ECO Essential Tenets
Understanding the core beliefs of our faith.
This is a summarized version of the ECO Essential Tenets. To download a free full version pdf, click here.
1. The Bible is God’s Word
God speaks to us through His Word. Jesus is the Living Word, and the Bible is the Written Word. Everything we believe and do must align with Scripture, which is inspired by the Holy Spirit and fully trustworthy. God’s Word shows us who He is, what He has done, and how we are to live.
2. God is Three-in-One
There is one God in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Each person is fully God. God is eternal, all-powerful, and perfect. He created everything for His glory and desires a relationship with us.
3. Jesus is Fully God and Fully Human
Jesus Christ, the Son of God, became human through the virgin birth. He lived a perfect life, died on the cross for our sins, rose from the dead, and now lives forever with God the Father. One day, He will return to judge the living and the dead. He is the only way we can know God and be saved.
4. We Are Saved by God’s Grace
God made us good, but we chose to sin and are now separated from Him. We cannot save ourselves. Jesus took the punishment for our sin and gives us new life when we put our trust in Him. This is a gift of God’s grace, not something we earn. When we believe in Jesus, we are forgiven, adopted as God’s children, and given the Holy Spirit.
5. God Chooses and Sends Us
God calls people to Himself, not because of anything we do, but because of His love. We are saved not only for our own sake but also so we can serve God’s mission—to share the good news and care for others in His name.
6. Life Together in the Church
When we follow Jesus, we become part of God’s family, the church. We gather to worship, learn God’s Word, celebrate baptism and the Lord’s Supper, and encourage each other to grow in faith. We are called to live as one, loving people from every race and nation.
7. Living for God in Everyday Life
God calls us to use everything—our time, talents, and money—for His glory. We are to love God with all our heart, mind, and strength and love others as ourselves. This means turning away from sin, living with honesty, purity, generosity, and forgiveness, and caring for the poor and hurting.
8. Obeying God’s Word
As we grow in faith, we want to live more like Jesus. The Holy Spirit helps us pray, resist temptation, and obey God’s commands, including the Ten Commandments. We look forward to the day when we will be with God forever, fully holy and joyful in His presence.
This is a summarized version of the ECO Essential Tenets. To download a free full version pdf, click here.
1. The Bible is God’s Word
God speaks to us through His Word. Jesus is the Living Word, and the Bible is the Written Word. Everything we believe and do must align with Scripture, which is inspired by the Holy Spirit and fully trustworthy. God’s Word shows us who He is, what He has done, and how we are to live.
2. God is Three-in-One
There is one God in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Each person is fully God. God is eternal, all-powerful, and perfect. He created everything for His glory and desires a relationship with us.
3. Jesus is Fully God and Fully Human
Jesus Christ, the Son of God, became human through the virgin birth. He lived a perfect life, died on the cross for our sins, rose from the dead, and now lives forever with God the Father. One day, He will return to judge the living and the dead. He is the only way we can know God and be saved.
4. We Are Saved by God’s Grace
God made us good, but we chose to sin and are now separated from Him. We cannot save ourselves. Jesus took the punishment for our sin and gives us new life when we put our trust in Him. This is a gift of God’s grace, not something we earn. When we believe in Jesus, we are forgiven, adopted as God’s children, and given the Holy Spirit.
5. God Chooses and Sends Us
God calls people to Himself, not because of anything we do, but because of His love. We are saved not only for our own sake but also so we can serve God’s mission—to share the good news and care for others in His name.
6. Life Together in the Church
When we follow Jesus, we become part of God’s family, the church. We gather to worship, learn God’s Word, celebrate baptism and the Lord’s Supper, and encourage each other to grow in faith. We are called to live as one, loving people from every race and nation.
7. Living for God in Everyday Life
God calls us to use everything—our time, talents, and money—for His glory. We are to love God with all our heart, mind, and strength and love others as ourselves. This means turning away from sin, living with honesty, purity, generosity, and forgiveness, and caring for the poor and hurting.
8. Obeying God’s Word
As we grow in faith, we want to live more like Jesus. The Holy Spirit helps us pray, resist temptation, and obey God’s commands, including the Ten Commandments. We look forward to the day when we will be with God forever, fully holy and joyful in His presence.