What We Believe
At Alva Church of the Nazarene, our faith is centered on Jesus Christ and grounded in the Bible. We believe God loves every person, offers new life through Jesus, and calls us to love Him and our neighbors wholeheartedly. These statements summarize the Church of the Nazarene’s Articles of Faith in everyday language.
1. God
We believe in one God who has always existed as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. He created and sustains everything. God is holy, loving, and faithful.
2. Jesus Christ
We believe Jesus Christ is fully God and fully human. He was born of the Virgin Mary, died for our sins, and physically rose from the dead. He returned to heaven, where He intercedes for us—bringing our needs before the Father.
3. The Holy Spirit
We believe the Holy Spirit is God, present and active in our lives and in the Church. He helps us recognize our sin, gives us new life when we trust in Jesus, cleanses our hearts, and guides us in truth and holy living.
4. The Bible
We believe the 66 books of the Old and New Testaments are inspired by God. The Bible faithfully and without error reveals everything necessary for our salvation. It is our authority for what we believe and how we live.
5. Sin
We believe humanity’s disobedience brought sin and death into the world. We are born with a tendency toward sin, and we also sin when we knowingly choose to disobey God. Sin breaks our relationship with Him and violates His call to love. Human weaknesses and unintentional mistakes are not the same as deliberate sin. We need God’s forgiveness and His cleansing work in our hearts.
6. Salvation Through Jesus
We believe Jesus died for everyone. His sacrifice provides the only way for us to be forgiven and restored to a relationship with God. Those able to respond receive this salvation by turning from sin and trusting in Jesus. His grace also covers young children and those unable to understand or be morally responsible for their actions.
7. Grace That Reaches Us First
We believe God is at work in every person’s life before that person recognizes Him. This is called prevenient grace—grace that comes before our response. We cannot turn to God by our own strength. His grace makes it possible for us to respond freely to His love, trust Jesus, and follow Him.
8. Turning to God
We believe repentance means sincerely turning away from sin and turning toward God. The Holy Spirit helps us recognize our need for forgiveness and change direction. Through His power, we can continue living in a faithful relationship with God. We also believe people can turn away from saving faith; those who do need to repent and return to Him.
9. Forgiveness and New Life
We believe that when we turn from sin and trust Jesus as Savior and Lord, God forgives us, makes us spiritually new, and welcomes us as His children. These gifts come together through His grace, received by faith. The Holy Spirit assures us that we belong to God.
10. Holiness and a Fully Surrendered Heart
We believe God wants to do more than forgive our sins. He also wants to cleanse our hearts and fill our lives with love for Him and others.
After we receive new life in Christ, God calls us to surrender ourselves completely to Him. Through faith and by His grace, the Holy Spirit cleanses our inherited sinful nature and empowers us for wholehearted love, obedience, and service. We call this entire sanctification.
This is a definite work of God, but it does not mean we become free from human limitations or have nothing left to learn. We continue growing in Christ through prayer, Scripture, worship, and life together in the Church.
11. The Church
We believe the Church is the community of people who confess Jesus Christ as Lord. We gather to worship, learn from Scripture, share in baptism and Communion, and encourage one another. God sends us to share the good news of Jesus, make disciples, care for people, and work for justice.
12. Baptism
We believe baptism is a sacrament—a sacred practice Jesus commanded through which God communicates His grace. It expresses faith in Christ, acceptance of His saving work, and belonging to His Church.
Baptism may be by sprinkling, pouring, or immersion. Young children and those unable to be morally responsible may also be baptized at a parent’s or guardian’s request, with the church committed to supporting their Christian nurture.
13. Communion
We believe Communion, also called the Lord’s Supper, celebrates Jesus’ life, death, resurrection, and promised return. It is a sacred means of grace through which Christ meets us by the Holy Spirit and strengthens our faith and unity. All who have faith in Christ and love for His people are invited to participate reverently.
14. Healing
We believe God heals, and we pray with faith for those who are sick. We also believe God works through medical care, and we value the knowledge and skills of healthcare professionals.
15. Jesus’ Return
We believe Jesus Christ will come again. Those who have died in Christ will be raised, and His living followers will join them to meet the Lord. Together, we will be with Him forever.
16. Resurrection and Eternal Life
We believe everyone will be raised from the dead and stand before God to be judged for how they have lived. Those who trust and follow Jesus will enjoy everlasting life with Him. Those who finally refuse to repent will face eternal separation from God and suffering in hell.
Have questions? You are welcome to ask, explore, and learn with us. We would love to talk with you about Jesus and what it means to follow Him.
This is a simplified summary. Our full doctrinal statements are found in the Church of the Nazarene’s Articles of Faith.