About Hope of Glory Ministries - India

  We believe in one God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, three persons in one, each equally God, yet distinct in their personhood. God is the Creator and Ruler of the universe. (Deuteronomy 6:4; 2 Corinthians 13:14; John 14:16-17.)

 We believe God is a sovereign, just, holy and loving heavenly Father. It is God's nature to share Himself, and therefore exists as trinity. Because of His love for the world, God shared Himself with sinful humanity when He gave His only begotten Son. He is the source of all life, a rewarder of those obedient to Him, and the Judge of those who are not. (Colossians 1:16; Psalm 115:3; Romans 11:33; Isaiah 61:1; Ephesians 1:4-6; Isaiah 25:8-9; Jeremiah 32:17; Psalm 121:2; Matthew 19:26; Proverbs 19:21; Acts 5:39; James 4:14-15; Revelation 4:11)

 We believe Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, (Matthew 1:23; Luke 1:31,35) eternal Son of God, Son of Man, fully God, fully human, dwelling among humanity, performing many miracles (Acts 2:22, 10:38.) As the perfect man, without sin (Hebrews 7:26; 1 Peter 2:22,) He gave His life as the perfect sacrifice for mankind. Having lived a sinless life, He died for our sins (1 Corinthians 15:3; 2 Corinthians 5:21,) was raised from the dead and is at the right hand of the Father as true God and true man. (Matthew 1:18-25; Romans 9:5; Hebrews 12:2.) Since His bodily resurrection from the dead (Matthew 28:6; Luke 24:39; 1 Corinthians 15:4) and his subsequent exaltation to the right hand of God (Acts 1:9, 11, 2:33; Philemon 2:9-11; Hebrews 1:3) He intercedes on behalf of the saints, waiting for the day when He returns to Earth. A Christian Disciple must believe in Jesus and put their trust in Him as their only hope of salvation. “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believe in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 (Also See John 14:6) 

We believe that the Holy Spirit, the third person of the Trinity, is the giver and renewer of life, working to convict us of sin, unrighteousness, and the judgment to come. He calls sinners to repentance and to life in Jesus Christ, purifying and empowering those who believe. He is the comforter, sanctifier, teacher, encourager, giver of gifts, and our guide as we live a life of belief through faith. At the point of salvation, the Holy Spirit fills each believer, and is a source of strength, assurance, wisdom, and power. (John 3:6-7, 6:63.) 

We believe that the entire Bible is the inspired, inerrant, infallible, and authoritative word of God, written by holy men of old as they were enabled to communicate God's truth without error.  The Bible is our authoritative rule of faith and conduct. The Bible is our rule of faith and practice, and a revelation of God Himself and His will for all people. Scripture is authoritative in matters of faith, doctrine, and practice. (2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21)

 We believe that God created all people in His image, as immortal, spiritual beings. “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart…” (Jeremiah 1: 5b) God has, in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross, placed supreme value on all people. Since God has placed such value on every person, we believe in the sanctity of all human life, as every human was created in the image of God. (Genesis 1:27; Psalm 8:4-5; Psalm 139:13-16; Psalm 51:5; Jeremiah 1:4-5; Isaiah 49:1; Luke 1:39-44; Exodus 21:22-24; Proverbs 31:8)

We believe that God instituted marriage and the family. Marriage is a reflection of the relationship Christ has with the church; it is filled with intimate, sacrificial, communicating love. Scripture teaches that human sexuality is to be expressed only in a monogamous lifelong relationship between one man and one woman within the bonds of marriage. We believe the term “marriage” has only one meaning, and that is a marriage sanctioned by God, which joins one man and one woman in a single, exclusive union, as delineated in Scripture. (Gen. 2:24; Eph. 5:31.)  This is the only relationship divinely given for the birth and rearing of children and is a covenant relationship made in the sight of God, taking priority over every other human relationship. (Leviticus 18:22-23; Romans 1:24-27; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, 6:18-20, 7:1-2; Hebrews 13:4; Ephesians 5:26-34; Ephesians 7:1-7)

We believe that God granted humanity the ability to choose between right and wrong. In this way, each individual is made morally responsible for their choices. Since the fall of Adam, people are unable in their own strength to do what is right. This is due to original sin, which is not simply the following of Adam's example, but rather the corruption of the nature of each mortal and is reproduced naturally in Adam's descendants. Because of it, humans are far from original righteousness, and by nature are continually inclined toward evil. They cannot of themselves even call upon God or exercise faith for salvation. But through Jesus Christ, the prevenient grace of God makes possible what humans cannot do. It is given freely to all, enabling all who will turn to Christ to be saved. (Romans 7:19; Proverbs 16:9; Leviticus 18:5; 1 John 3:19-20; Ezekiel 18:20; Matthew 12:37; John 9:41; John 3:19; Mark 7:21-23)

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6). We believe that salvation is the process by which God forgives sin, renews man to favor, enlivens a soul dead in trespasses and sin, and draws a soul toward sanctification. Salvation indicates a full redemption from all the effects of sin. Guilt, separation from God, death, and depravity are all dealt with in salvation. The work of Christ is sufficient for all our needs. This salvation is grounded in the love of God, provided by the atoning work of Jesus Christ, and applied by the active work and presence of the Holy Spirit. A believer must become a child of God by receiving Christ. “To all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” John 1:12 (See Revelation 3:20) Believers will readily confess that Jesus is their Lord. “If you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” 

Romans 10:9-10; John 3:3

We believe that Christ's offering of himself, once and for all, through His sufferings and death on the cross provides the perfect redemption and atonement for the sins of the whole world, both original, past, present, and future. There is no way for salvation from sin but through Christ. This atonement is sufficient for everyone, unconditionally effective in the salvation of the mentally incompetent from birth, and of children under the age of accountability. It is effective for the salvation of people over the age of accountability, only when they repent and exercise faith in Jesus Christ. (Matt 26:26-29; Mark 14:22-25; Luke 22:15-20; Mark 10:45; Matthew 20:28; Matthew 26:28; 1 John 2:1; Hebrews 2:10-17)

We believe that evidence of salvation includes repentance and faith. Repentance is prompted by a convicting of the Holy Spirit; a renunciation of sin and a longing for righteousness; sorrow for and a confession of past sins, restitution for wrongdoings, and a resolution to reform one's life. Faith is the only condition of salvation. It begins with accepting the gospel as true, including the saving ability of Jesus Christ, and a complete trust in Him as Savior and Lord. Saving faith is expressed in a public acknowledgment of His Lordship and identification with His Church. A believer must admit they are a sinner. “There is no one righteous, not even one…, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:10, 23 (See Romans 5:8; 6:23) A believer must also ask God’s forgiveness and repent of their sins. “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Romans 10:13 (See Acts 3:19)

 We believe that salvation is a relationship based on freedom. In order to love and trust Christ, we must be free to do so. This assurance is grounded in a relationship marked by believing obedience and loving discipleship. The atonement provided through Christ was provided for all people, yet God calls us to turn to Him, trust Him, and walk with Him. While God always loves us, and nothing can separate us from His love, we always have the freedom to persevere or turn away from our relationship with Him.

We believe that the assurance of salvation is the privilege of every believer, by which one can know that he has passed from spiritual death unto spiritual life, and can be assured of his eternal salvation through the witness of the Holy Spirit. (John 5:24; John 3:36; Ephesians 2:8-9; 1 John 5:11-13; John 10:28; Romans 10:9; John 3:16; John 8:31-32; Romans 8:1; Romans 10:13)

Justification is when God says you are not guilty, you are pardoned, and all your sins are erased.

Regeneration is when the Holy Spirit gives you a new spiritual life, and you can serve God with love and obedience. 

Adoption means God has decided in advance that He will bring us into the family of God according to His will (Ephesians 1:5). We are welcomed into His family as we admit our personal sin and accept Him as our personal Lord and Savior. God will then forgive us and give us new life through the assurance of our Salvation. (Galatians 4:4-7)

John 3:3; Matthew 18:3; Luke 6:46; Romans 1:5; Romans 16:26)

We believe that we are God's workmanship and that we are created for good works. Although these good works cannot save us from our sins or from God's judgment, they are the fruit of a life of faith and follow after the new birth. They are pleasing and acceptable to God in Christ, and by them a living faith may be as evidently known as a tree is discerned by its fruit. The Church is called to ministry locally and globally, and is called to share the love of Christ with all people. (James 2:14-26; Ephesians 2:8-10; Hebrews 10:38; John 6:28-29; Titus 2:11-14; James 1:22)

We believe that after we have experienced the new birth, it is possible to fall into sin, for in this life there is no such height or strength of holiness from which it is impossible to fall. But by the grace of God, one who has fallen into sin may, by true repentance and faith, find forgiveness and restoration. 

(Hebrews 10:26-27)

 We believe that when we put our faith in Jesus Christ, God makes us holy. He helps us become like Him and sets us apart to do His work. The Holy Spirit helps us to stop sinning and do what is right. God not only forgives us for our bad things, but He also cleans us from the bad things we do, saves us from their control, and with God's help, we can love Him and do what He wants without making any mistakes. Sanctification brings us closer to Jesus, and helps us become more like Him, live a holy life, and obey God through the Holy Spirit. (Romans 6:6; 2 Timothy 2:21; 1 Thessalonians 5:23; Galatians 2:20; Hebrews 13:12; 1 Peter 1:2; 2 Peter 1:2-4)

 We believe that the Holy Spirit provides believers with spiritual gifts that are to be used to glorify God and further the goals of the Kingdom. (Luke 24:49; Acts 1:4,8, 2:1-4, 38-39; 1 Corinthians 2:9-14, 12:1-12; John 16:13-14.)

 We believe that the Church is all those who follow Jesus Christ, who is the founder and only leader of the Church. It is all over the world, with believers from every nation, and it belongs to God. This includes those believers who have died and those who are still alive, doing what Jesus said until He comes back. The Church here on earth should spread the Word of God, do the sacraments like Jesus said, and do what Jesus tells us to do. A local Church is a group of believers, who are organized in a way that follows the gospel and come together to spread the good news, teach people, be good stewards, be with each other, and pray. God's work and His Church are funded when its members give a tenth of their money, and other gifts. (Matthew 16:18; Matthew 18:20; Hebrews 10:24-25; Ephesians 4:11-13; Colossians 3:16; Ephesians 2:20-22; Romans 12:5; Acts 14:23)

 We believe that God calls all believers to service and ministry. Through the presence of the Holy Spirit every Christian has been empowered to be an instrument of His grace to the world. The responsibility of witnessing, prayer and the use of our spiritual gifts are included in the privilege of the priesthood of believers. (1 Peter 2:9-10; 1 Timothy 2:5; Hebrews 4:14–16; 1 Peter 2:5; Hebrews 13:15–16)

 We believe that our Church body should not just be members, but rather, Disciples, committed to life-long learning and education, for personal growth and to further the goals of the Kingdom. In order to effectively make Disciples, we must be knowledgeable, effective Disciples ourselves.

(Matthew 28:16-20; Luke 9:23-25; Luke 14:25-26; John 8:31-38; John 13:34-35; Acts 1:8; Romans 10:14-17)

We believe that growing Christians display the fruit of the Holy Spirit in life and character as they discover, develop, and steward their spiritual gifts within the Body of Christ and as they minister in their sphere of influence. We believe in the power of prayer. Believers are called to live a life that is holy and acceptable to God. This requires a daily commitment and a disciplined walk with God. We believe in social holiness, striving to serve our neighbors, care for the poor, and work for justice and peace.

(James 1:22; 1 Thessalonians 4:1–12; Romans 12:2; 1 Peter 1:13-25; Romans 12:1; 1 Peter 3:8-18)

 We believe that baptism and Holy Communion are sacraments that Jesus commanded us to do. They are visible symbols of our commitment to God and signs of His grace. When we do these things, God makes us alive and strengthens our faith.

BAPTISM: Baptism is when someone is immersed, sprinkled, or poured with Water. It is an outward sign of an inner commitment to Christ, on display for the world to see. This is a sign of the covenant God made to forgive us of our sins through Jesus Christ.

Parents can choose to have their baby dedicated, with sprinkling or pouring, to show their faith in God’s grace. When someone who was dedicated as a baby becomes a believer, and is at an accountable age, they can choose to confirm their dedication by being baptized.

HOLY COMMUNION: Holy Communion is also known as the Lord's Supper or the Eucharist. It is a sign of Jesus’ sacrifice to forgive us of our sins, a sign of obedience to Christ, and a sign of the love Christians have for each other. When taken with faith, it is a way God gives us grace. Everyone who seeks God is welcome at the Lord's Table.

(1 Corinthians 6:11; Ephesians 4:4–5; Colossians 2:12; Matthew 28:19; 1 Corinthians 12:13; I Corinthians 6:19-20; 1 Corinthians 11:24-29; John 6:51-58; Luke 22:19-20; 1 Corinthians 11:28; Matthew 26:26-28; Acts 2:42; John 6:33)

We believe in an Eternal life that continues beyond physical death. For believers who have accepted Christ before passing, that life is in heaven, where we experience God, face to face. Those who reject the offer of salvation in Christ will spend eternity separated from God.

(John 3:16; Romans 6:23; John 17:3; John 5:24; Matthew 25:46; Romans 10:13; John 3:36; Matthew 7:13-14; Galatians 6:7-8; 1 John 2:25; Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 2:6-8; John 4:14; 1 Timothy 6:12)

 We believe the resurrected Christ will return to earth in bodily form, and all the prophecies of the Old and New Testaments concerning His final and complete triumph over all evil will be made complete in Him. The personal and imminent return of the Lord Jesus Christ, will result in the bodily resurrection of the just into the everlasting joy of the saved, and of the unjust into the everlasting conscious punishment of the lost. (Acts 1:11; 1 Thess. 4:13-17; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Rev. 20:4-6, 11:15.)

 We believe that according to Scripture the bodies of the just and of the unjust shall be raised to life and united with their spirits.

(1 Corinthians 15:12; 1 Corinthians 15:35-44; 1 Corinthians 15:52; 1 Thessalonians 4:16; Acts 17:31; Acts 24:15; Daniel 12:2; Hebrews 9:27; John 11:25-26; John 5:28-29; Matthew 10:39; Matthew 25:31-32; Matthew 27:52; Revelation 20:12-13)

We believe that God is the Judge of all, and the acts of His judgment are based on His omniscience and eternal justice. All persons will meet before His throne of majesty and power, where everything will be revealed. Every desire, inclination, motivation, and action will be examined. Christ paid for our sins, and will intercede on behalf of the saved. Heaven is the home of those who choose salvation through Jesus Christ. Those who have rejected salvation face eternal torment and complete separation from God.

(Revelation 21:8; Acts 4:12; Romans 5:21; John 14:6; Galatians 6:8; 1 John 2:17)