Statement of Faith
The below statement is what every member of Rockland professes. CLICK HERE to see the additional doctrine that pastors and staff must affirm.
This church recognizes the Bible as sufficient for faith and practice and holds that living in accordance with its teachings and bearing fruit is the evidence of genuine faith. (John 15:8, Gal. 5:19-26, James 1:22, Ps. 119:9, Is. 40:6-8)
We believe in:
The only true God, the sovereign Creator and Sustainer of all things, existing eternally in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (2 Cor. 13:14, Col 2:9, Is 44:6, John 10:30, 1 Cor 8:5-6, Matt 3:16-17, 28:19,).
The divine inspiration, entire trustworthiness and authority of the Bible in faith and practice (Ps. 119:9, 105, Is. 40:6-8, Heb. 4:12-13, 2 Tim. 3:16-17).
The full deity and humanity of Jesus Christ, who lived as a perfect example, who atoned for the sins of the world at the cross, who was bodily raised from the dead and ascended as both Lord and Savior, and who will return in power and glory in the fullness of time to judge the living and the dead, to consummate history and the eternal plan of God (Col. 1:15-23, 2:9, John 1:1-18).
The true Church, which is composed of all persons who through saving faith in Jesus Christ and the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit are united together in the body of Christ. The Church finds her visible, yet imperfect, expression where the Word of God is preached in its purity, and baptism and communion are administered in their integrity, where scriptural discipline is practiced, and where loving fellowship is maintained (Eph. 2:11-22, 1 Peter 3:18-22, Acts 2:42-47, John 3:16, Matt 18:15-20).
The value and dignity of all humankind, originally created in God’s image to live in love and holiness (Ps 139:13-16, Gen 1:27), but who became alienated from God and each other because of sin and guilt, and who are justly subject to the judgment of God (Rom. 3:21-26).
The justification (being forgiven and made righteous before God) by God’s grace of all who repent and put their faith in Jesus Christ for salvation (Rom. 5:6-11). We affirm God’s offer of redemption and restoration to all who confess and forsake their sin, seeking His mercy and forgiveness through Jesus Christ (Acts 3:19-21; Rom 10:9-10; 1 Cor 6:9-11).
The ministry of the Holy Spirit whose indwelling and transforming power enables us to live out our new life and new calling to evangelism and discipleship within the fellowship of the Church. (Jn. 3:5-6, Titus 3:2-7)
As brothers and sisters in Christ, the spiritual unity of believers in our Lord Jesus Christ, with equality in race, between men and women, and age. (Gal 3:28, Gen 1:27, Rom 5:6-8).
In essentials unity, in non-essentials liberty, in all things charity. (Eph 4:1-16, John 17:20-26, 1 Cor 1:10, Eph 4:11-14, Col 3:12-17, Psalm 133:1)
Sacraments
Christian Baptism
Baptism is an act of initiation into the Christian fellowship of one who, by public declaration of faith and repentance, shall affirm belief in what God’s love has done in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. We also baptize children who have not yet reached the age of accountability as an act of dedication on the part of the parents to rear such children according to the teaching of Christ within a church community, and trust that when such children reach the age of accountability they will confirm this act of dedication for themselves (Acts 22:12-16, Col 2:11-15, Acts 16:25-33).
The Lord’s Supper (Eucharist, Holy Communion)
The Lord’s Supper is a commemoration of the incarnation and ultimate sacrifice of Jesus. This sacrifice of Jesus is represented by the bread and wine/grape juice as Jesus’ body and blood given for all so that some will enter into covenant with God through the intercession of Jesus. This covenant is the New Covenant which Christians proclaim when they take the Lord’s Supper. This universal act of fellowship for the body of believers displays not only the unity we have with Christ but also with one another. The Lord’s Supper points us to hopeful expectation that we have with the return of Christ when every believer from every age in history will unite as one multitude to observe the wedding supper of the Lamb, our King Jesus. (Matt. 26:20-30, Mark 14:18-26, Luke 22:14-23, 1 Cor. 11:18-34)
Governance
For details on our governance, or to request the full constitution and by-laws, send us an email.