Step 1: Read:

In the Christian faith, there are primary, secondary, and tertiary beliefs. Primary beliefs, often referred to as close-handed issues, are those beliefs that we believe are essential for a Christian to hold. They are the crux of the Christian faith and foundational to our understanding of what it means to be a Christian. Secondary beliefs are those that not all Christians may agree on but are very important in the life of a particular denomination or congregation. For instance, secondary issues would include beliefs surrounding the sacraments and matters regarding how the Church is governed. Tertiary beliefs are those beliefs that people in the same congregation might disagree with, but don’t see them as critical to their congregational life together. Tertiary beliefs might be beliefs about spiritual gifts or the details surrounding Jesus’ return. The primary beliefs that Oak Ridge Baptist Church holds to can be summarized in the following:

• The Bible is totally true and trustworthy. 

• There is one and only one living and true God, Creator of heaven and earth who eternally exists in three divine yet distinct persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. 

• Humanity is the special creation of God, made in his own image, yet fallen, alienated from God and under God’s just condemnation for sin. 

• Jesus Christ died as a substitute for sinners to pay the penalty for the sins of all who would trust in him. He rose bodily from the dead with indestructible life and lives forever. He will one day return physically in power and glory to reign forever. 

• Salvation is by grace and received through faith in Jesus Christ alone apart from works. All those who receive this salvation are to be baptized as a sign and assurance of their union with Jesus and his people.  

• The Holy Spirit is permanently and irrevocably given to all who trust in Jesus. He works to convince us of God’s love, conform us into the image of Jesus, empower us with gifts for ministry and mission, and assure us of our final salvation. 

• There will be a future physical resurrection of the dead unto eternal life or condemnation. Only those who trusted Christ through personal faith and repentance will inherit eternal life.