Our Doctrines | Life Bridge Christian Church

What We Believe

Life Bridge is a theologically conservative church, governed solely by the Word of God as revealed in the 66 books of the Bible. Our aim is to magnify Jesus by helping others to experience the glory of His grace.

Doctrine is vital.

There has never been a time in history in which faithful doctrine has been unimportant to the life of the Church. What the church believes; namely, the theological center of the local church, is essential to the life of the body and the transmission of the message of Jesus. God Himself ordained that the Church would function in a number of essential roles: the Church is the visible manifestation of His presence on earth, the household of God, the embodiment of His teaching, and a pillar and buttress of the truth (1 Tim 3:15). In this last role, the Church bears the responsibility of guarding, teaching, and defending the truth of God as revealed in Scripture.

The Bible

We believe the Bible, specifically the 66 books of the historic Protestant canon, are God's revelation to mankind which describe our fallen condition and His plan for reconciliation with man through His Son Jesus Christ.
We hold that the Bible is written by men who were divinely inspired, and it is error-free in its original writings. It is accurate and reliable in all that it intends to describe.
We believe Scripture to be our only rule in matters of life and faith because Scripture receives its authority directly from God Himself.
We reject any formulations that the Bible simply “contains” the Word of God, as well as any attempts to dispute the traditional authorship of its content. Additionally, we reject any teaching that would assign more or less weight to any portion of the Bible such as modern attempts to set the words of Jesus and the words of Paul against each other.
For guidance in our understanding of the doctrine of inerrancy, we affirm and subscribe to the Chicago Statement on Inerrancy, as presented in the LBCC Doctrinal Handbook.

Reference: 2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20, 21; 2 Timothy 1:13; Psalm 119:105, 160, 12:6; Proverbs 30:5.

God's Triune Nature

We believe in one Triune God, eternally existing as one being 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.
He is the Creator of everything and is ruler and redeemer of mankind.
He is omnipotent (all powerful), omnipresent (exists everywhere at the same time), and omniscient (all knowing).
We believe the Holy Spirit to be a distinct member of the trinity, not as merely a guide or force, but, as displayed by the attributes and works of the Holy Spirit, a unique member of the trinity with distinct personhood.

Reference: Genesis 1:1, 26, 27; 3:22; Psalm 90:2; Matthew 28:19; 1 Peter 1:2; 2 Corinthians 13:14; Deut. 6:4

The Person and Work of Jesus Christ

We believe 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 to man and provide the sacrifice required to reconcile fallen humanity to Himself.
We believe that Jesus Christ lived a life of perfect and sinless obedience to the Father, thus qualifying Him to fulfill the law for us and provide propitiation for our sins, thus imputing His righteousness to all those who trust Him in faith.
We believe that Jesus willingly gave His own life to serve as a substitute for sinners in order to satisfy the wrath of God in our place. Christ’s death on the cross serves as the ultimate sacrifice for the sins of those who believe sufficiently so that no works of man can or must be added in order to secure the blessings of salvation. We believe that the wages of sin are death and without the sacrifice of Christ there can be no forgiveness. (Rom 6:23)
We believe that the third day following His death, in accordance with Scriptures, Jesus rose from the dead and was seen in the flesh by His followers and over 500 witnesses. We affirm that this resurrection was physical in nature and not spiritual only. Afterward, He was physically present on earth for forty days and then He ascended into heaven.
We believe that Christ, having ascended into Heaven, holds three distinct offices of authority as demonstrated in the Scriptures:
- Prophet: We believe Christ to be the ultimate prophet as He embodies the revelation of God to humanity (Matt 13:57, John 8:28, Acts 3:22). In His teachings, He communicated the will of God to His human audience and foretold the coming events of the eschatological kingdom of God (Matt 11:20-24, John 14:1-3, Rev 19:6).
- Priest: We believe the sacrifice of Christ on the cross has reconciled humanity to God and made a way for sinners to be in the presence of God through the cleansing of their sins once and for all. In this atoning work, Christ plays the part of covenant mediator, making Him the once-and-forever high priest for humanity (John 17, Heb 9:26, Heb 6:19-20, Heb 4:14-16).
- King: We believe that at the ascension of Christ, the Father gave Him authority over all things in Heaven and on Earth. He lives to rule and reign on behalf of His people, pouring out Kingly blessings on them as members of His Kingdom. This rule and reign is a present reality and will one day be fully realized on earth at the Second Coming of Christ. (Isa 9:7, Matt 19:28, Heb 1:8).
We believe Jesus will return once at the end of history in order to establish His eternal rule in a newly created Heaven and Earth. On that day, He will claim His bride (the church) and will judge all men according to their works; some unto everlasting life and others unto everlasting condemnation.

Reference: Matthew 1:22, 23; Isaiah 9:6; John 1:1-5, 14:10-30; Hebrews 4:14, 15, 7:25, 9:24; 1 Corinthians 15:3-8; Romans 1:3, 4, 8:34; John 3:16, 17; Luke 1:35; Acts 1:9, 10; 1 John 2:1–2; 1 Timothy 6:15; Rev 19:11-20:15

The Person and Work of the Holy Spirit

We believe that the Holy Spirit is the third person of the Godhead, who serves to apply the benefits of salvation personally to the life of a believer through His indwelling presence, by which Christ’s presence inhabits HIs people and they participate in the life of Christ.
We believe that the Holy Spirit’s work is necessary to apply the benefits of justification, sanctification, and regeneration to individual believers.
We affirm that the Spirit proceeds from the Father and the Son, and is given at the Father’s direction. God may pour out His Spirit at will, but has promised to do so most clearly and definitively on the occasion of a believer’s baptism, the effect being that one who is baptized in faith may have assurance of the Spirit’s presence within.
We believe the essential activities of the Spirit include the following:
- He dwells in us after we are born again
- He convicts the world of sin and sanctifies us (1 Peter 1:2)
- He helps us in our weakness and intercedes to the Father on our behalf (Romans 8:26)
- He empowers believers to fulfill God's vision and purpose for their lives.
- He provides believers with Spiritual Gifts for the edification and of the church.

2 Corinthians 3:17; John 16:7-13, 14:16,17; Acts 1:8; 1 Corinthians 2:12, 3:16,12; Ephesians 1:13,14; Galatians 5:25.

The Church

We believe the Church is a faith community that consists of anyone who by faith has accepted God’s plan of salvation, has been born again, and has surrendered his/her life to the Lordship of Jesus Christ.
The Church is God’s chosen people, whether Jew or Gentile, who have been adopted into the family of God through faith in the atoning blood of Christ.
We believe in the autonomy of the local church, free of any external authority and control.
God calls elders who are men of character, integrity, and faith, as evidenced by their daily walk, to oversee His church according to His Word.
The regular teachers and leaders in any congregation are to be the elders—a role reserved for called and godly men. This includes the role of “the preacher” in a local church.
We believe that throughout the history of the Christian church, several universal and ecumenical creeds accurately and faithfully relay the Church’s essential doctrines. For the purposes of generational transmission of the church’s beliefs, we generally affirm the helpfulness and use of three historic creeds, these being limited to the Apostles’ Creed, Nicene Creed, and Athanasian Creed.
Ultimately we believe the destiny of God’s people is to be with Him in eternity as co-heirs with Christ in the Kingdom (Rom. 8:17). We believe the church should be a community that reflects the eternal reality and promise of God while still remaining an active vessel for God’s mission for His people on earth.

Matthew 16:18; Acts 20:28,13:1–4,15:19–31; Ephesians 1:22, 2:6-7 & 4:11-12; 1 Timothy 3:1-7; Romans 16:1, 4; 1 Corinthians. 3:9, 16; 5: 4–7, 13; 1 Peter 5:1–4

Baptism

We believe that those who are baptized should be those who already believe and understand the gospel of Jesus Christ.
We affirm that baptism alone is not a salvific act; rather, it is an outward symbol of a person’s faith in and obedience to Jesus.
We believe that baptism is a tri-part symbol for the life of the believer. In baptism the believer identifies oneself with Christ’s life, death, and resurrection.
We believe in baptism by complete immersion as the mode that best fits the analogy of life, death, and resurrection given in Romans 6.

Acts 10:47; Acts 22:16; Rom 6:1-5; Col 2:11-12; cf. 2 Cor 5:17; Col. 3:1-4

The Lord's Supper

We believe that the Lord's Supper, or Communion, is a sacred act commanded by Jesus for only His followers.
We believe that the purposes of the Lord’s Supper are twofold: namely, remembrance of Christ's body and blood as our propitiatory sacrifice, and proclamation of His death.
We affirm that the elements of bread and cup are rich in symbolic meaning, serving as tangible reminders of His sacrificial love until He comes again.
We affirm that while the elements of the supper are symbols, in communion we are drawn into deep spiritual connection with Christ, who is present with us, and with one another as members of His body.
While we deny the Catholic doctrine of transubstantiation, we are not ceremonialists. Communion is not just a ritual; it is an opportunity to encounter the living Christ in a special way. Eating the bread and drinking the cup symbolize the spiritual reception of Christ by faith in remembrance of Jesus’ sacrifice.

Matthew 26:17-30; Mark 14:20-26; Luke 22:7-20; 1 Corinthians 10:14-22; 11:17-34; Matthew 28:18-20; 1 Corinthians 11:24-25

ESSENTIAL DOCTRINES

SALVATION AND ASSURANCE

The Depravity of Man

We believe that since the fall, all human beings have a nature that is bent toward evil (Genesis 8:21). All will sin and have sinned (Romans 3:23), and are thus spiritually dead in their sin and unable by human performance to earn, deserve, or merit salvation (Titus 3:5). We believe that the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23), and that apart from God's grace, no one can be saved (Ephesians 2:8-9). We believe that none are righteous, or capable of doing anything to be restored to a relationship with God (Romans 3:10-12), and that without the intervention of God’s grace through the power of the Gospel (Romans 1:16) and the conviction of the Holy Spirit, none can be saved (John 1:12-13; 16:8-11; I Peter 1:23-25). Mankind is clearly fallen and dead in sin and can only be restored by God’s grace through faith in the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ. This condition is one of complete spiritual helplessness.

Election

At Life Bridge, we believe that the Scriptures clearly teach both the sovereignty of God over all things, including salvation, as well as man’s responsibility in responding to the message of the Gospel. While these two principles seem to operate in contradiction to one another, we believe that the nature of God’s work in salvation is a divine mystery. The result is that we preach the sovereignty of God in all its fullness. Because sinners are spiritually dead and in a state of complete helplessness without Christ, a sovereign act of the Holy Spirit is necessary to awaken them and enable them to hear and respond to the Gospel. Joseph Arminius himself believed that the Holy Spirit engaged in “preparatory works” in the unregenerate and unconverted. These preparatory works are a divine work of grace that in Scripture is associated with the preaching of the Gospel.

Atonement

We believe that Jesus’ death provided propitiation (a payment that satisfies the righteous wrath of God against sin) "for the whole world" (I John 2:2; 4:9-10), and that He redeems and forgives anyone who will believe in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ as their only hope of salvation from sin, death, and hell (Ephesians 1:7; I Peter 1:18-19). We believe that eternal life is a gift of God (Romans 6:23), and that "whosoever believes" in Jesus Christ will not perish but will have eternal life (John 3:16-18). I Timothy 4:10 says "we trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of those that believe." Hebrews 2:9 states that Jesus, "was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honor, that He, by the grace of God, should taste death for every man." It is clear to us that the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ was clearly sufficient to save the entire human race, but not all of the human race is willing to repent and receive it.

Grace

We believe that God's grace is not the result of human effort or worthiness (Romans 3:24-28; 11:6) but is the demonstration of God's mercy and love to those who will believe in His Son (Ephesians 2:4-10). Grace gives to us what we do not deserve and nor can not earn by our performance or obedience (Romans 11:6). We do believe there is sufficient evidence in the Scriptures to believe that God's grace and mercy can be resisted. Jesus said in Matthew 23:37, “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones God's messengers! How often I have wanted to gather your children together as a hen protects her chicks beneath her wings, but you wouldn't let Me”.

Perseverance

We believe that although the Bible is clear in many places that someone can have assurance of their salvation, it is also clear that there are many warnings to believers that if not careful, it is possible to fall away. We believe that because we are saved by faith, it is only when we remain in faith that we can be assured that we are saved. It is not specific sins that would cause someone to fall away, but rather a conscious rejection of Christ. Some would say that they were never saved in the first place, but we think Scripture is clear that these warnings are given to those who are true believers. Our goal is to constantly challenge and encourage one another to walk with Christ daily, as it is only then that we can walk in assurance.

COMMITMENTS

Creation

We believe in the eternality and aseity of God; that He existed in eternity past and had neither a beginning nor a creator. He possesses all fullness of being within Himself and relies on nothing for His continued existence or for His happiness. He is complete and persists in His fullness outside of time and the limits of the created universe (John 1:1-3; Col 1:16-17).
We believe that in the beginning, God created the Heavens and the earth (Gen 1: 1). All that exists is in one of two categories: God himself or all of which He created. He is both the first cause and the only true object in existence. All else is subject to Him and proceeds from Him. There is nothing that exists either in the physical cosmos or the spiritual realm which He has not created.
We believe that God brought forth all created things out of nothing (ex nihilo) and did not make use of any preexistent material or energy. Creation was accomplished by the sovereign power of God’s spoken word (Gen 1:3,6,9,11,14,20,24,26; Ps 33:6-9; Heb 11:3)
Man was created in the image and likeness of God and therefore all human life has inherent dignity and value from the point of conception until natural death (Gen 1: 26-27).

Eschatology

We acknowledge that throughout the history of Christ’s church that the nature and timing of Christ’s return has generated a multitude of divergent views. Within the boundaries of orthodoxy, we recognize that believing Christians may differ widely on this issue while maintaining the unity of the bond of peace and fellowship in the Holy Spirit. At the same time, we recognize our responsibility to provide clear, Biblical teaching on this critical issue.
We believe that the rule and reign of Christ as King began at His ascension to the Father’s right hand in heaven, at which time the Father placed all things under His feet (Ephesians 1:22-23). He rules over all things for the good of His Church and the advancement of His glory
We believe that Christ will rule and reign for the entire duration of the church age, beginning with His ascension and reaching fulfillment at His second coming. He will exercise His authority until all of His enemies are under his feet (1 Corinthians 15:20-28). During this period in history, Christ rules and reigns spiritually through the Church, who is the visible manifestation of His presence in the world, with the purpose of bringing the Gospel to the ends of the earth so that the nations would be discipled and the fullness of the elect may be brought into His Kingdom.
We believe in one Second Coming of Christ in which He will come to judge the living and the dead, glorify His people, and consummate the Kingdom of God by bringing it fully to bear in a new heaven and new earth.
We believe that the timing of Christ’s coming is unknown, and thus all believers should seek to live life with understanding of the imminence of his coming (Luke 12:35-48, 1 Thess. 5:2, 1 Peter 3:10). When he comes he will gather and completely redeem his people (Jew and Gentile alike) as one Church (Ezek. 37, Eph. 3:6). At that point, we believe that Christ will establish the new heavens and the new earth with eternal blessings for the saints forever (1 Peter 3:13, Rev. 21:1-8).
We believe that Jesus Christ will be seated at the right hand of God during the final judgment of humankind (Acts 17:31, Matt. 25:31). Jesus Christ will be the final judge over all the nations during the time of judgment (John 5:22) and His judgment will be based on whether the individual has heard and kept the words of Jesus as the Christ (John 12:47-48). The judgment made by Jesus on the individual's life will be final and will send them to either eternal punishment or to eternal life with God (Matt. 25:46).
We believe that the rule and reign of Jesus will continue to advance throughout the church age (Isaiah 9) and believe in the duty of all faithful believers to establish and build the Kingdom of God here on earth through evangelism, discipleship, and good works done in Jesus’ name. We deny any teaching which would bring about isolationism, pessimism, or withdrawal from the world in advance of Christ’s return.

God's Covenants

We believe that throughout history, God has chosen to administer His relationship with mankind by use of covenants. These covenants outline the terms by which man may approach, worship, and know God, as well as God’s gracious commitment to His people. Examples of these covenants include His covenants with Adam and Eve (Genesis 2:16-17), Noah (Genesis 9:1-17), Abraham (Genesis 17:1-27), Jacob (Genesis 28:10-15), Moses and Israel (Exodus 19-20), and the Church (Jeremiah 31:31-34, Luke 22:20, Ephesians 2:8-9).
We acknowledge three primary covenants by which God has administered His gracious relationship with mankind, these being the covenant of redemption, the covenant of works, and the covenant of grace.
- Covenant of Redemption - Having foreseen and foreknown that man would fall from his position of grace, the members of the trinity determined in eternity past to save them through the atoning sacrifice of Jesus. The Father initiates this saving work, the Son accomplishes it, and the Spirit applies it.
- Covenant of Works - In the Garden of Eden, God outlined the terms by which Adam and Eve would remain in continued relationship with Himself and experience His covenant blessings; they were to maintain this through continued obedience to His commands. This Covenant of Works set forth the penalty and consequences of disobedience: “on the day that you eat from it, you shall surely die” (Gen 2:17). Adam and Eve disobeyed this covenant, bringing the curse of sin to bear upon all their descendants. This covenant was never abolished, so that those who die apart from Christ are subject to the penalty of judgment, but its terms and conditions are perpetually fulfilled by Christ for all those who come to saving faith in HIs name.
- Covenant of Grace - The Old Testament foretold the coming of a new covenant that would take the place of the old, in which the standing of God’s people would be established not on the basis of their works, but on the basis of God’s grace. This covenant was established by means of the atoning death of Christ, by the cleansing power of His blood. As a result, anyone who believes Christ as Savior and Lord receives the free gift of His imputed righteousness and all the divine benefits of salvation.

The Gifts Of The Spirit

We believe that the Scriptures teach about two categories of spiritual gifts that are bestowed by the Holy Spirit. These include the equipping of an individual for activities of ministry (ministry gifts) and specific manifestations of the Spirit (commonly referred to as the “miraculous” gifts).
We believe that all spiritual gifts are given at the direction of the Holy Spirit as He wills and is directed by the Father. A person can not claim them as their own. God is sovereign in the bestowing of spiritual gifts. It is, however, the believer’s responsibility to develop his/her given spiritual gift(s).
We affirm that particular spiritual gift(s) are neither essential, nor do they prove the presence of the Holy Spirit, nor are they an indication of spiritual maturity.
We affirm that the miraculous gifts of the Spirit must be practiced with obedience to Scripture and with wisdom. The New Testament provides clear guidelines for their use, specifically that anything expressed by means of prophecy or the gift of tongues be tested by Scripture and discernment.
We affirm that all manifestations of the Spirit must be practiced in accordance with good church order. These gifts are subject to the wills of individual believers, and therefore should be exercised with respect toward the body of Christ.
We affirm that God does hear and answer prayers offered in faith, in accordance with His own will, for the sick and afflicted through gifts of healing. We deny that any individual may claim unique authority as a “healer” to command this gift of their own accord.
We affirm that it is the privilege and responsibility of every believer to minister to the church according to the gift(s) and grace of God that is given to him/her.

Romans 12:1–8; 1 Corinthians 12:7, 11, 13; 1 Peter 4:10–11; Ephesians 4:7–8; John 15:7; 1 John 5:14, 15; James 5:13-1