What We Believe

We believe that there is one, true God eternally existent in three Persons; Father, Son and Holy Spirit.  He is omnipotent, omnipresent, and omniscient.  He is the Creator, Sustainer, and Ruler of everything that has been made.

We believe in the true deity and full humanity of our Lord Jesus Christ.  He is the Son of God.  We acknowledge his virgin birth, his sinless life, and His miracles.  He offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all people by dying on a cross and arose from the dead after three days to demonstrate His power over sin and death.  He ascended to heaven at the right hand of the Father and will return to earth in power and glory.

We believe in the full deity of the Holy Spirit.  He is present in the world to make men aware of their need for Jesus Christ.  We believe in the indwelling of the Holy Spirit at the moment of salvation and that He provides the Christian with power for living, understanding of a spiritual truth, and guidance in doing what is right.  He has gifted every believer with a spiritual gift for the purpose of building God’s kingdom.

We believe the Bible to be the inerrant Word of God.  It is the supreme source of truth for Christian beliefs and living.  It was written by human authors, under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit.

We believe that people are made in the spiritual image of God and are the supreme object of God’s creation.  Though mankind has tremendous potential for good, all of us are marred by an attitude of disobedience and rebellion toward God called sin.  Sin separates people from God and causes many problems in life.

We believe that salvation is by grace through faith alone, and that faith without works is dead.  Salvation is God’s free gift to us but we must accept it.  We can never make up for our sin by self-improvement or good works.  Only by trusting in Jesus Christ as God’s offer of forgiveness can anyone be saved from sin’s penalty.  We believe that God has ordained water baptism as a part of becoming a Christian, symbolizing the salvation we receive through Jesus Christ.

We believe in the resurrection of both the saved and the lost.  We will either exist eternally separated from God by sin, or eternally with God through forgiveness and salvation.  To be eternally separated from God is Hell.  To be eternally in union with Him is eternal life.

We have three statements that characterize our attitude toward doctrines and teachings at Cinco Ranch.  These three statements were first espoused by Augustine, a very influential church leader and theologian in the 4th and 5th century, and were later reiterated by Alexander Campbell, one of the leaders of the Restoration Movement in the 1800’s.  These three statements are:

  • In essential beliefs—we have unity | There are some basic biblical truths that we hold dear, expressed in the paragraphs above, that are essential beliefs on which we will not waiver nor compromise.

  • In non-essentials—we have liberty | There are some areas, however, where two people could disagree and yet, when you go to Scripture you could make a case for both views. For example, will Jesus come to earth and reign for 1000 years? You could use scripture to make a case for a “yes” answer and use other scriptures to make a case for a “no” answer. There are many “non-essentials” in scripture. These are beliefs that are not essential for getting to heaven. In these areas, there is liberty. On these, we can see differently and still accept one another.

  • In all things—we practice charity | “If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.” – 1 Corinthians 13:2

Jesus had harsh words for the Pharisees who knew doctrine well but had no love for His people.  In all teaching and discussion about biblical matters love must be displayed.