At Innovation our basic beliefs are very much in line with historic Christian doctrine. We try not to be dogmatic about matters on which Bible-based believers have held different views. We want our basic beliefs to be centered in Christ and His message as found in and supported by the clearest passages of Scripture. More obscure doctrine or teachings with less support are left to individuals to sort out on their own – we take no official position in these areas.

 

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IN ESSENTIAL BELIEFS WE HAVE UNITY

The essential "core" beliefs that we believe are the heart of the Christian faith are: the Authority of the Scriptures as the revealed will of God; the Deity of Christ; the Atonement by Christ through His shed blood on the Cross, the Resurrection of Christ in victory and the Return of Christ at the end of time. 

 

The Apostle Paul made it simple when he wrote these words to a first century congregation. "For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures" (1 Corinthians 15:3-4).

 

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IN NON-ESSENTIAL BELIEFS WE HAVE LIBERTY

These are beliefs that are not at the "core" of the Christian faith and do not impact our eternal destiny. This does not mean they are not important. However, Christians around the world may differ on how these beliefs are understood and still maintain loving fellowship with one another in Christ. 

 

Although there are many peripheral doctrines, here are some that tend to become divisive. Types of church governments; end-times teachings; the gifts of the Spirit; styles of church leadership; denominationalism; deliverance ministry; the Lord’s supper; healing ministry; and infant baptism. 

 

Of course there are many more, but typically when Christians have become divisive over these beliefs it is because they are confusing non-essential beliefs with core beliefs. The Bible is clear on this. "Who are you to judge someone else's servant? To his own master he stands or falls. And he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand" (Romans 14:4). 

 

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IN ALL OUR BELIEFS WE SHOW LOVE

Love can be expressed in various ways according to our unique design. God's Spiritual Gifts operate through the Fruit of the Spirit as we become an expression of Christ. Ultimately, at the heart of Christian fellowship and witness are: humility and repentance; living in God’s grace and mercy; demonstrating love, charity and good works--continuing the proclamation of the good news to those far from God. All of these can be summed up in one word…love. 

 

Jesus said in Matthew 22:37-40, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”  

 

Neither can be accomplished apart from God's redemptive grace.