Our Beliefs

(This is a summary of the Essential Tenets of the ECO denomination.)

We believe that God has authoritatively revealed Himself in His Word, both in the incarnation of God the Son and in the infallible Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments.

We believe that God is triune: one essence and three persons − Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

We believe that Jesus Christ is both truly God and truly human, and that His two natures, divine and human, are united in one person. We are able to confess Jesus Christ as Lord and God only through the work of the Holy Spirit.

We believe that the present disordered state of the world is not God’s doing, but is the result of humanity’s free, sinful rebellion against God’s will. No part of human life is untouched by sin. Fortunately, in union with Christ through the power of the Spirit we are brought into right relationship with the Father, who receives us as His adopted children. We find our new identity as brothers and sisters in Christ, who all share one Father. As family, we are active participants in the church community.

We believe that Jesus is the sole path by which sinners become children of God.

We believe that God chooses us for Himself in grace before the foundation of the world, not because of any merit on our part, but only because of His love and mercy. The Holy Spirit grants us faith and enables holiness, so that we may be witnesses of God’s gracious presence to those who are lost. We seek to preach Christ, calling all persons to repent and believe the gospel. We seek also to care for the natural world, serve the poor, feed the hungry, visit the prisoner, and defend the helpless.

We believe that men and women alike are called to all the ministries of the church and that every member is called to share in Christ’s work.

We believe that our lives should reflect the holiness that is a response of gratitude for the grace of God. Our growth in holiness is initiated, sustained and fulfilled by the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit, and is especially guided by the Ten Commandments. As the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, Jesus leads us along the path of life toward that goal, bringing us into ever deeper intimacy with the Triune God, in whose presence is fullness of joy.

For more information, see ECO – “Who We Are.”