Reach Church Palos Verdes
Statement of Faith
1. Doctrine of God
We believe in one sovereign, eternal, holy, and loving God who created all things for His glory. He is all-powerful, all-knowing, unchanging, and perfectly just, yet rich in mercy and steadfast love.
2. Doctrine of Christ (Christology)
We believe Jesus Christ is fully God and fully man, conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. Through His sinless life, sacrificial death, and bodily resurrection, He accomplished redemption for all who believe. Jesus ascended into heaven, is seated at the right hand of the Father, and will return in glory to judge the living and the dead.
3. Doctrine of the Church (Ecclesiology)
The Church is the redeemed people of God, saved by Christ and empowered by the Spirit. We exist to glorify God through worship, teaching, fellowship, service, and mission—making disciples of all nations.
4. Doctrine of the Trinity
We believe in one God who eternally exists in three equally divine Persons—the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit—co-equal in essence, power, and glory.
God the Father
The Father is the source of all things—sovereign, eternal, and personal—showing love and care for His creation. 1 Corinthians 8:6
God the Son
Jesus Christ is the eternal Son, fully divine and fully human, sent by the Father for the salvation of the world. John 1:1–3
God the Holy Spirit
The Spirit works in creation, prophecy, the ministry of Jesus, and the lives of believers—empowering, teaching, sanctifying, and sealing them. John 14:26
5. Authority of Scripture
We believe the Bible is the inspired, inerrant, and authoritative Word of God. It is the final standard for all matters of faith, life, and doctrine. 2 Timothy 3:16
6. Salvation (Soteriology)
Salvation is entirely the work of God’s grace through the finished work of Christ, applied by the Holy Spirit. Humans are dead in sin and unable to save themselves. Salvation is received by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone.
A Balanced View of Sovereignty & Responsibility
We affirm both God’s sovereign initiative in salvation and humanity’s responsibility to respond in faith. We value insights from both Calvinism and Arminianism while not fully aligning with either system. We hold to the biblical tension that Scripture presents.
Salvation is:
• By grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone.
• Offered to all, effectually applied to those who believe.
• Secure in Christ and evidenced by a transformed life.
Biblical Stages of Salvation
Election — God’s gracious choice before the foundation of the world.
Calling — God draws sinners through the gospel.
Regeneration — The new birth by the Holy Spirit.
Conversion — Repentance from sin and faith in Christ.
Justification — God declares believers righteous in Christ.
Adoption — Believers become sons and daughters of God.
Sanctification — Lifelong growth in holiness by the Spirit.
Perseverance — God keeps true believers to the end.
Glorification — Final transformation at Christ’s return.
7. Church Government
Reach Church PV practices pastoral board-led (elder-governed) leadership. A plurality of elders provides spiritual oversight, doctrinal guardrails, and administrative stewardship for the congregation.
8. Communion / The Lord’s Supper
The Lord’s Supper is a remembrance of Christ’s sacrifice and a proclamation of His death until He returns. It is a means of grace and encouragement for believers but is not a saving act. All who trust in Christ may partake with reverence. 1 Corinthians 11:23–26
9. Baptism
Baptism is a public declaration of faith and obedience for all who trust in Christ. By immersion, believers symbolically express union with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection. Infant baptism is not practiced; instead, we offer parent/child dedications.
Romans 6:4
10. Spiritual Gifts
We hold a continuationist view: all spiritual gifts remain active until Christ returns.
Speaking Gifts
Prophecy (tested by Scripture), tongues, interpretation, teaching, words of wisdom, and words of knowledge.
Power/Miraculous Gifts
Healings, miracles, and the gift of faith.
Serving Gifts
Administration, helps, giving, mercy, hospitality.
Biblical Safeguards
• All gifts must point to Christ, not individuals.
• All gifts must be exercised in order, love, and submission to Scripture.
• Prophecy must be tested by elders and Scripture.
Church Practice
Public prophetic words are shared only at the invitation of the pastor or service leader and only by recognized members for accountability and order. Tongues are primarily for personal prayer; public use requires interpretation.
11. Biblical Marriage
Marriage is a covenant between one man and one woman, reflecting Christ’s union with His Church. It is marked by love, faithfulness, and mutual submission. Ephesians 5:22–33
12. Heaven
Heaven is the eternal home of all who are in Christ—a place of perfect joy, holiness, and communion with God, free from sin and suffering. Revelation 21:1–4
13. Hell
Hell is eternal separation from God for all who reject Him. It is real, conscious, and everlasting, demonstrating the justice and holiness of God. Revelation 20:11–15
What about those before Jesus?
Before Christ, the righteous were saved by trusting God’s promises and looking forward to the Messiah. After Christ, salvation is found only in His finished work.
14. Angels
Angels are created spiritual beings who serve God, minister to believers, and carry out His purposes. They are not to be worshiped. Hebrews 1:14
15. Demons
Demons are fallen angels who rebelled against God. They deceive, tempt, and oppose God’s purposes but are fully subject to Christ’s authority. Believers resist them by the Word, faith, and the power of the Spirit. James 4:7
Why won’t rebellion happen again?
Because God’s eternal kingdom is unshakable, Christ’s victory is final, and glorified believers and faithful angels are sealed forever in perfect righteousness. Revelation 21–22
16. Eschatology
We hold to historic premillennialism (post-tribulational). Jesus will visibly return after the tribulation, raise the dead in Christ, gather believers, defeat evil, and establish His millennial reign before the new heavens and new earth.
Timeline of God’s Redemptive Future
1. The Present Age
The kingdom is “already and not yet.” The Church advances the gospel while resisting spiritual opposition.
2. The Tribulation & Antichrist
A period of unprecedented suffering will precede Christ’s return. The Antichrist will deceive nations and persecute believers. God will empower His people to endure and witness.
3. The Second Coming & the Rapture
At Christ’s visible return, the dead in Christ will rise and believers will be caught up to meet the Lord. This gathering is part of His coming, not a separate event. Believers then accompany Christ as He establishes His reign.
1 Thessalonians 4:16–17
