What we believe
Jesus at the centre. Unity in essentials, liberty in non-essentials, love in all things.
What it comes down to
Rafaël Goes is an evangelical church: charismatic, and as a church body part of Rafaël Nederland and of The Foursquare Church. The Bible, God’s Word, is the foundation and starting point of our faith. We believe in one God, who reveals Himself as Father, Son and Holy Spirit. We believe that God loves people and that Jesus died and rose again for us, so that everyone who believes in Him is free. That is not a doctrine you have to master first: you are welcome with your questions, whoever you are and wherever you come from.
Our 22 statements of faith in brief
Rafaël Goes shares these statements with Rafaël Nederland. Several have been worked out in a study, which you receive at the introduction evenings.
1. The Holy Scriptures
We believe that the Bible is inspired by God. (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
2. The eternal Godhead
We believe that God is one and reveals Himself as Father, Son and Holy Spirit. (2 Corinthians 13:13)
3. The fall of man
We believe that man was created in the image of God, but became imperfect through voluntary disobedience. (Romans 5:12)
4. The plan of salvation
We believe that Christ died for us while we were still sinners, so that everyone who believes in Him will be free. (John 3:16, Romans 5:8)
5. Salvation through grace
We believe that we have no righteousness of our own, but may plead the righteousness of Christ. (Ephesians 2:8)
6. Repentance and acceptance
We believe that through sincere repentance and accepting Christ into our hearts we are justified before God. (1 John 1:9)
7. The new birth
We believe that the change in our heart and life at our conversion is a real change. (2 Corinthians 5:17, Galatians 2:20)
8. Daily Christian life
We believe it is God’s will that we are sanctified daily and so keep growing in faith. (Hebrews 6:1)
9. Baptism and the Lord’s Supper
We believe that baptism by immersion is an outward sign of an inward work, and in remembering the Lord’s Supper with bread and the fruit of the vine. (Matthew 28:19, 1 Corinthians 11:23-25)
10. Baptism in the Holy Spirit
We believe that the baptism in the Holy Spirit clothes the believer with power, just as in the days of the Bible. (Acts 2:4)
11. The Spirit-filled life
We believe it is God’s will that we walk with the Spirit every day. (Ephesians 4:30-32)
12. The gifts and fruit of the Holy Spirit
We believe that the Holy Spirit gives gifts to the believer and that the believer bears spiritual fruit as evidence of a Spirit-filled life. (1 Corinthians 12:1-11, Galatians 5:22)
13. Moderation
We believe that the experience and daily life of the believer must never lead to extremes or fanaticism. (Philippians 4:5)
14. Divine healing
We believe that divine healing is the power of Jesus to heal the sick in answer to the prayer of faith. (James 5:14-16)
15. The second coming of Christ
We believe that the second coming of Christ is personal and imminent. (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17)
16. Relationship to the church
We believe it is our duty to identify ourselves with the visible church of Christ. (Acts 16:5, Hebrews 10:25)
17. Civil government
We believe that leaders should be honoured at all times, unless their leadership goes against the will of God. (Romans 13:1-5)
18. The final judgement
We believe that every person will one day stand before the judgement seat of God. (2 Corinthians 5:10)
19. Heaven
We believe that heaven is the eternal, glorious home of those who are born again. (John 14:1-3, Revelation 7:15-17)
20. Hell
We believe that hell is a place of eternal torment for those who have rejected Jesus Christ as Saviour. (Revelation 20:10-15)
21. Sharing the faith
We believe that winning people for Jesus is the most important responsibility of the church. (James 5:20)
22. Tithes and offerings
We believe that God provides for the spreading of the gospel through the giving of tithes and voluntary offerings. (Malachi 3:10, 2 Corinthians 9:7)
Baptism
Believe, repent, be baptised: baptism by immersion is a festive sign of a new beginning.
The Lord’s Supper
Bread and cup: we remember Jesus’ death and resurrection at an open table, for everyone who believes in Him.
What marks us
The Holy Spirit
We expect, seek and rely on the power and guidance of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit gives gifts to serve one another and produces fruit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness and self-control. That is why our services make room for prayer, prophecy and healing, always with moderation and tested against the Bible.
A healthy family
Our name Rafaël refers to God who heals. We want to be a church where people find restoration in a climate of love, acceptance and forgiveness, and where everyone can use their gifts. We are not a perfect church: by grace we are learning on the way.
Connected to Israel
We believe that the church of Jesus Christ has its roots in the Jewish people and that there is blessing in loving and blessing that people. That is why we pray for the peace of Jerusalem and join in celebrating the biblical feasts. Read more about Israel.