First Priority North Carolina — Statement of Faith

We believe that in order to accomplish our mission and vision, to preserve the function and integrity of the organization as Christians, and to provide a biblical role model to the organization's members, volunteers, staff, students, and the community, it is imperative that all persons who associate with First Priority should abide by and agree with the following statements and conduct themselves in accordance with them.

God - We believe in the existence of a loving God who is the source of all creation. He has revealed Himself as eternally existing in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. He has created us to find our eternal destiny in relationship with Him. (Genesis 1:1, Matthew 3:16-17, John 1:1-2, Acts 2:32-33, 1 John 3:1).

Jesus - We believe that Jesus Christ is God the Son, fully God and fully man. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. He lived a sinless life, died on the cross as the sacrifice for our sins, and rose bodily from the dead. He ascended into heaven and will return again to judge the living and the dead and establish His eternal kingdom. (Colossians 2:9, Luke 1:30-35, 1 Corinthians 15:3-8, 2 Corinthians 5:21, John 1:14, Matthew 1:20-21, Hebrews 4:14-16.)

Holy Spirit - We believe that the Holy Spirit is fully God and is present and active in the world today. The Holy Spirit convicts people of sin, draws them to Christ, and indwells every believer. He guides, comforts, and empowers believers to live a life that honors God. (John 16:8, Acts 2:38, Ephesians 1:13-14, 1 John 4:13, Galatians 5:16-26, John 3:3-8; 14:26, Acts 2:38; 15:8, 1 Corinthians 6:19, Ephesians 5:25.)

Bible - We believe the Bible, consisting of the Old and New Testaments, is the inspired and infallible Word of God, written by human authors under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is truthful, authoritative, and the ultimate guide for faith and life. The Bible reveals God’s plan of redemption through Jesus Christ. (2 Timothy 3:15-17, 2 Peter 1:21, John 5:39-40)

Humanity and Sin - We believe that all people were created in the image of God but have fallen into sin and are separated from God. Because of sin, humanity cannot restore its relationship with God on its own. (Genesis 1:26–27, Genesis 3:1–24, Romans 3:23, Romans 6:23)

Salvation - We believe that all people are separated from God because of sin and are unable to restore that relationship on their own. Salvation is a gift of God’s grace made available through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is received by grace through faith in Jesus alone. Those who trust in Christ are forgiven of their sins, made new through the power of the Holy Spirit, and will live eternally in the presence of God. Those who reject Christ remain separated from God. (Genesis 1:3, John 3:16, Ephesians 2:8,9, Colossians 2:6, Acts 2:38, Romans 3:23, Romans 10:9-10, Mark 16:16, Acts 8:36-38, Galatians 3:26-27, John 3:16)

The Church and Mission - We believe the Church is the body of Christ made up of all believers. The mission of the Church is to glorify God by making disciples of Jesus Christ and proclaiming the gospel to all people. First Priority exists to partner with local churches to help students share the hope of Christ with their peers. (Matthew 28:19–20, Romans 10:14–15, Ephesians 4:11–13)