The Institute for Shelter Care is a faith-based organization and as such we believe the following: 

About God

God is the creator and ruler of the universe. He has eternally existed in three persons – the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. The three are co-equal and are one God.

□ Genesis 1:1, 26, 27; 3:22; Psalm 90:2; Matthew 28:19; 1 Peter 1:2; 2 Corinthians 13:14

About Man

Man is made in the spiritual image of God, to be like Him in character. He is the supreme object of God’s creation. Although we have tremendous potential for good, we are marred by an attitude of disobedience toward God called “sin.” This attitude separates us from God.

□ Genesis 1:27; Psalm 8:3-6; Isaiah 53:6a; Romans 3:23; Isaiah 59:1, 2

About Eternity

We were created to exist forever. We will either exist eternally separated from God by sin or in union with God through forgiveness and salvation. To be eternally separated from God is hell. To be eternally in union with Him is eternal life. Heaven and hell are places of eternal existence.

□ John 3:16; 1 John 2:25; 1 John 5:11-13; Romans 6:23; Revelation 20:15; Matthew 25:31-46

About Jesus Christ

Jesus Christ is the Son of God. Jesus lived a sinless human life and offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all by dying on a cross. He arose from the dead after three days to demonstrate His power over sin and death. He ascended to heaven’s glory and will return again to earth to reign as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

□ Matthew 1:22, 23; Isaiah 9:6; John 1:1-5, 14:10-30; Hebrews 4:14, 15; 1 Corinthians 15:3, 4; Romans 1:3, 4; Acts 1:9-11; 1 Timothy 6:14, 15; Titus 2:1

About Salvation

Salvation is a gift from God to mankind. We can never make up for sin by self-improvement or good works – only by trusting in Jesus Christ as God’s offer of forgiveness can we be saved from sin’s penalty. Eternal life begins the moment one receives Jesus Christ into his/her life by faith.

□ Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8, 9; John 14:6, 1:12; Titus 3:5; Galatians 3:26; Romans 5:1

About Eternal Security

Because God gives us eternal life through Jesus Christ, we are secure in salvation for eternity. Salvation is maintained by the grace and power of God, not by the self-effort of the Christian.

□ John 10:29; 2 Timothy 1:12; Hebrews 7:25; 10:10, 14; 1 Peter 1:3-5

About the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit is equal with the Father and the Son as God. He is present in the world to make us aware of our need for Jesus Christ. He also lives in every Christian from the moment of salvation. He provides the Christian with the power for living, understanding spiritual truth, and guidance in doing what is right. We seek to live under His control daily.

□ 2 Corinthians 3:17; John 16:7-13, 14:16, 17; Acts 1:8; 1 Corinthians 2:12, 3:16; Ephesians 1:13; Galatians 5:25; Ephesians 5:1

About The Bible

The Bible is God’s word to all persons. It was written by human authors, under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is the supreme source of truth for a Christian beliefs and living.  Because it is inspired by God, it is truth without any mixture of error.

□ 2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20, 21; 2 Timothy 1:1-13; Psalm 119:105,160, 12:6; Proverbs 30:5

About Baptism

Baptism symbolized the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus and is our public declaration that we have accepted Jesus Christ as our personal Savior. Baptism does not save us, but shows the world that we have already been saved. And while baptism is not required for salvation, it is a biblical command and demonstrates our love and obedience to Christ.

□ Colossian 2:12; Acts 2:41; Ephesian 2:8-9; Matthew 28:19-20

About Communion

Communion, or the Lord’s Supper, is an ordinance given to all believers by Jesus Christ to remember His sacrifice for us and to symbolize the new covenant. Communion is not a means of salvation. Rather it is a testament of a believer’s faith in the atoning work of the cross.

□ Matthew 26:26-30; Mark 14:22-26; Luke 22:19,20; 1 Corinthians 11:23-29