Our Statement of Faith

Riverview is a non-denominational church under the lordship of Jesus Christ and along with the historic church, we affirm the Apostles’ and Nicene Creeds. This Statement of Faith expands on our core doctrinal beliefs with our particular theological distinctives. We acknowledge that while some may not embrace all of our distinctives, they will shape the ministry of our church and we commit to not being divisive over non-core issues.

Doctrine of God

We believe in one God who exists eternally in three distinct persons—the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—each of whom possesses all the attributes of deity and characteristics of personality with distinct roles and relationships.

Doctrine of Creation

We believe God created heaven and earth, man and woman in sinless perfection with dignity of life, in His image.
We believe the worship of God is the end for which people are created and abiding joy is only found in God through this life.
We believe Satan and demons are created beings who have fallen and are now enemies of God. Though they are presently at work in the world, in the end they are all subject to God. We believe that the preaching and propagation of the Gospel is the church’s mandate to defeat the forces of evil.
We believe marriage is an institution created by God that involves the union of one man and one woman in permanent sacred fidelity. This belief does not, however, allow for bigotry or hate, which are sinful.

Doctrine of Scripture

We believe the Bible is inspired by God, the only infallible, authoritative Word of God. It is composed of the 66 books of the Old and New Testament, and was written without error in the original manuscripts. It is the highest authority over all other forms of revelation.

Doctrine of Salvation

We believe the Gospel of Jesus Christ should be passionately proclaimed to all people, so that all who believe may be saved.

This Gospel declares that…

Since Adam sinned, now all are sinners by nature and choice. All human beings are born with a corrupted nature and without spiritual life and are totally incapable of pleasing God in and of themselves.

God is not obligated to save any person, all deserve the just punishment of hell. But in his love, God chose to elect people for salvation. That election was fore-ordained before the creation.

Jesus died for all, however, forgiveness of sins is given only to those who respond in belief.

God declares righteous all who put their trust in Christ alone, who believe by grace alone through faith alone.

All followers of Jesus have been assured of salvation and have been set free from the eternal consequences, guilt, and power of sin. No longer enslaved to their own sinful desires, they are set free to walk in step with the truth of the Gospel.

There is no opportunity for salvation following physical death. Both the lost and the saved are resurrected after physical death. The believer goes immediately into the presence of the Lord, and waits for their body to be resurrected to eternal blessing and glory with God. The unbeliever waits for their body to be resurrected to eternal suffering, judgment, and condemnation.

Jesus is coming back to judge all people. When he returns, he will set up his kingdom on earth and rule until a new heaven and new earth are created to be the final eternal home of all who believed.

We believe that the Church of Jesus Christ…

Is made up of all believers worldwide and should meet together in local churches for worship, prayer, teaching, and mission.

Exists for the redemption of lost people.

Is a diverse family made up of people from different racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds, no longer living for themselves but for the name of Jesus, for the glory of God the Father, through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Does not exist to try to make people “good” but to proclaim the Gospel to all people so that those who believe may be saved.

Cannot isolate itself from the evil in this world, nor from other believers with whom we may disagree.

Has no political affiliation or agenda. Though, individuals in the church may participate in the political governing process to pass laws that are just and moral.

Must not retreat from society, but be faithful to minister in the context of continually changing culture, using discernment to be faithful to unchanging Biblical doctrine so as not to compromise the Gospel.

Should be actively involved in fulfilling the Great Commission by making disciples and training them to go into the culture as missionaries with the Gospel, using the gifts and talents God gave them.

Practices two symbolic ordinances: baptism and the Lord’s Supper. Every follower of Jesus should be baptized by immersion as a symbol of their new birth in Christ and should participate in the Lord’s Supper as a symbol of remembrance of Jesus’ suffering, death and resurrection, to celebrate our unity in Christ, and to anticipate his return in victory.

Should be actively involved in church planting, proclaiming the message of the Gospel throughout our city, state, nation, and world.

Should live on mission, both in the local community and globally, representing Christ’s love through Word and deed.

Riv's Statement on Racism

Racism is a belief, attitude, or action of the inherent superiority of one race towards other races or ethnic groups that produces prejudice, discrimination, or antagonism. Like any other sin, racism can be obvious or subtle; it can be present in human hearts, and also within the systems, institutions, and cultures of society. Since humanity is made in the image of God and bears His glory, we are to love, care for, and interact with everyone with dignity, worth, and value. Racism is sinful because it fails to act in that manner, denying or minimizing the way all people reflect God’s image. Because Jesus is this fallen world’s only and ultimate hope of reconciliation, we must proclaim the liberating power of the Gospel if there is any hope of reconciliation with our brothers and sisters. As redeemed people, we are ministers of reconciliation, strangers and exiles who lay down our lives for others, speak up for the voiceless, do good works for the sake of our neighbor, and pursue justice in the name of Jesus.
Therefore, at Riverview, we believe the church is called to participate in this redemptive work by calling out the sin of racism, proclaiming the liberating power of the Gospel, embracing diversity, and loving each person regardless of their ethnicity.