What we believe

OUR VALUES

Gospel. Community. Mission.

Gospel

The Gospel is not only the ABCs, but the A-Z of Christianity. It is the Good News that gives us life, but also the only power that can renew our minds, recalibrate the desires of our hearts, and produce in us the Christ-like character that results in sacrificial love and good works. The Gospel transforms us as individuals, unites us in fellowship, and drives us on mission.

Community

The Gospel makes us family. We live in a city that is starved for community, and at the same time numbed by the sheer density of the population around us. There are few things more intriguing and refreshing than experiencing the unconditional love and authenticity of a community marked by the grace and beauty of Gospel.

Mission

The Gospel makes us a family on mission with God. The mission of God was never meant to be reserved for a select few. Every member of the body of Christ is a missionary with a vital role to play. We are all given different abilities and personalities that compliment one another as we share in God’s mission. Pastors and Elders play an important part in the life of the church, not as those who do ministry on behalf of others, but as those who have been called to train and equip God’s people to do Gospel ministry together.

Our Beliefs

Mosaic Boston Church Statement of Faith

The statement of faith does not exhaust the extent of our beliefs. The Bible itself, as the inspired and infallible Word of God that speaks with final authority concerning truth, morality, and the proper conduct of mankind, is the sole and final source of all that we believe. For purposes of the Church’s faith, doctrine, practice, policy, and discipline, the Elder Board is the Church’s final interpretive authority on the Bible’s meaning and application.

a. The Scriptures. 

We believe that the final authority is the Bible, the supreme standard by which all human creeds and confessions will be assessed. The Bible is made up of 66 books, the Old and New Testament alone. We believe that every word was inspired by God through human authors, so that the Bible as originally given is in its entirety the Word of God without error and fully reliable. The Bible is not the word of God subjectively alone but objectively as well. We believe that the Jesus of history is the Christ of faith, and that the historical Jesus is the same Jesus of the Bible. The Bible is clearly understandable in its main teaching, and is to be not simply the nominal rule of the Church, but the actual message of our lips and the practice of our lives (2 Tim. 3:16; Eph. 2:20; John 5:39; Ecc. 12:13).

b. God. 

We believe that there is one and only one living and true God. We believe God has revealed himself in the Bible. God is the Almighty Creator, Savior and Judge who sustains and governs all things according to his sovereign will for his own glory. God is infinitely holy, utterly loving, all-powerful, all-knowing and worthy of all praise and worship. God is an intelligent, spiritual and personal Being (John 4:24; Mat. 28:19; Deut. 6:4; Job 11:7; Dan 4:35; Ps. 90:2; Ps 102:26,27; Isa 45:5).

c. The Trinity. 

The Scriptures reveal that the one God eternally exists in three persons: the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Each person has distinct personal attributes, but without division of nature, essence or being (Matt. 3:16-17; 28:19; 2 Cor. 13:14).

d. Providence. 

God from eternity, decrees or permits all things that come to pass, and perpetually upholds, directs and governs all creatures and all events; yet so as not in any way to be the author or approver of sin nor to destroy the free will and responsibility of intelligent creatures (Isa. 46:9-11; Prov. 16:33; Col. 1:17; Heb. 1:3; Jas. 1:13-15).

e. The Fall of Man. 

We believe that God created men and women in His image. Therefore all people have inherent and equal dignity and worth. We were created in holiness under the law of our Maker, with a responsibility to creation and a desire and duty to relate to God in loving obedience for Godʼs glory and our good. As a result of the fall, however, every aspect of human nature has been corrupted and all men and women are without spiritual life, guilty sinners and hostile to God. Everyone is therefore under just condemnation to eternal ruin, without defense or excuse and needs to be born again, forgiven and reconciled to God in order to know and please Him (Gen. 1:27, 28; Eph. 4:24; Gen. 3:6; Deut. 30:19; Rom. 5:18-21; 1 Cor. 15:22).

f. God’s Purpose of Grace.

Election is the gracious purpose of God, whereby He chose some persons unto everlasting life—not because of foreseen merit in them, but of His mere mercy in Christ—in consequence of which choice they are called, justified and glorified. God’s grace therefore excludes boasting and promotes humility (Rom. 8:28-30; 1 Cor. 1:27-29; Eph. 1:4, 11).

g. The Lord Jesus Christ.

We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ is fully God and fully man. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of a virgin, and lived a sinless life in obedience to the Father. He taught with authority and all his words are true. Out of His great love Christ died on the cross in the place of sinners, bearing Godʼs punishment for their sin, redeeming them by His blood. He rose from the dead and in His resurrection body ascended into heaven where He is exalted as Lord of all. He intercedes for His people in the presence of the Father (Luke 1:35; Gal. 4:4; Heb. 7:26; Acts 3:22; Heb. 5:6; Psa. 2:6; Heb. 1:1,2; John 16:13; Heb. 9:28; Col. 1:20; 2 Cor. 10:5; Matt. 11:29; 2 Tim. 4:18; Phil. 2:5-11)..

h. The Holy Spirit.

We believe that God the Holy Spirit brings glory to the Father and the Son. He applies the work of Christ to believers and distributes spiritual gifts to every believer according to His sovereign good pleasure for the purpose of building up the body of Christ. He is the Comforter, the Spirit of Adoption, the Seal of our Salvation and the Guarantor of our inheritance in Christ (John 14:16-17; 16:14; Acts 5:3; Rom. 8:14-17; Eph. 1:13-14).

i. Regeneration.

Regeneration is a change of heart, brought about by the Holy Spirit, who gives life to those dead in trespasses and sins, enlightening their minds spiritually and savingly to understand the word of God, and renewing their whole nature, so that they love and practice holiness. It is a work of God's free and special grace alone (Eph. 2:1-6; Tit. 3:5; 1 John 5:1).

j. Repentance. 

Repentance unto life is a saving grace, whereby a sinner, out of a true sense of his sin, and apprehension of the mercy of God in Christ, does, with grief and hatred of his sin, turn from it unto God, with full purpose of, and endeavor after, new obedience (Luke 13:3; Luke 18:13; Isa. 1:16,17; Mark 1:15).

k. Faith. 

Saving faith is the belief, on God's authority, of whatever is revealed in His word concerning Christ; accepting and resting upon Him alone for justification and eternal life. It is wrought in the heart by the Holy Spirit, and is accompanied by all other saving graces, and leads to a life of holiness (Rom. 3:27-28; 4:1-5; 4:17-25; 10:14, 17; Phil. 1:29; Eph. 2:8; Jas. 2:14-26).

l. Justification.

Justification is God's gracious and full acquittal of sinners, who believe in Christ, from all sin, through the satisfaction that Christ has made; not for anything wrought in them or done by them; but on account of the obedience and satisfaction of Christ, they receive and rest in Him and His righteousness by faith (Acts 13:38-39; Rom. 3:21-26; 8:34; 10:3-4; 2 Cor. 5:21; Phil. 3:9).

m. Sanctification.

We believe that sanctification is the process by which, according to the will of God, we are made partakers of his holiness. It is a progressive work begun in regeneration and is carried on in the hearts of believers by the presence and power of the Holy Spirit, the Sealer and Comforter, in the continual use of the appointed means – especially the Word of God, self-examination, watchfulness, mutual encouragement, corporate worship, praise, and prayer (Titus 3:5; Eph. 4:24; Phil. 3:13,14; Prov. 4:18).

n. Perseverance of the Saints. 

All those whom God has regenerated will never totally nor finally fall away from the state of grace, but shall certainly persevere to the end; and though they may fall through neglect and temptation, into sin, whereby they grieve the Spirit, impair their graces and comforts, bring reproach on the church, and temporal judgments on themselves, yet they shall be renewed again unto repentance, and be kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation (John 6:37-40; 10:28-29; Rom. 8:28-39; 1 Cor. 1:8-9; Phil. 1:6).

o. Glorification.

We believe that glorification is the culmination of salvation and is the final blessed and abiding state of the redeemed. In the glorified state, in the new heavens and new earth, we share in God’s glory when we take on our resurrected bodies, and thereby, experiencing deeper fellowship with God and not being at risk of falling away into sin (Rom. 8:17, 29-30; Phil. 1:21-23; Phil 3:20-21; 2 Cor. 5:8; Heb. 12:23; Rev. 6:9-11; Rev. 14:13; 1 Cor. 15:26).

p. The Church. 

We believe that the universal church is the body of which Christ is the head and to which all who are saved belong. It is made visible in local churches, which are congregations of believers who are committed to each other for the worship of God, the preaching of the Word, the administering of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper, for pastoral care and discipline, and for evangelism. The unity of the body of Christ is expressed within and between gospel churches by mutual love, care and encouragement. Christ has given needful authority to each local church for administering order, discipline and worship which He has appointed. The regular officers of a church are Elder Board (Pastors) and Deacons (John 10:16; Acts 20:17, 28; Eph. 1:22; 5:23; 1 Tim. 3:1-13; 5:17-18; Tit. 1:5-9; Heb. 10:25).

q. Baptism. 

Baptism is an ordinance of Jesus Christ, wherein a believer upon their profession of faith, is baptized with full immersion in water into the name of the Father, and Son, and Holy Spirit; to show forth, in a solemn and beautiful sign, their faith in the crucified, buried, and risen Savior, with its effect in our death to sin and resurrection to a new life. Baptism is a symbol of union with Christ and entry to his church but does not impart spiritual life (Matt. 28:19-20; Rom. 6:1-11; Acts 2:38-41; Eph. 4:4-6; Gal. 3:27; 1 Cor. 12:12-13; Acts 22:16; 1 Pet. 3:18-22). 

r. The Lord’s Supper. 

The Lord's Supper is an ordinance of Jesus Christ, with the elements of bread and the fruit of the vine, and to be observed by His churches till the end of the world. It is in no sense a sacrifice, but is designed to commemorate His death, to confirm the faith and other graces of Christians, and to be a bond, pledge and renewal of their communion with Him and the church body (Luke 22:14-20; Matt. 26:26-29; Mark 14;22-25; 1 Cor. 10:16; 1 Cor. 11:17-34). 

s. The Lord’s Day. 

The Lord's Day is a Christian institution for regular observance, and should be employed in exercises of worship and spiritual devotion, both public and private (Acts 20:7; 1 Cor. 16:1-2; Rev. 1:10).

t. Singleness and the Family. 

God created mankind to reflect His image individually and together in community, expressing our unity in diversity. We were created to flourish in intimate relationships with God and one another. Singleness is a good gift from God as seen in the life of Jesus. It is an opportunity for focused communion with God, service for God’s purposes, and community with others. Whether we are single or married, Jesus empowers us by His grace to live fulfilled lives in relational intimacy with God and others (Gen. 1:26–31; 2:15,25; Matt.12:46–50; 1 Cor. 7:25–35; Matt.12:46–50; 1 Cor. 7:25–35; John 10:10; Rom. 15:13; Phil. 4:10–13; Heb. 4:15–16; 1 Pet. 2:21).

God has ordained the family as the foundational institution of human society. It is composed of persons related to one another by marriage, blood, or adoption.

Marriage is the uniting of one man and one woman in covenant commitment for a lifetime. It is God’s unique gift to reveal the union between Christ and His church and to provide for the man and the woman in marriage the framework for intimate companionship, the channel of sexual expression according to biblical standards, and the means for procreation of the human race.

The husband and wife are of equal worth before God, since both are created in God’s image. The marriage relationship models the way God relates to His people. A husband is to love his wife as Christ loved the church. He has the God-given responsibility to provide for, to protect, and to lead his family. A wife is to submit herself graciously to the servant leadership of her husband even as the church willingly submits to the headship of Christ. She, being in the image of God as is her husband and thus equal to him, has the God-given responsibility to respect her husband and to serve as his helper in managing the household and nurturing the next generation.

Children, from the moment of conception, are a blessing and heritage from the Lord. Parents are to demonstrate to their children God’s pattern for marriage. Parents are to teach their children spiritual and moral values and to lead them, through consistent lifestyle example and loving discipline, to make choices based on biblical truth. Children are to honor and obey their parents. 

We believe that all human life is sacred and created by God in His image. Human life is of inestimable worth in all its dimensions, including pre-born babies, the aged, the physically or mentally challenged, and every other stage or condition from conception through natural death. We are therefore called to defend, protect, and value all human life. (Gen. 1:26-28; 2:15-25; 3:1-20; Ex. 20:12; Deut. 6:4-9; Josh. 24:15; 1 Sam. 1:26-28; Ps. 51:5; 78:1-8; 127; 128; 139:13-16; Prov. 1:8; 5:15-20; 6:20-22; 12:4; 13:24; 14:1; 17:6; 18:22; 22:6,15; 23:13-14; 24:3; 29:15,17; 31:10-31; Eccl. 4:9-12; 9:9; Mal. 2:14-16; Matt. 5:31-32; 18:2-5; 19:3-9; Mk. 10:6-12; Rom. 1:18-32; 1 Cor. 7:1-16; Eph. 5:21-33; 6:1-4; Col. 3:18-21; 1 Tim. 5:8,14; 2 Tim. 1:3-5; Tit. 2:3-5; Heb. 13:4; 1 Pet. 3:1-7).

u. Liberty of Conscience. 

God alone is Lord of the conscience; and He has left it free from the doctrines and commandments of men, which are in anything contrary to His word, or not contained in it. Civil magistrates being ordained of God, subjection in all lawful things commanded by them ought to be yielded by us in the Lord, not only for wrath, but also for conscience's sake (Matt. 15:9; Rom. 13:1-7; 14:4; Acts 5:29; Col. 2:20-23).

v. The Resurrection.

The bodies of men after death return to dust, but their spirits return immediately to God—the righteous to rest with Him; the wicked, to be reserved under darkness to the judgment. The bodies of all the dead, both just and unjust, will be raised (John 5:28-29; 1 Cor. 15:12-28; 2 Cor. 5:1-10; Phil. 1:23).

w. The Judgment. 

God has appointed a day, wherein He will judge the world by Jesus Christ, when every one shall receive according to his deeds; the wicked shall go into everlasting and conscious punishment; the righteous, into everlasting life (Matt. 25:46; John 5:22, 27-29; Acts 17:31; Rom. 2:6-11; 2 Cor. 5:10; 2 Thess. 1:7-10; 2 Tim. 4:8; Rev. 7:13-17; 14:9-11).