Statement of Faith
Preamble
The South Asian Research Society for Theology and Missiology (SARSTM) is an interdenominational Christian scholarly society committed to advancing theological and missiological research in service to the Church, the academy, and society.
This Statement of Faith expresses the foundational Christian convictions that guide the Society’s mission, scholarship, publications, conferences, and partnerships. It reflects the historic Christian faith as confessed by the universal Church and provides a common theological foundation for scholars from diverse Christian traditions.
While members may hold differing convictions on matters not addressed herein, SARSTM is united in its commitment to the authority of Scripture, the lordship of Jesus Christ, and the mission of God in the world.
1. The Triune God
We believe in one eternal God, who exists as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—three distinct Persons sharing one divine nature. God is the Creator, Sustainer, Redeemer, and Judge of all things, perfect in holiness, love, wisdom, justice, mercy, and truth.
2. Holy Scripture
We believe that the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments are the inspired Word of God, faithfully revealing His character, His will, and His saving purposes. Scripture serves as the supreme authority for Christian faith and practice and is the primary source for theological reflection and missiological inquiry.
3. Jesus Christ
We believe that Jesus Christ is fully God and fully human, the eternal Son of God who became incarnate through the Holy Spirit and was born of the virgin Mary. Through His sinless life, atoning death on the cross, bodily resurrection, ascension, and continuing ministry, He accomplished God’s work of redemption and reconciliation. He alone is Lord and Savior, and through Him God offers forgiveness, new life, and the hope of eternal life.
4. The Holy Spirit
We believe that the Holy Spirit glorifies Christ, convicts the world of sin, regenerates believers, empowers Christian living, equips the Church with spiritual gifts, and enables faithful witness to the gospel.
5. Humanity
We believe that all people are created in the image of God and therefore possess inherent dignity and worth. Humanity, however, has fallen into sin, resulting in separation from God and the corruption of creation. Every person stands in need of God’s grace revealed in Jesus Christ.
6. Salvation
We believe that salvation is the gracious gift of God, made possible through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is received through faith and results in forgiveness, reconciliation with God, new life through the Holy Spirit, and the hope of eternal life.
7. The Church
We believe that the Church is the body of Christ, composed of all who place their faith in Jesus Christ. The Church is called to worship God, proclaim the gospel, make disciples, demonstrate Christ’s love, and participate in God’s mission throughout the world.
8. The Mission of God
We believe that God is actively working to redeem people from every nation, tribe, language, and culture. The Church is called to participate faithfully in God’s mission through proclamation, compassionate service, discipleship, reconciliation, justice, and the witness of holy lives empowered by the Holy Spirit.
9. Christian Conduct
We believe that followers of Jesus Christ are called to lives of holiness, integrity, compassion, humility, justice, and love. Christian scholarship and ministry should reflect these virtues in both personal conduct and professional practice.
10. The Return of Christ
We believe that Jesus Christ will personally return in glory to consummate God’s kingdom, judge the living and the dead, renew creation, and establish His everlasting reign. This blessed hope inspires faithful living, enduring service, and confident participation in God’s mission.
11. Our Unity
We affirm the spiritual unity of all believers in Jesus Christ and seek to cultivate a scholarly community marked by mutual respect, charitable dialogue, and faithful cooperation in the advancement of Christian theology and mission. While members may belong to different Christian traditions, SARSTM is committed to fostering collaboration grounded in our shared confession of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
South Asian Research Society for Theology & Missiology 