Here is a summary of the Methodist Beliefs:
- God. We believe in one true God who is infinite in wisdom, power, and love.
- Jesus Christ. We believe in Jesus, the Christ, the Promised Messiah and the Deliverer, Our Savior and the Savior of the world, the world's true light. We believe the living Christ is present with us and that through faith in Christ we experience the joy of salvation.
- Holy Spirit. We believe in the Holy Spirit as God present with us for guidance, comfort, and strength. We affirm the Holy Spirit's presence in our lives, inspiring those qualities known in the new testament as the "Fruit of the Spirit" - "Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, Self-Control. The Manifestation of the spirit is given to each one for the common good ICOR. 12:4-7
- Forgiveness. We believe in the reality of sin and in the forgiveness of sin. Since God forgives us, we are expected to forgive others.
- Scripture. We believe the word of God contained in the old and new testaments is the sufficient rule in both of faith and practice. We believe the Bible was written by persons who were inspired and challenged by the Spirit of God. We believe God speaks to us through the scripture when we interpret the ancient witness in light of both its original meaning and its message for us today.
- Church. We believe in the church as a community of faith and love, and as a fellowship for worship, study, and service of all who are united to the living Lord. The church is present when we come together as a gathered community, as well as when we express our faith in witness and service in the world about us.
- Kingdom of God. We believe in the Kingdom of God as the divine rule in human society. Jesus spoke of the kingdom in various ways: within us, around us, among us, beyond us. The kingdom is already here; it is yet to come. It is a present reality; it is a future hope.
- Eternal Life. We believe in the final triumph of righteousness and in the life everlasting. We believe that eternal life is not simply an extension of life beyond death, but also a quality of life in Christ lived here and now. To live "In Christ" is to know eternal life.
- The foregoing statements of faith and the guidelines and essential beliefs are of great value to all United Methodists. In addition there are other emphases that have special significance.
- Human Dignity
- Grace
- Conversion
- Faith and Works
- Inclusive Church
- Connectional Church
- Sacraments
- The United Methodist Church has a long tradition of viewing Christian belief and doctrine as a vital, living expression of faith. Yet we believe the essence of Christian truth cannot be precisely defined in statements about it. For that reason, our Church is called upon to heed the word and the will of God supremely revealed in Christ and to give expression to the faith that claims it. There may be many times when we shall be unable to live up to our profession, we shall often fail, even in our best efforts. But there is grace to redeem us and to sustain us on our way. Thanks be to God!