We believe that redemption and atonement for sin is provided only in the finished work of Jesus Christ. This salvation is offered to all through the preaching of the Law and the Gospel. The Law is declared to show God’s righteous requirements and His judgment of sinners, and the Gospel is announced to make known God’s free gift of salvation in Christ. Through these, people are convicted of their sin and their need for Christ. Therefore, the Law and the Gospel must be proclaimed to all people, and those who genuinely repent of their sins and by the grace of God place saving faith in Christ will be justified.

We believe that people are justified by faith in Christ, apart from any good works of their own. Justification is the free gift of God, based exclusively on the merits of Christ, and provided on the basis of faith alone. Those justified through faith are declared by God to be righteous solely because of the righteousness of Christ that is credited to them.

We believe that biblical repentance and faith are characterized by a changed life. Those who have truly repented and turned to Christ in faith will evidence the fruit of the Holy Spirit and will live a life characterized by obedience to God’s Law. While a person is justified by faith and not by works, biblical faith will always produce works. Saving faith is more than mental assent to the statements of the Gospel; it is an active trust and reliance upon God. Faith that does not produce a life of growing conformity to God’s character is not saving faith, but is in fact a dead, useless faith.