Statement of Faith of Liberties Temple

The Foundation of Our Faith

We believe in one God, the eternal Creator of heaven and earth, who has revealed Himself as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. As it is written: "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth" (Genesis 1:1). We affirm that all humanity is created in the divine image, endowed with inherent dignity and freedom by our Creator, for "God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them" (Genesis 1:27).

Christ Our Liberator

We believe that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, came to liberate humanity from sin, oppression, and spiritual bondage. He himself declared His mission: "The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free" (Luke 4:18). Through His life, death, and resurrection, He demonstrated God's preferential concern for the marginalized, the poor, and the oppressed. We affirm that salvation through Christ delivers both individuals and communities from all forms of spiritual and temporal oppression, for "if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed" (John 8:36).

Scripture as Our Guide

We believe the Holy Scriptures is the inspired Word of God, revealing God's passion for justice and liberation throughout history. The biblical narrative consistently shows God standing with the oppressed against systems of injustice, calling His people to freedom and dignity. As the psalmist declares: "The LORD works righteousness and justice for all the oppressed" (Psalm 103:6). The prophet Isaiah reminds us of God's heart: "Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow" (Isaiah 1:17).

The Church's Liberating Mission

We believe that the Church is called to be the embodiment of Christ's liberating presence in the world. "Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy" (Proverbs 31:8-9).

We are called to:

Proclaim the good news of liberation in Christ, for "How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation" (Isaiah 52:7)

Stand with the poor and marginalized, following Christ's teaching that "whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me" (Matthew 25:40)

Challenge structures that diminish human dignity, remembering that "Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; love and faithfulness go before you" (Psalm 89:14)

Work for justice and freedom for all people, as "the LORD loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of his unfailing love" (Psalm 33:5)

Create communities of mutual support and empowerment, for "how good and pleasant it is when God's people live together in unity!" (Psalm 133:1)

True Freedom in Christ

We believe that true freedom is found in Christ alone, who breaks every chain of oppression. This freedom is not merely political or economic, but spiritual, enabling individuals and communities to live fully as God intended. The apostle Paul reminds us: "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery" (Galatians 5:1).

The Advancing Kingdom

We believe that God's kingdom advances through the transformed lives of believers who demonstrate Christ's love through concrete actions of justice, mercy, and liberation. As James exhorts us: "Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead" (James 2:17). We are called to be "doers of the word, and not hearers only" (James 1:22), living out our faith through tangible expressions of God's liberating love.

The Priesthood of All Believers

We affirm the priesthood of all believers, recognizing that every follower of Christ is called to participate in God's liberating work in the world. As Peter writes: "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light" (1 Peter 2:9).

The Ultimate Liberation

We believe in the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom, where all oppression will cease, all tears will be wiped away, and all humanity will experience the fullness of freedom for which we were created. We look forward to the day when God's promise will be fulfilled: "He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away" (Revelation 21:4).

This is our faith, our hope, and our calling as the community of Liberties Temple, standing firm in the liberating truth of God's Word and committed to embodying His freedom in a world that desperately needs it.