Convic-
tions

We Believe

  1. The Bible is the inspired Word of God, without error in the original manuscripts and is our guide for daily living.
  2. The one living and true God exists eternally in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
  3. Jesus Christ is fully God and fully man, and that He died on the cross for our sins and rose on the third day.
  4. The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity and that He empowers us for daily living.
  5. Humanity was created by God in His image, but we have separated ourselves from God and need His saving grace.
  6. Salvation is a gift of God’s grace and we receive this gift of eternal life when we trust Jesus Christ as our Savior from sin.
  7. The church is the body of Christ and that God has called believers to gather together in local church communities.
  8. Jesus Christ will come again and reign eternally.
On the third day he rose again

Where does 220 stand on various controversial issues?

 

On many of these issues, Bible-believing Christians see things differently. In our estimation, some of these issues are more clear than others. We have a set of core beliefs that represent our non-negotiables. We call these the “essentials” and desire unity in these. However, on the non essentials, we claim liberty. But in all things, we desire to live out love. Here are twotwenty’s core essentials…

1. The virgin birth of Jesus Christ.
2. The deity of Jesus Christ.
3. The blood atonement of the cross.
4. The physical resurrection of Christ.
5. The inerrancy of the Scripture.

We believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. We believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead. We believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic (universal) Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting.

Amen.

1

Spiritual Gifts

 

We believe all the spiritual gifts are valid for today. (See especially 1 Corinthians 12-14; Ephesians 4; Romans 12.) All gifts should be exercised within Biblical guidelines, with order, and under the leadership of the church and ministry involved.

“There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. 5 There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. 6 There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.”

1 Corinthians 12:4

2

Eschatology

 

We believe that Jesus Christ is coming again. (See Matthew 24; Revelation 6-20; 1 Thessalonians 4.) “As for other matters, brothers and sisters, we instructed you how to live in order to please God, as in fact you are living. Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more. 2 For you know what instructions we gave you by the authority of the Lord Jesus.”

1 Thessalonians 4

3

Eternal Security

 

We believe in eternal security. Any person who, in simple faith, places their trust in Jesus Christ receives the gift of eternal life. Eternal life never ends. All of their sins are forgiven. They are given right standing with God. Every child of God is sealed by the Holy Spirit and safe and secure for all eternity. A Christian can lose their fellowship, joy, power and rewards but their relationship with God is eternal.

(See such passages as John 5:24, 6:47 and 10:27-30; Romans 3:21-31 and8:28-39; Ephesians 2:1-10.)

4

Grace Salvation

 

We become Christians by trusting Jesus Christ as Savior. We believe in Jesus for eternal life. The way to God is by grace, through faith or trust. The Bible teaches this continually, especially the Gospel of John which includes 98 uses of the Greek word for “believe” and the Book of Romans.

We do not become Christians by committing our lives to Christ, i.e. by promising to obey Him. We should do that. Every Christian should fully commit their entire lives and all that they are to Jesus. But, we are saved by trusting a Savior who died for our sin and

rose again. We transfer our trust from self (being good enough/works) to Jesus. We believe it is Jesus + Nothing = Everything. We do not believe in salvation through works or morality or baptism or promises to obey. We believe in salvation by grace and through trust in Jesus, alone. Our works are a response… not a prerequisite.

(See such passages as John 1:12, 3:15-16 and 5:24; Romans 3:21-31; Ephesians 2:8-9.)

Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—

John 1 : 2

5

Predestination

 

The Bible teaches predestination and the unconditional election of God. God is sovereign in salvation. The Bible also tells us to believe in Jesus, assuming free will. We hold to both predestination and free will. We do not logically try and reconcile them but accept them both as true and wait on understanding more in heaven. We challenge people to believe in Jesus. But we pray to God to open their eyes and give them faith, and we give Him all the credit if they do turn to Jesus.

(See Romans 8:28-29 and 9-11; Ephesians 1:3-14; John 6:44.)

6

Abortion

 

The Bible teaches that human life begins at conception and therefore abortion is a grave wrong. We also realize that many people, both inside and outside the church, have been scarred by the guilt and shame of abortion and we offer the liberating, healing grace of Jesus.

(See passages such as Psalm 139; Psalm 51; Luke 1-2.)

7

Homosexuality

 
The Bible teaches that homosexual behavior is wrong. We distinguish between homosexual tendencies or orientation and homosexual behavior. We believe that the primary message of Christians to the homosexual community must not be one of condemnation and judgment, but the love and grace of Jesus Christ and the freedom He brings us. We are faithful to God’s Word because we are followers of Jesus, but we hold our views with no sense of condescension or self-righteousness. We all need grace.

(See Romans 1:24-27; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11.)

8

Women in Ministry

 
We hold a semi-moderate position on this issue, avoiding an extreme traditional view and an extreme egalitarian view. There are difficult passages for each position and there is a need for great humility and sensitivity. At this point, women at 220 are free to serve in any capacity, except for the role of the main camp pastor. From time to time, we may have women share a message through bible study, small groups, or even from the main stage, but not as the main camp pastor. If we simply rely on our reasoning, then women would, of course, be allowed to do anything a man could do. Women are equally capable, equally gifted. However, for the Jesus follower the Bible is our authority and we are wrestling with the passages that address the

issue. The leadership team and board of directors at 220 continue to study and dialogue over this difficult issue, but we do not feel we have closure.

(See such passages as 1 Timothy 2:8-15; 1 Corinthians 11:2-16 and 14:34-35; Acts 2:17-21 and 21:9; Romans 16:1-2;Galatians 3:28; Judges 4 – Deborah.)

Jesus Christ will come again and reign eternally.