Statement of Faith

MTN | Statement of Faith

1. The God of the Bible
   We believe in the LORD, the one true God revealed through the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) and the Apostolic Scriptures (New Testament). He is the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—the God of Israel—almighty and sovereignly directing all of history toward ultimate redemption and paradise. When He revealed Himself to Moses, the LORD proclaimed, “The LORD, the LORD, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, keeping steadfast love for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, but who will by no means clear the guilty” (Exodus 34:6-7).
   
   

2. The LORD is Triune
   In the Apostolic Scriptures, the LORD is revealed as Father (first person), Son (second person), and Holy Spirit (third person) (Matthew 28:19; John 1:1-3; 2 Corinthians 13:14). The Father, as the source of all creation, works through His Word, the Son, by the power of His Spirit. This triune nature is consistent with how God is revealed in the Hebrew Bible, where He is known as the LORD, the Word of the LORD or the Angel of the LORD, and the Spirit of the LORD or Holy Spirit (Deuteronomy 6:4; Genesis 16:7-13; Exodus 3:2-6; Genesis 1:2; Isaiah 63:10-11). God’s faithfulness to His promises to Israel remains steadfast, and through Jesus, the Messiah, He extends His blessings, promises, and redemption to all nations. (Genesis 1:1-3; Psalm 33:6; Isaiah 42:1; Acts 2:32-33)
   
   

3. The Authority of Scripture
   We believe the Bible is the inspired and infallible Word of God, consisting of the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) and the Apostolic Scriptures (New Testament). Together, these Scriptures reveal God’s nature, His covenant promises, and His plan for redemption, guiding believers in faith, life, and practice. (Psalm 119:105)

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work”
(2 Timothy 3:16-17).

4. Humanity, Sin, and the Need for Salvation
   We believe that humanity, created in the image of God, fell into sin through disobedience, resulting in separation from God, death, and corruption of all creation. The law of sin and death now reigns in human flesh, enslaving humanity to sin and leaving all people under its power and penalty. The law and conscience bear witness to God’s standards, yet all fall short, revealing our desperate need for salvation from sin's power, penalty, and the slavery it brings. Without redemption, the destiny of the wicked is eternal separation from God. Humanity’s only hope for freedom, transformation, and eternal life lies in salvation through Jesus Christ, who alone can break the chains of sin and bring true spiritual life. (Genesis 1:27; Romans 3:23; 5:12; Romans 6:16-23; Galatians 3:22-24; Matthew 25:46)
   
   

5. Jesus Christ
   We believe that Jesus is the promised Messiah, fully God and fully man, born of a virgin. He lived a sinless life and became obedient to the point of death, willingly laying down His life as a perfect sacrifice for the sins of the world. Jesus was crucified, died, and was buried, but on the third day, He rose from the dead in victory over sin and death. He is now exalted, seated at the right hand of the Father, and will return on the Day of the Lord to judge the living and the dead. Jesus calls all humanity to believe, trust, and follow Him, imitating His teachings and lifestyle. He alone is the way to salvation and is the only name given under heaven by which we can be saved. (Isaiah 7:14; John 1:1-14; Philippians 2:8; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4; Acts 4:12; Hebrews 1:3; Matthew 24:30; Acts 17:30-31)
   
   

6. The Mystery of Salvation

   • Justification by Faith
     We believe that salvation is a lifelong journey with a clear beginning and end, marked by justification, sanctification, and glorification. Salvation begins with justification by faith—a gift received through God’s mercy, secured by Jesus on the cross, and not based on human works of righteousness. Forgiveness is secured by Jesus and received through sincere faith and genuine repentance. (Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 10:9-10; Titus 3:5-6)
     
     

   • Initiation and life in Christ
     Upon genuine faith and sincere repentance, believers are called to be fully initiated into the Body of Christ through baptism by water and the Spirit. Through water baptism, we are united with Christ in His death, putting off the old self and putting on Christ. Through the gift of the Holy Spirit, believers receive power to live a new life in Christ as faithful witnesses. This is followed by a life of sanctification, wherein believers live in a way consistent with faith and repentance, walking according to His word and living by the Spirit. This includes putting to death the deeds of the flesh, growing in holiness, and imitating Jesus as our example. In doing so, believers grow in faith, hope, and love, anchoring their lives in these virtues. (John 15:4-5; Romans 6:3-5; Galatians 5:16-25; Romans 8:13; 1 Corinthians 13:13)
     
     

   • God’s Promise and Sober Warning
     We believe that God is faithful to keep and sustain every believer. The Lord promises to finish the good work He began in us, empowering us to persevere in faith until the end. He guards and strengthens us by His Spirit, reassuring us that our salvation is secure in Him and that nothing can separate us from His love in Christ Jesus. However, believers are also warned against apostasy and falling away from the faith. The Scriptures encourage us to continue in steadfast faith, abiding in Christ and enduring to the end, lest we be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness and drift away from the living God. (Philippians 1:6; 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24; John 10:27-29; Romans 8:38-39; Hebrews 3:12-14; Matthew 24:13)
     
     

   • The Finish Line
     The journey of salvation continues until death or Christ’s return, at which time believers will experience glorification in the resurrection. Our hope is in the completion of this salvation when we will be raised to eternal life with God. (1 Corinthians 15:42-49; Philippians 3:20-21; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17)
     
     

7. The Gospel of the Kingdom: A Twofold Message
   We believe that the Gospel of the Kingdom is a twofold message, proclaiming both the coming Kingdom of God in the age to come on the Day of the Lord and the extension of God’s mercy to the nations through the power of the Cross of Christ in the present age. Together, these reveal God’s ultimate plan to redeem and restore creation through His Son, Jesus, bringing an end to this present age and establishing the age to come.
   
   

   • The Kingdom of God
     The Kingdom of God is the fulfillment of God’s promises in the Law and the Prophets, centering on the future restoration of Israel under Jesus, the Messiah. God’s covenant with David in 2 Samuel 7 promises that Jesus, as David’s heir, will sit on his throne and rule over a restored Kingdom. Unlike this present age, which is marked by corruption, strife, and decay, the Kingdom of God in the age to come will bring peace, righteousness, and justice as God’s heavenly rule comes to earth, with Christ reigning from Jerusalem over all nations.
     
     In this coming Kingdom, there will be a resurrection of the dead and eternal life for all who belong to God. It will be an age where the brokenness of this world—marked by strife, war, lack, sickness, and death—will be replaced with the blessings of peace, unity, abundance, health, and everlasting life. The return of Jesus is the blessed hope of the believer, and the Kingdom of God is the promised inheritance for all who trust in Him, contrasting the limitations and suffering of this present age. (2 Samuel 7:12-16; Isaiah 9:6-7; Luke 1:32-33; Isaiah 2:2-4; Matthew 24:30; Titus 2:13; Revelation 11:15; Revelation 21:1-5)
     
     

   • The Cross of Christ
     The second part of this message proclaims Christ Crucified as the means by which God redeems humanity in this present age, while preparing believers for the age to come. At the Cross, Jesus fulfilled the redemptive promise of an everlasting atonement, offering Himself as the perfect sacrifice for sin. Through the Cross of Christ, forgiveness, reconciliation, and eternal life are offered to all who repent and believe, extending God’s mercy to the nations in the present age. His resurrection is the prime example and guarantee of the promise for the righteous, the ultimate vindication, the resurrection of the dead and eternal life in the age to come. Jesus’s death secures both redemption and renewal of life for those who place their trust in Him and await the hope of His return. (Isaiah 53:4-6; Romans 5:8-11; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4)
     
     

   • The Gospel is meant to be proclaimed in sign, word, and deed.
     Signs and wonders, empowered by the Holy Spirit, serve as tangible demonstrations of the Kingdom, foreshadowing the ultimate restoration Jesus will bring. Through healing, deliverance, and other miracles, believers witness to the power of the Kingdom of God breaking into the present age (Hebrews 2:3-4; Matthew 10:8). The word of the Gospel is the message of Jesus Christ crucified and risen, shared boldly and faithfully to call people to repentance and faith (Romans 1:16; 1 Corinthians 1:18). The deeds of the Gospel are acts of love, justice, and mercy, reflecting the character of Christ and embodying the values of His coming Kingdom (Matthew 5:14-16; James 2:17). Together, the proclamation of the Gospel in sign, word, and deed reveals God’s love, power, and righteousness, drawing people to His Kingdom and preparing the way for the return of Jesus.
     
     

   • “God’s Universal Kingdom” and “The Kingdom of God”
     We distinguish between God’s Universal Kingdom, which spans all ages, and the coming Kingdom of God. God’s Universal Kingdom refers to His eternal and sovereign rule over all creation—His unchanging dominion over heaven and earth throughout all time, including this present age and the age to come. The Kingdom of God, however, is the promised heavenly rule of the Messiah on earth, fulfilling the Davidic Covenant and the hope of Israel. This Kingdom will come in its fullness in the age to come, when Jesus returns to establish His reign on earth, bringing the ultimate redemption to Israel and the nations. (Psalm 103:19; Daniel 4:34-35; Zechariah 14:9)
     
     

   • The Day of the Lord and the Kingdom of God: A Synonymous Message
     In the prophetic Scriptures, the phrase “The Day of the Lord is at hand” (Joel 1:15; Zephaniah 1:14) refers to a future time when God will act decisively in judgment and salvation, bringing an end to injustice and establishing His rule. The prophets envisioned this day as one of both reckoning and restoration, where the wicked would be judged, and God’s people would be redeemed. Similarly, in the Apostolic Scriptures, “The Kingdom of God is at hand” (Matthew 4:17; Mark 1:15) describes the imminent arrival of God’s rule, inaugurated through Jesus, who is both the herald and the King of this coming Kingdom.
     
     These two phrases—“The Day of the Lord” in the prophetic Scriptures and “The Kingdom of God” in the Apostolic Scriptures—are functionally synonymous, as both point to the culmination of God’s redemptive plan. While the prophets awaited the Day of the Lord as the time when God would fully intervene in human history, the Apostles understood the Kingdom of God to be the fulfillment of this expectation through Jesus. Both terms underscore the same reality: the decisive establishment of God’s rule, the judgment of the wicked, and the restoration of creation under Jesus, the Messiah. Thus, when we proclaim that the Kingdom of God is at hand, we declare the same hope anticipated by the prophets—the arrival of God’s reign on earth. (Isaiah 13:9-13; Joel 2:1; Mark 1:14-15; Acts 3:21)
     
     

8. The Holy Spirit
   We believe in the Holy Spirit, the promised gift of the Father to all who believe in Jesus, essential for a life empowered by God. Through faith, believers receive the Holy Spirit, who both indwells and fills them, working to transform and strengthen them in this present age while preparing them for the age to come.
   
   The Holy Spirit enables believers to proclaim the gospel with boldness, confirming Jesus as the Messiah with signs, wonders, and miraculous works (Acts 1:8; Acts 2:4; 1 Corinthians 12:7-11). Healings performed by the Spirit foreshadow a future world free from pain, and exorcisms reveal the coming defeat of spiritual forces opposed to God. In these acts, we experience a foretaste of the powers of the age to come (Hebrews 6:4-5).
   
   Described as the “Spirit of adoption,” the Holy Spirit confirms believers as children of God, giving them assurance and hope until the day of full adoption at the resurrection (Romans 8:15-17). He teaches believers, helps them live according to God’s Word, and empowers them to put to death the deeds of the flesh, bringing them into deeper communion with God (Romans 8:13; Galatians 5:16-25; John 14:26).
   
   The Holy Spirit is also called a down payment, or earnest, of the inheritance to come, marking believers as God’s own and assuring them of eternal life (Ephesians 1:13-14; 2 Corinthians 1:22). This includes both an initial outpouring, described as being baptized in the Spirit, and an ongoing experience where believers are continually filled and renewed by Him (Acts 2:38-39; Ephesians 5:18). Though the Spirit indwells all believers, He is also meant to be stirred up and communed with constantly, filling and empowering them to walk in the Spirit daily. Through the Spirit’s presence in us, we are seated with Christ in heavenly places, reflecting God’s grace and power in this age (Ephesians 2:6; Romans 8:11; 2 Timothy 1:6).
   
   

9. Resurrection and Judgment
   We believe in the bodily resurrection of both the righteous and the unrighteous. The righteous, through faith in Jesus Christ, will inherit eternal life with God in the renewed heavens and earth, enjoying His presence and glory forever. However, those who reject God’s salvation and persist in unbelief will face eternal separation from God in the Lake of Fire, which is the second death (Revelation 20:14-15).
   
   The Scriptures warn against lifestyles marked by sin and rebellion against God. In Galatians 5, the deeds of the flesh are identified as sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, and orgies. Those who practice such things will not inherit the Kingdom of God (Galatians 5:19-21). Similarly, 1 Corinthians 6 states that those who practice unrighteousness—including sexual immorality, idolatry, adultery, homosexuality, theft, greed, drunkenness, reviling, and swindling—will not inherit the Kingdom (1 Corinthians 6:9-10). Revelation 21 adds that the cowardly, faithless, detestable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars will face exclusion from God’s eternal Kingdom and have their portion in the Lake of Fire (Revelation 21:8).
   
   God’s final judgment will bring complete justice, fully addressing all sin and restoring creation. Those found in Christ will receive eternal life and the fulfillment of God’s promises, while those outside of Christ, who have rejected the truth and followed unrighteousness, will face judgment according to their deeds. This ultimate separation serves as a sobering reminder of the holiness of God and the reality of the choices made in this life.
   
   

10. Sacred Mysteries and Ordinances
    We believe in the sacred mysteries and ordinances instituted by Jesus, which embody God’s covenantal promises to Israel and draw believers into the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. These ordinances are not to be entered into unadvisedly or lightly, but reverently, deliberately, and in accordance with the purposes for which they were instituted by God. Through the Spirit, the water, and the blood, believers actively participate in the work of the Holy Spirit within the community of faith, drawing us deeper into God’s grace and truth.

    • Water Baptism
      Baptism is a profound act of cleansing and the formal entrance into the Body of Christ. Through immersion in water, we are united with Christ in His death and resurrection, sharing in the burial of our old self and the washing away of sins to receive new life in Him. Baptism signifies the circumcision of Christ, setting us apart and marking us as belonging to Him (Colossians 2:11-12). It is also a betrothal washing, preparing us for our Bridegroom, as we await His return with hearts devoted to Him.
      
      For baptism to be valid, the believer must bear the fruit of sincere faith and genuine repentance, demonstrating a life turned toward God. When Scripture says we baptize “in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit” or “in the name of Jesus,” it means that baptism is done on Christ’s behalf, under God’s authority. This mystery is serious yet joyous, a sacred act of obedience through which the Holy Spirit brings believers into the shared life of Christ and His Church. (Matthew 28:19; Romans 6:3-5; Acts 2:38; Colossians 2:12)
      
      

    • Communion: The Bread and the Cup
      Communion, also known as the Eucharist, is a holy act in which believers share in the sacrificial death of Jesus by partaking of the bread and cup (fruit of the vine: wine or juice), which Jesus identified as His body and blood, given for the forgiveness of sins. The bread and cup are set apart, given thanks for, blessed, and served to believers, following Jesus’ example in the Last Supper. Communion is often taken in the context of a community meal called the Lord’s Supper, a time of intimate fellowship, shared remembrance, and worship in anticipation of the Marriage Supper of the Lamb in Jerusalem at the end of the age.
      
      Communion holds the twofold witness of the gospel, proclaiming both Christ’s first coming, in which He gave Himself as the perfect sacrifice for sin, and His anticipated second coming, in which He will return as King to establish His Kingdom. This act ties together the present reality of forgiveness and future hope of glory, making Communion the perfect ongoing sign and nourishment in the gospel for the believer.
      
      Communion invites believers into a profound spiritual union with Christ and with one another, binding us together as members of His body and drawing us deeper into our shared life in Him. However, the Scriptures warn believers not to partake of Communion in an unworthy manner. Those who do so without proper reverence and self-examination risk bringing judgment upon themselves, as they fail to discern the holiness of Christ’s body and blood. The Apostle Paul cautions, “Anyone who eats and drinks without recognizing the body of the Lord eats and drinks judgment on themselves” (1 Corinthians 11:29). Consequently, believers are urged to examine themselves before approaching the Lord’s Table, understanding that partaking unworthily is a grave offense against the Lord’s sacrifice and holiness. (1 Corinthians 11:23-29; Luke 22:19-20; John 6:53-56)
      
      

    • The Assembly
      The Assembly is the regular gathering of the local body of believers, where we come together to worship, encourage, and be transformed in faith. In this gathering, we share in the Spirit, water, and blood, experiencing deep fellowship and unity through the presence and work of the Holy Spirit. Water Baptism reminds us of our shared identity in Christ, and Communion reinforces our bond in His blood and our common salvation. Together, we worship God, celebrate His promises, and are built up for every good work.
      
      Regular assembly is essential for the growth, accountability, and love of the Church. Gathering together strengthens and equips believers to live as Christ’s witnesses in the world. The Assembly embodies the unity of the Spirit as we support one another, serve with spiritual gifts, and look forward to Christ’s return. In this way, the Assembly not only honors God but also foreshadows the coming Messianic Kingdom. (Acts 2:42-47; Hebrews 10:24-25; 1 John 5:6-8; Ephesians 4:15-16; 1 Corinthians 12:12-13)
      
      

11. Cruciform Discipleship and Devoted Community
    We believe that following Jesus calls us to a life shaped by the cross—one marked by humility, sacrifice, and service to others. As His disciples, we are also called to live in a devoted community, sharing life and supporting one another as we embody Christ’s love and await His return.

    • Cruciform Discipleship
      Cruciform discipleship is the journey of following Jesus in a way that is continually shaped by the cross. Jesus taught, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me” (Luke 9:23). Embracing this call, we take up our own crosses each day, surrendering our desires and allowing His self-giving love to transform every area of our lives. This discipleship includes walking through persecution, trials, and testing, where we are refined and strengthened as we share in Christ’s sufferings. Jesus reminded us, “If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you” (John 15:20), and the Apostle Paul exhorts believers, “Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2 Timothy 3:12).
      
      We do this knowing that “if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us” (Romans 8:17-18). Cruciform discipleship means daily dying to the desires of the flesh and growing in faith, hope, and love as we seek to imitate Christ. This journey is both personal and communal, as we walk alongside fellow believers in mutual encouragement and accountability. (Galatians 2:20; Philippians 2:5-8; 1 Corinthians 11:1; James 1:2-4)

    • Devoted Community
      As demonstrated by the early church in Acts 2:42, we are called to a devoted community, “continuing steadfastly in the apostles' teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.” Jesus commanded us, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:34-35). Devoted community means embodying this love, actively caring for one another, sharing resources, and building each other up in love, creating an environment that reflects the unity that Christ desired for His followers.
      
      Through a devoted community, we embody the teachings of Jesus and live as a witness to the gospel, demonstrating God’s Kingdom values of mercy, justice, and compassion. Together, we form a community that mirrors Christ’s love and foreshadows the coming Messianic Kingdom, revealing God’s glory and preparing for His return. (Hebrews 10:24-25; Galatians 6:2; Romans 12:10)
      
      

    • Leadership in the Body
      In order to lead and serve local communities effectively, the Apostles established structures of leadership that included elders (overseers/pastors) and deacons (formal servants). Ideally, each community was led by a plurality of elders and supported by deacons. Elders were tasked with shepherding, teaching, overseeing, and guarding the doctrine and health of the church, while deacons served in various roles of support and care. Scripture outlines the qualifications for these roles, highlighting the importance of character, maturity, and faithfulness: elders are to be above reproach, able to teach, and manage their own households well, while deacons are to be dignified, sincere, and faithful in all things. Our sincere goal is to strive to imitate this as much as possible. (1 Timothy 3:1-13; Titus 1:5-9; 1 Peter 5:1-4; Acts 20:28; Philippians 1:1)
      
      
      
      

12. The Mission of God
    We believe in the Body of Christ, called to a threefold mission: to love God, to love one another, and to love our neighbor. This mission is expressed in our devotion toward God, our fellowship with one another, and our active witness to the world.
    
    

    • Up: Toward God
      The greatest commandment, to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength (Mark 12:30), shapes our upward devotion through worship and prayer, glorifying Him in all we do. As we love God, we seek to live in continual communion with Him, drawing closer in worship and honoring His presence in our lives. We worship “in spirit and truth” (John 4:23-24), offering ourselves as “living sacrifices” in response to His mercy (Romans 12:1-2). Our lives reflect His glory and holiness as we devote ourselves to His Word, pursue Him in prayer, and seek His kingdom first (Psalm 27:4; Matthew 6:33).
      
      

    • In: Toward One Another
      The new commandment, to love one another as Christ has loved us, shapes our life together in fellowship and discipleship, building up the Body of Christ. Jesus taught, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:34-35). Through mutual encouragement, discipleship, and accountability, we grow in faith, hope, and love, seeking to reflect Christ’s love in our relationships with one another. By caring for each other’s needs and strengthening each other in the faith, we fulfill our calling to be a unified and devoted family of believers. Together, we are “continuing steadfastly in the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers” (Acts 2:42), and we “bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2). (Ephesians 4:15-16; Romans 12:10-13; Hebrews 10:24-25)
      
      

    • Out: Toward the World
      The commandment to love our neighbor as ourselves (Mark 12:31) sends us outward to the world, reaching those who have not yet encountered the love of Christ. Jesus commissioned us, saying, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19-20), and “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation” (Mark 16:15). As ambassadors of Christ, we proclaim the gospel of Christ crucified and the hope of the coming Kingdom of God, calling people to repentance and faith, and leading them into a life of discipleship.

We carry out this mission in sign, word, and deed: through acts of love and mercy, through the faithful proclamation of the Word, and through the demonstration of God’s power in the Holy Spirit. In signs and wonders, we bear witness to the power of God, showing compassion and providing glimpses of His future restoration (Matthew 10:7-8; John 14:12; Hebrews 2:3-4). In word, we faithfully proclaim Jesus’ message, calling people to believe, repent, and follow Him (Luke 24:47; Romans 10:14-15). By our deeds, we show the love of Christ, reflecting His justice, mercy, and compassion (Matthew 5:14-16; James 2:15-17). Together, we serve as Christ’s hands and feet in the world, sharing His love, compassion, and truth with all people and preparing for His return. (2 Corinthians 5:20; Acts 1:8; 1 Peter 2:9-12)

Jesus said, “Behold, I am coming soon,” and the Spirit and the Bride say, “Come.” Maranatha. Amen.