Core Beliefs
The following are the core beliefs of First Church of God | Chilhowie, VA based on the foundational truths taught in the Bible.
All of our teaching and ministry is rooted in and flows out of these biblical doctrines.
All of our teaching and ministry is rooted in and flows out of these biblical doctrines.
The Nature & Revelation of God
We believe there is ONE HOLY GOD who created all things and rules over them with justice, mercy, and love. God reveals Himself through His Word, His creation, His Spirit, and supremely through His Son, Jesus Christ. He exists eternally as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
(Genesis 1:31; Deuteronomy 6:4; John 1:1–3,14)
(Genesis 1:31; Deuteronomy 6:4; John 1:1–3,14)
The Person & Mission of Jesus Christ
The Person and Mission of Jesus Christ
We believe Jesus Christ is both fully God and fully man, the eternal Son of God who came to save the world. Through His virgin birth, sinless life, sacrificial death, and resurrection, He provides salvation to all who believe. His mission is rooted in God’s love, offering eternal life to all who trust in Him.
(John 3:16–18; Luke 3:22)
We believe Jesus Christ is both fully God and fully man, the eternal Son of God who came to save the world. Through His virgin birth, sinless life, sacrificial death, and resurrection, He provides salvation to all who believe. His mission is rooted in God’s love, offering eternal life to all who trust in Him.
(John 3:16–18; Luke 3:22)
The Nature & Authority of the Bible
The Nature and Authority of the Bible
We believe the Bible is the inspired, authoritative Word of God. It reveals God’s truth, teaches us how to live, and stands as the foundation for faith and practice. Scripture has endured throughout history, proving trustworthy and sufficient for guiding mankind today.
(2 Timothy 3:16; Matthew 4:4)
We believe the Bible is the inspired, authoritative Word of God. It reveals God’s truth, teaches us how to live, and stands as the foundation for faith and practice. Scripture has endured throughout history, proving trustworthy and sufficient for guiding mankind today.
(2 Timothy 3:16; Matthew 4:4)
Mankind, Sin, & Destiny
We believe all people are created in God’s image but are separated from Him by sin. Without Christ, humanity is destined for eternal separation from God, but through Christ we receive forgiveness and the hope of heaven. Our acceptance or rejection of Jesus’ gift of redemption in this life determines our eternal destiny.
(Genesis 1:27; Romans 10:9–10; Revelation 21:4,8)
(Genesis 1:27; Romans 10:9–10; Revelation 21:4,8)
Salvation
We believe salvation is God’s free gift, received by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. Through His death and resurrection, we are forgiven, made children of God, and given eternal life. Salvation cannot be earned and is found in Christ alone.
(Romans 6:23; John 14:6; Acts 4:12)
(Romans 6:23; John 14:6; Acts 4:12)
The Nature of the Church & Membership
We believe the church is the present expression of Christ’s continuing work. The church is the visible body of Christ, made up of all who are saved by faith in Him. Membership to the “church” at large as well as the local church is not based on ritual but on salvation in Christ. The church gathers to worship, fellowship, grow in discipleship, and share the gospel with the world.
(Acts 2:42–47; Matthew 5:17)
(Acts 2:42–47; Matthew 5:17)
Life, Marriage, Family, and Purity
We believe life, marriage, and family are sacred gifts from God. Life begins at conception in the womb. Marriage is designed by God as a covenant between one man and one woman, and sexual intimacy is reserved for that union. Families are to model God’s love, raising children in the instruction of the Lord.
(Genesis 2:24; Psalm 139:13-16; Ephesians 5:22–28; Proverbs 22:6)
(Genesis 2:24; Psalm 139:13-16; Ephesians 5:22–28; Proverbs 22:6)
The Role of Women in Ministry
We believe men and women are equally created in God’s image and gifted by the Spirit to serve. Scripture shows women faithfully leading, teaching, and proclaiming God’s Word. We affirm that God calls both, men and women, to roles of leadership and ministry.
(Judges 4:4–5; Acts 18:26; Galatians 3:28)
(Judges 4:4–5; Acts 18:26; Galatians 3:28)
Holiness
We believe God calls His people to holiness, made possible through the Holy Spirit’s work of sanctification. Holiness is expressed by loving God with all our heart and loving others as ourselves. This lifelong journey deepens our walk with Christ and strengthens our witness to the world.
(1 Peter 1:16; Matthew 22:37–40; John 15:2–4)
(1 Peter 1:16; Matthew 22:37–40; John 15:2–4)
Christian Unity
We believe Christians are called to love one another and live in unity under Christ. Though diverse, the body of Christ is one family, reconciled through His cross. Our unity is a witness to the world of God’s redeeming love.
(John 13:34–35; Galatians 3:26–28; Acts 2:44–47)
(John 13:34–35; Galatians 3:26–28; Acts 2:44–47)
The End Times and Eternal Hope
We believe Christ will return to judge the living and the dead, and to fully reveal His eternal kingdom, at a date and time unknown to us. On that day and hour, believers will share in the joy of God’s presence forever, while those who reject Him face eternal separation. This hope calls us to live faithfully and urgently share the gospel.
(1 Thessalonians 4:16–17; Matthew 24:36; Revelation 21:1–4)
(1 Thessalonians 4:16–17; Matthew 24:36; Revelation 21:1–4)