What We Believe

AUSTIN CITY LIFE aligns with historic Christian faith, a faith well stated in the Apostles Creed. On matters of doctrine we embrace the maxim “In the essentials unity, in the non-essentials diversity, in all things charity.” In other words, we believe that all doctrine is important, but that common adherence on all points of doctrine is not necessary for salvation. The Apostles Creed articulates the essentials well. 

Apostles Creed (3rd - 5th Century AD)

I believe in God the Father Almighty 
maker of heaven and earth. 

I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord; 
He was conceived by 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. 

I believe in the Holy Spirit; 
one holy Church; 
the communion of saints; 
the forgiveness of sins; 
the resurrection of the body; 
and the life everlasting. Amen 

Essential & Non-essential Doctrines

On secondary matters of doctrine, we promote charity, the old English word for love. Belief in these doctrines is not necessary for participation in the community of Austin City Life, but is required for those decide to become church partners and leaders. Below you will find concise statements of belief on both essential and non-essential doctrines. 

The Bible.    We believe that the Bible is the Word of God, ultimately authored by the triune God, focused on Jesus Christ, written by men under the influence of the Holy Spirit, possessing supreme authority in all matters of faith and practice. 

The Trinity.    We believe that there is one living and true God, an eternal community of divine persons (Father, Son, and Spirit), who are equal in every way, operating in distinct and complementary ways throughout the history of creation, fall, redemption, and new creation. 

God the Father.    We believe in God, the Father, a personal being, perfect in holiness, wisdom, power and love. We believe that his mission is to magnify the riches of his mercy by redeeming the brokenness and sin of all who trust in Jesus Christ and in renewing the whole world. 

Jesus Christ.    We believe in Jesus Christ, God's only Son, sent by the Father and incarnated by the Holy Spirit. We believe in his sinless life, miracles and teachings. We believe in His substitutionary atoning death, bodily resurrection, ascension into heaven, continual prayer for his people, and personal visible return to earth. 

The Holy Spirit.    We believe in the Holy Spirit, sent from the Father and Son to convict the world of sin, righteousness, and judgement, and to regenerate, sanctify, and empower all who believe in Jesus Christ. We believe that the Holy Spirit indwells every believer in Christ, and that the full range of his gifts are operative today. 

Humanity.    We believe that all people are created in the glorious image of God, disfigured by Adam’s sin, which is inherited and reflected by all humanity. As a result, all humanity is under the just condemnation of the one, true, holy God. However, we joyfully believe that all who repent of their sin and trust Jesus Christ as their Redeemer are delivered from condemnation and renewed in the image of God. 

The Church.    We believe the church is a spiritual community comprised of all who have trusted in Christ for redemption. The church is God’s imperfect people who are being perfected by grace and together cling to a perfect Christ. We are a missionary community created by the Spirit on the mission of Christ to redemptively engage the peoples and cultures of the world 

Christian Conduct.    We believe that Christians should live for the glory of God and the good of others, that their conduct should be like Christ’s rendered possible by the gospel. 

Future Things.    We believe in the personal and visible return of the Lord Jesus Christ to earth and the renewal of all things. We believe in the resurrection of the body, the final judgment, the eternal joy of the redeemed, and the endless suffering of the wicked.