REDEMPTIONCORPS INTERNATIONAL

ARTICLE III — GOD THE SON

Section 1. The Deity and Eternal Existence of Jesus Christ

REDEMPTIONCORPS INTERNATIONAL believes, proclaims, and teaches that Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God, fully divine and fully human. He is the Second Person of the Godhead, eternally one in divine nature with God the Father and God the Holy Spirit. He is not a created being, nor merely a prophet, teacher, or moral example, but God the Son, worthy of worship, honor, and obedience.

The Scriptures reveal Jesus Christ as the Word who was with God in the beginning and who Himself is God. All things were created by Him and for Him, and in Him all things consist. He is the image of the invisible God and the exact revelation of the Father's character and glory.

Scriptural Foundation:

• John 1:1–5, 14

• Colossians 1:13–17

• Hebrews 1:1–3

• Isaiah 9:6

• John 14:9

Section 2. The Incarnation, Virgin Birth, and Sinless Life of Christ

REDEMPTIONCORPS INTERNATIONAL believes that Jesus Christ was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary, taking upon Himself genuine human nature without ceasing to be divine. The eternal Word became flesh and dwelt among humanity, revealing the grace, truth, holiness, and compassion of God.

Jesus lived a sinless life, fully obedient to the Father. He was tempted as humanity is, yet without sin. In His incarnation, He became the merciful and faithful High Priest who understands human weakness and is able to help those who are tempted.

Scriptural Foundation:

• Matthew 1:18–23

• Luke 1:26–35

• John 1:14

• Hebrews 4:14–16

• Hebrews 2:17–18

• 1 Peter 2:22

Section 3. Christ the Word Made Flesh and the Fulfillment of God's Redemptive Promise

REDEMPTIONCORPS INTERNATIONAL believes that Jesus Christ is the eternal Word of God made flesh. Through Him, God has made Himself known, and through Him the purposes of God in creation and redemption are fulfilled.

Genesis 3:15 is traditionally recognized as the first biblical promise of the coming Redeemer: the seed of the woman would bruise the serpent's head, though He Himself would suffer in the conflict. This promise finds its fulfillment in the victory of Jesus Christ over sin, Satan, and the power of death.

Jesus Christ is the promised Messiah, the image of the invisible God, the heir of all things, and the One through whom all things were created. The title “firstborn of every creature” in Colossians 1:15 declares His supremacy and preeminence over creation; it does not mean that He is a created being, for the same passage declares that all things were created by Him and for Him.

Scriptural Foundation:

• Genesis 3:15

• John 1:1–5, 14

• Colossians 1:15–17

• Hebrews 1:1–3

• Hebrews 10:5–7

Section 4. The Substitutionary Death and Atoning Sacrifice of Christ

REDEMPTIONCORPS INTERNATIONAL believes that Jesus Christ died for our sins as the righteous substitute for the unrighteous. Though He knew no sin, He was made a sin offering for us, bearing the judgment due to sin so that, through faith in Him, we might be made the righteousness of God.

His death was not merely an example of sacrifice or an act of martyrdom. It was God's appointed and sufficient sacrifice for the redemption of humanity. Through His shed blood, Christ provides forgiveness of sins, reconciliation with God, deliverance from the dominion of darkness, and redemption from the curse of the law.

Jesus Christ is the propitiation for our sins: through His atoning sacrifice, God's righteous judgment against sin is dealt with, and the way is opened for sinners to be reconciled to Him. His one sacrifice is sufficient and does not require repetition.

Scriptural Foundation:

• Isaiah 53:4–6

• 2 Corinthians 5:21

• Galatians 3:13

• Colossians 1:13–14

• Hebrews 10:11–14

• 1 Peter 3:18

• 1 John 2:1–2

Section 5. The Bodily Resurrection and Ascension of Jesus Christ

REDEMPTIONCORPS INTERNATIONAL believes that Jesus Christ rose bodily from the dead on the third day, conquering death and securing the hope of resurrection for those who belong to Him. His resurrection was a real historical act of God and not merely a spiritual metaphor or the continued influence of His teaching.

Following His resurrection, Christ ascended into Heaven and was exalted to the right hand of the Father. He reigns as Lord and King, having been given authority over all things. His resurrection and ascension establish the foundation of the believer's hope, the Church's proclamation, and the assurance of Christ's ultimate victory.

Scriptural Foundation:

• Matthew 28:5–7

• Luke 24:36–43

• Acts 1:9–11

• Acts 2:32–36

• 1 Corinthians 15:3–8, 20–22

• Ephesians 1:20–23

• Hebrews 1:3

Section 6. Christ Our Great High Priest, Apostle, and Intercessor

REDEMPTIONCORPS INTERNATIONAL believes that Jesus Christ is the Apostle and High Priest of our confession. He is the One sent by the Father and the faithful High Priest who has made reconciliation for the sins of His people.

Having completed His atoning sacrifice, Christ now ministers on behalf of believers before the Father. He intercedes for those who come to God through Him and gives mercy, grace, strength, and help in times of need. Because He Himself suffered and was tempted, He is able to succor those who are tempted and to sympathize with human weakness without sharing in human sin.

His unchanging faithfulness is declared in Hebrews 13:8: “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.”

Scriptural Foundation:

• Hebrews 3:1

• Hebrews 2:17–18

• Hebrews 4:14–16

• Hebrews 7:24–25

• Hebrews 10:12–14

• Hebrews 13:8

• Romans 8:34

Section 7. Christ Our Healer and the Bearer of Our Suffering

REDEMPTIONCORPS INTERNATIONAL believes that the redemptive work of Jesus Christ provides the foundation for the Church's proclamation of God's saving and healing power. The prophet Isaiah declared that the Servant of the Lord would be wounded for our transgressions and bruised for our iniquities, and that the chastisement of our peace would be upon Him.

The Church therefore proclaims Christ as Savior and Redeemer and looks to Him in faith for healing, restoration, and deliverance according to the will and purposes of God. This confession calls believers to pray for the sick, minister with compassion, and trust in the power and mercy of the Lord, while recognizing that the fullness of bodily redemption awaits the final victory of Christ.

Scriptural Foundation:

• Isaiah 53:4–5

• Matthew 8:16–17

• James 5:14–16

• 1 Peter 2:24

• Romans 8:22–23

Section 8. Christ Our Lord, King, and Ruler

REDEMPTIONCORPS INTERNATIONAL believes that Jesus Christ is Lord over all creation, the Head of the Church, the King of kings, and the Lord of lords. The government rests upon His shoulders, and His kingdom shall have no end.

He is the Redeemer who delivers humanity from the power of darkness and brings those who believe into His kingdom. As Lord, Christ possesses supreme authority over His Church and calls every believer, minister, and ministry to submit to His Word and His righteous rule.

No earthly minister, office, institution, or authority stands above Jesus Christ. All Christian leadership is accountable to Him and must be exercised in faithfulness to His revealed Word.

Scriptural Foundation:

• Isaiah 9:6–7

• Matthew 28:18

• Colossians 1:13–18

• Ephesians 1:20–23

• Revelation 17:14

• Revelation 19:16

Formal Doctrinal Declaration

REDEMPTIONCORPS INTERNATIONAL confesses Jesus Christ as the eternal Son of God, the Word made flesh, conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. He is fully God and fully man, sinless in life, and the only Savior and Redeemer of humanity. Through His substitutionary death, shed blood, burial, and bodily resurrection, He accomplished the atoning work necessary for the forgiveness of sins and reconciliation with God. He ascended into Heaven, is seated at the right hand of the Father, and continues His ministry as our Great High Priest and Intercessor. He is the Creator, Sustainer, Head of the Church, King of kings, and Lord of lords. We proclaim Him as the only way to the Father and the sure foundation of our faith, salvation, hope, and eternal life.

“Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.”

— Hebrews 13:8 (KJV)