What We Believe
ForestView is a complex mosaic of people from diverse backgrounds and experiences. As a result, our community of faith represents a variety of opinions and attitudes towards the issues that dominate our culture. We respect, enjoy and benefit from this diversity. However, on matters of core truth about God, we are of one mind. We believe the following statements to be true. They are explicitly affirmed in scripture and have been embraced by God’s people throughout the ages.
God
There is one eternal God who exists in three persons… Father, Son and Holy Spirit. As creator and redeemer, He is the author and originator of all that exists, and will one day complete it’s renewal in beauty and perfection.
Jesus Christ
Jesus Christ is the Son of God. Born in the flesh, he was the perfection of humanity and the fullness of God. As a young man, He was falsely convicted and unjustly subjected to a criminal’s execution by means of crucifixion. He died, was buried, and rose to life on the third day. He was seen by witnesses after his resurrection, before He ascended to heaven, where he is present with God the Father.
Sin
Sin is rebellion against God, and the rejection of his purpose and blessing for our lives. It affects every human life - separating us from His presence, robbing us of our potential, and enslaving us to destructive and debilitating behaviour. Without God’s intervention, we are incapable of knowing His love and experiencing satisfying life.
Salvation
God forgives sin based on the sacrificial death of His Son. The path to forgiveness begins with the acknowledgement of sin and a desire to move in a new direction. Forgiveness is received when faith is placed in Jesus, as the one who died to save us from our rebellion. This act of faith restores our relationship with God, and begins a new journey of following Christ.
Holy Spirit
To every person who trusts in Jesus, God gives the gift of the Holy Spirit. His indwelling presence provides the assurance of eternal life, offers guidance in the face of uncertainty, brings comfort in times of upheaval, equips us to serve others, and empowers us for the godly living and the conquest of evil.
The Bible
The Bible is God’s word, written down by ancient authors under the inspiration of God’s Spirit. With timeless truth and contemporary appeal, it’s message continues to speak to the human condition. It provides a personal portrait of God for those who long to know Him. Like a compass, it offers wisdom and direction for those who want a full and meaningful life.
The Church
The church is a community of those who follow Christ in faith. It exists wherever the people of God gather in the name of Jesus. It knows no social division, spanning the boundaries of age, gender, economics and ethnicity. God’s church exists to mediate His life giving presence to a lost and decaying world. It’s purpose is to reconcile people and nations to God, and to bring Him glory.
The Future
Jesus Christ will eventually return in person to judge the living and the dead. Those who have accepted Christ will receive the fullness of eternal life and will dwell with God forever. Those who persist in rebellion will be forever cut off from His presence, and left to their own destruction. God will end this age with the complete eradication of evil and the final restoration of His creation.