so, they declare to the world that they have died with Christ and that they have also been released to walk with Him in newness of life (Matthew 28:19; Acts 19:4-7, 48; Romans 6:4).

The Lord’s Supper, consisting of the elements of bread and fruit of the vine, is the symbol that expresses our sharing in a memorial to His suffering and death. It prophecies His second coming, and is enjoined to all believers “until He comes” (John 6:48,51, 53-57; Luke 22:19,20; 2 Peter. 1:4; 1 Corinthians. 11:25).

All believers should ardently expect and earnestly seek the promise of the Father, which is the baptism in the Holy Spirit. With it comes the infilling of power for life and service and the bestowment of the gifts and their uses in the work of the ministry (Luke 24:49; Acts 1:4-8; 1 Corinthians 12:1-31). This experience may be distinct from and subsequent to the experience of the New Birth (Acts 2:38; 10:44-46; 11:14-16; 15:7-9). Deliverance from sickness is provided for in the atonement of Christ and is the privilege of all believers (Isaiah 53:4, 5; Matthew 8:16, 17; Mark 16:18; John 5:14).

By the power of the Holy Spirit we strive to obey the command, “Be ye holy, for I am holy.” Sanctification is the will of God for all believers, and should be earnestly pursued by walking in obedience to God’s Word (Hebrews 12:14; 1 Peter 1:15, 16; 1 Thessalonians 5:23, 24; 1 John 2:6).

The Church is the holy Body of Christ, the habitation of God through the Spirit, with divine appointments for the fulfillment of her great commission. Each believer is an integral part of the Church, and their names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.

Divinely called and scripturally ordained ministry is first and foremost unto the Lord as a Kingdom of Priests (Rev.1:6). The result of this relationship is two-fold in this age: (1) The discipling of the nations, and (2) The edification of the Body of Christ (Mark 16:15-18, 20; Eph. 4:11-13).

The resurrection of those who have fallen asleep in Christ and their translation, together with those who are alive and remain unto the Lord, is certain and is the blessed hope of the Church (1 Thessalonians 4:16; Romans 6:23; Titus 2:13; 1 Corinthians 15:51-52).

The revelation of the Lord Jesus Christ from Heaven, the salvation of national Israel, and the millennial reign of Christ on the Earth are scriptural promises and our hope (2 Thessalonians 1:7; Romans 11:25; Revelation 19:1l-16, 20:l-7).

The devil and his angels, the beast and the false prophet, and whosoever is not found written in the Lamb’s Book of Life shall be consigned to everlasting punishment in the lake which burns fire and brimstone, which is the second death (Revelation 19:20; 20:10-15).

We, as promised in the Scriptures, look for a new Heaven and a new Earth, wherein righteousness dwells (2 Peter 3:13; Rev.elation21:l).

As a church, we believe that all matters of faith and conduct must be evaluated on the basis of the Bible, the Word of God, which is our inspired, infallible, and inerrant guide. (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Since the Bible speaks to the nature of human beings and their sexuality, it is imperative that we correctly understand and articulate what the Bible teaches on these matters.

We believe God has ordained and created marriage to exist between one man and one woman, with absolute marital fidelity. The Bible sets forth specific home and family values, which include the distinct roles of husbands and wives, fathers and mothers, and children. It is our firm conviction that we uphold the dignity of each individual as we embrace the unchanging and longstanding principles of scriptural truth.

For more information, read our Statement on Marriage and Human Sexuality.