Milan Christian Church understands that the Bible teaches several things that prompts a lot of questions. While we realize that it would take a lifetime to discuss what God expects of us, we believe that we can grow in our knowledge of God. This is the reason why we gather in worship: to know God deeply and to embody his love in the world.
We believe that there are essential elements for knowing God and embodying his love in the world. We have structured our worship around these foundational elements of our faith.
Bible
We believe that the Bible is God's Holy Word. God inspired the original writings of the Scripture and, consequently, those original writings were without error (Mark 12:36; John 14:26; 16:12-15; Acts 1:16; 1 Corinthians 2:12-13; 2 Timothy 3:14-16; 2 Peter 1:20). We believe that the Bible is the final authority for all matters of truth, morality, faith, and Christian living (Isaiah 40:8; Psalm 119:11, 105; Matthew 5:18; 24:35; Romans 15:4).
God
We believe in one God - Father, Son and Holy Spirit (Matthew 3:16-17; John 14:9-10; 1 Peter 1:2; 2 Corinthians 13:14;1 John 5:1-12). We believe that God the Father is the first member of the Trinity (Genesis 1:26,"us"). We believe that God the Father is the Creator of all things both visible and invisible (Genesis 1:1; Acts 17:24-28; Hebrews 11:3).
Jesus
We believe that Jesus Christ is God's only Son and the only Savior of the world (Matthew 1:18; John 3:16; 20:24-31). We believe that Jesus is fully human and fully divine. We believe that Jesus lived a sinless life, and that Jesus suffered, died, and was buried to atone for the sins of the world. However, Jesus rose again from the dead on the third day and ascended into heaven. Therefore, Jesus is the only way to the Father, the only Savior. He shall return to rule forever in victory (Luke 1:26; 22:27-24:53; John 14:6; Acts 1:1-9; 4:12; 1 Corinthians 15:3-8; Colossians 3:1; Revelation 1:7-8; 11:15).
Holy Spirit
We believe that the Holy Spirit dwells within every Christian (John 16:5-15). We believe the Holy Spirit convicts the world of sin, helps believers in their weakness, intercedes for believers, and empowers every believer to bear spiritual fruits (John 16:8; 1 Corinthians 3:16; 6:19; 2 Timothy 1:14; Romans 8:26; Galatians 5:22-23).
Human Beings
We believe that God is the Creator and Sustainer of human life. God creates in His image and likeness. This means that human beings are sacred from conception to death. And when human beings die, they shall return to the Creator. God creates people as male and female. These are two distinct, but complementary, genders that together they reflect the image of God in humanity. People's biological genders are an intrinsic and immutable aspect of their nature and identity (Genesis 1:26-27; Genesis 2:7, 21-22; Psalm 139:13-18).
The Church
We believe that Christians make up the church. Therefore, the church consists of Christians everywhere who believe that the forgiveness of sins is possible through the grace of God by the blood of Christ. To receive this forgiveness, they have put their faith in Jesus Christ, repented of their sins, confess Jesus as Lord, and receive baptism by immersion. To maintain their status before God, they have devoted themselves to biblical teaching, to Christian fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayer (Isaiah 53:6; Acts 2:42; 4:12; Romans 3:23; Matthew 26:28; Romans 5:9; Ephesians 2:8-9; 1 Peter 1:18-19; 1 John1:7; Romans 5:1-2; 10:9; Ephesians 2:8-9; Acts 2:38; 3:19; Galatians 3:27; Colossians 2:12; 1 Peter 3:21).
Final Destiny of Human Beings
We believe that the final destiny of Christians is eternity with God. However, the destination of non-Christians is eternal separation from God forever (Matthew 25:30, 41, 46, 51; Revelation 20:15).
