Masihi.ChurchAboutWhat We BelieveThe Long Doctrinal Statement

The Long Doctrinal Statement

The statement below lists the core beliefs that guide the lives and actions of all members of Masihi.Church.

At Masihi.Church, we stand firmly on the unchanging truth of God’s Word as revealed in the Bible. We believe in the one true God, eternally existing in three distinct and coequal Persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. This mystery of the Trinity is central to our faith and shapes every part of our worship, teaching, and community.

“For from Him and through Him and for Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever! Amen” (Romans 11:36).

We welcome people from every nation, tribe, language, and background, believing the gospel of Jesus Christ is for all. We are called to love one another as Christ has loved us, without prejudice or exclusion. While we embrace all to experience God’s love in our church, we remain steadfast in proclaiming the timeless truths of Scripture and the essential doctrine of the Trinity.

Rooted in the authority and sufficiency of God’s Word, we invite all to join us in worshiping the triune God and living out His call to holiness, unity, and love in a broken world. Below, we outline the core doctrines that guide our faith and practice.

The Holy Bible

The Bible is the inspired, inerrant, infallible, and authoritative Word of God, serving as the final revelation of His will and the ultimate standard for faith and life. It was written under the guidance of the Holy Spirit and is without error in its original manuscripts. Scripture is both inerrant and infallible, meaning it is completely trustworthy and provides the foundation for faith, doctrine, and practice. Believers are called to study the Scriptures diligently to grow in faith, knowledge, and godliness, as it is essential for understanding God’s will and living according to His ways.
Scripture References: 2 Timothy 3:16–172 Peter 1:20–21; Psalm 19:7–11.

Authority of the Bible

We believe the Bible is the inspired, inerrant, infallible, and authoritative Word of God. It is the complete and final revelation of His will for salvation and the ultimate standard for faith and life.
Scripture References: Matthew 4:4John 17:172 Timothy 3:16-17; Psalm 119:160; 1 Thessalonians 2:13.

Inspiration of the Scripture

We believe all Scripture is inspired by God, written under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and is without error in its original manuscripts.
Scripture References: 2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:21; John 16:13.

Inerrancy of Scripture

We believe all Scripture is without error in its original manuscripts. It is infallible in all it affirms and provides the ultimate foundation for faith, doctrine, and practice.
Scripture References:Psalm 12:6.

Infallibility of the Scripture

We believe the Scriptures are infallible in all they affirm, providing the ultimate foundation for faith, doctrine, and practice.
Scripture References: Psalm 12:6; Matthew 24:35; John 10:35.

Need to Study the Scriptures

We believe all believers are called to study the Scriptures diligently to grow in faith, knowledge, and godliness. The Word of God is the foundation for understanding His will and walking in His ways.
Scripture References: Joshua 1:8; Psalm 119:1052 Timothy 2:15.

God: The Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit

We believe in one God, eternally existing in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three are co-equal in power, glory, and essence, yet distinct in their roles within creation, redemption, and sanctification.
Scripture References: Deuteronomy 6:4; Matthew 28:19; 2 Corinthians 13:14.

God the Father

We believe in God the Father, the Creator and Sustainer of all things, who is sovereign, holy, and just. He loves His creation and draws people to Himself through His Son, offering forgiveness and eternal life.
Scripture References: Genesis 1:1; Psalm 103:13; John 3:16; Isaiah 64:8; Matthew 6:9; 1 Corinthians 8:6; Ephesians 1:3–5.

God the Son: The Lord Jesus Christ

We believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, God’s eternal Son, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. Fully God and fully man, He lived a sinless life, was crucified for the sins of the world, rose bodily from the dead, and ascended to heaven where He intercedes for us.
Scripture References: John 1:1–14; Luke 1:26–38; Romans 5:8; 1 Corinthians 15:3–4; Acts 1:9–11.

Incarnation

We believe Jesus, in the Incarnation, took on human flesh to redeem humanity.
Scripture References: John 1:14Philippians 2:6–8; Luke 1:34–35

The Virgin Birth

We believe that Jesus Christ was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary, a miraculous act that affirms His divinity and humanity.
Scripture References: Matthew 1:18-25; Luke 1:26-38.

Sinless Life

Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God and the second person of the Trinity, lived a perfect, sinless life in complete obedience to the will of the Father, empowered by the Holy Spirit. Conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary, He was fully God and fully man, free from the inherited sin of Adam and without any sin of His own. Jesus’s sinless life demonstrated His divine nature and qualified Him to be the spotless Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. His perfect obedience fulfilled the righteous requirements of the law on behalf of humanity and confirmed His unity with the Father and the Spirit in the work of redemption. Jesus’s sinlessness is central to His role as the perfect mediator between God and humanity, the one who reconciles us to God through His sacrificial death and victorious resurrection.
Scripture References: John 1:1-2, John 1:14, Matthew 1:18-23, Hebrews 4:15, 2 Corinthians 5:21, 1 Peter 2:22, John 5:19, Matthew 3:16-17, John 10:30, 1 John 3:5, John 14:6.

Crucifixion and Atonement

We believe Jesus’ sacrificial death on the cross was the atonement for sin, reconciling us to God.
Scripture References: Isaiah 53:5–6; Romans 3:23–25; 2 Corinthians 5:21.

Resurrection and Ascension

We believe Jesus rose bodily from the dead, proving His victory over sin and death, and ascended to heaven, where He reigns with the Father.
Scripture References: 1 Corinthians 15:3–4; Acts 1:9–11; Hebrews 7:25.

Second Coming

We believe Jesus will return bodily and visibly to judge the living and the dead, to establish His kingdom, and to make all things new.
Scripture References: Acts 1:11; 1 Thessalonians 4:16–17; Revelation 22:12–13.

God the Holy Spirit

We believe in the Holy Spirit, the third person of the Trinity, who convicts the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment. He regenerates and sanctifies believers, indwells them, and empowers them with spiritual gifts for service and witness. He is at work guiding the believers into all truth and enabling them to live holy and fruitful lives.
Scripture References: John 16:8–13; Titus 3:5; 1 Corinthians 12:4–11; Acts 1:8; John 16:13; Galatians 5:22–23.

The Church: The Body of Christ

At Masihi.Church, we believe that the Church is the universal assembly of all believers in Jesus Christ, called to worship God, proclaim the Gospel, and serve as the hands and feet of Christ in the world. The Church is both a local and global reality—local in specific communities and global in the universal body of Christ. As the Body of Christ, the Church is a living, dynamic, and sacred entity, empowered by the Holy Spirit to fulfil God’s will on earth. We believe the Church is composed of all believers, and its purpose is to glorify God through worship, fellowship, discipleship, evangelism, and service.
Scripture References: Matthew 16:18; Ephesians 1:22-23; Colossians 1:18; 1 Corinthians 12:12-13; Romans 12:4-5; Ephesians 4:15-16; Romans 12:1; John 4:24; Acts 2:42; Hebrews 10:24-25; Matthew 28:19-20; 2 Timothy 2:2; Mark 16:15;Romans 10:14-15; Galatians 5:13; 1 Peter 4:10

The Nature of the Church

The Church as the Body of Christ

The Church is described as the Body of Christ, with Christ as the head (Ephesians 1:22-23). This imagery signifies that Christ is the central figure, and the Church functions as His representative on earth, continuing His ministry and mission. Every believer is a member of this body, uniquely gifted and called to serve (1 Corinthians 12:12-27). As such, the Church is a living organism, not a mere institution, but the active community of believers who are united in Christ.
Scripture References: Ephesians 1:22-23 – Christ as the head of the Church; 1 Corinthians 12:12-27 – The Church as the body of Christ, with diverse members working together; Colossians 1:18 – Christ is the head of the body, the Church.

The Church as the Bride of Christ

The Church is also referred to as the Bride of Christ, symbolizing the intimate relationship between Christ and the Church. This metaphor speaks to the love Christ has for His people and the Church’s devotion to Him. Just as a bride and groom are united in love and covenant, so the Church is united to Christ in a loving relationship marked by mutual commitment and covenant.
Scripture References: Ephesians 5:25-27 – Christ’s sacrificial love for the Church as His bride; Revelation 19:7-9 – The marriage supper of the Lamb, symbolizing the union of Christ and His Church.

The Purpose of the Church

The primary purpose of the Church is to glorify God and fulfill the Great Commission that Jesus gave His followers: to go and make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:18-20). The Church’s mission includes:

Worship

The Church exists to worship God. Worship is not confined to a building or a specific time, but is a way of life for believers. Worship involves praising God, acknowledging His greatness, and responding to His love and grace. Through prayer, singing, the reading of Scripture, and the observance of the sacraments, the Church glorifies God.
Scripture References: Matthew 28:18-20 – The Great Commission: go and make disciples; Romans 12:1 – Worship as a living sacrifice to God.

Proclaiming the Gospel

The Church is called to proclaim the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ—the good news of His death, burial, and resurrection, which offers forgiveness of sins and the gift of eternal life to all who believe. The Church is to be an active witness of God’s Kingdom and to invite others to enter into relationship with God through Jesus Christ.
Scripture References: Mark 16:15 – Proclaim the Gospel to all creation; Romans 1:16 – The Gospel is the power of God for salvation.

Making Disciples

As part of fulfilling the Great Commission, the Church is tasked with making disciples. Discipleship involves teaching others to obey all that Christ has commanded. The Church is responsible for guiding new believers in their walk with Christ, equipping them for service, and nurturing them in their faith.
Scripture References: Matthew 28:19-20 – Make disciples of all nations; 2 Timothy 2:2 – Teach others to faithfully pass on the teachings of Christ.

Serving One Another and the World

The Church is called to serve both believers and non-believers through acts of compassion, mercy, and justice. The Church’s mission is holistic, caring for the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of people, and standing for justice and the welfare of the oppressed.
Scripture References: Galatians 6:10 – Do good to all people, especially to those in the household of faith; Matthew 25:31-46 – The Lord Jesus’ teaching on serving the least among us as serving Him.

The Priesthood of All Believers

We believe in the priesthood of all believers , meaning that every believer has direct access to God and a role in serving the Church and the world. There is no division between clergy and laity in terms of spiritual importance, as all are called to serve God and one another. Every believer is empowered by the Holy Spirit to minister and fulfil God’s calling. We believe every believer is a priest before God, called to offer spiritual sacrifices, intercede for others, and proclaim the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Scripture References: Hebrews 10:19–22; 1 Peter 2:9 – All believers are a chosen people, a royal priesthood; Revelation 1:6 – Christ has made us priests to God.

The Leadership of the Church

The leadership of the Church is given to qualified men and women who are called to serve the body of Christ as elders, deacons, and pastors. These leaders are responsible for teaching the Word of God, shepherding the congregation, and ensuring the health and growth of the Church.
Scripture References: 1 Timothy 3:1-13 – Qualifications for elders and deacons; Titus 1:5-9 – Qualifications for elders.

The Global Church and Local Congregations

While the universal Church is the worldwide community of believers in Jesus Christ, local congregations of believers also play a crucial role. Each local church is a representation of the universal body of Christ, and it is within the local congregation that believers gather for worship, teaching, fellowship, and service.
Scripture References: Acts 2:42-47 – The early Church as a model of fellowship, teaching, and service; Hebrews 10:24-25 – The importance of gathering together for mutual encouragement.

The Church’s Calling

The Church is a living, active, and essential entity in God’s redemptive plan. It is called to worship God, proclaim the Gospel, make disciples, and serve one another and the world in Christ’s name. At Masihi.Church, we are committed to fulfilling the mission of the Church in every aspect of our life together, empowered by the Holy Spirit and guided by the Word of God. Through the Church, we continue the work of Christ on earth until His return.

The Church is God’s instrument to glorify Him, make disciples, and serve the world in Christ’s name. As the body of Christ, we are called to live out this mission through worship, fellowship, discipleship, evangelism, and service to others. At Masihi.Church, we are committed to fulfilling this calling by relying on the power of the Holy Spirit and the guidance of Scripture.

The State and the Church

We believe in the distinction between the roles of the state and the church, as both are instituted by God for different purposes. The state is ordained to promote justice and maintain order, while the church proclaims the gospel and makes disciples. Christians are called to honour governing authorities while obeying God above all.
Scripture References: Romans 13:1–7; Matthew 22:21; Acts 5:29.

The Sacraments in the Church

At Masihi.Church, we believe that the Sacraments are sacred practices instituted by the Lord Jesus Christ to be observed by His Church. They are visible signs and means of grace, through which God works to strengthen believers’ faith and nourish their spiritual lives. The sacraments are not merely symbolic but are channels through which God’s grace is conveyed to believers, helping them grow in their relationship with Him. The two main sacraments practiced in the Church are Baptism and The Lord’s Supper (also known as the Holy Communion). These are essential to the life of the Church and the believer’s walk with Christ. The Church is entrusted with the responsibility to administer these sacraments faithfully.

Baptism

Baptism is the sacrament symbolizing the believer’s identification with the death, burial, and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is a public declaration of faith and a sign of the new birth in Christ. Baptism is an act of obedience to Christ’s command and is a means of identifying with the death and resurrection of Jesus.

Baptism can be administered through immersion or pouring, depending on the tradition, but the essential focus is on the believer’s faith in Christ and their commitment to follow Him. It is important to note that baptism does not save by itself but is an outward expression of an inner transformation and faith in the finished work of Christ.
Scripture References: Matthew 28:19-20 – Jesus commands His disciples to baptize new believers; Romans 6:3-4 – Baptism symbolizes our union with Christ in His death and resurrection; Acts 2:38 – Peter instructs believers to be baptized for the forgiveness of sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit; 1 Peter 3:21 – Baptism is a sign of a clean conscience toward God.

The Lord’s Supper (The Holy Communion)

The Lord’s Supper, also known as the Holy Communion or Eucharist, is a sacrament instituted by the Lord Jesus Christ on the night before His crucifixion. During the Last Supper, the Lord Jesus broke bread and shared wine with His disciples, commanding them to continue this practice in remembrance of Him.

The bread represents Christ’s body, broken for our sins, and the wine represents His blood, shed for the forgiveness of sins. The Lord’s Supper is a means of grace through which believers are nourished spiritually and reminded of Christ’s sacrifice. It is the commemoration of Christ’s death and resurrection through the bread and the cup, signifying His body and blood given for us.

The Lord’s Supper is an act of communal worship that reflects the believer’s ongoing dependence on Christ’s work of salvation. It is a time to reflect on Christ’s sacrifice, to examine one’s life, and to renew our commitment to Him and to the body of Christ, the Church.

As we celebrate these sacraments, we are reminded of our identity in Christ, our obedience to Him, and our hope in His return. At Masihi.Church, we cherish these practices as vital parts of our life together as believers in Christ.
Scripture References: Matthew 26:26-29 – Jesus institutes the Lord’s Supper, symbolising His body and blood; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 – Paul’s instructions on how to observe the Lord’s Supper, emphasising remembrance and proclamation of Christ’s death. Luke 22:19-20 – Jesus instructs the disciples to do this in remembrance of Him; Acts 2:41 – The disciples partake in the Holy Communion.

Significance of the Sacraments

Means of Grace

Both baptism and the Lord’s Supper are considered means of grace, through which God strengthens believers’ faith and spiritual lives. They are not simply rituals but are tangible ways in which God works through His Word and Spirit to deepen the believer’s relationship with Him.

Remembrance and Obedience

In baptism, believers publicly identify with Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection, and in the Lord’s Supper, they remember Christ’s sacrifice. Both sacraments are expressions of obedience to the commands of Christ.
While Baptism is a one-time event symbolising the believer’s entrance into the Christian faith, the Lord’s Supper is repeated regularly as a continual reminder of Christ’s work on our behalf.

Community and Fellowship

The sacraments are communal acts. Baptism brings believers into the body of Christ, and the Lord’s Supper reinforces the unity of the Church as believers partake of the one bread and the one cup. They are acts that unite the body of Christ across generations and cultures.

Symbolism of Spiritual Realities

While Baptism symbolises the washing away of sin and the new life found in Christ, the Lord’s Supper symbolises the spiritual nourishment believers receive through Christ’s body and blood. It points forward to the future hope of the believer’s full communion with Christ in the eternal kingdom.

Creation

We believe and uphold the biblical narrative of creation. Creation is the act of God bringing the universe and all it contains into existence out of nothing by His powerful word. God is the Creator of the heavens, the earth, and all living things, and He declared His creation to be “very good.” Humanity was uniquely created in God’s image, male and female, to reflect His character and steward His creation. The beauty, order, and complexity of the world reveal God’s eternal power and divine nature, leaving humanity without excuse for denying Him. God’s creation points to His glory and invites all people to worship Him as the sovereign Creator and Sustainer of life.
Scripture References: Genesis 1:1, Genesis 1:26-27, Genesis 1:31, Psalm 19:1-2, Romans 1:20, Hebrews 11:3, Revelation 4:11.

Image of God

We believe that all human beings are created in the image of God and are endowed with inherent dignity, worth, and purpose.
Scripture References: Genesis 1:26-27; James 3:9; Psalm 139:13-16.

Sin, Judgement, Forgiveness and Eternity

We believe in the eternal destiny of all people. We believe that God will judge all people in righteousness and that the saved through faith in (of) the Lord Jesus Christ will enjoy eternal life with God in heaven, and the unsaved, those who reject Him will face eternal separation from God in hell.
Scripture References: Romans 6:23; Matthew 25:46; Revelation 20:15; Hebrews 9:27; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Revelation 20:11–15.

Sin

We believe that sin is breaking God’s heart. Sin is any thought, word, action, or omission that violates God’s holy and perfect law. It is rebellion against God, resulting in separation from Him and falling short of His glory. sin is also a state of being. Sin originates in the heart, leading to disobedience and corruption of humanity’s relationship with God. It is defined as lawlessness, a failure to meet God’s standards, and a rejection of His authority.

The consequences of sin are profound, including spiritual and physical death, enslavement to sin, and eternal separation from God. All humanity is affected by sin, as it entered the world through Adam and has spread to every person, leaving everyone in need of salvation. Despite the gravity of sin, God offers forgiveness, restoration, and eternal life through Jesus Christ. Through faith in Him, sinners can be reconciled to God, cleansed of unrighteousness, and empowered to live in holiness.
Scripture References: 1 John 3:4, Romans 3:23, Isaiah 53:6, Psalm 51:4, Matthew 5:27-28, Jeremiah 17:9, Isaiah 59:2, Romans 6:23, Romans 5:12, Psalm 51:5, John 8:34.

Humanity and the Fall

We believe humanity was created in God’s image, but through Adam’s disobedience, sin entered the world, separating humanity from God. All people are now born with a sinful nature and are in need of redemption.
Scripture References: Genesis 1:26–27; Genesis 3:1–24; Romans 3:23.

God’s Solution to Sin (Forgiveness)

Despite the gravity of sin, God offers forgiveness, restoration, and eternal life through Jesus Christ. Through faith in Him, sinners can be reconciled to God, cleansed of unrighteousness, and empowered to live in holiness.
Scripture References: 1 John 1:9, Romans 5:8.

Salvation and Atonement

We believe salvation is a gift of God’s grace, received by faith in and through the Lord Jesus Christ, who atoned for sin through His sacrificial death and bodily resurrection.
Scripture References: Ephesians 2:8–9; Romans 10:9–10; 1 Peter 2:24.

Heaven

We believe in the eternal joy and fellowship of believers in heaven, where they will experience the fullness of God’s presence, worship Him, and be rewarded for their faithfulness. The Holy Bible describes Heaven as a place of peace, joy, and the absence of suffering or death.
Scripture References: Matthew 25:46; John 14:2–3; Revelation 21:1–4; Philippians 3:20–21.

Hell

We believe in the eternal separation from God for those who reject Jesus Christ. Hell is a place of eternal punishment and suffering, where individuals face the consequences of their rejection of God’s grace and salvation.
Scripture References: Matthew 25:46; Revelation 20:14–15; Mark 9:43; Luke 16:19–31.

The Eternal State

We believe that believers, upon death, are immediately with Christ in Heaven until the resurrection of the body at His return, after which they will live eternally with Him in His presence.

We believe that those who reject Christ will spend eternity in separation from God.
Scripture References: Luke 23:43; Philippians 1:23; Revelation 21:1-4; Revelation 20:15; 2 Thessalonians 1:9.

Creation

We believe and uphold the biblical narrative of creation. Creation is the act of God bringing the universe and all it contains into existence out of nothing by His powerful word. God is the Creator of the heavens, the earth, and all living things, and He declared His creation to be “very good.” Humanity was uniquely created in God’s image, male and female, to reflect His character and steward His creation. The beauty, order, and complexity of the world reveal God’s eternal power and divine nature, leaving humanity without excuse for denying Him. God’s creation points to His glory and invites all people to worship Him as the sovereign Creator and Sustainer of life.
Scripture References: Genesis 1:1, Genesis 1:26-27, Genesis 1:31, Psalm 19:1-2, Romans 1:20, Hebrews 11:3, Revelation 4:11.

Death

Death, both physical and spiritual, is the consequence of sin and marks humanity’s separation from God. Physical death entered the world through Adam’s disobedience, and spiritual death, the separation of the soul from God, affects all who remain in sin. However, through the work of the Trinity, death has been defeated. God the Father, in His love, sent the Son to bear the penalty of sin through His sacrificial death on the cross. Jesus Christ, fully God and fully man, experienced physical death yet triumphed over it through His resurrection. The Holy Spirit applies the victory of Christ to believers, regenerating their hearts and guaranteeing eternal life. While physical death remains a reality, for those in Christ, it no longer holds ultimate power, as they are promised resurrection and eternal communion with the Triune God. Death, for believers, becomes the passage into the presence of God, where His victory is fully realised.
Scripture References: Genesis 2:16-17, Romans 5:12, Romans 6:23, John 3:16, 1 Corinthians 15:21-22, 1 Corinthians 15:54-57, John 11:25-26, Hebrews 2:14-15, 2 Corinthians 5:8, Revelation 21:4.

Resurrection

The resurrection is a pivotal truth affirming the power and unity of the Triune God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. God the Father raised Jesus Christ from the dead by the power of the Holy Spirit, vindicating His Son’s sinless life and atoning death and demonstrating His sovereignty over sin and death. The resurrection of Jesus is the firstfruits of the resurrection of all believers, guaranteeing eternal life and the redemption of their bodies. Through the resurrection, Jesus declared victory over death and inaugurated the new creation. The Holy Spirit, who raised Christ, also dwells in believers, ensuring their future resurrection and eternal fellowship with God.

Additionally, Scripture teaches that there will be a resurrection of all people—both believers and unbelievers. Believers will be raised to eternal life, enjoying unbroken communion with the Triune God in glory. Unbelievers will also be resurrected to face judgment, where they will be separated from the presence of God and receive eternal condemnation for their sin. This sobering reality highlights the justice of God, the consequences of rejecting His grace, and the urgency of proclaiming the Gospel. The resurrection, therefore, points to the ultimate restoration for those in Christ and the final accountability for all humanity.
Scripture References: Romans 6:4, 1 Corinthians 15:20-22, Romans 8:11, John 11:25-26, 1 Peter 1:3-4, Acts 24:15, Daniel 12:2, Revelation 20:12-15, John 5:28-29, Matthew 25:31-46, Revelation 21:1-5.

Christian Living

At Masihi.Church, we believe Christian living is a Spirit-empowered response to God’s grace, demonstrating the transformative work of the Triune God – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit – in the lives of believers. God the Father calls us to holiness and adopts us as His children, making us heirs of His promises. Jesus Christ, the Son, is the ultimate example of love, humility, and obedience, and through His life, death, and resurrection, He has set the standard for how we are to live. The Holy Spirit indwells every believer, sanctifying and empowering them to live a life that reflects the character of Christ and glorifies God in every area of life.

Christian living involves loving God wholeheartedly, loving others selflessly, and proclaiming the Gospel through both word and deed. It is marked by a commitment to personal holiness, active participation in the Church, and a pursuit of justice, mercy, and care for God’s creation. As followers of Christ, we are called to be salt and light in the world, serving others with humility and stewarding our God-given resources for His glory. Empowered by the Spirit, we live not by our own strength but through faith in the Son of God, continually transformed into His likeness as we walk in obedience to His Word.
Scripture References: Romans 12:1-2, Galatians 2:20, Galatians 5:22-23, 1 Peter 1:15-16, Matthew 22:37-39, John 13:34-35, Philippians 2:1-8, Micah 6:8, Matthew 28:18-20, Colossians 3:17.

Cultures

At Masihi.Church, we believe that the Bible affirms that all cultures reflect the creativity of God, as humanity is made in His image and called to fill the earth. While sin has distorted cultural expressions, God’s redemptive plan through Christ transcends and redeems every culture, inviting all nations and peoples into His kingdom. In Christ, diverse cultures find unity and purpose, glorifying God together while retaining their unique identity.
Scripture References: Romans 12:1-2, Galatians 2:20, Galatians 5:22-23, 1 Peter 1:15-16, Matthew 22:37-39, John 13:34-35, Philippians 2:1-8, Micah 6:8, Matthew 28:18-20, Colossians 3:17.

God’s Approval of All Cultures

The Bible teaches that God is the Creator of all nations and peoples, demonstrating His sovereign hand in shaping every culture. From the beginning, God’s command to fill the earth and His scattering of humanity at Babel reflect His purpose in fostering diversity. While sin has marred cultural expressions, God affirms the dignity and value of every culture by calling all nations to Himself. The diversity of languages, traditions, and expressions will ultimately be redeemed and celebrated in God’s eternal kingdom, where people from every tribe, tongue, and nation will worship Him together in unity.
Scripture References: Genesis 1:28, Genesis 11:8-9, Acts 17:26-27, Revelation 7:9-10.

The Gospel for All Cultures

The Gospel is God’s universal plan of salvation, offered to all people regardless of cultural background. Jesus Christ’s sacrifice on the cross broke down the dividing walls of hostility, reconciling people to God and to one another. The Church is called to proclaim this Good News to every culture, contextualizing its message without compromising its truth. The Great Commission mandates discipleship of all nations, showing that the Gospel is for every people group and language. As the Gospel transforms lives, it also brings renewal to cultural practices, redeeming what is broken and aligning it with God’s design.
Scripture References: Matthew 28:19-20, Ephesians 2:14-16, Romans 1:16, Galatians 3:28.

Cultural Diversity in God’s Kingdom

God’s kingdom is a tapestry of cultural diversity, reflecting the beauty of His creation. The prophets envisioned a day when all nations would come to worship the Lord, and Jesus affirmed this vision by ministering across cultural and ethnic boundaries. The early Church modelled this inclusivity, as the Holy Spirit united believers from diverse backgrounds at Pentecost and later welcomed Gentiles into the family of God. In eternity, this unity will reach its fullness as all cultures glorify God together in harmony.
Scripture References: Isaiah 2:2-4, Acts 2:1-11, Acts 10:34-35, Revelation 5:9-10.

Cultural Redemption through Christ

While every culture is impacted by sin, the Gospel brings redemption, restoring what is broken. Believers are called to evaluate cultural practices through the lens of Scripture, embracing what honors God and rejecting what contradicts His Word. Through Christ, cultural expressions such as art, music, and traditions can be redeemed to glorify God and serve His purposes. This redemption reflects God’s desire not to erase cultural differences but to transform them for His glory and the good of all people.
Scripture References: Romans 12:2, 1 Corinthians 10:31, Colossians 3:17, Philippians 4:8.

Unity in Diversity

The Gospel creates a new community of believers from every culture, united in Christ while retaining their unique identities. This unity in diversity is a testimony to the world of God’s transformative power. The Church is called to model this unity by celebrating cultural differences while prioritizing the shared identity of being one in Christ. This unity reflects God’s ultimate purpose of bringing all things together in Christ.
Scripture References: Galatians 3:28, Ephesians 1:10, Colossians 3:11, John 17:20-23.

Creation Care

At Masihi.Church, we believe that God is the Creator of all things and has entrusted humanity with the responsibility to care for His creation. From the beginning, God commanded us to steward the earth, cultivate its resources, and safeguard its flourishing. The natural world reflects the glory and majesty of God, and caring for it is an act of worship and obedience. As followers of Christ, we are called to live in harmony with creation, practicing stewardship that honors God and benefits future generations. The Gospel assures us of the ultimate renewal of creation, where God will restore all things to perfection in Christ. Until that day, we joyfully and faithfully care for the earth as part of our mission to glorify God.
Scripture References: Genesis 1:28, Genesis 2:15, Psalm 19:1, Psalm 24:1, Romans 8:19-23, Revelation 21:1-5.

Social Justice

At Masihi.Church, we believe that God is a God of justice, righteousness, and mercy, and He calls His people to reflect His character in their relationships and communities. The Bible reveals God’s heart for the oppressed, the marginalised, and the vulnerable, urging His people to defend their cause and seek justice on their behalf. Jesus demonstrated perfect justice and compassion during His earthly ministry, breaking down barriers of oppression and restoring dignity to those cast aside by society.

As followers of Christ, we are called to pursue justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God. This means addressing systemic injustices, advocating for equity, and working for reconciliation in a broken world. The Gospel reconciles us to God and to one another, empowering us to actively challenge injustice and embody Christ’s love in practical ways. Social justice is not optional but is integral to our mission to reflect the kingdom of God on earth.
Scripture References: Micah 6:8, Isaiah 1:17, Amos 5:24, Zechariah 7:9-10, Luke 4:18-19, Matthew 25:34-40, James 1:27, Galatians 3:28, 2 Corinthians 5:18-20.