Statement of Faith
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Good Berean Purpose
Our purpose is to continue to study to show ourselves approved and to rightly handle the Word of God, to test everything, to listen to opposing views, and to use strong hermeneutical principles (which will be defined below) in order to understand and interpret God’s Word. We hold to the conviction that the Holy Spirit is the best teacher and that as we learn, we may change convictions on certain secondary truths - knowing we all have blind spots - our goal is to remain humble before the Lord and to thoroughly seek out what His Word says so we can walk in obedience to it. We don’t want to live in theological echo chambers - and we don’t want to only adhere to what our preferred theological camp believes. We desire to remain open, honest, and transparent with convictions as we move forward. We hope to inspire others to operate the same way.
Whole Bible Believer
I am a Whole Bible believer. I believe the sixty-six books of Scripture are the inspired, preserved, infallible Word of God and our final authority for faith and practice. Because God is the Author of all Scripture, the Bible is perfectly harmonious and never contradicts itself. I seek to interpret every passage in light of the whole counsel of God, allowing Scripture to interpret Scripture rather than filtering the Bible through a theological system.
I believe all Scripture is for God's people, even though not every command was given to every person in every circumstance. Faithful interpretation requires discerning who a command was given to, its purpose, and whether it continues to apply under the New Covenant. For this reason, I reject the idea that entire portions of God's Word are "not for Christians today." Instead, I believe the whole Bible instructs, equips, and teaches us how to faithfully follow Jesus Christ.
As a result of that approach, I believe many commands commonly dismissed as "Old Testament only" remain applicable to believers today, including the weekly Sabbath, God's appointed times, and the biblical dietary instructions. At the same time, I recognize that other commands were specifically tied to Israel's civil government, the Levitical priesthood, or the Temple and therefore are not presently practiced because those institutions are no longer functioning. My goal is not to discard portions of Scripture, nor to apply them indiscriminately, but to understand and obey God's Word according to its intended context.
Interpreting Scripture
Law of First Mention
The original Text of the Bible has been preserved in Hebrew for the Old Testament and in Greek for the New Testament. Because the Hebrew Scriptures came first, they provide the foundation for interpreting all of Scripture from beginning to end.
When a Hebrew word appears in the Text for the very first time, that initial usage carries special weight. It establishes the meaning that the Holy Spirit intended for that word, which then echoes throughout the rest of Scripture.
Law of Definitions
To rightly understand a verse or passage, every word matters. Each word’s definition should be carefully studied to grasp the full meaning of what is being said.
To uncover the original intent of the Text, a concordance is essential. Free and reliable tools such as Blue Letter Bible (BLB) make Bible study both accessible and practical.
Law of Context
Approach Scripture with humility. Lay aside religious assumptions, traditions, and preconceived ideas. Come with fresh eyes, seeking to understand what the Word actually says—not what we wish it said, nor what we may have been told it says.
Every verse must be read in light of its surrounding context. The verses before and after are essential for grasping the intended meaning.
Genesis 2:2–3; 1 John 3:4; 2 Timothy 2:15; Isaiah 28:9–10
Law of Interpretation
Scripture is coherent, and Scripture rightly interprets Scripture. Yet this principle must be applied with care. A passage must first be understood in its own immediate context before conclusions from other passages are brought in to explain it. When ideas are imported too quickly from elsewhere, the result is often that the text is made to serve a pre-established system rather than being allowed to speak on its own terms.
Therefore, we seek to interpret each passage according to its literary, historical, and covenantal context, following the argument as it unfolds in the text itself. Where the biblical author draws explicitly from earlier Scripture, we follow that connection. Where he does not, we exercise restraint and avoid forcing outside material into the passage.
This does not mean that broader biblical theology is unimportant, but that it must be built upon sound exegesis. The immediate context must govern first; only then should the passage be correlated carefully with the rest of Scripture. In this way, we aim to let each text speak with clarity and integrity, testing every conclusion by the Word of God itself.
2 Timothy 2:15; 2 Peter 3:15–16; 1 Corinthians 2:13; Acts 17:11; Nehemiah 8:8; 1 Corinthians 4:6; Colossians 2:8; Proverbs 30:5–6
The Scriptures
The entire Bible—from Genesis to Revelation—is the inspired, infallible Word of God. Scripture is unified and is to be read through the covenantal lens of the Torah, which lays the foundation for the Prophets, the Writings, and the Apostolic Scriptures.
2 Timothy 3:16–17; Psalm 119:160; Luke 24:27
The Word of God and Free Distribution
We believe the Word of God is a divine gift, not a commodity to be sold for profit. Scripture declares that God’s truth is to be given freely, without price, so that all people may hear and receive it. As Jesus said, “Freely you have received, freely give.” The prophets condemn those who exploit God’s Word for gain, and the apostles modeled a ministry that did not peddle the Scriptures. Therefore, we affirm that all Bible translations should be made freely available to every person, in every tongue, without restriction or financial barrier.
Matthew 10:8; Isaiah 55:1; 2 Corinthians 2:17; 1 Corinthians 9:18; Revelation 22:17
Scripture and Translation
We affirm the Holy Scriptures as the inspired, infallible, and preserved Word of God (Psalm 12:6; Isaiah 40:8; Matthew 24:35; 2 Timothy 3:16–17).
We affirm the King James Version (KJV) as our primary and authoritative English translation for study, teaching, and preaching. The KJV is translated from the Textus Receptus in the New Testament and the traditional Hebrew Masoretic Text in the Old Testament, which we affirm as the received and providentially preserved textual foundation of Scripture.
We hold that biblical preservation is ecclesial and functional—God has preserved His Word through its continuous use, reception, and transmission by His people in every generation. For this reason, we reject modern critical and eclectic textual approaches that treat the biblical text as uncertain or perpetually reconstructed.
While God may use other translations to communicate truth, we do not regard them as equal in accuracy or authority to the King James Version. We affirm the KJV as a settled and faithful English witness to the preserved Word of God and submit to it as our final authority in matters of faith and practice.
God
There is one true God, the Creator of heaven and earth, who alone is eternal, sovereign, and worthy of all worship.
Deuteronomy 6:4; Genesis 1:1; Isaiah 45:5
The Father is God. Jesus Christ (Yeshua/Yehoshua HaMashiach) is the Son of God, the Word made flesh, who was with God and is God, who lived without sin, died for our sins, rose on the third day, and will return to reign as King.
John 1:1,14; John 17:3; 1 Corinthians 15:3–4; Acts 1:11
The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of God, sent to dwell in and empower believers, to teach, convict, and lead into truth.
John 14:16–17,26; 1 Corinthians 3:16
We affirm all that Scripture reveals concerning the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and we seek to speak where the Scriptures speak and remain silent where they are silent. We do not go beyond what is written, but hold fast to the testimony of the Word as sufficient and true.
1 Corinthians 4:6; Deuteronomy 29:29
Salvation and Covenant Identity
Salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus alone, not by works of the law. As redeemed people, we obey God’s instructions as the expression of covenant loyalty. In Messiah, Jew and Gentile who believe are grafted into the commonwealth of Israel; we are one people—the true Israel of God. Those outside of Messiah, regardless of physical descent, are cut off from God’s covenant people.
Ephesians 2:8–9; Romans 3:31; Ephesians 2:12–13,19; Galatians 3:29; Romans 11:17–22; Romans 9:6–8; Galatians 6:16
Soteriological Clarifications
We reject both Calvinism and Arminianism, seeing them as incomplete systems of man that misrepresent God’s character and covenant purposes. Instead, we affirm that God desires all men to be saved, that salvation is by grace through faith, and that believers are grafted into Israel’s promises, called to persevere in covenant loyalty.
1 Timothy 2:3–4; 2 Peter 3:9; Ephesians 2:8–9; Romans 11:17–24
Perseverance and Apostasy
Salvation is the gift of God’s grace, received through faith in Jesus Christ, bringing forgiveness, new birth, and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Scripture warns, however, that genuine believers must continue in faith and obedience, abiding in Christ until the end. Apostasy—deliberate turning away from Christ—is possible and leads to judgment. Assurance belongs not to those who merely began the race, but to those who endure faithfully to the end.
John 15:4–6; Matthew 24:13; Hebrews 6:4–6; Hebrews 10:26–29; 2 Peter 2:20–22; Colossians 1:22–23
Atonement (Christus Victor)
We hold to a Christus Victor understanding of the atonement. Jesus’ death was substitutionary but also a victorious defeat of Satan, sin, and death. At the cross, Jesus disarmed principalities and powers, and through His resurrection, He triumphed over the grave.
Colossians 2:15; 1 Corinthians 15:54–57; Hebrews 9:12,26–28
Baptism
We believe in immersion (baptism) in water in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit as the outward expression of faith, identifying with His death, burial, and resurrection.
Matthew 28:19–20; Acts 2:38; Romans 6:3–4
Communion
We believe that the practice of eating bread and drinking the cup was given by our Messiah, Jesus/Yeshua/Yehoshua HaMashiach, in the context of the Passover, where He revealed Himself as the fulfillment of its meaning. In this, He established a memorial of His body and blood, calling His disciples to remember His sacrifice and proclaim His death until He comes.
We therefore understand this practice as rooted in the Passover, through which His redemptive work is most clearly expressed. At the same time, we affirm that believers may remember Him through the bread and the cup at other times, both privately and corporately, so long as it is done in a worthy manner and with reverence.
Luke 22:19–20; 1 Corinthians 5:7; 1 Corinthians 11:23–26
Marriage & Family
We believe God created marriage as a covenant between one man and one woman. Families are called to discipleship, raising children in all the instructions of the Lord found in the Scriptures. This includes home discipleship and homeschooling as God’s ideal. While children are young, mothers should strive to remain home as nurturers where possible.
Genesis 2:24; Titus 2:4–5; Proverbs 22:6
Sanctity of Life
We affirm the sanctity of life from conception to natural death. We reject abortion, euthanasia, abortifacient birth control, and sterilization. Children are a heritage and blessing from the LORD.
Psalm 127:3–5; Exodus 20:13; Jeremiah 1:5
Stewardship
We believe all we have belongs to God. We strive for debt-free living, working with our hands, and living off the land where possible.
Romans 13:8; Proverbs 22:7; Revelation 18:23; Genesis 1:29
Discipleship
We believe discipleship is the lifelong call of every believer, expressed through covenant faithfulness, prayer, study, obedience, fellowship, and teaching the next generation. Discipleship is rooted in both knowledge and practice—walking as Messiah walked and helping others do the same.
Matthew 28:19–20; 1 John 2:6; 2 Timothy 2:2
Obedience to God
We believe that God’s instructions—revealed in the Torah—are good, holy, and given for the blessing and formation of His covenant people. They teach us how to love God and love our neighbor, and remain a vital expression of faithful obedience for those who belong to Messiah.
Deuteronomy 30:11–14; Romans 7:12; Jeremiah 31:33
Jesus/Yeshua did not abolish the Torah, but fulfilled it and walked in perfect obedience, setting the example for His disciples to follow. As it is written, we are called to walk as He walked.
Matthew 5:17–19; 1 John 2:6
We affirm that all of the Torah remains relevant as God’s instruction. At the same time, not every command applies in the same way to every believer, as many instructions are given according to role, context, and covenant setting. A significant portion of the Torah—particularly those concerning the Levitical and priestly system—depends on the functioning of the Temple, which is not presently in operation. These instructions remain part of God’s Word and reveal His holiness and order, even where their full practice is not currently possible.
Numbers 18; Hebrews 8:4–5
We also recognize that many believers already live in alignment with aspects of the Torah—such as honoring parents, rejecting idolatry, and pursuing righteousness—though they may not describe it in these terms. Where some have been taught that certain commands no longer apply, we seek instead to understand how each instruction is to be faithfully lived out according to Scripture.
Therefore, we desire to follow all of God’s instructions to the best of our ability, including His commandments regarding life, conduct, Sabbath, and appointed times, trusting that His ways are for our good and are written on the hearts of His people through the Spirit.
Psalm 119:160; Hebrews 10:16
The Sabbath and the Appointed Times
We observe the seventh-day Sabbath as a holy day of rest, worship, and delight, set apart by God as a perpetual covenant sign for His people. We understand the Sabbath to be kept from sunset to sunset, while remaining open to further study regarding the Biblical reckoning of a day.
Exodus 20:8–11
The Sabbath is a gift from God, given for rest, renewal, and fellowship, and serves as both a memorial of creation and a foretaste of the restoration to come in the new heavens and new earth. In keeping it, we seek to cease from our labors and devote ourselves to worship, Scripture, prayer, and fellowship.
Genesis 2:2–3; Isaiah 66:22–23
We also affirm the moedim (appointed times) as the feasts of the LORD, established by God and significant for His people. These appointed times serve as memorials that point to Messiah’s work in His first coming and anticipate their ultimate fulfillment in His return.
Leviticus 23; Matthew 24:20
Identity Clarifications
- We are not Hebrew Roots: We affirm Messiah’s deity and Paul’s authority, rejecting distortions that deny either. (John 1:1,14; 2 Peter 3:15–16)
- We are not Messianic Judaism: We reject rabbinic traditions and affirm that Jew and Gentile are one people in Messiah. (Mark 7:6–9; Ephesians 2:14–16)
- We are not Seventh-day Adventists: Though we keep the Sabbath, we affirm all Torah, including dietary laws, as for today. (Leviticus 11; Colossians 2:8)
Eschatology
We affirm the framework of Daniel’s 70th week prophecy, seeing history in its covenantal unfolding. We reject the idea of a pre-tribulation rapture. Instead, Scripture teaches a Second Exodus, where God brings His people into the wilderness for protection and provision during part of the tribulation. We believe that the rapture will be in a pre-wrath position, meaning believers will endure till the end but be spared from the day of the Lord when God pours out His wrath.
Daniel 9:27; Revelation 12:6,14; Ezekiel 40–46
End Times & Prophecy
We believe we are living in the last days, approaching a great apostasy involving one-world government, religion, and economy. The mark of the beast: even true believers can be deceived into taking it - and that if they do, the will forfeit salvation as this is the ultimate rejection of trusting and abiding in Jesus.
Matthew 24:24; 2 Thessalonians 2:3–4; Revelation 13:16–17; Genesis 1:6–8
The New Heavens and the New Earth
We believe that God has promised a renewed creation in which righteousness dwells, where sin, death, and sorrow will be no more. In the new heavens and new earth, the dwelling place of God will be with His people forever. He will wipe away every tear, and His redeemed will enjoy His presence in unbroken fellowship and eternal joy.
We believe that Jesus the Messiah will reign as King, and His people will serve Him in love and gladness. The curse will be removed, and creation itself will be restored to its original beauty and glory. The nations will walk in His light, and His servants will see His face.
Revelation 21:1–5; Isaiah 65:17–25; 2 Peter 3:13; Romans 8:18–25; Revelation 22:1–5