Core Beliefs
The following are the core beliefs of First Washington UMC based on the foundational truths taught in the bible. All of our teaching and ministry is rooted in and flows out of these biblical doctrines.
God
There is one eternally existing God who has three distinct persons: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. He is the creator of all that exists, both visible and invisible, and is therefore worthy of all glory and praise. God is perfect in love, power, holiness, goodness, knowledge, wisdom, justice, and mercy. He is unchangeable and therefore is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow.
Jesus
God has revealed himself to us through his son, Jesus Christ, who is the visible image of the invisible God, the holy scriptures, and through all of creation itself.
Holy Spirit
We are guided by the Holy Spirit through the grace of Jesus Christ. It is is through His death and resurrection that we are bonded together as one and led by the Spirit of God.
Prayers, Presence, Gifts, Service, and Witness
As we grow spiritually, we take time to test ourselves against the 5 principles of the church given to us from Jesus. We grow in our prayer life, we are present in any and all situations, our gifts are used for God's glory, we serve all as Jesus served all, and we become witnesses of Jesus in our community.
Salvation
Jesus Christ came to reconcile us with God. He lived a life without sin and willingly died on the cross to pay the penalty for our transgressions. God raised him from the dead and now, by grace, offers as a free gift eternal life to all who follow Christ, by faith, as their Lord and Savior. That is why salvation can be found in Christ alone.
The Church
The church is meant to be the visible body of Christ, sent into the world to glorify God and proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ. As disciples of Jesus, we are to live the scriptures not just read them.
Resurrection
Through Jesus' resurrection, we have that direct line to God. We were bought with the priceless gift of Jesus' blood.