Preface:
We emphasize that our teachings should not serve as a prerequisite for participation or membership in our Church. We are a Non-Denominational community and recognize the value of learning and uncovering truths together. We embrace humility and acknowledge that we can learn from one another as we grow as a Church.
The only requirement for Church membership is the belief in the core principle that salvation is entirely a result of God’s grace, bestowed upon individuals through Jesus Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. We emphasize that salvation cannot be earned through personal merit or works. Furthermore, we teach that once a person is redeemed and saved, they will persevere in their faith by the ongoing work of God and will remain in Christ eternally.
By prioritizing the understanding and acceptance of God’s grace and salvation through Jesus Christ, we foster an inclusive and welcoming environment that encourages individuals to come together and explore their faith journey in Christ together.
“I wholeheartedly agree with the importance of personal exploration and study of scriptures. It is crucial for individuals to engage in independent examination of the scriptures and not blindly follow any teacher or pastor, including myself. Each person should seek a deep understanding of the Bible and its teachings, comparing and verifying them with the scriptures themselves.
By personally studying the scriptures, individuals can develop their own relationship with God, gain insights into His word, and cultivate a genuine understanding of the principles and teachings found within the Bible. This empowers individuals to discern truth, grow in faith, and make informed decisions based on their own personal convictions and understanding of God’s message.
I encourage you to embark on your own journey of studying the scriptures, seeking wisdom, and developing a personal relationship with God. Through this process, you can discover profound truths and deepen your understanding of His word.” – Pastor Ryan Nelson
What we teach at House of Grace
The Bible: We explore the Bible as a collection of 66 Holy writings, consisting of various literary forms. We emphasize that these writings are equally inspired by the Holy Spirit and are considered God’s story and words for all of humanity.
Interpretation and Representation: We teach the importance of representing the exact words of the original texts of the Bible, considering the specific literary forms in which they are written. While we believe in one interpretation, we recognize the existence of multiple applications. We also emphasize that no individual possesses a complete understanding of the mysteries of God, and therefore, we teach the methodology of hermeneutics, which involves interpreting scripture with scripture.
Literary Forms in the Bible: We examine the diverse writing styles and literary forms found in the Bible, including:
- Didactic: Teachings and instructions.
- Laws: Legal principles and regulations.
- Narrative: Historical accounts and stories.
- Parables: Allegorical stories with moral lessons.
- Poetry: Poetic expressions and songs.
- Prophecy: Foretelling of future events and divine messages.
- Enigmas: Puzzling or mysterious sayings.
- Imagery: Symbolic or figurative language.
Beliefs about God: We teach that there is one living and true God, who is an infinite, all-knowing Spirit. This belief is based on biblical references such as Deuteronomy 6:4, Isaiah 45:5-7, and 1 Corinthians 8:4. We further emphasize that God is perfect in all His attributes and exists in three Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Salvation: We emphasize that salvation is solely a work of God’s grace, granted on the basis of the redemption achieved by Jesus Christ through His sacrifice on the cross. Salvation is not earned through human merit or works. We also teach that once a person is redeemed and saved, they will persevere by God’s work and remain in Christ eternally.
Justification: We explain that justification before God is an act of God, where He declares righteous those who repent of their sins, have faith in Christ, and confess Him as their sovereign Lord. This righteousness is not based on any human virtue or action but is a result of imputing our sins to Christ and imputing Christ’s righteousness to us. This enables God to be just while justifying those who have faith in Jesus.
Sanctification: We discuss the concept of sanctification, which involves believers being set apart for God. We emphasize that this sanctification occurs through justification by faith in Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross. It is an instantaneous and positional change in the believer’s standing before God and should not be confused with progressive sanctification. However, we acknowledge that through the work of the Holy Spirit, believers undergo a daily process of transformation, gradually growing in their understanding of sin and conforming to the will of God, living a life of repentance and reflecting the character of Jesus Christ.
The Church: We teach that the Church is not defined by physical structures built by humans but rather consists of all individuals who place their faith in Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit gifts and places believers into the Church body, with Christ as its head. We also emphasize that denominations are man-made and not divinely ordained.