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What We Believe
The International Biblical Apologetics Association (IBAA) exists to uphold, defend, and proclaim
the truth of God’s Word. Our statement of faith reflects our unwavering commitment to biblical
authority, doctrinal soundness, and theological clarity. We affirm the following beliefs as central
to our faith and practice:
THE BIBLE
We affirm that the Bible is God’s inspired, inerrant, and infallible Word, given through human
authors under divine inspiration. The Scriptures, the ultimate authority in all matters of faith and
practice, have been preserved by God throughout history. The Bible, complete and unchanging,
is a rock of stability in a changing world, providing a firm foundation for our faith and allowing no
room for additional revelation or alteration. All the historical events and miracles described in the
Bible took place literally. The Bible is free of contradictions or scientific errors. We believe in
Bible prophecy and its relevance for us today. We commit to the literal grammatical-historical
exegesis of the biblical text. Contextual study of Scripture is essential to rightly dividing the word
of truth.
Scripture References: John 17:17; 2 Timothy 2:15; 3:16, 17; Hebrews 4:12, 13; Revelation
22:18, 19.
JESUS CHRIST
We affirm that Messiah Yeshua (Jesus Christ) is the eternal Word of God and Son of God, fully
God and fully man. Yeshua was born of a virgin, lived a life untainted by sin, and died on the
cross as the atoning sacrifice for humanity’s sins. He rose bodily from the grave on the third
day, ascended to Heaven, and will return bodily and visibly to judge the world and establish His
kingdom.
Scripture References: Isaiah 52:13—53:12; Matthew 1:20–23; Luke 1:35; John 1:1–18; 14:6;
Acts 1:11; 1 Corinthians 15:3, 4; 1 Thessalonians 4:16, 17.
MANKIND
We affirm that mankind was created in God’s image on the sixth literal Day of Creation.
Humanity fell into sin through Adam and Eve’s disobedience, bringing spiritual and physical
death and separation from God. Every person is born with a sinful nature and is in need of
salvation.
Scripture References: Genesis 1:26–28; 3:1–13; Romans 5:12.
ANGELS & SATAN
We believe in the reality of angels as God’s messengers and servants. Satan, a fallen spirit,
led
a rebellion against God and seeks to deceive and destroy. Spiritual warfare is real. Ultimately,
Satan and his followers will be cast into the Lake of Fire.
Scripture References: Hebrews 13:2; Ephesians 6:12; 1 Peter 5:8, 9; 2 Corinthians 4:4;
Revelation 20:10; 21:8.
THE LORD'S SUPPER
The Lord’s Supper, a memorial ordinance instituted by Christ, signifies His body and blood
given for our redemption. Believers observe it in remembrance of Yeshua’s sacrifice and
anticipation of His return. Yeshua established this ordinance during the Passover, using
unleavened bread and wine. The cup of blessing signifies the communion of the blood of Christ,
and the bread signifies the communion of the body of Christ. Those elements do not transform
into Christ’s literal body and blood.
Scripture References: Matthew 26:26–29; 1 Corinthians 10:16; 11:23–26.
HUMAN SEXUALITY AND MARRIAGE
Marriage is a lifelong covenant between one man and one woman. Any sexual activity outside
biblical marriage is sin. Gender is God-ordained and unchangeable. Homosexuality and all other
sexual perversions are an abomination in God’s eyes. While we uncompromisingly uphold
biblical truth and ethics, we must preach the gospel to all sinners.
Scripture References: Genesis 1:28; 2:24; Romans 1:26–28; 1 Corinthians 6:9.
ISRAEL AND ANTISEMITISM
We affirm that ethnic Israel remains God’s chosen people. While Gentile believers are grafted
into the blessings of salvation, God’s promises to Israel still stand. We see the modern state of
Israel as a significant prophetic millstone leading us to the final stage of the end times. All
believers should strive to refute and denounce antisemitism (hostility towards and demonization
of the Jewish people), racism, and racial discrimination, as well as pray for the salvation of
Israel and peace in Jerusalem, actively promoting spiritual unity among believers based on
sound doctrine.
Scripture References: Genesis 12:1–3; Psalm 122:6; Zechariah 8:20–23; Esther 4:13, 14; John
4:22; Romans 9:1–5; 10:1; 11:17–24.
GOD
We believe in YHWH, our One God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, Who eternally exists as the
Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Each person is fully God, co-equal and co-eternal, yet
distinct in function. God, in His sovereignty, is all-powerful, all-knowing, and ever-present.
YHWH is the Creator of all things, having spoken the universe into existence in six literal days,
with no gaps between them.
Scripture References: Genesis 1:1; Deuteronomy 6:4; Isaiah 40:28, 29; Matthew 28:19, 20.
THE HOLY SPIRIT
We believe in the Holy Spirit as the third person of the One God of Israel. The Holy Spirit
indwells believers at the moment of salvation, convicts of sin, guides into truth, and bestows
spiritual gifts. The Holy Spirit distributes spiritual gifts to each one individually just as He wills.
The Holy Spirit seals believers until the day of redemption.
Scripture References: Isaiah 11:2; John 14:26; Romans 15:13; 1 Corinthians 12:11.
SIN AND SALVATION
Sin is lawlessness against God's holiness and righteousness. All have sinned and fallen short of
His glory. Our good works do not earn salvation but it is a gift of grace through faith in Messiah
Yeshua alone. Christ's substitutionary death and resurrection provide the only means of
reconciliation with God. The Holy One of Israel writes His laws on the hearts of God's people.
Yeshua taught, "If you love me, keep my commandments"; Faith without works is dead. While
eternal salvation cannot be "lost" (as this terminology is not used in Scripture), the Bible strongly
warns believers against apostasy.
Scripture References: Jeremiah 31:31–34; Matthew 7:21–23; John 3:16; 14:15; Romans 3:23;
Ephesians 2:8, 9; James 2:14–26; Hebrews 5:9; 6:4–6; 10:26–29.
THE CHURCH
The local church is a body of baptized believers who gather for worship, edification, and the
spread of the gospel. The church is to be holy, set apart, and governed under Christ’s authority.
Jewish believers, or Messianic Jews, belong to the universal Church, as well as to the physical
remnant of Israel. Believers from the nations also belong to the universal Church. Both Jewish
and Gentile believers are Abraham’s seed and heirs according to the promises of God.
Scripture References: Matthew 28:19; Romans 11:1–5; Ephesians 2:1–12; Galatians 3:26–29;
Colossians 3:16; 1 Corinthians 12; 1 Peter 1:15.
BAPTISM
Baptism by full immersion is an act of obedience symbolizing faith in Christ. Baptism is an
important step of faith, but it cannot save.
Scripture References: Matthew 28:18–20;Mark 16:16; Romans 6:4.
SANCTITY OF LIFE
Life begins at conception. Abortion is the taking of innocent life and is morally equivalent to
murder.
Scripture References: Psalm 139:14–16; Isaiah 44:24.
WOMEN IN MINISTRY
Women are called to serve in ministry and use their spiritual gifts within the church. However, as
outlined in Scripture, the role of pastor or elder is reserved for qualified men.
Scripture References: 1 Timothy 2:12–14; Titus 1:5–9.