Theological Positions

1. 1. Creation

      God created and sustains the universe by His power as a personally involved Ruler. The book of Genesis is a trustworthy account of historical events. We affirm creation in six days, the fall of man into sin, and a worldwide flood.
      Genesis 1-11; Exodus 20:11; Isaiah 54:9; Matthew 24:37; 1 Peter 3:20

   2. Life

      Life begins at conception. Every human life has value and dignity because humans were created in the image of God with living souls. Abortion, euthanasia, kidnapping, murder, sexual abuse, and suicide are insults to God’s creative wisdom, authority, and holiness. Christians must resist these actions in their spheres of influence and in general culture. We believe God implemented capital punishment to punish and deter the malicious taking of life.
      Genesis 1:26-27; 9:6; Psalm 139:13-16; Jeremiah 1:5; Romans 13:4

   3. Human Sexuality and Marriage

      Sex and human sexuality are good gifts from God, given to be enjoyed within the boundaries of biblical marriage, between a man and woman. God has given clear directions for how human sexuality is to be expressed. Because of the clear description of Scripture, Hope Valley defines marriage as between a man and a woman. Expression of our sexuality outside of biblical marriage is sinful. This includes adultery, the practice of homosexuality, premarital sex, pornography and intentional sexual lust.
      Genesis 1:27; 5:2; Matthew 5:27-30; Mark 10:6; Romans 1:26-27; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11; 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5; Hebrews 13:4

   4. Gender Equality and Identity

      All people, regardless of gender, are created fully equal. God designed men and women with different qualities and strengths in order to complement one another. Women have been and always will be an integral part in the life of the church. The Bible is specific about certain leadership roles. Hope Valley believes the role of pastor has been reserved for men. The complementary roles of men and women are based upon creation order. Gender identity (male/female) is determined by a person’s God-given biology. It is rebellion against God’s providence to attempt to change one’s gender.
      Isaiah 45:9; Genesis 1:26-27; 1 Corinthians 14:33-36; Galatians 3:28; Ephesians 5:22-33; 1 Timothy 2:11-14; 1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9

   5. Racial Equality

      There is one human race that is descended from Adam and Eve. No ethnicity is superior or inferior. All people are sinful and all must respond to the gospel. We denounce racial curse theories, white superiority, and prejudiced interactions of any nature.
      Genesis 1:26-27; Acts 17:26; Romans 3:9-24; James 2:1

   6. Sign Gifts

      We believe the Holy Spirit produced sign gifts (special prophetic utterances, tongues, spectacular healings, etc.) in the first century for a unique authentication of the gospel message. We do not believe these gifts are prototypical of public worship gatherings.
      Acts 19:11; 1 Corinthians 13:8; 1 Corinthians 14:22; Hebrews 1:1