There is one God, eternally existing in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
"May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all." – 2 Corinthians 13:14
The Holy Scriptures, consisting of the Old and New Testaments, are inspired by God and are the authority for faith and practice.
"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness." – 2 Timothy 3:16
Jesus Christ is the only Son of God, fully divine and fully human. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered, was crucified, died, and was buried. On the third day, He rose again and ascended into heaven, and will come again to judge the living and the dead.
"The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth." – John 1:14
Salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. It is not earned by human works or merit but is a gift from God. Repentance and faith in Christ are necessary for forgiveness of sins.
"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God." – Ephesians 2:8
The Methodist Church recognizes two sacraments: Baptism and The Lord’s Supper (Holy Communion). Baptism is a sign of new birth, and the Lord’s Supper is a means of grace, representing Christ’s atoning sacrifice.
"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." – Matthew 28:19
"This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me." – Luke 22:19
The church is the community of all true believers under the Lordship of Christ. It exists to worship God, preach the gospel, and serve humanity.
"And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way." – Ephesians 1:22-23
Sanctification is the process by which a believer is made holy and grows in grace. It is initiated by faith in Christ and sustained by the work of the Holy Spirit.
"It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality." – 1 Thessalonians 4:3
There will be a bodily resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked: eternal life for the righteous and eternal separation from God for the wicked.
"For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first." – 1 Thessalonians 4:16
Humanity is endowed with free will and the ability to choose between good and evil, though grace is necessary for salvation.
"Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the Lord your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him." – Deuteronomy 30:19-20
Christ will return to judge all people and establish His eternal kingdom.
"For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad." – 2 Corinthians 5:10