For Leaders in the Discipleship Mentorship Programme

We affirm the historic Christian faith and we subscribe to the following beliefs.

1. The Holy Scriptures

   We believe that the Bible, comprising the Old and New Testaments, is the inspired Word of God, inerrant in its original writings. Scripture is sufficient for salvation, faith and godly living, and is our final authority in all matters of doctrine and practice.

   Inspiration: 2 Timothy 3:16–17; 2 Peter 1:20–21

   Truthfulness and authority: Psalm 19:7–11; John 10:35; John 17:17

   Sufficiency for salvation and godly living: 2 Timothy 3:15–17; Isaiah 8:20

2. The Triune God

   We believe in one living and true God, eternally existing in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. These three are equal in deity, power and glory, sharing the same divine nature.

   One God: Deuteronomy 6:4; Isaiah 45:5

   Father Son and Holy Spirit: Matthew 3:16–17; Matthew 28:19; 2 Corinthians 13:14

   The deity of each person: 1 Corinthians 8:6; John 1:1–3; John 20:28; Acts 5:3–4

3. Creation and Humanity

   We believe that God created all things for His glory. Every human being is made in His image and possesses inherent dignity and worth. We are therefore called to treat all people with love, justice and respect, without partiality or discrimination based on caste, ethnicity, social standing or cultural background.

   Creation for God’s glory: Genesis 1:1; Colossians 1:16; Revelation 4:11

   Human dignity and the image of God: Genesis 1:26–28; Genesis 9:6; James 3:9–10

   Love justice and impartiality: Micah 6:8; Matthew 22:37–40; James 2:1–9

4. Sin and the Fall

   We believe that through Adam’s fall, humanity inherited a sinful nature and came under the judgment of God. All people are sinners by nature and by choice, spiritually dead apart from Christ and unable to save themselves. We need the regenerating work of the Holy Spirit to turn to God in repentance and faith.

   Adam’s fall and its consequences: Genesis 3:1–19; Romans 5:12–19

   Universal sin and spiritual inability: Romans 3:9–23; Romans 8:7–8; Ephesians 2:1–3

   Regeneration and coming to Christ: John 3:3–8; John 6:44; Titus 3:4–7

5. Jesus Christ

   We believe that Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God, truly God and truly man. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary and lived a sinless life. He is the only mediator between God and humanity.

   Eternal deity and true humanity: John 1:1–3; John 1:14; Colossians 2:9; Hebrews 2:14–17

   Virgin birth and conception by the Spirit: Matthew 1:18–25; Luke 1:30–35

   Sinlessness and sole mediation: Hebrews 4:15; 1 Timothy 2:5–6

6. Christ’s Saving Work

   We believe that Jesus Christ died on the cross as our substitute, bearing the penalty for our sins and reconciling us to God. He rose bodily from the dead, ascended into heaven and now reigns at the Father’s right hand, interceding for His people. His finished work is the only basis of our forgiveness and salvation.

   Substitution and reconciliation: Isaiah 53:4–6; Romans 3:23–26; 2 Corinthians 5:18–21; 1 Peter 2:24

   Bodily resurrection and ascension: Luke 24:36–43; 1 Corinthians 15:3–8; Acts 1:9–11

   Reigning intercession and a finished sacrifice: Hebrews 1:3; Hebrews 7:25; Hebrews 10:10–14

   Salvation in Christ alone: John 14:6; Acts 4:12

7. Salvation by Sovereign Grace

   We believe that salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, to the glory of God alone. God graciously chooses and calls His people, not because of foreseen merit or works, but according to His loving purpose. Through the Holy Spirit, He gives new life, bringing sinners to repentance and faith. Those who trust in Christ are justified (declared righteous on the basis of Christ’s righteousness) and adopted into God’s family. We proclaim the gospel freely to all.

   Grace faith and God’s glory: Romans 3:21–28; Ephesians 2:8–9; Ephesians 1:3–6

   Gracious election and calling: Ephesians 1:4–5; Romans 8:29–30; Romans 9:10–16; 2 Timothy 1:9

   New birth repentance and faith: John 1:12–13; Acts 11:18; Philippians 1:29; Titus 3:4–7

   Justification and adoption: Romans 5:1; Romans 5:18–19; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Galatians 4:4–7

   The gospel offered to all: Matthew 28:18–20; Acts 17:30; Romans 10:9–17

8. Sanctification and Perseverance

   We believe that all who are truly born again are indwelt by the Holy Spirit, who progressively transforms them into the likeness of Christ. Good works do not earn salvation but are its necessary fruit. God preserves His people, enabling them to persevere in faith, repentance and growing holiness.

   Indwelling and transformation: Romans 8:9–14; 2 Corinthians 3:18; Galatians 5:22–25

   Good works as the fruit of salvation: Ephesians 2:8–10; Titus 2:11–14; James 2:17–18

   God’s preservation and our perseverance: John 10:27–29; Philippians 1:6; Philippians 2:12–13; Hebrews 3:14; 1 Peter 1:3–5

9. The Holy Spirit and His Gifts

10. The Church and Its Ordinances

    We believe that the Church is the body of Christ, comprising all true believers, with Jesus Christ as its head. Believers are called to belong to a local church and participate in its worship, biblical teaching, prayer, fellowship, service and loving discipline. We affirm baptism and the Lord’s Supper as ordinances instituted by Christ for His Church.

    The body of Christ and His headship: 1 Corinthians 12:12–27; Ephesians 1:22–23; Colossians 1:18

    Local church fellowship worship and service: Acts 2:41–47; Ephesians 4:11–16; Hebrews 10:24–25

    Loving discipline and accountability: Matthew 18:15–20; Galatians 6:1–2; Hebrews 13:17

    Baptism and the Lord’s Supper: Matthew 28:18–20; Acts 2:38–41; Luke 22:19–20; 1 Corinthians 11:23–26

11. Marriage, Sexuality and Christian Conduct

    We believe that God created humanity male and female, and that marriage is the lifelong covenant union of one man and one woman. Sexual intimacy is God’s good gift to be expressed only within this marriage covenant. All Christians are called to sexual purity, faithfulness within marriage and chastity outside marriage. Both marriage and singleness are honourable callings. We affirm the dignity of every person and commit to speaking and acting with compassion and truth, recognising that all of us need God’s grace, forgiveness and transforming power.

    Male and female and the marriage covenant: Genesis 1:27; Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:4–6; Malachi 2:14–16

    Sexual faithfulness and purity: 1 Corinthians 7:2–5; Hebrews 13:4; 1 Thessalonians 4:3–8; 1 Corinthians 6:18–20

    Marriage and singleness: 1 Corinthians 7:7–9; 1 Corinthians 7:32–35

    Dignity compassion truth and transforming grace: James 3:9–10; Ephesians 4:15; Colossians 3:12–14; 1 Corinthians 6:9–11

12. Christian Unity and Mission

    We believe in the spiritual unity of all who belong to Christ through faith in the biblical gospel, across denominational, caste and cultural boundaries. We are called to love one another, care for those in need, proclaim the gospel and make disciples of all nations. Christian unity rests on the truth of the gospel and is expressed through humility, mutual service and love.

    Unity across social and cultural boundaries: John 17:20–23; Galatians 3:26–28; Ephesians 2:13–22; Ephesians 4:1–6

    Love service and care for those in need: John 13:34–35; Philippians 2:1–4; James 2:14–17; 1 John 3:16–18

    Gospel proclamation and making disciples: Matthew 28:18–20; Acts 1:8; 1 Corinthians 15:1–4

13. Christ’s Return and the Life to Come

    We believe that Jesus Christ will return personally, visibly and bodily to judge the living and the dead and bring His kingdom to its fullness. There will be a bodily resurrection of all people: believers to everlasting life with God, and unbelievers to everlasting judgment. We look forward to the new heavens and the new earth, where righteousness dwells and God’s people will enjoy Him forever.

    Personal visible return: Acts 1:9–11; 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18; Revelation 1:7

    Resurrection and final judgment: John 5:28–29; Acts 17:31; Matthew 25:31–46; Revelation 20:11–15

    The kingdom fulfilled and creation renewed: 1 Corinthians 15:22–28; 2 Peter 3:13; Revelation 21:1–5; Revelation 22:1–5