Our Core Beliefs
What we believe—and how these beliefs shape our lives together
Whether you are curious about Christianity, new to the Christian faith, or looking for a church to call home, it helps to know what a church believes.
At Sungai Ara Christian Centre (SACC), these ten core beliefs form the foundation of our faith. We have explained them in everyday language, with Bible passages you can explore for yourself.
About These Core Beliefs
The ten sections below provide a simple overview of SACC’s core beliefs, based on our Statement of Faith.
They are intended to summarise what we believe and how these beliefs shape our Christian life and practice, rather than provide a complete theological explanation of each subject.
Each belief has a deeper biblical foundation than can be covered here. We encourage you to explore the Scripture references provided and discover more about these teachings through personal study and discussion.
1. The Bible — God's Word for Life
We believe God has spoken through the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments. Written through human authors inspired by God the Holy Spirit, the Bible is trustworthy and our highest written authority for the Christian faith and how to live it.
What this means for us: We want our teaching and decisions to be based on and shaped by the Bible. We encourage people to read it, ask questions, and discover what it teaches for themselves.
Explore the Bible: 2 Timothy 3:16–17; Acts 17:11.
2. God — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
We believe in one God, eternally existing in three distinct Persons: the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit. Each Person is fully God, yet there is only one God. This is what Christians mean by the Trinity, or the Triune God.
What this means for us: We worship the one true God—Father, Son and Holy Spirit. We seek to know Him as He has revealed Himself in the Bible and depend on Him in every part of our lives.
Explore the Bible: Deuteronomy 6:4; Matthew 28:19; 2 Corinthians 13:14.
3. Jesus Christ — Our Saviour and Lord
We believe Jesus Christ is truly God and truly human. He was born of the virgin Mary, lived without sin, taught about God, and performed mighty works. He died on the cross for our sins, rose bodily from the dead, and ascended to heaven. He is alive, intercedes for His people, and will personally return in power and glory to judge the world in righteousness, bring evil to its final defeat, and fulfil God’s promise to make all things new.
What this means for us: Jesus is at the centre of our faith. Being a Christian is not simply following religious rules; it is trusting Jesus and learning to follow Him.
Explore the Bible: John 1:14; 1 Corinthians 15:3–4; Hebrews 7:25.
4. Humanity and Sin — Why We Need God
We believe every person is created in God’s image and has dignity and worth. Yet all of us have sinned and turned away from God’s ways. Sin harms our relationship with God, and our own efforts cannot fully put that relationship right.
What this means for us: We seek to treat every person with dignity while recognising our own need for God’s mercy. None of us can claim to be better than others before God.
Explore the Bible: Genesis 1:27; Romans 3:23; Romans 6:23.
5. Salvation — God's Gift of Grace
We believe God offers forgiveness, a restored relationship with Him, and new life through Jesus Christ. We receive this gift by turning from sin and placing our faith in Jesus. We are made right with God because of Christ’s death and resurrection and the work of the Holy Spirit—not because we have earned it.
What this means for us: No one needs to make themselves good enough to earn God’s love. We invite people to respond to Jesus personally and discover the new life He offers.
Explore the Bible: Ephesians 2:8–10; Romans 5:1; Titus 3:5–7.
6. The Holy Spirit — God at Work in Us
We believe the Holy Spirit points people to Jesus, makes us aware of sin, and gives new spiritual life. He lives in believers, helps us understand God’s truth, shapes our character, and gives us strength and gifts to serve God and others.
What this means for us: We depend on the Holy Spirit, seek to grow in Christlike character, and use our gifts to build others up rather than draw attention to ourselves.
Explore the Bible: John 16:13–14; Galatians 5:22–23; 1 Corinthians 12:4–7.
7. The Church — A Community That Belongs to Jesus
We believe in the Universal Church, comprising all true believers in Jesus Christ throughout the world and across generations. Together, they form one spiritual body—the Body of Christ—with Jesus Christ as its Head.
We also believe in the local church, where believers gather as a community to worship God, learn from His Word, pray, enjoy fellowship, care for one another, serve together, and share the good news of Jesus Christ.
What this means for us: As a local church, SACC is part of the worldwide Body of Christ. We seek to be a welcoming and caring community where believers grow in faith, build meaningful relationships, use their gifts to serve others, and participate in God’s mission.
Explore the Bible: 1 Corinthians 12:12–13, 27; Ephesians 1:22–23; Ephesians 4:4–6; Acts 2:42–47.
8. Baptism and the Lord's Supper — Remembering and Declaring Our Faith
We believe Jesus Christ instituted two ordinances (practices commanded by Him for His Church to observe): believers’ water baptism and the Lord’s Supper (Communion).
Believers’ water baptism is an act of obedience and a public declaration of personal faith in Jesus Christ, identifying the believer with His death, burial, and resurrection.
The Lord’s Supper is an act of remembrance and thanksgiving for Christ’s sacrificial death, through which believers also proclaim His death until He returns.
Both ordinances are expressions of faith and obedience to Christ, and neither is a means of earning salvation.
What this means for us: We take these practices seriously and want people, especially new believers, to understand their meaning rather than participate merely out of habit.
Explore the Bible: Matthew 28:19–20; Romans 6:3–4; 1 Corinthians 11:23–26.
9. Christian Life and Mission — Faith in Everyday Life
We believe following Jesus should shape the way we live. Christians are called to grow in maturity and obedience, love others, pursue holiness, use their God-given gifts to serve, participate in church life, and share the good news about Jesus.
What this means for us: We value a faith that makes a difference at home, at work, in the church, and in our community. We want to grow together as mature and obedient followers of Christ.
Explore the Bible: Ephesians 4:11–16; Galatians 5:13–14; Matthew 28:19–20.
10. Resurrection and Final Hope — A Future With God
We believe Jesus Christ will return, God will raise the dead, and everyone will face His just judgment. Those who belong to Christ have the promise of everlasting life with God. We look forward to the day when God completes His purposes and makes all things new.
What this means for us: Our hope does not end with this life. It helps us face difficulties, remain faithful, and live today with confidence in God’s promises.
Explore the Bible: John 5:28–29; 1 Corinthians 15:20–26; Revelation 21:1–5.
Want to Find Out More?
You do not need to understand every belief before asking questions or visiting us. If you are exploring Christianity, we would be glad to listen and help you discover what the Bible teaches.
If you are looking for a church, we hope these beliefs help you understand the foundation of our faith. You can also read Our Mission & Values to see how we seek to put these beliefs into practice as a church.