KEY BELIEFS

The Mega Manila Annual Conference is part of the Global Methodist Church (GMC) family. The GMC is a Christ-centered denomination committed to the historic Christian faith as expressed through the Wesleyan tradition. Rooted in Scripture and guided by the Holy Spirit, the church exists to glorify God and make disciples of Jesus Christ and spread scriptural holiness across the globe. Below is a summary of the key beliefs that shape the GMC’s theology, mission, and life together:

1. Authority of Scripture

The GMC affirms that the Bible is the inspired and authoritative Word of God (2 Timothy 3:16-17), sufficient for teaching, correcting, and guiding believers in faith and practice. Scripture is the ultimate source for understanding God’s will and serves as the foundation for Christian doctrine and daily living (Psalm 119:105).

2. The Trinity

The church professes faith in one God, eternally existing in three persons:

• God the Father, the Creator of all things (Genesis 1:1, Isaiah 64:8), who sustains and governs the world.

• Jesus Christ, the Son, fully divine and fully human (John 1:1, 14; Colossians 2:9), who came to redeem humanity through His life, death (1 Corinthians 15:3-4), and resurrection.

• The Holy Spirit, who indwells and empowers believers, guiding them into truth and holiness (John 14:16-17, Galatians 5:22-23).

3. Salvation through Jesus Christ

Salvation is a free gift of God offered through faith in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9). It is made possible by His sacrificial death on the cross for the forgiveness of sins (Romans 5:8) and His resurrection, which gives believers the hope of eternal life (1 Peter 1:3-4). Salvation requires repentance (Acts 3:19) and faith in Jesus Christ, fully trusting him as Lord and Savior (Romans 10:9).

4. The Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity, who actively works in the world and in the lives of believers. The Spirit convicts individuals of sin, righteousness, and judgment (John 16:8-9) and draws them into a saving relationship with Jesus Christ (John 6:44). The Spirit also empowers believers to live holy lives (Galatians 5:22-23), equips them with spiritual gifts for ministry (1 Corinthians 12:4-11), and unites them as the body of Christ (Ephesians 4:3-4). The Holy Spirit is the ongoing presence of God, guiding and strengthening believers for faithful service and witness (Acts 1:8).

5. Holiness

The GMC calls believers to a life of holiness, or Christian perfection, as a lifelong journey of becoming more like Jesus (1 Thessalonians 4:7). Through the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit (2 Corinthians 3:18), believers grow in love for God and neighbor, reflecting God’s holiness in every aspect of their lives (1 Peter 1:15-16).

6. Grace

The church emphasizes the multifaceted work of God’s grace:

• Prevenient Grace: God’s active presence in every person’s life, drawing them toward Him even before they are aware of it (John 6:44, Titus 2:11).

• Convincing Grace: The work of the Holy Spirit to convict individuals of their sin, righteousness, and the coming judgment (John 16:8-9), prompting them to recognize their need for salvation.

• Justifying Grace: God’s grace that forgives sins and reconciles sinners to Himself through faith in Christ (Romans 5:1, Ephesians 1:7).

• Sanctifying Grace: God’s transforming grace that empowers believers to grow in holiness and live a life pleasing to Him (Philippians 2:13).

7. Sacraments

The GMC recognizes two sacraments instituted by Christ:

• Baptism: A sign of God’s grace and a mark of initiation into the Christian community (Matthew 28:19, Acts 2:38).

• Holy Communion (The Lord’s Supper): A means of grace that celebrates Christ’s presence and sacrifice (Luke 22:19-20, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26).

8. The Kingdom of God

The GMC teaches that God’s kingdom is both a present spiritual reality and a future hope (Matthew 6:10, Luke 17:20-21). Believers are called to live as citizens of God’s kingdom, seeking justice, peace, and reconciliation in the world (Micah 4:3-4) while awaiting Christ’s return (Revelation 22:12-13).

9. Commitment to Orthodoxy

The GMC upholds the historic creeds, such as the Apostles’ Creed and the Nicene Creed, and the Chalcedonian definition as essential summaries of biblical truth (Jude 1:3). It maintains traditional Christian teachings on matters of theology, morality, and social issues, rooted in Scripture (1 Timothy 6:20-21).

10. Connectional and Missional Identity

The GMC values connectionalism, where local churches collaborate to fulfill their shared mission (Acts 2:44-47). It prioritizes global outreach, engaging in evangelism, discipleship, and acts of mercy to transform lives and communities (Matthew 25:35-36, Acts 1:8).

11. Human Sexuality

The GMC believes that human sexuality is a gift from God, designed to be expressed within the covenant of marriage between one man and one woman (Genesis 2:24, Matthew 19:4-6). While upholding these biblical teachings, the church seeks to extend Christ’s love and grace to all people, providing pastoral care and compassion in accordance with Scripture (John 13:34-35, Galatians 6:1-2).