Redeemer Bible Church of San Antonio

The Trinity

We believe there is only one true God and He eternally exists as three uncreated persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. We believe that each person of the Godhead is equally God, yet there is only one God. Each person of the Godhead is equal in nature, attributes, power, will, and glory. Each person of the Godhead shares the one divine essence, and each person is worthy of full worship, homage, trust, and obedience. Although each person of the Godhead is distinguished by distinct work, they inseparably work together in creation, salvation, and sanctification.

Scripture: Deut. 6:4; Matt. 3:16-17, 28:18–19; Mark 12:29; John 1:14; Acts 5:3–4; 2 Cor. 13:14; Heb. 1:1–3; 1 Peter 1:2; Rev. 1:4–6.

The Son of God

We believe the Son of God, who is the second member of the Trinity, is fully God (coequal with the Father and the Holy Spirit) and eternally begotten (not created) of the Father. About two thousand years ago, the preexistent Son of God became incarnate, took on a fully human nature, and became the God-man, Jesus Christ. Thus, Jesus Christ has two natures in one person: He is fully God and fully man. We believe Jesus Christ came to this world in order to make the Father known, fulfill prophecy, and seek and save the lost. He is the true Prophet, Priest, and King anticipated in the Old Testament.

Scripture: Isa. 9:1-7; Matt. 3:16-17, 21:1-11; John 1:1-3, 14-18, 3:16-17, 20:28; Phil. 2:5-11; Col. 1:15-17; Heb. 1:1-3; 1 John 4:15.

Mankind, Created and Fallen

We believe men and women are created by God and in the image of God. Adam and Eve, the first of the human race, rebelled against God and fell through sin, thus resulting in a spiritual death that was ultimately transmitted to all humans. This spiritual death, or total depravity, penetrates each and every human to the core; there is no part of our human nature that is untouched by sin. From this sin nature flows actual sin.

Scripture: Gen. 1:26-27, 2:17, 3:1-22; Psalm 51:5; Rom. 3:10-18, 23, 5:12-21; Eph. 2:1-3; 1 John 3:8.

Substitutionary Atonement and Resurrection of Jesus Christ

Human sinfulness has separated us from God and requires a sacrifice in order to avoid condemnation and restore a person to a right relationship with a holy God. It is impossible for a sinful person to restore himself or herself to God, no matter how moral or grand the effort. We believe Jesus Christ lived a perfect, sinless life, and He willingly and sacrificially paid the price for our sin once for all. He died in our place — a penal substitution for the sins of fallen humanity — was buried, and was resurrected from the dead in a glorified body on the third day. He ascended to the Father and now sits at the right hand of God.

Scripture: Matt. 27:24-26, 28:1-15; Mark 10:45; Luke 19:10, 24:1-49; John 3:16-18, 20:1-29; Rom. 3:25-26, 5:8, 6:23; 2 Cor. 5:14-21; Eph. 1:7; Heb. 9:26.

The Bible

We believe the Bible is God's written revelation to humankind. "All Scripture is breathed out by God" and, as such, the entire Bible contains the inspired words of God that are useful for Christian belief, progressive maturing in the faith, righteous living, and good work. Since God is the ultimate author of Scripture, and since He is holy, perfect, and unable to lie, we believe the Bible is fully trustworthy, reliable, and free from falsehood in its original writings. Further, we believe all sixty-six books of the Bible are divinely authoritative over the church and each believer's doctrine and practice. The message of the Bible, properly interpreted, centers on the person and work of Jesus Christ in His first and second coming.

Scripture: Num. 23:19; John 1:14-18, 17:17; 1 Thess. 2:13; 2 Tim. 3:15-17; 2 Peter 1:19-21; Rev. 22:18.

Salvation by Grace Alone, Through Faith Alone, in Christ Alone

We believe that salvation is absolutely impossible to obtain through any work or human effort — no work, ordinance, or tradition could take a person even one step closer to salvation. Salvation comes solely by grace through faith in Jesus Christ; it is a gift of God that leaves no room for human works. Our redemption and forgiveness of sins are wrought exclusively by Jesus Christ's perfect obedience, sacrificial death, and resurrection. It is through faith in Christ that we are justified before God. Those who genuinely place their trust in Jesus are eternally saved and are thus adopted sons and daughters of God.

Scripture: John 1:12, 3:7-18, 14:6; Acts 4:12; Rom. 1:16-17, 3:22-26; Eph. 1:7, 2:1-10; Titus 3:4-7.

The Physical Return of Jesus Christ

We believe that one day Jesus Christ will suddenly and physically return to earth on the clouds of heaven with great power and glory. He will appear "not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for Him." Jesus Christ's glorious arrival will usher in the millennial age; during this time He will bind Satan, lift the curse that rests on all creation, restore Israel to her land, and bring the whole world to the knowledge of God.

Scripture: Deut. 30:1-10; Isa. 11:9; Matt. 24:15–25:46; Rom. 8:19-23; 11:25-27; Heb. 9:28; Rev. 20:1-3.