Our Beliefs.
On the Bible: Hesed Women’s Ministry is founded on the inspired Word of God, inerrant and infallible in its original manuscripts. All manuscripts copied from the originals are unable to deceive and consistent in all doctrinal truths. We believe the Bible “is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart” (Heb. 4:12).
On Salvation: We believe all humanity is born with a predisposition toward sin which, when acted upon, inevitably leads to separation from God. This sinful nature puts all humanity in need of a Savior and Redeemer. As Wesleyans, Phylicia and Josh Masonheimer (EWAT founders) hold to a salvation theology of “libertarian free will.” God knew before the foundation of the world that humanity would need a Savior and predestined Jesus Christ to be the plan of that salvation (Eph. 1). All who call upon the name of the Lord will be saved (Rom. 10:13). While this is Josh and Phylicia’s personal view, many staff members at EWAT hold to Reformed theology and the belief that God has specifically elected who will receive salvation. We believe there is room for both interpretations within the sound teaching of Scripture.
On Eternal Life: Those who call upon the name of the Lord and who put faith in Christ (give their allegiance to Him) will inherit eternal life (John 3:16), which means a life of fullness, goodness, and purpose from present-day to eternity. Those who reject Christ will remain in separation from God and experience His just wrath by their own conscious choice (Rom. 1:18, 12:19, 13:4).
On the Body of Christ: The Body of Christ is His church, which is not made up of one specific denomination or building but is made up of all persons who have given their allegiance to Jesus Christ as Lord. The church is made up of believers from all denominations who adhere to the fundamental truths of our faith. The Body of Christ is a diverse gathering of individuals from all nations, of all ages, and with myriad giftings, unified in allegiance to Christ and love for one another.
On Christian Life: Those who have been justified in Christ will receive the Holy Spirit to sanctify, convict, and comfort them (John 14-15). The natural outworking of an authentic faith is sanctification, or growing more like Christ. The Christian life should reflect the fruit of God’s Spirit (Gal. 6) and the values of God’s law (Deut. 20).
The Nicene Creed
In response to great division and theological disputes in the first three centuries of the church, a council was formed to bring unity and agreement over the most essential doctrines of Christianity. One of the creeds that has stood the test of time is the Nicene Creed. This creed became a guiding statement of faith for the Church. We now find ourselves divided over many, many things – and yet, about the most essential things, we wholeheartedly agree.
We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen. We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father.
Through him, all things were made. For us and for our salvation, he came down from heaven: by the power of the Holy Spirit, he became incarnate from the Virgin Mary and was made man. For our sake, he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried.
On the third day, he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son. With the Father and the Son, he is worshiped and glorified. He has spoken through the Prophets.
We believe in one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come.
Amen
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To clarify: The use of the word “catholic” is in reference to the universal Church.
