What We Believe

The following are the core beliefs of Jefferson Avenue Church of Christ based on the foundational truths taught in the bible. All of our teaching and ministry is rooted in and flows out of these biblical doctrines.

We believe the Father is a holy and righteous God who has called all men to repentance. In God, there is no darkness at all. His will included sending his Son, Jesus, to atone for the sins of humanity. This atonement satisfied his righteous character and demonstrates his great love. We believe God exists and rewards those who diligently seek Him. (See 2 Peter 3:9, 1 John 1:5, Psalm 30:5, Hebrews 11:6)

We believe the Son is the exact imprint of the nature of God. It was through his blood that redemption flows. He is equal to the Father, but serves a different role. Jesus is the Word and was in the beginning with the Father. He lived a perfect life so that the Law might be fulfilled. Jesus is the only way to the Father. (See Hebrews 1:3, John 1:1-5, John 14:6)

We believe the Holy Spirit is one with the Father and the Son. The Holy Spirit actively participated in creation. He also worked miraculously through the apostles and disciples of the first century. While his work through men has changed, he is still living and working in the hearts of Christians. One of his primary tasks in believers today is to aid in holiness, or sanctification. This is demonstrated through the Fruit of the Spirit being present in the life of a believer. (See Genesis 1:2, John 16, Acts 1, Ephesians 1:13-15, Acts 2:38, 2 Corinthians 3:16-17)

We believe the Bible is the authoritative Word of God. We believe the Bible is true and reliable, was written under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, and that it is the complete authority for all Christians in matters of faith and practice. In other words, the Word of God is absolute truth. The word is sufficient for all things regarding life and salvation. (See 2 Timothy 3:16, 2 Peter 1:20-21, Psalm 119:105)

We believe that all people are created in the image of God. God’s desire for humanity was to exalt Him throughout the ages. While that was the intent, when sin entered the world, creation was fractured. We are marred by sin and must enter into Jesus to find redemption. There is no hope without Jesus. (See Genesis 1:27, Genesis 3:1-7, Acts 4:12)

We believe salvation is by grace through faith. This faith is more than mere belief. We affirm that belief in Christ as God’s son is followed by repentance. Once repentance begins a person must declare Jesus as Lord. After the initial confession, immersion or baptism is symbolically taking on the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. Each and every one of these pillars of salvation is absolutely essential. (See John 20:31, Acts 17:30, Matthew 10:32, Romans 6, Acts 2:38)

We believe that once a person is saved they receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit empowers us to make positive changes in our lives. This doesn’t mean a person never makes mistakes. It does mean that the longer a person truly follows Jesus, the more like Him they will be. (See Acts 2:38, Ephesians 1:13-15, Galatians 5:22-23, 2 Thessalonians 2:13, 1 John 1:7)

We believe that this life is only a temporary part of the story of eternity. On the Day of Judgment, those in Christ will be saved and spend eternity in Heaven with God. Those out of Christ will be eternally separated from God. Eternity with God is called Heaven. Eternity without God is called Hell. (See John 17:3, John 5:24, 2 Thessalonians 1:9, Romans 6:23)