Statement of Faith
The purpose of this statement of faith is to show that when you buy a book written by Mike Cannell, you can be assured that the foundation of his beliefs is Biblical and you can determine if those beliefs align with your own.
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. —Romans 12:2
WHO IS THE ONE TRUE GOD?
God is one eternal being who exists in three distinct persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Each person is fully and completely God, sharing the same divine essence, yet uniquely distinct in their roles and relationships.
- God the Father is the Creator of all things, sovereign over the universe, and the source of all life. He is loving, just, and merciful, desiring a personal relationship with His creation.
Luke 3:22; Matthew 28:19; 2 Corinthians 13:14 - God the Son, Jesus Christ, is fully God and fully man—conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of a virgin birth, and lived a sinless life. Through His death and resurrection, He provided salvation for humanity, offering grace and forgiveness to all who believe in Him. He ascended to heaven, continues a heavenly ministry, and will return.
John 1:1-3; John 1:14; Matthew 1:18-23; Hebrews 4:15; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Luke 24:36-43; Hebrews 4:14-16; Acts 1:11 - God the Holy Spirit is the active presence of God in the world today, convicting of sin, empowering believers for service, and guiding them into all truth. The Holy Spirit indwells every believer, producing spiritual fruit and enabling them to live according to God’s will.
John 16:7-15; Acts 5:3-4; 1 Corinthians 12-13; Romans 8:9; Ephesians 5:18; Ephesians 3:16; Acts 1:8; Galatians 5:22-23 - The mystery of the Trinity remains beyond full human understanding, yet God is worshiped in spirit and truth, sovereign over all creation.
Matthew 28:19; 2 Corinthians 13:14; John 1:1-14; John 14:16-17; John 10:30; Colossians 2:9
WHAT IS MAN?
Man was created directly in God’s image. Through disobedience, man fell into sin, bringing spiritual death and separation from God. In this fallen state, humanity stands in need of new birth—a spiritual transformation made possible through faith in Jesus Christ—so that true fellowship with God may be restored. Redemption and forgiveness of sins come through God the Son, who became fully man and offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice on the cross.
Genesis 1:26-28; Genesis 3:1-24; Romans 5:12; John 3:3-5; John 3:16
WHAT IS THE CHURCH?
The one true Church is the body and bride of Christ, made up of all genuine believers in this present age. Local churches serve as autonomous communities where believers gather for worship, spiritual growth, and the proclamation of the gospel to the world. United in fellowship and service, the Church is called to build up its members in faith and to reflect Christ’s love and truth to all people.
Ephesians 1:22-23; 5:25-32; 1 Corinthians 12:12-13; Ephesians 4:11-16
WHAT IS THE BIBLE?
The Bible is the inspired Word of God, made up of sixty-six books in the Old and New Testaments. Every part of Scripture is verbally inspired by God and, in its original form, entirely free from error. It stands as the final and authoritative revelation of God’s truth, guiding believers in faith, life, and doctrine.
2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:21
WHAT IS SALVATION?
Salvation is a full and eternal deliverance from sin and its penalty, granted by God’s grace alone. It is received not by human effort or merit, but as a free gift through personal faith in Jesus Christ and His finished work on the cross. Through this salvation, believers are redeemed, forgiven, and brought into restored relationship with God, assured of eternal life by His unchanging promise.
Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:5-7; 1 Peter 1:18-19
WHAT IS THE CHRISTIAN LIFE?
The Christian life is a calling to righteousness, good works, and separation from the evil ways of the world. It is lived out through speaking truthfully, honoring the sanctity of the family, resolving conflicts according to biblical principles, and rejecting selfish strife in favor of Christlike love to all. This life is marked by the fruit of the Spirit and a devotion to persistent prayer.
Romans 12:1-2; James 5:12; Ephesians 5:22-6:4; 1 Corinthians 6:1-8; Romans 12:7-21; Galatians 5:22-23; Ephesians 6:18; Philippians 4:6
WHAT ARE THE ORDINANCES?
Believers are called to observe the ordinances established by Christ. The first is believer’s baptism, performed by immersion in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The second is the threefold communion service, which includes the washing of the saints’ feet as an act of humble service, the Lord’s Supper commemorating Christ’s sacrifice, and the partaking of the bread and cup as a remembrance of His body and blood.
Matthew 28:19; John 13:1-17; 1 Corinthians 11:20-22, 33-34; Jude 12; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26
WHO IS SATAN?
Satan is a real and personal being, recognized as the chief adversary of God and His people. He actively opposes God’s purposes and deceives humanity. Despite his current influence, Satan’s fate is certain—he is destined for judgment and final eternal destruction.
Revelation 12:1-10; John 12:31; Revelation 20:10; Matthew 25:41
WHAT IS THE SECOND COMING?
The Second Coming of Christ is His literal, visible, and imminent return to gather His Church from the earth before the Tribulation period. Following this, Christ will descend with the Church to establish His millennial kingdom on earth, reigning in righteousness and justice.
1 Thessalonians 4:16-17; 1 Thessalonians 1:10; Revelation 3:10; Revelation 19:11-20:6
WHAT HAPPENS IN THE FUTURE LIFE?
Eternal life begins with the conscious existence of the departed, who continue to be aware beyond this earthly life. The hour is coming where all will experience a bodily resurrection and stand before God’s judgment. Believers will receive reward and eternal life in the presence of God, while unbelievers face condemnation and eternal punishment.
Philippians 1:21-23; Luke 16:19-31; John 5:28-29; Romans 14:10-12; 2 Corinthians 5:10; John 3:16; Revelation 20:11-15; Matthew 25:46; Revelation 20:15
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE TEACH ABOUT HUMAN SEXUALITY?
God created humanity as male and female, designed for complementary relationship within the covenant of marriage between one man and one woman. Sexual intimacy is a sacred gift intended to be expressed exclusively within this marriage relationship. The Bible teaches that all people have dignity and worth as bearers of God’s image and are called to live in holiness.
Genesis 1:27; 2:24; Hebrews 13:4; Genesis 1:27; 1 Peter 1:15-16
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE TEACH ABOUT HOMOSEXUALITY?
The Bible clearly teaches that sexual relations are to be expressed only within the covenant of marriage between one man and one woman. Homosexual behavior is sinful and an abomination before God. All sexual sins fall short of God’s holy standard. God’s love and grace are extend to all people. Those who struggle with same-sex attraction are called to repentance and holiness—turning away from their sin—empowered by the Holy Spirit to live in obedience to God’s Word.
Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:4-6; Leviticus 18:22; 20:13; Romans 1:26-27; 1 Corinthians 6:9-10; Romans 3:23; 1 Corinthians 6:11; 2 Timothy 2:22