Ozark Christian College has its roots in the
Stone-Campbell heritage (Independent Christian Churches and Churches of
Christ) that began in the United States in the early 19th century. This
heritage seeks the unity of all Christians based on the authority of the
Bible for the evangelization of the world. OCC recognizes that creeds
and confessions of faith have at times been more divisive than unifying,
but in light of its commitment to Scripture, OCC believes that
agreement on certain matters of the faith is essential to carry out its
mission. Therefore to avoid any misunderstanding or misinterpretation,
the following statements are given and all trustees, administrators, and
faculty affirm their unqualified acceptance of the following:
GOD:
There is one, holy God who eternally exists in three persons –
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. God created all things visible and
invisible. God is perfect in wisdom, power, and love, knowing all things
past, present, and future, and his sovereign plan of redemption was set
in place before the foundation of the world.
(Gen 1:1-2, Dt. 6:4, Heb 11:3, Eph 1:9-10; Rev 13:8)
JESUS:
Jesus Christ is God’s only begotten Son, born of a virgin,
fully divine and fully human, and our Savior and Lord. Jesus, who was
without sin, died in our place as a substitutionary sacrifice for our
sins, bearing divine wrath, and reconciling to God all who trust in him.
Jesus was bodily resurrected in victory over sin and death. He ascended
to the right hand of the Father where he presently reigns as our king,
high priest, and advocate until his glorious return.
(John 3:16, Col 1:15; 2:9-15; 1 Cor 15:3-8, 20-28; 2 Cor 5:18-21; Heb 4:14-15)
HOLY SPIRIT:
The Holy Spirit is fully divine and active in the church
and the world. The Holy Spirit draws all people to Christ by
illuminating the gospel and convicting of sin. The Holy Spirit dwells in
the life of a believer to transform, guide, assure, and empower living a
fruitful Christian life.
(John 16:8-11; Acts 2:38; 2 Cor 3:17-18; Gal 3:2)
BIBLE:
God is revealed in the Bible, the uniquely inspired written
Word of God and infallible in all that it affirms. The Bible is the
final authority in all matters of faith and practice.
(2 Tim 3:16; 2 Pet 1:20-21)
HUMANITY:
God creates all humans, male and female, in his image, and
therefore all people have intrinsic value and purpose. By the sin of the
first man and woman (Adam and Eve), death entered the world. All have
sinned and fall short of the glory of God, alienated from God and
without hope apart from the blood of Jesus Christ.
(Gen 1:26-27; Gen 3; Rom 3:23; Eph 2:1-3)
SALVATION:
Salvation can be found in Christ alone and is offered to
all by grace through faith. A living faith is demonstrated through
repentance, confession, baptism by immersion, and a life of obedience.
(Rom 3:23; 5:12, Acts 2:38, Gal 3:26-29; Eph 2:4-10)
CHURCH:
The church is the body of Christ on earth, with Christ as
the head. God’s church is comprised of a priesthood of all believers,
serving as minister of the gospel according to the gifts which God has
given them. Together the church is called to make disciples of all
nations until Christ returns.
(Matt 28:18-20; Eph 3:10; 4:11-13; Col 1:18; 1 Pet 2:9-10)
RETURN OF CHRIST:
Christ will visibly return to restore creation and judge
the world. There will be a bodily resurrection for the believers to
eternal life with God in heaven and for the unbelievers to eternal
judgment in hell. In heaven, sin will be no more and those in Christ
will live in fellowship with God forever.
(Acts 1:11; 2 Thess 1:5-12; 1 Thess 4:13-18; Rev 20:11-15)
