Our beliefs are rooted and grounded in the teachings of the Bible. We recognise the Second London Baptist Confession of Faith of 1689 as the most accurate expression of the system of doctrine taught in Scripture.
A statement of our fundamental beliefs, rooted in the teachings of the Bible.
We believe that the Bible, in the original autographs, consisting of 66 books, 39 in the Old Testament and 27 in the New Testament is the Word of God. We recognise the Second London Baptist Confession of Faith of 1689, as the most accurate expression of the system of doctrine taught in the Bible. We do not hold this Confession of Faith to be above or equal to the Holy Scriptures. Rather we accept it as assistance in controversy, a confirmation of faith, and an instrument of edification.
We believe that the Bible alone through the work of the Holy Spirit is sufficient for salvation and life, nothing is to be added or subtracted to the Bible.
We believe that the Bible is the supreme authority for the Christian and the local church.
We believe that God is one. There is no other.
We believe in the Holy Trinity. In the unity of the one God there are three persons: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. These persons are eternally distinct, but equally God, each having the whole divine essence, yet the essence undivided.
We believe that God created the heavens and the earth and everything in them in six 24 hour-days and rested on the seventh day.
We believe that God created man upright, but sin and death entered the world through the disobedience of Adam.
We believe that all humanity fell in Adam and through his sin, all humans are conceived and born sinners. Communion with God has been completely broken because of Adam's sin.
We believe that Christ our Lord is the only mediator between God and man. In His person are united two whole, perfect, and distinct natures: human and divine. He is true God and true man.
We believe that Christ paid in full and satisfied the justice of God for His people upon the cross. His perfect life, substitutionary death, victorious resurrection, bodily ascension and coronation as King are the only means for salvation.
We believe that salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, as stated in the Scriptures alone for the glory of God alone.
We believe that justification is the result of faith and not works. The redeemed sinner receives the forgiveness of sins and the righteousness of Christ as a complete gift from God, upon faith.
We believe that all persons who are justified by faith in Jesus Christ, also receive adoption into the household of God.
We believe that all who have been justified, adopted, and have been united with the Lord Jesus Christ, also receive the gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit upon salvation, who begins a work of sanctification, with the purpose of mortifying sin, producing holiness, and bringing conformity to the image of Jesus Christ.
We believe that the Holy Spirit equips all saints with spiritual gifts for the edification of the church.
We believe that all redeemed sinners, whether past, present or future are saved only through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
We believe that God preserves His people by His power through their faith until the end. All genuine believers are preserved by grace.
We believe that the gospel of Jesus Christ is the only message that brings salvation.
We believe that the universal church is comprised only of those who are saved by grace through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
We believe that the membership of the local church is only for those who are saved by grace through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
We believe that the local church has authority over its members derived only from the Lord and in conformity to the Scriptures.
We believe that the local church consists of members, some of them will hold the offices of elders or deacons. All members are one and the same before the Lord. Only their roles vary.
We believe that all elders are equal in authority, and they are to devote themselves to prayer and to the ministry of the Word of God.
We believe that baptism does not save; it is a sign of genuine spiritual union with the Lord Jesus Christ.
We believe that baptism is only for those who profess faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
We believe that baptism is to only be administered by full immersion.
We believe that the Lord's supper is to be observed every Lord's Day with reverence in the local church.
We believe that the Lord's supper is not a sacrifice for the remission of sins. It is a memorial and proclamation of Christ's sacrifice.
We believe that there is a future second visible coming of the Lord Jesus Christ to judge the world.
We believe that God has commanded that no sexual activity be engaged in, outside of a marriage between a man and a woman.
We believe that God in His wisdom has made each human being either male or female. And what he has made them at conception, is who they are, and is not subject to change.
We believe that man was made in the image of God. Human life is therefore sacred, from conception to natural death, and may not be taken unjustly.
We believe that the only legitimate marriage is the one that is instituted by God, through the covenantal joining of one biologically born man with one biologically born woman.
We believe that the family is to follow the authority, roles and structure given by God in the Scriptures.
The structure, governance, and practices that shape our life together as a church.
We exist to glorify God. Everything we do flows from this one purpose — worshipping Him in spirit and truth, proclaiming the whole counsel of Scripture, and making known the saving gospel of Jesus Christ.
We gather to build one another up in the faith, equipping believers for lives of holiness, good works, and Christ-like character. We go out to share the gospel with those who have not yet heard, supporting biblical evangelism, missions, and church planting.
We pursue godliness in every area of life — calling one another to turn from sin and worldliness, to guard sound doctrine, and to live as faithful citizens under both the lordship of Christ and the laws of the land, insofar as they do not contradict the Word of God.
Membership at Cornerstone is for those who profess repentance toward God and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, have been baptised by full immersion upon their profession of faith, and have demonstrated a genuine commitment to this local church.
We ask that prospective members read and agree with our statement of fundamental beliefs. Those who are members of another church or who have been excommunicated from a recognised biblical church would need to resolve those matters first.
As members, we commit to reading the Bible daily, praying privately and together, giving generously, serving one another, and being faithful in attending the gatherings of the church — unless genuinely hindered from doing so.
The Lord Jesus Christ alone is the head of our church. Under His authority and the rule of Scripture, Cornerstone is governed by a plurality of elders — men called and equipped by God to shepherd, teach, and oversee the life of the church.
All elders are equal in authority. They are responsible for the spiritual ministry of the Word and prayer, the care of members' souls, and the faithful practice of church discipline when necessary.
Alongside the elders, deacons serve in the practical affairs of the church — handling logistics, finances, and operational needs with spiritual grace and in submission to the eldership. These offices are reserved for men, in accordance with 1 Timothy 3.
Whether you have a question, need prayer, or simply want to know more about our church — reach out. We'd be glad to connect with you.