At Church on the Beach, everything we believe and do is centered on the good news of Jesus Christ. We hold these truths not only as doctrines to affirm, but as realities to love, live out, and share with the world.
The Bible
We believe the Bible is God’s living and perfect Word. The 66 books of the Old and New Testaments are His complete and trustworthy revelation to us—true in every way, inspired by the Holy Spirit, and written through human authors. Through Scripture, God reveals His character, His purposes, and the path to true life in Him. Our joy and flourishing are found as we walk in His ways and delight in His truth.
Scripture References:
Psalm 19:7–11; Psalm 119:9–16, 89–105; Isaiah 40:8; Matthew 4:4; John 17:17; Acts 17:11; 2 Timothy 3:14–17; Hebrews 4:12; 2 Peter 1:19–21
The Trinity
We believe in one God who exists eternally in three persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. God is one in essence and three in person, perfect in unity, equal in power and glory, and working together in creation, providence, and redemption. God is the source of all life, love, and holiness, and we were made to know and worship God.
Scripture References:
Genesis 1:1–3, 26; Deuteronomy 6:4; Isaiah 6:3, 48:16; Matthew 3:16–17; 28:19; John 1:1–3, 14, 18; 14:16–17, 26; 15:26; 2 Corinthians 13:14; Ephesians 4:4–6
God the Father
We believe in God the Father, who is infinite, holy, wise, and full of steadfast love. He rules over all things with perfect goodness and power. Out of mercy and grace, He calls people into a saving relationship with Himself through His Son, Jesus Christ. He hears the prayers of His children and works all things together for the glory of His name.
Scripture References:
Psalm 33:6–11; Psalm 103:8–13; Isaiah 46:9–10; Matthew 6:9–13; John 3:16–17; Romans 8:14–17, 28–30; 1 Corinthians 8:6; Ephesians 1:3–6; James 1:17; 1 John 3:1
Jesus Christ
We believe that Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God, who became fully human without ceasing to be fully God. Conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary, He lived a perfect, sinless life, revealing God’s heart to the world. In love, He died on the cross in our place, bearing our sin and satisfying the justice of God. He rose from the dead in victory over sin and death and now reigns at the Father’s right hand as our Savior, High Priest, and King. One day, He will return in glory to make all things new.
Scripture References:
Isaiah 7:14; 9:6–7; Matthew 1:18–23; John 1:1–14; 3:16–18; 10:27–30; Romans 5:6–11; 8:34; 1 Corinthians 15:1–8, 20–26; Philippians 2:5–11; Colossians 1:15–20; Hebrews 1:1–3; 4:14–16; 9:24–28; 1 Peter 2:21–25; Revelation 1:5–8
The Holy Spirit
We believe the Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity, fully divine and always at work in the world. He brings conviction of sin, awakens faith, gives new life, and dwells in every believer from the moment of salvation. The Spirit comforts, guides, empowers, and transforms us to be more like Jesus. He unites the Church in love, equips each believer with spiritual gifts, and sends us out to share the hope of Christ with the world. He is our helper and our guarantee of eternal life.
Scripture References:
Genesis 1:2; Ezekiel 36:26–27; Joel 2:28–29; John 14:15–17, 25–26; 15:26; 16:7–15; Acts 1:8; 2:1–4, 38–39; Romans 8:9–16, 26–27; 1 Corinthians 2:10–13; 6:19–20; 12:4–11; Galatians 5:16–25; Ephesians 1:13–14; 4:3–13; Titus 3:4–7
Salvation
We believe that God created humanity in His image to know and enjoy Him. But through sin, we turned away from God and brought upon ourselves separation and death(both physical and spiritual death). In His great love, God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to rescue us from condemnation and God’s wrath through His death and resurrection. All who turn from sin and trust in Jesus alone are forgiven, made new, and welcomed into God’s family forever. Salvation is entirely a gift of grace, received through faith—not by our works, but by Christ’s finished work on the cross. Those who belong to Him will spend eternity in His joyful presence, while those who reject Him remain separated from His love.
Scripture References:
Genesis 1:26–27; 3:1–19; Isaiah 53:4–6; Ezekiel 36:25–27; John 1:12–13; 3:3–6, 16–18; 5:24; Romans 3:21–26; 5:6–11; 6:23; 8:1–2, 28–39; 10:9–13; 2 Corinthians 5:17–21; Galatians 2:16, 20–21; Ephesians 1:7; 2:4–9; Titus 3:4–7; 1 Peter 1:18–19; Revelation 20:11–15; 21:1–4
The Church
We believe the Church is the people of God—redeemed by Jesus, filled with the Spirit, and sent into the world to make Him known. Christ is the head of His Church, and we, His body, are called to worship Him, grow together in faith, care for one another, and proclaim His gospel. The local church is a visible expression of this global body—where believers gather to hear God’s Word, pray, serve, and celebrate baptism and the Lord’s Supper. Together, we seek to be a light to the world, displaying the love and truth of Christ.
Scripture References:
Matthew 5:14–16; 16:18; 18:15–20; 28:19–20; John 13:34–35; Acts 2:42–47; Romans 12:4–8; 1 Corinthians 12:12–27; Ephesians 1:22–23; 2:19–22; 4:11–16; 5:23–27; Colossians 1:18; 3:12–17; 1 Timothy 3:14–15; Hebrews 10:23–25; 1 Peter 2:9–10
Christian Living
We believe that God’s grace not only saves us but also transforms us. Out of love for Him, we seek to live lives that reflect His character—loving God with all our hearts and loving our neighbors as ourselves. We are called to walk in obedience, holiness, humility, compassion, and justice, relying on the Spirit’s power to overcome sin and serve others. In every moment and every place, our goal is to glorify God and point others to the hope we have in Christ.
Scripture References:
Micah 6:8; Matthew 5:13–16, 43–48; 22:37–40; John 13:34–35; 14:15; Romans 12:1–3, 9–21; 1 Corinthians 10:31; Galatians 5:22–26; Ephesians 4:1–3, 22–32; Philippians 2:1–5, 12–16; Colossians 3:12–17; Titus 2:11–14; James 1:22–27; 1 Peter 1:13–16; 2:11–12
Ordinances
We believe Jesus gave His Church two ordinances: baptism and the Lord’s Supper. Baptism is a public declaration of faith, symbolizing our union with Christ in His death and resurrection. The Lord’s Supper is a sacred meal of remembrance, celebrating His body broken and blood shed for us. These are not means of salvation, but beautiful expressions of our faith and fellowship with Christ until He returns.
Scripture References:
Matthew 26:26–29; 28:18–20; Mark 14:22–25; Luke 22:19–20; John 6:53–58; Acts 2:38–42; 8:36–39; Romans 6:3–5; 1 Corinthians 10:16–17; 11:23–29
Religious Liberty
We believe every person has direct access to God and is responsible to Him alone in matters of faith. Each local church is accountable to Christ as its head and must remain free from control by any outside authority. The Church and the State have distinct God-given roles, both operating under His sovereign rule. As believers, we seek to be salt and light in every sphere of life, showing the goodness of God to the world.
Scripture References:
Matthew 5:13–16; 22:21; John 18:36; Romans 13:1–7; 14:7–12; Galatians 5:1, 13; 1 Timothy 2:1–6; 1 Peter 2:13–17
Last Things
We believe that when believers die, they enter immediately into the joyful presence of Christ. At the end of the age, Jesus will return personally and gloriously to judge the living and the dead, raise the righteous and the unrighteous, and establish His eternal kingdom. For those in Christ, eternity will be an endless, ever-deepening joy in the presence of our Savior. For those who reject Him, it will be an eternal separation from His love. We live in hope and anticipation of the day when He will make all things new.
Scripture References:
Daniel 12:2–3; Matthew 16:27; 24:30–31, 36–44; 25:31–46; John 5:24–29; 14:1–3; Acts 1:9–11; Romans 8:18–25; 1 Corinthians 15:12–58; Philippians 3:20–21; 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18; 2 Thessalonians 1:7–10; Titus 2:11–13; Revelation 20:11–15; 21:1–5; 22:1–5
Distinctive: Marriage and Sexuality
We believe God created humanity as male and female, equal in value and dignity, designed to complement one another in a lifelong, covenant union of marriage. Marriage between one man and one woman is the only God-ordained context for sexual intimacy and reflects the faithful love between Christ and His Church. We also believe every person — regardless of beliefs or lifestyle — is to be treated with compassion, love, kindness, and respect, as each one bears the image of God.
Scripture References:
Genesis 1:27–28; 2:18, 21–25; Matthew 19:4–6; Mark 10:6–9; Romans 1:24–27; 12:9–21; 1 Corinthians 6:9–11, 18–20; 7:2–5; Ephesians 5:22–33; Hebrews 13:4
Distinctive: Complementarianism
We believe men and women are equal in worth, dignity, and value before God, yet distinct in their God-given roles and callings. In the home and in the Church, men and women are called to serve together in harmony and love. While all believers are gifted for ministry, Scripture teaches that the role of elder (pastor/overseer) is reserved for qualified men who lead by serving and shepherding with humility.
Scripture References:
Genesis 1:26–27; 2:18–24; Proverbs 31:10–31; Luke 8:1–3; Acts 18:24–26; Romans 16:1–7; 1 Corinthians 11:2–16; 14:33–35; Galatians 3:26–29; Ephesians 5:21–33; 1 Timothy 2:11–15; 3:1–7; Titus 1:5–9; 1 Peter 3:1–7
Distinctive: Plurality of Leadership
We believe that Christ alone is the Head of the Church and the Chief Shepherd or Senior Pastor. Following the New Testament pattern, Church on the Beach is led by a plurality of qualified men called pastors (also known as elders, or overseers). These men serve as equals in all areas of church leadership, sharing equal authority and responsibility to shepherd the flock under Christ, regardless if they are paid or volunteers. This team model of leadership guards the church from reliance on a single personality, ensures shared accountability, and provides diverse wisdom and counsel for the health and direction of the church body.
Scripture References:
Acts 14:23; 20:28; Philippians 1:1; 1 Timothy 3:1–7; Titus 1:5–9; James 5:14; 1 Peter 5:1–4