Statement of Faith

Everything Contend teaches stands under these convictions, and every lesson is reviewed against them before publication. This statement is itself subordinate to Scripture; where the two could ever appear to differ, Scripture governs.

Essential Convictions

We regard the following as essential, non-negotiable Christian doctrine:

1. Scripture

The Bible, consisting of the sixty-six books of the Old and New Testaments, is the inspired, inerrant and authoritative Word of God, the final authority for faith and life. (This statement of faith is itself subordinate to Scripture; where the two could ever appear to differ, Scripture governs.)

2 Timothy 3:16–17; 2 Peter 1:20–21; Psalm 19:7–9; Matthew 5:18; John 10:35

2. God

There is one God, eternally existing in three persons, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, co-equal and co-eternal, the Creator and Sustainer of all things.

Deuteronomy 6:4; Genesis 1:1; Matthew 28:19; 2 Corinthians 13:14; Colossians 1:16–17

3. Jesus Christ

Jesus Christ is fully God and fully man, conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He lived a sinless life, was crucified for our sins, was buried, and rose bodily from the dead on the third day. He ascended into heaven and will return in glory.

John 1:1, 14; Luke 1:35; Hebrews 4:15; 1 Corinthians 15:3–4; Acts 1:11

4. The Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit convicts the world of sin, regenerates believers, and indwells, guides, teaches and empowers them for godly living and service.

John 16:8; Titus 3:5; John 14:26; Galatians 5:22–23; Acts 1:8

5. Humanity and Sin

Human beings were created in the image of God, fell into sin through Adam's disobedience, and are by nature separated from God and unable to save themselves.

Genesis 1:27; Romans 3:23; Romans 5:12; Ephesians 2:1–3

6. Salvation

Salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. Those who repent and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ are forgiven, justified, adopted into God's family and given eternal life.

Ephesians 2:8–9; Romans 10:9; John 3:16; Titus 3:5; 1 John 5:13

7. The Church

The Church is the body of Christ, made up of all true believers. Local churches gather for worship, the preaching of the Word, the ordinances of baptism and the Lord's Supper, fellowship, prayer and mission.

Matthew 16:18; Acts 2:42; 1 Corinthians 12:27; Ephesians 4:11–13; Hebrews 10:25

8. Christian Living

Believers are called to holiness, love of God and neighbour, and good works that flow from grace. Growth (sanctification) is the work of the Holy Spirit through the Word, prayer and the life of the church, pursued for a lifetime and completed at Christ's return.

Romans 12:1–2; Galatians 5:16–25; Philippians 2:12–13; 1 Peter 1:15–16

9. Last Things

Jesus Christ will return personally and visibly. The dead will be raised: believers to everlasting life with God, the unrighteous to judgment. God will make a new heaven and a new earth, and His people will live with Him forever.

Acts 1:11; 1 Thessalonians 4:16–17; John 5:28–29; Revelation 21:1–4

10. Mission

The Church is sent to make disciples of all nations, proclaiming the gospel, baptising and teaching, and showing Christ's love in word and deed.

Matthew 28:18–20; Acts 1:8; 2 Corinthians 5:18–20

11. Marriage and Family

Marriage is the covenant union of one man and one woman for life, and the family is God's design for the nurture of children in the faith.

Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:4–6; Ephesians 5:25–33; Deuteronomy 6:4–7

Secondary Matters

On secondary matters, including the mode and timing of baptism, the practice of spiritual gifts today, the sequence of end-time events, the Calvinist–Arminian debate, and forms of church government, Contend presents the main historic views fairly, identifies where they differ, and takes no house position. On these questions we direct learners to their local church and its pastors or elders.