What unites us together is more than what separates us. The following are the beliefs that we hold and think are essential. In these essential areas we have unity, in the non-essentials we have liberty. To view the full NWH Constitution click here.
Our beliefs from the Bible
We have examined the Scriptures to seek out the truths concerning the fundamental doctrines of the Christian faith and their applications to life. It is recognized that some of the doctrines stated herein go beyond the essentials of salvation, although we believe them to represent the message of the Bible. We are convinced of and deeply committed to the following basic truths:
1. The Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments were verbally inspired by God the Holy Spirit, are completely inerrant in the original writings and serve as supreme and final authority in faith and life. II Timothy 3:16-17; II Peter 1:20
2. There is one God, eternally existing in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Matthew 28:19; II Corinthians 13:14
3. Jesus Christ was begotten of the Holy Spirit, was born of Mary, a virgin, is true God and true man. He died for our sins according to the Scriptures as a representative and substitutionary sacrifice, and God justifies all who believe in Him on the basis of His shed blood. Matthew 1:18-23; I Peter 1:18-21; Romans 3:24, 25a; 4:5
4. Man was created in the image of God. He sinned and thereby incurred not only physical death but also spiritual death, which is separation from God. All human beings are born with a sinful nature and are sinners in thought, word and deed. Romans 5:12; Ephesians 2:1-3
5. The crucified body of our Lord Jesus was resurrected. He ascended into heaven, and presently intercedes for us as High Priest and Advocate before God. Likewise, there shall also be a bodily resurrection of the just and of the unjust, an everlasting blessedness of the saved and an everlasting conscious punishment of the lost. I Corinthians 15:1-4; Hebrews 4:16; I John 2:1-2; John 5:24-29
6. There shall be the imminent, personal return of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Titus 2:13-14
7. All who receive the Lord Jesus Christ by faith are born of the Holy Spirit and thereby become sons of God, a relationship in which they are eternally secure. John 1:12; 10:28-29
8. Church members, including deacons, are subject to discipline in accordance with Matthew 18:15-17. Elders are subject to discipline in accordance with I Timothy 5:19-20. All church discipline is to be exercised in the spirit of Galatians 6:1.