Statement of Belief

The Church of the Nazarene is the largest denomination in the Wesleyan-Arminian (Holiness) theological tradition. Considered a denomination in the mainline evangelical tradition, we believe:

1. In one God--the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

2. That the Old and New Testament Scriptures, given by plenary inspiration, contain all truth necessary to faith and Christian living.

3. That all are born with a fallen nature, and are, therefore, inclined to evil, and that continually.

4. That the finally impenitent are hopelessly and eternally lost.

5. That the atonement through Jesus Christ is for the whole human race; and that whosoever repents and believes on the Lord Jesus Christ is justified and regenerated and saved from the dominion of sin.

6. That believers are to be sanctified wholly, subsequent to regeneration, through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

7. That the Holy Spirit bears witness to the new birth, and also to the entire sanctification of believers.

8. That our Lord will return, the dead will be raised, and the final judgment will take place.

(Source: Manual, Church of the Nazarene, Paragraph 26)

The doctrine which distinguishes the Church of the Nazarene and other Wesleyan denominations from most other Christian denominations is that of entire sanctification (no. 6 above). Nazarenes believe that God calls Christians to a life of holy living which is made possible by an act of God whereby the Holy Spirit cleanses the heart from original sin and fills the individual with love for God and others. Like regeneration, entire sanctification is an act of God's grace, not of works. Our resulting service to God is an act of love whereby we show our appreciation for the grace which has been extended to us through the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ.

For more information on the International Church of the Nazarene check out our website www.nazarene.org