The Madison church of Christ strives to follow the Bible in all we do and teach. Although the Bible is our only authoritative guide, the following is offered as a brief summary of basic biblical doctrines.
God: There is only one true God who created all things and who exists as one being with three distinct co-equal and co-eternal persons: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. God made mankind in his image, and he desires that all people come to the knowledge of the truth. (Genesis 1:1; Deuteronomy 4:35; 1 Timothy 2:5; 1 Corinthians 8:6; John 1:1-3; Romans 9:5; Acts 5:3-4; Genesis 1:26-27; 1 Timothy 2:4)
The Bible: God has revealed himself and his will to humankind through the Holy Scriptures, which instruct us for salvation and equip believers for every good work. Consequently, we look to the Bible as the first and final authority in all moral, religious and spiritual matters and avoid adding to or subtracting from God’s flawless Word. Churches of Christ plead for religious unity based upon the Bible. (2 Timothy 3:14-17; Deuteronomy 4:2; 12:32; Proverbs 30:5-6; Revelation 22:18-19)
Sin: Sin entered the world through human disobedience to God’s will, and we have all sinned and fallen short of God’s glorious standard. Sin separates us from God and results in death. (Genesis 3; Romans 3:23; Isaiah 59:1-2; Romans 6:23)
Salvation: God has demonstrated his love for us by sending his Son in the flesh to die for our sins in our place. His victory over sin and its effects was sealed by his resurrection from the dead, providing us the hope of eternal life. Salvation is a gift from God and is made available to everyone who accepts this gift by placing faith in Christ, repenting of sins, confessing that Jesus is Lord, and being baptized (immersed in water) for the forgiveness of sins. Thereafter, it is necessary that we continue in the faith, and God has given us his Spirit to help us do so. (John 3:16; Romans 5:8; 1 John 1:7; Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 10:9-10; Acts 2:38; Colossians 1:21-23; Ephesians 3:16)
The Church: God established the church—one body comprised of many souls, of which Jesus Christ is head—to accomplish his will on earth. Active participation in the church is necessary for growth in Christ, and the core mission of the church is to make disciples of all nations. Christ’s church is to be scripturally organized and is to worship God in spirit and truth. (Ephesians 1:22-23; Hebrews 10:24–25; Matthew 28:18-20; Philippians 1:1; 1 Timothy 3; Titus 1; John 4:23-24)
Eternity: Jesus Christ will return to gather his people at the end of time, raising all of humanity from the dead. Those who have put their faith in Christ will be raised to everlasting life, and those who have rejected him will be raised to shame and everlasting contempt. We must live each day in preparation for Christ’s return. (Matthew 16:27; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Daniel 12:2; John 5:28-29; Matthew 25:31-46; Hebrews 10:19-25)