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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 prophets and apostles under divine inspiration. The Scriptures, the ultimate authority in all matters of faith and practice, have been miraculously preserved by God throughout history. Complete and unchanging, the Bible is a rock of stability in a changing world, providing a firm foundation for our faith. No new revelations or changes are permitted in it. All the historical events and miracles described in the Bible took place literally. The Bible is free of contradictions or scientific errors. We firmly believe in Bible prophecy and its enduring relevance, connecting us to the past and guiding us toward the future. We commit to the literal grammatical-historical exegesis of the biblical text, emphasizing contextual study of Scripture as essential to rightly dividing the Word. We value and explore the Jewish roots of the Christian faith.
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 (Immanuel). Yeshua was born of a virgin, lived a life untainted by sin, and died on the cross as the atoning sacrifice for our sins. He rose bodily from the grave on the third day, ascended to Heaven, and will return bodily and visibly to take His Church, then judge the world and establish
His Kingdom.
Scripture References: Isaiah 7:14; 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 God literally created Adam and Eve in His image and likeness on the sixth Day of Creation. Humanity fell into sin through Adam and Eve’s disobedience, bringing spiritual and physical death and separation from God. Every person, without exception, is born with a sinful nature and needs salvation. All humans bear God’s image, but only believers are invited to share in His divine nature. Humans are not becoming gods; thus, we reject the little gods doctrine.
Scripture References: Genesis 1:26–28; 3:1–13; Romans 5:12; 2 Peter 1:4.
ANGELS & SATAN
We believe in the reality of angels as God’s heavenly messengers and servants. Satan, a fallen spirit, led a rebellion against God and seeks to deceive and destroy. True believers wage a daily battle against sin, the world, and Satan and his demonic powers. 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. We reject the Catholic doctrine of transubstantiation.
Scripture References: Matthew 26:26–29;
1 Corinthians 10:16; 11:23–26.
END
TIMES
We generally affirm a premillennial eschatology. We believe in the literal second coming of the Messiah Yeshua from heaven to judge the wicked, resurrect the dead, glorify the living saints, redeem Israel, and establish His millennial reign. Afterward, God will create a new heavens and earth where believers dwell eternally.
Scripture References: Isaiah 2:1–4; Zechariah 12–14; 1 Thessalonians 4:16–17;
Revelation 20:10–15; 21:1, 2.
HUMAN SEXUALITY AND MARRIAGE
Marriage is a lifelong covenant between one man and one woman. Any sexual activity outside biblical marriage is sinful. Gender is established by God at conception, reflects His design, and cannot be changed by man. Homosexuality and all other sexual perversions listed in the Bible are an abomination in God’s eyes. While we uncompromisingly uphold biblical truth and sexual 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 (physical descendants of Abraham and Sarah, Isaac, and Jacob) 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, drawing us closer to the final stage of the end times. We stand against racism, racial discrimination, and all forms of antisemitism, including replacement theology, which falsely claims that Israel has lost its status as God’s chosen people and that the Church has replaced the Jewish people in God’s plan.
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. The God of Israel brings us into an intimate and close relationship with Him. YHWH is the Creator of all things, having spoken the universe into existence in six days Genesis 1 tells us.
Scripture References: Genesis 1:1; Deuteronomy 6:4; Isaiah 40:28, 29;
Matthew 28:19, 20.
THE HOLY SPIRIT
We believe in the unity of the Holy Spirit with the Father and the Son as One God. In His divine grace, the Holy Spirit indwells each believer, personally guiding them into truth and bestowing spiritual gifts. This personal guidance is a testament to His care for each of us. The Holy Spirit distributes these gifts to each believer as He wills, sealing them until the day of redemption. We believe God empowers believers to preach the Gospel in the power of the Holy Spirit. We affirm that God continually works miracles and wonders according to His will. However, we must be vigilant and discern the spirits, guarding against false teachers, false prophets, and counterfeit supernatural phenomena. This responsibility to discern keeps us alert and ensures the purity of our faith.
Scripture References: Isaiah 11:2; 1 John 4:1–4; John 14:26; Romans 15:13; 1 Corinthians 12:11; 1 Thessalonians 5:21.
SIN AND SALVATION
Sin is lawlessness against God's holiness and righteousness. All have sinned and fallen short of His glory. Salvation, a profound gift of grace, is bestowed through faith in Messiah Yeshua alone. Christ's substitutionary death on the cross and bodily resurrection provide the only means of salvation and reconciliation with God. Our good works cannot earn us salvation; but faith without works is dead. The Holy One of Israel writes His laws on the hearts of God's people. Yeshua taught, “If you love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15). 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 2:1; 5:9; 6:4–6; 10:26–29; 2 Peter 3:17; Galatians 5:4.
THE CHURCH
The local Church is a group of believers who have been baptized into the Body of Christ who gather for worship, edification, and application of spiritual gifts. The church is to be holy, set apart, and governed under Messiah’s authority. Jewish believers, or Messianic Jews, are the remnant of Israel and together with the Gentile believers they belong to the body of Messiah. Messianic Jewish and Gentile believers are equal heirs of God’s promises and blessings, which ensures equal access to salvation and service within the Church. Messianic Jews have the right to associate themselves with their people and live a recognizable Jewish life.
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, administered at an age of understanding, is an important
act of obedience representing
faith in Christ.
Scripture References:
Matthew 28:18–20;
Mark 16:16; Romans 6:4.
HEAVEN & HELL
We believe in the reality of heaven and hell. The new heavens and the new earth is the eternal dwelling place of believers.
Scripture References:
Mark 9:43–48; John 14:1–3; Revelation 21:8.
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 local 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.