What We Believe

Detailed below are short explanations about some of the things that our church believes. You can find more theological explanations on the Elim website.

Who is Jesus?

We believe that Jesus is the son of God and although he is 100% God he is also 100% human. He was born in Israel 2000 years ago and is the only person who ever lived and didn’t do anything wrong. Because of this he was able to die on our behalf so that God could forgive us of all the things we had done wrong. Jesus took the punishment that was due to us but God raised him from the dead after 3 days. Jesus spent 40 more days on earth after that and then went to heaven where he prays for us. One day Jesus will come back to earth and be made King over all the earth.

What is the Bible?

The Bible is the most extraordinary book or more accurately collection of books that has ever been written. We believe that the Bible is the word of God, not that God literally wrote it, but that it was ‘inspired’ by Him. Everything God wants us to know about himself now is in the Bible so it is the final authority on what we believe and how we should live.

What we believe about YOU?

The Bible clearly states that you are a uniquely created individual made by God to fit a unique role and purpose. You were not an accident but God had you designed and made to an exact specification before He even made the universe; you’ve been on God’s mind for a long time. The key to a fulfilled life is discovering the purpose and will of God for you and going for it with all your heart and energy.

What is the trinity?

Trinity is the word that is used to describe God. There is only one God but he is made up of 3 distinct persons, God the Father, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. Lots of people find this difficult to understand and it is helpful if you think of water. Water can be a liquid (water), a gas (steam) and a solid (ice). All are distinct but all are water.

Who is the Holy Spirit?

When Jesus went back up to heaven he promised that he would send someone to come and help Christians live 100% for him. He sent the Holy Spirit to be that helper and he works in the earth and gives the church its power.

What is salvation and why do I need it?

Imagine you were lost in the jungle and you had no food, water or maps; you’d want rescuing right? If you were rescued then you would have been saved and this is what salvation is - being rescued from certain death.

The Bible says that the things we do wrong (sin) lead us to confusion and eventually death. The Bible (and the world around us) also tells us that no one, except Jesus, has ever been able to live up to the standards that God has set for us and we have all done things wrong whether big or small. The Bible actually describes mankind as being lost and we need someone to come and save us. This is what Jesus did - by taking our punishment when he died he saves us and this is salvation.

Salvation is a gift from God that we cannot earn but that we must accept. We must say thanks to Jesus for dying for us and sorry to God for all the things we have done wrong. When we accept Gods forgiveness we become saved and some Christians (us included) call this being ‘born again’. You are able to leave behind your past and stride into a new life with Jesus.

What is the Church?

Some people think of the church as an old dusty building with wooden pews and no central heating. When most people think of the church they are actually thinking of the buildings that the church meets in. The church isn’t a building but a group of people who love God and have accepted the gift of salvation. When someone becomes a Christian they become part of the church. You might only ever go to a church building or service in Manchester but you are part of something much bigger that goes all around the world.