What We Believe
At Open Arms CLT, we are grounded in the teachings of Scripture and believe that God's Word is the ultimate guide for our faith and daily lives.
Here’s an overview of what we hold to be true:
God
We believe in one God, eternally existing in three persons: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. He is the Creator, Sovereign, and the eternal, all-powerful source of everything.
God is love, justice, and mercy. He calls us into a relationship with Him through Jesus Christ, His Son.
Scripture: Deuteronomy 6:4; Matthew 28:19
God is love, justice, and mercy. He calls us into a relationship with Him through Jesus Christ, His Son.
Scripture: Deuteronomy 6:4; Matthew 28:19
Jesus Christ
We believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and the only way to salvation. He was fully God and fully man, lived a perfect life, died on the cross for our sins, and rose from the dead to offer us eternal life.
Through His sacrifice, we are reconciled to God.
Scripture: John 1:14; Romans 10:9
Through His sacrifice, we are reconciled to God.
Scripture: John 1:14; Romans 10:9
The Holy Spirit
We believe the Holy Spirit is fully God, co-equal with the Father and the Son. He is not distant, strange, or only for the super-spiritual. The Holy Spirit is our Helper—actively at work in the lives of believers to guide, convict, comfort, and empower us.
He reminds us of truth, gives us gifts to build up the Church, and helps us grow more like Christ every day. The Spirit also intercedes for us when we don’t have the words to pray ourselves.
Scripture: John 14:26; Romans 8:26; Galatians 5:22–23
He reminds us of truth, gives us gifts to build up the Church, and helps us grow more like Christ every day. The Spirit also intercedes for us when we don’t have the words to pray ourselves.
Scripture: John 14:26; Romans 8:26; Galatians 5:22–23
The Bible
We believe that the Bible is the God-breathed and inerrant Word of God, the ultimate source of truth and wisdom for all believers.
It is relevant for every area of life and serves as our guide for faith, conduct, and relationships.
Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:16-17; Psalm 119:105
It is relevant for every area of life and serves as our guide for faith, conduct, and relationships.
Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:16-17; Psalm 119:105
Sin and Salvation
We believe that sin is anything that separates us from God, and we are all born with a sinful nature. Sin may look different, but all sin leads to separation from God.
The only way to be restored to a right relationship with God is through faith in Jesus Christ, who died on the cross for the forgiveness of our sins and rose again, offering us eternal lifethrough His grace.
Scripture: Romans 6:23; John 14:6
The only way to be restored to a right relationship with God is through faith in Jesus Christ, who died on the cross for the forgiveness of our sins and rose again, offering us eternal lifethrough His grace.
Scripture: Romans 6:23; John 14:6
Humanity
We believe that human beings are made in the image of God, created to have fellowship with Him. All people are His children, designed to reflect His glory. Yet, through sin, we are separated from God.
We are in need of reconciliation through Jesus Christ to restore the relationship that was broken. We’re all works in progress, but God’s love for us is unconditional, and His desire is that we live in relationship with Him forever.
Scripture: Genesis 1:27; 2 Corinthians 5:18
We are in need of reconciliation through Jesus Christ to restore the relationship that was broken. We’re all works in progress, but God’s love for us is unconditional, and His desire is that we live in relationship with Him forever.
Scripture: Genesis 1:27; 2 Corinthians 5:18
The Church and the Body of Christ
We believe that the Church is the body of Christ, made up of all believers, both universal (Big C) and local (little c). The Church’s purpose is to love God, love people, and make disciples.
As a local church, we are committed to being a loving, welcoming community where people can grow spiritually and serve others in the name of Jesus.
Scripture: Matthew 16:18; Ephesians 4:4-6
As a local church, we are committed to being a loving, welcoming community where people can grow spiritually and serve others in the name of Jesus.
Scripture: Matthew 16:18; Ephesians 4:4-6
Family
We believe family is a gift from God and a vital part of His design for discipleship, community, and spiritual growth.
Marriage: Marriage is a sacred covenant between one man and one woman, created by God to reflect His love, sacrifice, and faithfulness.
Parenting: Parents are called to raise their children in the knowledge and love of God. The family plays a central role in nurturing faith and building God’s Kingdom.
Scripture: Ephesians 5:31; Psalm 127:3; Deuteronomy 6:6-7
Marriage: Marriage is a sacred covenant between one man and one woman, created by God to reflect His love, sacrifice, and faithfulness.
Parenting: Parents are called to raise their children in the knowledge and love of God. The family plays a central role in nurturing faith and building God’s Kingdom.
Scripture: Ephesians 5:31; Psalm 127:3; Deuteronomy 6:6-7
Baptism and Communion
We believe in baptism by full immersion as a public declaration of one’s faith in Jesus Christ. While baptism does not save, it is a step of obedience and faith.
The Lord’s Supper (Communion) is a remembrance of Christ’s body and blood, symbolizing His sacrifice and the new covenant through His death and resurrection.
Scripture: Matthew 28:19; 1 Corinthians 11:23-24
The Lord’s Supper (Communion) is a remembrance of Christ’s body and blood, symbolizing His sacrifice and the new covenant through His death and resurrection.
Scripture: Matthew 28:19; 1 Corinthians 11:23-24
Reconciliation and Restoration
We believe that as followers of Christ, we are called to be agents of reconciliation, bringing others into a right relationship with God.
Through Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, we have been given the ministry of reconciliation to restore broken relationships and help others experience the love and grace of God.
Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:18; Matthew 5:9
Through Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, we have been given the ministry of reconciliation to restore broken relationships and help others experience the love and grace of God.
Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:18; Matthew 5:9
Heaven and Hell
We believe in the existence of Heaven and Hell. Heaven is an eternal place of perfect communion with God for those who have placed their faith in Jesus Christ.
Hell is eternal separation from God for those who reject His love and salvation.
Scripture: John 14:2-3; Matthew 25:46
Hell is eternal separation from God for those who reject His love and salvation.
Scripture: John 14:2-3; Matthew 25:46