From the Antalya Evangelical Church Regulation and Theology, October 2023. AEC is an independent evangelical church not affiliated with any denomination; our churches are open to anyone who adopts the basic doctrines of the Holy Bible.
1. Holy Scripture
We believe that the Holy Scripture is inspired by God, written by men, and is the perfect treasure of Heavenly instruction. Its author is God, and therefore it is without error and wholly true. We believe in the absolute and ultimate authority of the unchanging, complete, perfected, singular and eternal Word of God. It is the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds, doctrines and opinions should be tried until the end of the world. 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:21; Proverbs 30:5-6
2. One True God
We believe in the one living and true God. He is the infinite, limitless Creator and the supreme King of Heaven and earth. He is merciful, just, loving, and for His glory He sovereignly governs all things. His holiness is indescribably glorious, and He is worthy of all honor, trust and love. Deuteronomy 6:4-5; Mark 12:29-30; Revelation 4:11
3. Trinity
We believe in one God who exists eternally in three distinct persons — Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Each of these persons possesses all divine attributes and is fully God; They have distinct but harmonious roles in the supreme plan of salvation. Matthew 28:19; John 10:30; Acts 5:3-4
God the Father is fully divine and has complete sovereignty over creation; through the work of the Holy Spirit He draws sinners to believe in His Son, forgives their sins and adopts them as His children. God the Son was incarnated by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, and is named Jesus; He lived a sinless life, died in place of sinners, was raised from the dead, now sits at the right hand of the Father as the mediator between God and believers, and will return to judge. The Holy Spirit is the eternal Spirit of Truth sent to convict sinners, impart new life in Christ, and seal believers until the day of redemption.
4. The Fall of Man
We believe that humanity was created in the image of God and that all of us have inherited sinfulness through Adam and Eve. As a result, humanity is devoid of the holiness required by God, inclined towards evil by its own choice, unable to turn to God, and under the just judgment of eternal punishment. Genesis 1:26-27; Romans 5:12; Romans 3:19-20
5. The Way of Salvation
We believe that sinners are saved solely by the grace of God through the works of Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world — fully God and fully man, born of a virgin, sinless in obedience to the Father. His death atoned for our sins; He bore the wrath of God on our behalf, and through Him we are adopted into God’s family. Ephesians 2:4-5; John 3:16; Isaiah 53:4-5
6. Justification
Justification is God’s act of declaring those who believe in Jesus Christ righteous — the forgiveness of sins and the promise of eternal life based on Christ’s righteousness, granted not for any good works of ours but solely through faith in His works. Romans 5:18-21; Romans 3:21-26
7. Salvation by Grace
We believe that the blessings of salvation are offered freely to everyone, regardless of ethnic background, race, social class or gender, through the gospel. Even the greatest sinner can be saved by faith in Christ. Revelation 22:17; Romans 1:16-17
8. Renewal
We believe that sinners must be born again to be saved. Renewal is a transformation so profound that it occurs under the mysterious influence of the Holy Spirit; its evidence — repentance and faith — is manifest in a new life. John 3:1-8; Ezekiel 36:26; Galatians 5:16-23
9. Repentance and Faith
We believe that repentance and faith are sacred works carried out in our spirits by the Holy Spirit. We approach God confessing our sins with sincere regret, and wholeheartedly accept the Lord Jesus Christ as our Prophet, Priest, King, Lord and God, trusting only in Him as our complete and sufficient Savior. Acts 2:37-39; Romans 10:9-13
10. Sovereign Grace
We believe that God, according to His eternal purpose set in grace before the foundation of the world, has chosen some — not for any foreseen merit, but solely out of His sovereign good pleasure. This election is perfectly compatible with human free agency, prevents boasting, and promotes humility, love, prayer, praise and reliance on God. Ephesians 1:3-14; Romans 8:28-30
11. Sanctification
We believe that sanctification — being set apart for God’s holiness — begins with renewal and is carried on in believers’ hearts by the Holy Spirit through the Word of God, self-examination and prayer, continuing throughout the believer’s life. 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24; Philippians 2:12-13
12. Preservation of the Saints
We believe that sincere believers persevere to the end, distinguished by their continued devotion to Christ. They are watched over by a special providence and preserved by the power of God through faith until salvation. Philippians 1:6; Jude 24-25; Romans 8:35-38
13. Church
We believe that the universal and invisible church is the people of God called from all generations, languages, peoples and nations, made visible in local churches. The church is not a building but a community of baptized believers. The signs of a true church are the correct teaching of God’s Word and the proper administration of the sacraments. Jesus Christ is the sole, supreme authority over the church; the local church is autonomous, governed by God’s Word, with elders and deacons as defined in the letters to Timothy and Titus. The mission of the church is to reflect the glory of God to the world by evangelizing, discipling, and planting new churches. Ephesians 1:22; 1 Timothy 3:1-16; Matthew 28:18-20
14. Sacraments
Baptism. Christian baptism is a solemn ceremony showing a believer’s faith in the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, symbolizing union with Christ in His death, burial and resurrection. Baptism does not save, but portrays our death to sin and resurrection to new life. We baptize only those who sincerely profess personal faith in Jesus Christ; we do not practice infant baptism. Romans 6:3-5; Acts 8:26-40
The Lord’s Supper. The Lord’s Supper commemorates the body given up for us and the blood shed by Jesus Christ, proclaiming His death until He comes again. It is taken only by believers, who must examine themselves before partaking; the risen Lord uniquely fellowships with His people at His table. 1 Corinthians 11:23-26; Luke 22:14-20
15. Civil Government
We believe that civil government is instituted by God for the order and welfare of society; its officials should be respected and mentioned in our prayers. Obedience is due to the authorities except where they contradict the will of the Lord Jesus Christ, the only Lord of the conscience. Romans 13:1-7; 1 Timothy 2:1-2
16. End Times
We believe that on the last day Christ will come in glory and raise the dead to administer just retribution. Those belonging to Jesus will inherit eternal life in the New Heavens and New Earth, living forever in ever-increasing joy for the glory of God. Acts 1:11; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Revelation 21-22
17. The Holy Spirit and His Gifts
We believe that every believer who has sincerely trusted in Christ has been baptized in the Holy Spirit and received the Holy Spirit; as believers draw closer to God, their lives and worship should continually be filled with the Spirit. Every believer has at least one gift for the edification of the Church, and all the gifts listed in the Scriptures are active today until the coming of Christ — though not with the same authority and power as those of the Apostles and Prophets. Ephesians 1:13; 5:18; 1 Peter 4:10-11; 1 Corinthians 12
18. Family
Marriage. We believe God created humans as male and female, and that marriage and sexuality should occur between a man and a woman as God has created and commanded. Marriage is a lifetime spiritual and physical union reflecting Christ’s relationship with the church; for a marriage to be built on solid foundations, both parties should be believers, formalized through both civil and church ceremonies. Genesis 2:21-25; Matthew 19:4-6; Ephesians 5:22-33
Divorce. Marriage is intended to last a lifetime: “what God has joined together, let no man separate.” Divorce is permitted only in cases of adultery; in times of severe difficulty spouses may be advised to live separately and seek counsel from church family advisors while solutions are sought.
The Sanctity of Life. Human life is precious. Humans are created in the image of God, and the role of a Christian is to protect this glorious creation, always upholding the value and sanctity of life. Genesis 1:27; Psalm 139