What we believe
Efatah is a Protestant, evangelical Christian project, an heir of the sixteenth-century Reformation. We do not belong to any denomination. With the Church of every age we confess the Apostles' Creed, the Nicene Creed and the Definition of Chalcedon, and we affirm the five Solas of the Reformation: Scripture alone, Christ alone, grace alone, faith alone and glory to God alone.
1. The Scriptures
We believe the Bible, the 66 books of the Old and New Testaments, is the Word of God, inspired by him, true in all it affirms and sufficient for faith and life. It is the final authority over everything we believe and teach.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 · 2 Peter 1:20-21 · Isaiah 40:8
2. One God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit
We believe in one God, who exists eternally in three persons, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, equal in divinity, power and glory.
Deuteronomy 6:4 · Matthew 28:19 · John 1:1
3. Creation and humanity
We believe God created all things, and created them good. Man and woman were made in the image of God; that is why every human life has dignity.
Genesis 1:1 · Genesis 1:27 · Psalm 139:13-14
4. Sin
We believe that through disobedience sin entered the world. We have all sinned, we are separated from God, and we cannot save ourselves.
Romans 3:23 · Romans 6:23 · Ephesians 2:1
5. Jesus Christ
We believe in Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God, truly God and truly man. He was born of the virgin Mary, lived without sin, died on the cross in our place, rose bodily on the third day and ascended into heaven. He is the only mediator between God and people.
John 1:14 · 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 · 1 Timothy 2:5
6. Salvation
We believe salvation is God's gift: we are saved by grace alone, through faith alone in Christ, and not by our works. Whoever believes is declared righteous before God because of Christ's work. Repentance and faith go together, every day.
Ephesians 2:8-9 · Romans 5:1 · Acts 3:19
7. The Holy Spirit
We believe the Holy Spirit gives new life to those who believe, lives in them, guides them into the truth, makes them more like Christ each day and gives gifts for serving.
John 16:13 · Galatians 5:22-23 · 1 Corinthians 12:7
8. The Church
We believe the Church is the body of Christ, made up of all who believe. It gathers in local churches to worship, hear the Word, celebrate baptism and the Lord's Supper, care for one another and proclaim the gospel. Every Christian has access to God through Christ.
Matthew 16:18 · Acts 2:42 · 1 Peter 2:9
9. The mission
We believe Christ sent his Church to make disciples of all nations. One day people from every language will stand before the throne, and that is why we learn languages.
Matthew 28:19-20 · Acts 1:8 · Revelation 7:9
10. Our hope
We believe Jesus will return in person and in glory. The dead will be raised, God will judge the world with justice and make all things new, and his people will live with him forever.
Acts 1:11 · John 5:28-29 · Revelation 21:4-5
11. Glory to God alone
We believe all things are from him, through him and to him. Everything we do, this app included, exists for the glory of God.
Romans 11:36 · 1 Corinthians 10:31
Where faithful Christians differ
There are questions on which Christians who love the Bible reach different conclusions: the mode of baptism, church government, whether certain spiritual gifts continue today, the order of the last events. On these, Efatah takes no side and leaves the guidance to your local church.
The app does not replace the church
Efatah is a study tool. It does not replace your local church, your pastor or reading the whole Bible.