WHAT WE BELIEVE

RAFT IS A REFORMED, EVANGELICAL ANGLICAN CHURCH

RAFT is Reformed: We believe the good news that salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone in Christ alone.

RAFT is Evangelical: We believe this Gospel of salvation is for all people and needs to be proclaimed to the whole world.

RAFT is Anglican: We are part of the worldwide Anglican Church and believe the 39 Articles of Religion.

RAFT is a local expression of the Universal Church: We uphold the true Christian faith as recorded in Scripture and summarized by the historic creeds: The Apostles’, Nicene and Athanasian Creeds.

Concerning God

God is the Creator and Ruler of the Universe (Genesis 1:1, Ps 90:2). God has eternally existed in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit (John 1:1-5, Matthew 28:19). These three are co-eternal and are one God. (1 Peter 1:2) The Godhead is one yet complex. The Father is not the Son. The Son is not the Holy Spirit. But the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit are equally God.

Concerning Jesus Christ

Jesus Christ is the Son of God; the Incarnate Word of God and therefore co-equal with the Father. (John 1:1-5) Jesus lived a sinless human life (Hebrews 4:14-15) and offered himself as the perfect sacrifice, once for all, for the sins of all people by dying on the Cross. (1 Peter 3:18) Three days after he was killed, God raised Jesus to life. (1 Corinthians 15:3-8) His resurrection demonstrates God’s power over death (Romans 1:4). He ascended to the right hand of the Father (Hebrews 1:3). We look forward to His second coming. (1 Corinthians 15:20-24)

Concerning the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit is co-equal with the Father and the Son, was sent and is present in the world to convict people of their sin, (John 16:8) to guide people into all truth (John 16:13)enables us to understand God and His Word (1 Corinthians 2:12-16), assures us of our inheritance (Ephesians 1:13-14) and empowers us to live authentic Christian lives through the Gifts of the Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:7-11) and the Fruit of the Spirit. (Galatians 5:22)

Concerning the Bible

The Bible is the written word of God and as such, is supremely authoritative in all matters of faith and conduct. (2 Timothy 3:14-17) The Bible has been written by human hands under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. People wrote; God was in control.

Concerning the Creation and Humanity

All of creation reflects the glory of God but it is separate from God. (Genesis1:27, Psalm 8:3-9) People have been made in the image of God, yet we are disobedient towards God and cut off from a lasting relationship with Him. (Romans 3:23)

Concerning Salvation

Salvation is God’s free gift to us, but we must accept it. (John 1:12, Romans 10:9) Our attempts at bridging the gap between God and us by trying to do good works will never make up for our sin. That is why Christ had to die and our salvation is won through His death and our personal acceptance of such. (Titus 3:4-5) When we turn from our selfish living and ask for God’s forgiveness, we are restored to a relationship with the creator God. (1 John 1:9) Eternal life with God begins when we receive Christ into our life by grace through faith, as Saviour and as Lord. (Romans 5:1)

Concerning the future

The resurrection of Jesus is the guarantee that we will also be raised to life on the last day. (1 Corinthians 15) When Christ returns those who believe in Him will be raised to life and live with him forever. (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18) Those who have rejected Christ will be raised to judgment for their sins and will be separated from God forever. (1 John 5:12, Romans 6:23, Matthew 25:4, 46)