Doctrinal statements are limited in expressing the fullness of Christian beliefs.
The entire Bible really contains our "doctrinal statement" and what we believe. So this theology section of the web site only represents some of the central beliefs of Vintage Faith Church and our approach to theology. But we very much hold to the whole Bible narrative and all within it as what we believe and desire to practice, not simply what you will see highlighted here.
Simply "knowing" doctrine is not what changes our heart or actions.
Jesus criticized the religious leaders of his day for being hypocrites and legalists. They were very familiar with the Bible and knew a lot of doctrine, but they didn't let that doctrine seep into their hearts and impact their lives. We can know doctrine intellectually, but if it doesn't impact us on a deeper level, the knowledge is almost useless. What Jesus cares most about is whether or not our lives are being changed by the Spirit as we put saving faith in Him (Romans 10:9) and whether the doctrine we learn expands our love for God and for people (Matthew 22:36-40). That kind of transformation produces in us the fruit of the Spirit: "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control" (Galatians 5:22-23).
Living with a “humble theology”
At Vintage Faith, we live in the tension of a "humble theology," which means we approach the Scriptures recognizing our inadequacies as human beings to determine with 100% certainty every single thing in the Bible. This doesn't mean that we cannot make certain theological conclusions - there are many Scriptural truths that have been held throughout the 2,000 year history of the church, which we as Vintage Faith believe are central to the Christian faith.
We believe in the truths of the Nicene Creed and the Apostle's Creed
The Nicene Creed and the Apostle's Creed are beautifully written statements by the Early Church, expressing the heart of several doctrines which are critical in the understanding of who Jesus is and His relationship to the Father and the Spirit.