Five pillars form the foundation of Christian faith at House On the Rock. They distinguish someone as a universal member of God's family. Members are not required to have a complete understanding of these beliefs. However, rejection of any one of these pillars separates someone from membership at House On the Rock.
1. I believe the Bible is inspired, without error, and the final authority in my faith and life (Ps.19:7-11; II Tim. 3:16; II Pet. 1:20-21).
2. I believe Jesus Christ is exactly who He claimed to be (Lk. 22:70; Jn. 4:25-26; 6:29; 8:58; 14:6-7; 15:5). He is the eternal Son of God, was born of a virgin and is both fully God and fully human (Matt. 1:20; Heb. 1:1-3). He died as my substitute to pay the penalty for my sin (Is. 53:6). He physically rose from the dead and he physically ascended into heaven and will one day physically return as reigning King (Acts. 1:11).
3. I have turned away from my sins, confessed my need for Jesus Christ, and have been made a new creation (I Jn. 1:9; II Cor. 5:17).
4. I am assured of eternal life, saved from the eternal judgement of God by faith alone in Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior, through his death and resurrection (Jn. 3:16-18; Rm. 3:23-26).
5. I have been baptized after my conversion to personally identify with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus, and to publicly demonstrate my commitment as a disciple of Jesus (Col. 2:12; I Pet. 3:21).
Our Doctrine
The leadership of House On the Rock is passionate about a number of secondary beliefs. Complete agreement with these doctrines is NOT required for membership, but this church preaches, teaches, and counsels in accordance with these theological convictions. This doctrine is communicated through House On the Rock’s messages, classes, written material, and other forms.
scripture
We teach the 66 books of the Holy Bible are inspired (God-breathed), without error in the original writings, and the final authority for faith and life (2 Tim. 3:16, 17; 2 Pet. 1:20, 21; Matt. 5:18; Jn. 16:12, 13).
triune God
We teach there is one Triune God, eternally existing in three persons; Father, Son, and Holy Spirit- co-eternal in being, co-eternal in nature, co-equal in power and glory, having the same attributes and perfections. One triune God is the foundation of Christian faith and life (Deut. 6:4; 2 Cor. 13:14).
the Father
We teach that God the Father is the complete Sovereign and by His word He daily sustains and rules over all creation, with the Son and Holy Spirit. As Father, He gave His Son Jesus Christ for mankind's redemption and intends for man to live in fellowship with Himself (Gen. 1:1; I Chron. 29:11; Ps. 36:6; 139: 16; Jn 3:16).
the Son
We teach that the Lord Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God, became man without ceasing to be God, having been conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary in order that He might reveal God and redeem sinful man (Jn. 1:1-2, 14; Lk. 1:35).
- As Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ accomplished our redemption through His death on the cross as a substitutionary sacrifice, and that our justification is made sure by His literal, physical resurrection from the dead (Rm. 3:24; 1 Pet. 1:3-5; 2:24; Eph. 1:7).
- As High Priest, the Lord Jesus Christ ascended into heaven and is now exalted at the right hand of God where He fulfills the ministry as Representative, Intercessor, and Advocate (Acts 1:9, 10; Heb. 7:25; 9:24; Rm. 8:34; 1 Jn. 2:1-2).
- As King, the Lord Jesus Christ is coming again to, establish His kingdom, claim His Bride and judge the living and the dead (1 Pet. 4:5; Rm. 14:9; 2 Tim. 4:1; Rev. 19-22).
the Holy Spirit
We teach that the Holy Spirit is fully God, the Person who convicts the world of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment. He supernaturally regenerates, baptizes and gifts all believers into the body of Christ, indwelling and sealing them within the church (Jn. 16:8-11; 2 Cor. 3:6; 1 Cor. 12:12-14; Rm. 8:9; Eph.1:13-14, 5:18).
mankind
We teach that man was created in the image and likeness of God. Further, Mankind can be separated into two sexes (male and female) each with unique roles and responsibilities but both completely equal. Gender expression is cultural and must submit to biblical norms. Through Adam's sin humanity fell body and mind and heart and soul, inherited a sinful nature, and became alienated from God. Mankind is totally depraved and unable to remedy his lost condition, destined to an eternity in Hell (Gen. 1:26, 27; Rm. 3:22, 23; 5:12; Gal 3:28; Eph. 2:1-3, 12).
, 12).
salvation
We teach that salvation is the gift of God brought to man by grace and received by personal faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, whose precious blood was shed on Calvary for the forgiveness of our sins (Eph. 1:7; 2:8-10; Jn. 1:12; 1 Pet. 1:18-19).
total security and assurance of believers
We teach that all the redeemed, once saved, are kept by God's power and are secure in Christ forever (Jn. 6:37-40; 10:27-30; Rm. 8:1, 38, 39; 1 Cor. 1:4-8; 1 Pet 1:5). We teach that it is the joy of believers to rejoice in the assurance of their salvation through the testimony of God's Word, which clearly forbids the use of Christian liberty as an occasion for sin (Rm. 13:13, 14; Gal. 5:13; Titus. 2:11-15).
ministry and spiritual gifts
We teach that God sovereignly bestows spiritual gifts. It is the privilege of every Christ-follower to minister according to their gift(s) and it is their responsibility to develop their sovereignly given spiritual gift(s). Particular spiritual gift(s) are neither essential, nor prove the presence of the Holy Spirit, nor are an indication of deep spiritual experience (1 Cor. 12-14; Eph. 4:7-8).
God does hear and answer the prayer of faith, in accordance with His own will, for the sick and afflicted (Jn. 15:7; Jam. 5:14-15; 1 Jn. 5:14, 15). He is both faithful and free to intervene in our lives.
The baptism of the Holy Spirit occurs at conversion and places the Christ-follower into the Body of Christ (Rm. 12:1-8; 1 Pet. 4:10-11).
the Church
We teach that the Church, which is the body and bride of Christ, is a spiritual organism made up of all Christ-followers (Eph. 1:22-23, 5:25-27; 1 Cor. 12:12-14; 2 Cor. 11:2).
The establishment and continuance of local churches is clearly taught and defined in the New Testament (Acts 14:21-27; 18:22; 20:17; Rm. 16:1,4; 1 Tim. 3:1; Titus 1:5; II John 10; III John).
The local church is accountable solely to God by His word (Acts 13:1-4, 15:19-31, 20:28; 1 Cor. 3:9, 5:4-7, 13, 16; 1 Pet 5:1-4). God appoints pastors, shepherds, to lead and oversee each local church (I Tim. 3:1-7, Titus 1:5-9, I Peter 5:1-4).
The proclamation of the gospel through God's word, baptism, and Communion are scriptural means of testimony for the church (Matt 28:19-20; Acts 2:41- 42, 18:8; 1 Cor 11:23-26).
marriage
The marriage relationship has been established by God as a solemn union between a man and a woman (Gen. 2:24; Matt 19:4-6; Eph 5:31-33; Col 3:18-19). House On the Rock holds that, in accordance with Scripture, sexual intimacy and sexual activity is appropriate only within the marriage relationship, between husband and wife (I Cor 7:2; Heb 13:4).