What We Believe
We believe that Jesus was the Son of God, the child of the virgin Mary and the Holy Spirit, truly God and truly Man, who for us and for our salvation came down from heaven. He is eternal Savior and Mediator, who intercedes for us and by him all persons will be judged.
We also believe sin separated all persons from God. Jesus’ death on the cross was an atoning sacrifice, making possible our forgiveness and reconciliation with God. To repent of sin and trust in Jesus Christ are the only requirements for one to receive that forgiveness and reconciliation made possible by Jesus’ death.
We believe that God is one God in three Persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit – that the Holy Spirit is of one substance with the Father and the Son. It convinces the world of sin, and leads persons to a response in faith to the gospel. The Holy Spirit is the Christian’s primary teacher, comforter and source of power.
Holy Communion (or the Lord’s Supper) is a faithful remembrance of the suffering and death of Christ and a celebration of love within the Church. Those who in faith eat the broken bread and drink the blessed cup partake of the body and blood of Christ in a spiritual manner until He comes in glory. Bethany UMC believes in an open communion table – all are welcome.