What We Believe

ÖSM Statement of Faith

The ÖSM is interdenominational and bases its work on the doctrinal basis of the Evangelical Alliance in the following version:

• We believe in the Triune God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. He created the world, loves and preserves it, thus showing His sovereignty and grace.
• The Bible, composed of the Old and New Testament scriptures, is the revelation of the Triune God. It is inspired by God's Spirit, is trustworthy and the highest authority in all matters of faith and conduct.
• Humanity is made in the image of God and holds a unique status, created as both male and female. Due to sin and guilt they are separated from God and therefore subject to God's wrath and judgement.
• Jesus Christ is the incarnate Son of God. His substitutionary sacrificial death on the cross is the only foundation for the forgiveness of guilt, the deliverance from the power of sin and vindication from God's judgement.
• Jesus Christ was raised from the dead through God and is seated at the right hand of God the Father. Jesus Christ is the only way to God.
• Humans will only be justified through faith in Him by the grace of God.
  Through the Holy Spirit humans are able to know God. The Holy Spirit creates new life through rebirth and empowers believers to live according to God’s will. He gives them gifts to serve.
• Jesus Christ is building his worldwide church. He calls and equips the believers to proclaim the gospel and act in love and with justice.
• Jesus Christ will return in power and glory for all to see. He will raise from the dead all humans to judgement—the redeemed to eternal life and the lost to eternal condemnation. He will bring the kingdom of God to completion and establish a new heaven and new earth.