What We Teach
WHAT WE TEACH
Statement of Faith
1. The Holy Scriptures
We teach that the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments are the verbally inspired Word of God, the final authority for faith and life, inerrant in the original writings, infallible, and God-breathed (2 Timothy 3:16–17; 2 Peter 1:20–21; Matthew 5:18; John 16:12–13).
2. The Godhead
We teach that there is one Triune God, eternally existing in three persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—co-eternal in being, co-identical in nature, co-equal in power and glory, and possessing the same attributes and perfections (Deuteronomy 6:4; 2 Corinthians 13:14).
3. The Person and Work of God the Father
We teach that God the Father is Creator of heaven and earth, who by His Word and for His glory created all things from nothing. He upholds and governs all creation, ruling as the only Sovereign whose plans cannot be thwarted. He is faithful to every promise, working all things together for the good of those who love Him. In His immeasurable grace, He gave His Son, Jesus Christ, for mankind’s redemption, creating man for fellowship with Himself and intending all creation to live for His glory (Genesis 1:1; Malachi 3:6; Jeremiah 29:11; Proverbs 16:9; Romans 8:28; John 3:16).
4. The Person and Work of God the Son
a. We teach that the Lord Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God, became man without ceasing to be God, conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary, in order to reveal God and redeem sinful humanity (John 1:1–2,14; Luke 1:35).
b. We teach that Christ died on the cross as a representative, vicarious, and substitutionary sacrifice for all mankind. His literal, physical resurrection from the dead guarantees redemption and justification for all who trust in Him (Romans 3:24–25; 4:25; Ephesians 1:7; 1 Timothy 4:10; Hebrews 2:9; 1 Peter 1:3–5; 2:24; 2 Peter 2:1).
c. We teach that Christ ascended into heaven, where He is now exalted at the right hand of God as our High Priest, Intercessor, Advocate, and Representative (Acts 1:9–10; Hebrews 9:24; 7:25; Romans 8:34; 1 John 2:1–2).
5. The Person and Work of God the Holy Spirit
a. We teach that the Holy Spirit is a divine Person who convicts the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment. He regenerates, baptizes all believers into the body of Christ, indwells, and seals them until the day of redemption (John 16:8–11; 2 Corinthians 3:6; 1 Corinthians 12:12–14; Romans 8:9; Ephesians 1:13–14).
b. We teach that the Holy Spirit is the divine Teacher who guides believers into all truth. It is both the privilege and duty of every believer to live under His filling and obedience (John 16:13; 1 John 2:20,27; Ephesians 5:18).
c. We teach that God in His sovereignty bestowed spiritual gifts to the Church. Certain sign gifts, such as tongues and miraculous healings, served a unique purpose in confirming the apostolic message but ceased as normative with the completion of Scripture. While God is fully able to work in miraculous ways, He has given to the Church sufficient gifts for its growth and edification today (1 Corinthians 12:4–11; 2 Corinthians 12:12; Ephesians 4:7–12).
6. Man
a. We teach that man was created in the image and likeness of God, innocent and without sin. However, through Adam’s disobedience, humanity fell into sin, resulting in both physical and spiritual death. All people inherit a sinful nature, are separated from God, and can do nothing to merit His favor apart from grace (Genesis 1:27; Romans 3:23; 6:23; Ephesians 2:1–3).
b. We teach that God created mankind male and female, assigning gender as part of His good design. Both man and woman are equal in dignity and value as image-bearers of God, though distinct in role and function (Genesis 1:26–28; Psalm 139:13–16).
c. We teach that marriage is a lifelong covenant between one man and one woman. God’s design for marriage and sexuality brings blessing, while attempts to redefine or alter His design result in brokenness and despair (Genesis 2:18–25; Matthew 19:4–9; Ephesians 5:31–33).
d. We teach that though humanity is in rebellion, God lovingly pursues mankind and offers forgiveness, healing, and eternal life to all who repent and believe (John 3:17; Romans 5:8; Titus 3:3–7).
7. Salvation
a. We teach that salvation is the free gift of God, received by grace through faith in Jesus Christ apart from works. Christ bore the penalty of sin through His death and rose again, securing eternal life for all who believe. Salvation brings forgiveness, new life, and the guarantee of eternal life (John 3:16; Romans 10:9–10; 1 Corinthians 15:1–5; Ephesians 2:8–9).
b. We teach that while God desires all to repent, He has granted mankind and angelic beings free will to accept or reject Him. The individual decision of each person determines their eternal destiny (John 3:16; Romans 10:9–13).
8. Eternal Security and Assurance
a. We teach that all who are truly redeemed are kept secure by God’s power and are forever in Christ (John 10:27–30; Romans 8:1,38–39).
b. We teach that assurance of salvation is the privilege of every believer. However, Christian liberty must never be abused as an excuse for sin (Romans 13:13–14; Galatians 5:13).
9. The Two Natures of the Believer
We teach that every believer possesses both a sinful nature and a new nature. Victory over the old nature is possible through the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit, but the sinful nature is never eradicated in this life (Romans 6:13; Galatians 5:16–25).
10. Ministry and Spiritual Gifts
a. We teach that God sovereignly bestows spiritual gifts. The offices of pastors, teachers, and missionaries are sufficient for equipping the saints today. We teach that the sign gifts, such as tongues and miracles, ceased as normative once Scripture was complete, though God remains free to act according to His will (1 Corinthians 12:4–11; Ephesians 4:7–12).
b. We teach that the biblical offices of pastor and elder are reserved for qualified men (1 Timothy 2:12; 3:1–7).
c. We teach that God hears and answers the prayer of faith according to His will (John 15:7; 1 John 5:14–15).
11. The Church
a. We teach that the Church, the body and bride of Christ, is composed of all true believers of this age (Ephesians 1:22–23; 1 Corinthians 12:12–14).
b. We teach that local churches are established by God for worship, teaching, fellowship, and mission (Acts 14:27; 1 Timothy 3:1–13).
c. We teach that local churches are autonomous and free from outside control (Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 5:1–4).
d. We teach that men and women are equal in spiritual standing before God but distinct in role. Husbands are to lead in the home, and men are to serve in pastoral leadership in the church (Galatians 3:28; Ephesians 5:21–33).
e. We teach that baptism and the Lord’s Supper are ordinances for the church as testimonies of faith and remembrance (Matthew 28:19–20; 1 Corinthians 11:23–26).
12. The Family
a. We teach that the family is God’s foundational institution for society, established through marriage, blood, or adoption (Genesis 1:26–28).
b. We teach that marriage is a covenant union between one man and one woman, reflecting Christ’s relationship with the Church (Genesis 2:18–25; Ephesians 5:21–33).
c. We teach that husbands and wives are equal in worth but distinct in role. Husbands are called to love and lead; wives are called to respect and support (Colossians 3:18–21; 1 Peter 3:1–7).
d. We teach that children are a blessing from the Lord from the moment of conception. Parents are to raise them in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, modeling godliness and teaching biblical truth (Deuteronomy 6:4–9; Ephesians 6:1–4).
13. Dispensationalism
We believe the Bible shows that God works with people in different time periods, called dispensations (or stewardships). These are not different ways to be saved—salvation is always through faith—but different ways God gives people responsibilities to obey Him.
The Bible highlights three key dispensations:
• The Law (when God gave Israel the commandments through Moses)
• The Church (today, when God is working through believers in Christ)
• The Millennial Kingdom (the future reign of Christ on earth).
(John 1:17; Ephesians 1:10; Revelation 20:1–6)
14. The Personality of Satan
We teach that Satan is a real person, the author of sin and enemy of God and man, who will be eternally punished in the Lake of Fire (Job 1:6–7; Matthew 25:41; Revelation 20:10).
15. The Second Advent of Christ
We teach the “Blessed Hope”—the imminent, pre-tribulational rapture of the Church—and the subsequent premillennial return of Christ with His saints to establish His kingdom on earth (1 Thessalonians 4:13–18; Revelation 19:11–16; 20:1–6).
16. The Eternal State
a. We teach the bodily resurrection of all people: the saved to eternal life and the lost to eternal punishment (John 5:28–29; Matthew 25:46).
b. We teach that the souls of believers are immediately in the Lord’s presence at death, awaiting resurrection and glorification (2 Corinthians 5:8; Philippians 1:23).
c. We teach that unbelievers, at death, enter conscious punishment and await final judgment at the Great White Throne before eternal separation from God in the Lake of Fire (Luke 16:19–26; Revelation 20:11–15).
17. The Great Commandment
We teach that love is the fulfillment of God’s law. Believers are commanded to love God supremely and to love their neighbor as themselves. Even spiritual gifts must be exercised in love, for without love they are worthless (John 13:34–35; 1 Corinthians 13:1–13; Matthew 22:36–40).
18. Civil Authority
We teach that God established human government to maintain order and justice after the fall. Christians are to respect and obey governing authorities unless their commands contradict Scripture. Our ultimate hope rests not in human governments but in the perfect reign of Christ in His kingdom (Romans 13:1–7; Acts 5:29; Isaiah 9:6–7).
19. The Mission and Commission of the Believer
We teach that every believer has been entrusted with the mission of spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ to all nations. This is both a privilege and a responsibility, grounded in Christ’s Great Commission. The proclamation of the gospel is not limited to church leaders but is the calling of all followers of Christ. Believers are to witness faithfully, make disciples, baptize in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and teach obedience to Christ’s commands (Matthew 28:18–20; Acts 1:8; Romans 10:13–15; 2 Corinthians 5:18–20).
Section 2. Movements Contrary to the Faith
a. Ecumenism
We teach that ecumenism is a movement that seeks organizational unity among all who call themselves “Christian,” and ultimately, unity among all religions. While this may appear noble, it disregards the necessity of truth and doctrinal purity. Its leading promoters include the World Council of Churches and the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America.
b. Ecumenical Evangelism
We teach that ecumenical evangelism seeks cooperation in evangelistic efforts across denominational lines, often at the expense of biblical doctrine and clarity. While the desire for unity and outreach can be commendable, joining in spiritual endeavors with those who do not hold to the essential truths of the faith leads to compromise of biblical convictions. Such approaches can undermine the clear teaching of Scripture and dilute the gospel message entrusted to the church. We affirm that true Christian unity is rooted in sound doctrine and faithfulness to the Word of God, rather than organizational or outward cooperation that overlooks serious doctrinal differences.
c. Neo-Orthodoxy
We teach that neo-orthodoxy, while affirming some biblical truths such as God being far above and greater than us and the sinfulness of man, departs seriously from historic orthodoxy. It embraces destructive higher criticism, denies the full inerrancy of the Bible as God’s written revelation, elevates religious experience as the measure of truth, and abandons essential doctrines of the Christian faith—all while using evangelical terminology.
d. New Evangelicalism (Neo-Evangelicalism, New Conservatism)
We teach that new evangelicalism represents a movement within evangelical circles that tolerates and engages in dialogue with theological liberalism. It often emphasizes the social application of the gospel at the expense of clear doctrine. Its weaknesses are seen in compromised teaching on the inspiration of Scripture, biblical creation, eschatology, dispensationalism, and biblical separation. This movement seeks to make Christianity more acceptable to the modern mind by accommodating the culture rather than upholding God’s truth.
We teach that such movements stand out of harmony with the Word of God, are contrary to the doctrinal convictions of Bonanza Community Church and are harmful to the work of God.
Section 3. Covenant of Faith
In subscribing to these Articles of Faith, we do not set aside or diminish any part of the Old or New Testaments. Rather, we affirm that the knowledge, belief, and acceptance of the truth—summarized in our Doctrinal Statement—are essential to sound faith, holy living, and fruitful service.
Furthermore, we teach that every believer is called to live out this covenant of faith by actively spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ. The Great Commission is not the task of a few but the responsibility of the whole body of Christ. Each follower of Christ is entrusted with the privilege of being a witness, making disciples, and teaching others to obey all that Christ has commanded. By holding fast to sound doctrine and faithfully proclaiming the Word, the Church fulfills her mission to glorify God and bring the good news of salvation to the world (Matthew 28:18–20; Acts 1:8; 2 Corinthian