What We Believe

We believe in the absolute authority of Scripture.

2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21

We interpret the Bible literally.

We believe the Bible to be the sole source of truth, divinely inspired and without error. We believe all Scripture must be rightly divided, giving heed to who is being addressed, the time context of each passage, and applied in light of the apostle Paul’s teaching to the body of Christ today.

2 Timothy 2:15, Galatians 1:6-12, 1 Timothy 1:10-11, Romans 11:13.

We believe in the person and work of Jesus Christ.

He was God in the flesh (John 1:1; 1 Timothy 3:16), born of a virgin (Matthew 1:23), and lived a sinless life. Hebrews 4:15

He gave Himself to die on the cross as a complete and final sacrifice for mankind's sin.

1 Peter 2:24; 1 Peter 3:18; Ephesians 2:14-18

His death was followed by His burial and then His resurrection three days later.

1 Corinthians 15:3-4

He ascended into heaven (Acts 1:10-11) where He was exalted to the right hand of God the Father. Philippians 2:9-11

Christ will one day return for the church and seven years later return to the earth (Matthew 24:27-31; Revelation 19:11-16) to establish His Messianic kingdom over the entire earth as King. Zechariah 14:9-21; Matthew 25:31; Revelation 20:4-6

We believe that salvation comes by God's grace through faith alone in Jesus Christ.

Every person is a sinner in need of God's salvation. Romans 3:10, 23; Ephesians 2:1-5

Salvation cannot be attained through our good works. Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:5; Romans 3:28; 2 Timothy 1:9

The moment people place their trust in Christ, God's Spirit comes to dwell within them, and they become part of the family of God forever. Ephesians 1:13-14; Galatians 3:26, 4:6-7

Our church believes that salvation is freely offered to all who will believe.

1 Timothy 2:4-6; 1 Timothy 4:10; Titus 2:11; 2 Peter 3:9; Revelation 22:17; 1 John 2:2; John 1:9-12

We believe in the autonomy of the local church.

Jesus Christ is the Head of this church, and we, as believers, are His body. Ephesians 1:20-23

This local church (the people) is free from external control. We make our own decisions concerning buildings, property, senior pastor, etc., as we submit to our Head, Jesus Christ. Colossians 2:4-7, 9-10, 18-19; Ephesians 3:16-21, 4:15-16

Great Lakes Bible Church is not part of any denominational organization or religious group. We are an independent, self-governed, Bible-teaching church.

We believe that every believer has complete and total access to God.

Every believer has unlimited access to God through Jesus Christ. Ephesians 2:18, 3:12; Romans 5:2

You don't need another human being to stand on your behalf in front of God. We all have equal access to God. 1 Timothy 2:5

We believe in the ministry of the Holy Spirit.

Every believer is indwelt and sealed by the Holy Spirit at the moment of salvation. Ephesians 1:13; 1 Corinthians 6:19; 2 Corinthians 1:22

The Holy Spirit is the believer's guide and source of power for everyday life. Galatians 5:16-19; Ephesians 5:18; John 16:13-14

For more details see our church constitution below.