The Church of the Nazarene is the largest denomination in the classical Wesleyan-Holiness tradition. The doctrine that distinguishes the Church of the Nazarene and other Wesleyan denominations from most other Christian denominations is that of entire sanctification. Nazarenes believe that God calls Christians to a life of holy living that is marked by an act of God, cleansing the heart from original sin and filling the individual with love for God and humankind. This experience is marked by entire consecration of the believer to do God's will and is followed by a life of seeking to serve God through service to others. Like salvation, entire sanctification is an act of God's grace, not of works. Our pursuant service to God is an act of love whereby we show our appreciation for the grace that has been extended to us through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

1. We believe in one God, the creator of all things. He makes Himself known to us as Father, Son and Spirit.
   (Matthew 3:16-17, 28:19-20, 2 Corinthians 13:14)

    

2. We believe in Jesus Christ, who is both God and man. He became like us to show us what God is like and to teach us how we might have eternal life.
   (Matthew 1:20-25, 16:15-16, John 1:1-18)

    

3. We believe in the Holy Spirit and that He is active in the world today.
   (John 14:15-18, 16:7-15, Romans 8:1-17)

    

4. We believe the Bible is the Word of God and tells us all we need to know about how to have eternal life and how to live authentically Christian lives.
   (2 Timothy 3:15-17, 2 Peter 1:20-21)

    

5. We believe that we are all sinners by both nature and act and need God's forgiveness and cleansing.
   (Genesis 3, Romans 3:23, 5:12-14, 6:15-23)

    

6. We believe that Jesus Christ died on the cross and that by trusting in His death and resurrection we can be restored to a right relationship with God.
   (Isaiah 53:5-6, John 3:14-17)

    

7. We believe that God enables us to turn from sin, but that He does not force us to do so.
   (Genesis 2:16-17, John 1:12, Galatians 6:7-8)

    

8. We believe that trusting Christ includes turning away from our life of sin.
   (Isaiah 55:6-7, Acts 17:30-31)

    

9. We believe that when we turn from sin and trust in Christ, we are forgiven for the acts of sin and become part of the family of God.
   (Acts 13:39, Titus 3:4-7, Galatians 4:4-7)

    

10. We believe that God's Spirit desires to cleanse His people from the nature of sin enabling them to live consistently above reproach. Our strength for living with integrity and love comes from His presence in us.
    (Matthew 3:11, 22:37-40, 1 John 4:17-18)

     

11. We believe that God uses the Church to fulfill His plans for the world until Christ returns.
    (1 Corinthians 12:12-31, Ephesians 5:25-27)

     

12. We believe in baptism and urge people to be baptized to publicly affirm their faith.
    (Matthew 28:16-20, Acts 2:37-41)

     

13. We believe in the Lord's Supper (Holy Communion).
    (Matthew 26:26-29, 1 Corinthians 11:23-32)

     

14. We believe God can heal and we pray for healing. We also believe that God can work through medical science.
    (2 Corinthians 12:7-10, James 5:13-16)

     

15. We believe that Jesus is coming again.
    (John 14:1-3, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18)

     

16. We believe that everyone will face the judgment of God with its rewards and punishments.
    (Matthew 25:31-46, Revelation 20:11-15)