* In essential beliefs - we have unity.
* In non-essential beliefs - we have liberty.
* In all our beliefs - we show charity.

THE ESSENTIALS WE BELIEVE:

1. ABOUT GOD

We believe that there is but one true and living God, everlasting, of infinite power, wisdom and goodness, the maker and preserver of all things visible and invisible, and in the unity of this Godhead there are three persons of one substance, power and eternity, the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost and these three are one.

Genesis 1:1,26,27, 3:22; Psalm 90:2; Issiah 43:11; Matthew 28:19; John 1:1-4, 4:24, 5:7, 14:9; 1 Peter 1:2; 2 Corinthians 13:14; 1 John 5:7

2. ABOUT JESUS CHRIST

We believe that Jesus Christ was conceived by the Virgin Mary of the Holy Ghost, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified for our sins, died, was buried, and rose again the third day. He ascended into heaven, where He intercedes for us - from where He will come again to judge the quick and the dead. And of His kingdom there is no end.

Daniel 4:3; Matthew 1:18, 22, 23; Isaiah 9:6; John 1:1-5, 14:10-30; Hebrews 4:14,15, 7:25; 1 Corinthians 15:3,4; Romans 1:3,4; Acts 1:9-11; 1 Timothy 2:5, 6:14,15; 2 Timothy 4:1; Titus 2:13

3. ABOUT THE HOLY SPIRIT

We believe in the Holy Spirit, whom Christ sent into the world to comfort, fill, lead and empower the people of God; to reprove the world of sin, righteousness and of judgment. We believe the new birth is brought by the Holy Spirit as we place our faith in Christ. Therefore, the Holy Spirit indwells every true believer of Christ from the moment of their salvation. We do not practice the spiritual gift of tongues in our corporate worship.

2 Corinthians 3:17; John 3:5,16: 7-13, 14:16,17, 16:8; Acts 1:8, 2:8; Romans 8:9; 1 Corinthians 2:12, 3:16; Ephesians 1:13; Galatians 5:25; Ephesians 5:18

4. ABOUT THE BIBLE

We believe the Holy Scriptures contain all things necessary to salvation. We understand the Holy Scriptures to embrace only canonical books of the Old and New Testaments. We do not believe the Old Testament is contrary to the New, for in both everlasting life is offered to mankind by Christ, who is the only mediator between God and man.

The Bible is God's Word to us. It was written by human authors, under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is the supreme source of truth for Christian beliefs and living. Because it is inspired by God, it is the truth without any mixture of error.

John 5:39, 6:63; 2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20,21; 2 Timothy 1:13, 2:5; James 1:21; Hebrews 10:4,12; Psalm 119:105, 160, 12:6; Proverbs 30:5

5. ABOUT THE CHURCH

We believe the visible Church of Christ is a congregation of faithful men and women who have been changed from nature to grace by the new birth, having the blood of Christ applied to their guilty conscience and have fully consecrated themselves to the service of God; also, wherein the pure Word of God is preached and the ordinances duly administered according to Christ is the head of the Church and we are members of His body.

Matthew 16:16b, 18; Acts 2:42, 47,; 1 Corinthians 1:2, 11:2; Ephesians 1:22-23, 2:4-6; 1 Peter 1:22-23

6. ABOUT SALVATION

We believe in the total depravity of the human heart without God. That all mankind is in need of redemption. We believe that redemption, regeneration, sanctification, salvation and justification are by the life, suffering, death, burial, resurrection, ascension and intercession of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. These are received immediately through faith in Jesus Christ as Savior. We believe there is a possibility of apostasy and we are satisfied that the joys of the righteous and the punishment of the wicked will be eternal. We believe that sanctification is an act whereby the believer is set apart for God through Christ by the Holy Spirit. We also believe that sanctification is progressive; we are to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior.

Salvation is God's free gift to us but we must accept it. We can never make up for our sin by self-improvement or good works. Only by trusting in Jesus Christ as God's offer of forgiveness can anyone be saved from sin's penalty. When we turn from sin and turn to Jesus in faith we are saved.

People were created to exist forever. We will either exist eternally separated from God by sin, or eternally with God through forgiveness and salvation. To be eternally separated from God is Hell. To be eternally in union with Him is eternal life. Heaven and Hell are real places of eternal existence.

Matthew 25:41,46; John 1:12-13, 14:6; Acts 16:30b-31; Romans 3:23, 5:12, 6:23; Ephesians 2:8,9; Hebrews 6:4-6, 10:102; Peter 1:5-9, 2:20, 3:18; Titus 3:5

7. ABOUT THE SECOND COMING

We believe that Jesus who was taken up will come again in like manner, at which time the dead in Christ will rise incorruptible and our own vile bodies will be changed and made like Him. Having our redemption complete, we will ever be with the Lord.

1 Thessalonians 4:13-17

8. ABOUT BAPTISM AND THE LORD'S SUPPER

We believe that baptism and the Lord's Supper are ordinances Jesus Christ appointed in the Church and none but true believers are proper subjects. River Valley baptizes by immersion. We believe the Lord's Supper should be administered to all true believers in Jesus and that each individual should examine himself or herself before receiving the Lord's Supper.

John 3:16; John 14:17; Romans 6:23; Romans 8:17-18; Revelation 20:15; 1 Corinthians 2:7-9