Our Faith
Find below the core beliefs and doctrines found at the root of our Christian faith. In these essential beliefs we have unity. That means here at Saddleback, on the things that really matter in the Bible, we are all in agreement: God’s love for us all, our need for Jesus, the church as Christ’s body.
God
He has eternally existed in three persons — 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
Man
We are the supreme object of God's creation. Although humans have tremendous potential for good, they are marred by an attitude of disobedience toward God called "sin." This attitude separates man from God.
Genesis 1:27 | Psalm 8:3-6 | Isaiah 53:6a | Romans 3:23 | Isaiah 59:1,2
Jesus Christ
He is co-equal with the Father. Jesus lived a sinless human life and offered himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all men 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 and will return again to earth 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
Eternity
We will either exist eternally in hell, separated from God by sin, or eternally in heaven with God through forgiveness and salvation in Christ. Heaven and hell are places of eternal existence.
John 3:16 | 1 John 2:25 | 1 John 5:11–13 | Romans 6:23 | Revelation 20:15 | Matthew 25:31–46
Salvation
Man can never make up for his sin by self-improvement or good works — only by trusting in Jesus Christ as God's offer of forgiveness can man be saved from sin's penalty. Eternal life begins the moment one receives Jesus Christ into his or her 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
Because God gives us eternal life through Jesus Christ, the believer is secure in salvation for eternity. Salvation is maintained by the grace and power of God, not by the self-effort of the Christian.
John 10:29 | 2 Timothy 1:12 | Hebrews 7:25; 10:10, 14 | 1 Peter 1:3-5
The Holy Spirit
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 provides the Christian with power for living, understanding of spiritual truth, and guidance in doing what is right. The Christian seeks to live under his control daily.
2 Corinthians 3:17 | John 16:7-13, 14:16,17 | Acts 1:8 | 1 Corinthians 2:12, 3:16 | Ephesians 1:13 | Galatians 5:25 | Ephesians 5:1
The Bible
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 truth without any mixture of error.
2 Timothy 3:16 | 2 Peter 1:20,21 | 2 Timothy 1:13 | Psalm 119:105, 160, 12:6 | Proverbs 30:5
Baptism
It is your public declaration that you have accepted Jesus Christ as your personal Savior. Baptism does not save you, but shows the world that you have already been saved. And while baptism is not required for salvation, it is a biblical command and demonstrates your love and obedience to Christ.
Colossians 2:12 | Acts 2:41 | Ephesians 2: 8-9 | Matthew 28:19-20
Communion
Also known as the Lord's Supper, or Eucharist, communion is an ordinance given to all believers by Jesus Christ that symbolizes our new covenant. The elements of bread and wine (or juice) are symbols of Christ's broken body and shed blood. Communion is not a means of salvation. Rather, it is a testament of a believer's faith in the atoning work of the cross.
Matthew 26:26-30 | Mark 14:22-26 | Luke 22:19,20 | 1 Corinthians 11:23-29