Our Beliefs
   NLCT fully affirms The Baptist Faith & Message (2000) as a reflection of our understanding of Scripture’s authoritative position on essential theological elements. The following are a concise iteration of NLCT’s beliefs.
⦁    The Bible is God’s Word to all men.  It was written by human authors under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit.  It is the supreme source of truth for Christian beliefs and living.  Because it is inspired by God, the Bible is truth without any mixture of error.
⦁    God is the creator and ruler of the universe. God is one and has eternally existed in three coequal, coeternal persons- the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. 
⦁    Jesus Christ is the Son of God, coequal to the Father. Jesus lived a sinless human life and offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all men by dying on a cross and rising from the dead after three days to demonstrate His power over sin and death.  He ascended to Heaven’s glory and will return again to earth to establish His kingdom.
⦁    The Holy Spirit is equal with the Father and the Son.  He is present in the world to make men aware of their need for Jesus Christ.  He also lives in every Christian from the moment of salvation.  He provides the believer with power for living, understanding of spiritual truth, and guidance in doing what is right.  The Christian seeks to live under His control daily.
⦁    Man is made in the spiritual image of God as the supreme object of God’s creation. Although man has tremendous potential for good, he is irreparably marred by his disobedience of God, or his “sin”. Thus, he is eternally separated from God and condemned to death.
⦁    Salvation is a free gift from God to man.  Man can never make up for his sin by self-improvement or good works. Man’s relationship with God may only be redeemed and his penalty from sin may only be escaped through trusting in Jesus Christ as God’s offer of forgiveness. Eternally-secure life begins the moment one receives Jesus Christ into his life by faith.
⦁    Baptism by immersion symbolizes the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. It is a public declaration that one has accepted Jesus Christ as their personal Savior.  Baptism does not save anyone, but it shows the world that one has already been saved.  While baptism is not required for salvation, it is a biblical command and demonstrates love and obedience to Christ.