PREAMBLE
By faith, trusting wholly in the Lord Jesus Christ for our
salvation, believing in the teachings and practices of Baptist,
and in those great, distinctive principles for which they have
ever stood, we, therefore, band together as a body of baptized
believers in the Lord Jesus Christ for communion and fellowship
in worship, for cooperation in service; for comfort and
edification of one another and to fulfill the Great Commission;
We adopt for our statement of faith the following articles:
I.
THE SCRIPTURES
We believe that the Holy Bible, consisting of sixty-six books of
the Old and New Testament Scriptures, was written by men
divinely inspired and It is a perfect treasure of Heavenly
instruction; that It has God for It's Author, salvation for Its
end, and truth without any mixture of error for Its matter; that
It reveals the principles by which God will judge us; and
therefore is, and shall remain to the end of the world, the true
center of Christian union, and the supreme Standard by which all
human conduct, creeds, and opinions should be tried. We believe
that the preserved Word of God for the English speaking people
is the King James Version of the Bible.
II Tim. 3:16-17; II Peter 1:21; II Sam. 23:2; Acts 1:16; Acts
3:21; John 10:35; Luke 16:29-31; Prov. 30:5-6; John 17:17; Rev.
22:18, 19; Rom. 3:4; 2:12; John 12:47, 48.
II.
THE TRUE GOD
We believe the Scriptures teach that there is one, and only one
living and true God, and infinite, intelligent Spirit, whose
name is JEHOVAH, the maker and Supreme Ruler of Heaven and
earth; inexpressibly glorious in holiness, and worthy of all
possible honor, confidence and love; that in the unity of the
Godhead there are three persons - the Father, the Son, and the
Holy Ghost; equal in every divine perfection, and executing
distinct, but harmonious offices in the great work of
redemption.
John 4:24; Ps. 147:5; 83:18; Heb. 3:4; Rom. 1:20; Jer. 10:10;
Ex. 15:11; I Peter 1:15, 16; Rev. 4:6-8; 4:11; Mark 12:30; Matt.
28:19; Eph. 2:18.
III.
THE FALL OF MAN
We believe the Scriptures teach that man was created in
innocence, under the law of his Maker; but by voluntary
transgression he fell from that holy and happy state, in
consequence of which all mankind are now sinners, not by
constraint, but by choice; being by nature utterly void of that
holiness required by the law of God, positively inclined to
evil, and therefore under just condemnation to eternal ruin,
without defense or excuse.
Gen. 1:27; 1:31; Acts 17:26; Gen. 2:16,17; 3:6-24; Rom.5:12,
19; Isa. 53:6; Rom. 3:9-18; Eph. 2:3; Rom. 1;18,32; 2:1-16; Gal
3:10; Ezek. 18:19, 20; Rom. 1:20; 3:10; Gal. 3:22.
IV.
THE VIRGIN BIRTH
We believe the Scriptures teach that Jesus was begotten of the
Holy Spirit in a miraculous manner, born of Mary, a virgin, as
no other man was ever born, or can ever be born of woman, and
that He is both the Son of God, and God the Son.
Gen. 3:15; Isa. 7:14; Matt. 1:18,25; John 1:14.
V.
GOD'S PURPOSE OF GRACE
We believe the Scriptures teach that Election is the eternal
purpose of God, according to which He graciously regenerates,
sanctifies, and saves sinners; that being perfectly consistent
with the free agency of man, God's purpose comprehends all the
means in connection with the end; that grace is a most glorious
display of God's sovereign goodness, being infinitely free,
wise, holy, and unchangeable; that grace utterly excludes
boasting and promotes humility, love, prayer, praise, trust in
God, and active imitation of His free mercy; that it encourages
the use of means in the highest degree; that it may be
ascertained by its effects in all who truly believe the Gospel;
that it is the foundation of Christian assurance; and that to
ascertain it with regard to ourselves demands and deserves the
utmost diligence.
II Tim. 1:8, 9; II Thess. 2:13, 14; II Tim. 2:10; Rom.
8:28-30; John 6:37-40; II Peter 1:10; I Thess. 1:14; Ex.
33:18-19.
VI.
THE WAY OF SALVATION
We believe the Scriptures teach that the salvation of sinners is
wholly of grace, through the shed blood and mediatorial offices
of the Son of God; Who, according to the will of the Father,
assumed our nature, yet without sin; honored the Divine Law by
His personal obedience, and by His death made a full atonement
for our sins; that having risen from the dead, He is now
enthroned in Heaven; and uniting in His wonderful person the
tenderest sympathies with divine perfection, He is every way
qualified to be suitable, a compassionate, and an all-sufficient
Saviour.
Eph. 2:5; Matt. 18:11; I John 4:10; I Cor. 3:5-7; Acts15:11;
John 3:16; John 1:1-14; Heb. 4:14; 12:24; Phil. 2:6, 7; Heb.
2:9; 2:14; II Cor. 5:21; Isa. 53:4, 5; Heb.7:25; Col. 2:9; Heb.
2:18
VII.
REGENERATION
We believe that in order to be saved, sinners must be born
again; that the new birth is a new creation in Christ Jesus;
that it is an instantaneous act and not a process; that it is
the miraculous result of repentance toward God and faith in our
Lord Jesus Christ. That in the new birth, the one dead in
trespasses and sins is made a partaker of the divine nature and
receives eternal life, the free gift of God; that the new
creation is brought about in a manner above our comprehension,
solely by the power of the Holy Ghost in connection with divine
truth; so as to secure our voluntary obedience to the Gospel;
that its proper evidence appears in the holy fruits of
repentance and faith and newness of life.
John 3:3; II Cor. 5:17; I John 5:1; John 3:6,7; Acts
16:30-33; II Peter 1:4; Rom. 6:23; II Cor. 5:19 Col. 2:13; John
3:8.
VIII.
REPENTANCE AND FAITH
We Believe the Scriptures teach that repentance and faith are
sacred duties and inseparable graces, wrought in our souls by
the regenerating Spirit of God, whereby being deeply convinced
of our guilt, danger, and helplessness, and of the way of
salvation by Christ, we turn to God with confession and
supplication for mercy; and at the same time we heartily receive
the Lord Jesus Christ as our Prophet, Priest, and King, and rely
on Him alone as the only all-sufficient Saviour.
Mark 1:15; Isa. 55:7; Acts 11:18; 20:21; 2:37, 38;
Rom.10:9,10; Eph. 2:8; Acts 3:19; 5:31.
IX.
JUSTIFICATION
We believe the Scriptures teach that the great gospel blessing
which Christ secures to such as believe in Him is justification;
that justification is an act which includes the pardon of sin,
and the promise of eternal life on principles of righteousness;
that it is bestowed, not in consideration of any works of
righteousness which we have done; but solely through faith in
the Redeemer's blood; by virtue of which faith His perfect
righteousness is freely imputed to us of God; that it brings us
into a state of most blessed peace and favor with God, and
secures us every other blessing needful for time and eternity.
John 1:16; Acts 13:39; Rom. 8:1; 5:9; Matt. 9:6; Acts 10:43;
Rom. 4:25; 5:1, 2, 11; I Cor. 1:30, 31; I Tim. 4:8.
X.
ADOPTION
We believe the Scriptures teach that adoption is a gracious act,
by which the Father, for the sake of Christ, accepts believers
to the state and condition into their hearts, whereby they
become members of the family of God, and are entitled to all the
rights and privileges and promises of children, and if children,
then heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ, to the heritage
of the saints on earth, and an inheritance reserved in Heaven
for them.
Rom. 8:14-16; Gal. 3:26; 4:6, 7; Eph. 1:5; I John 3:1; Heb.
12:7.
XI.
SANCTIFICATION
We believe the Scriptures teach that sanctification is the
process by which, according to the will of God, we are made
partakers of His holiness; and that it is a progressive work;
that it is begun in regeneration; that it is carried on in the
hearts of believers by the presence and power of the Holy
Spirit, the Sealer and Comforter, in the continual use of the
appointed means, especially the Word of God, self-examination,
self-denial, watchfulness, and prayer; and in the practice of
godly exercises and duties.
I Thess. 4:3; 5:23; II Cor. 7:1; 13:9; Eph. 1:4; Prov. 4:18;
II Peter 3:18; II Cor. 3:18; Heb. 6:1; Rom. 8:5; Phil. 2:12,13;
I Peter 2:2; II Cor. 13:5.
XII.
THE PERSEVERANCE OF THE SAINTS
We believe the scriptures teach that such as are truly
regenerate, being born of the Holy Spirit, will not utterly fall
away and finally perish, but will endure until the end; that
their persevering attachment to Christ is the grand mark which
distinguishes them from superficial professors; that a special
Providence watches over their welfare; and they are kept by the
power of God through faith unto salvation.
John 6:39; 3:31; I John 2:27, 28; 3:9; 5:18; 2:19; John
13:18; 5:66-69; Rom. 8:28; Phil. 1:6; 2:12,13; Jude 24, 25; Heb.
13:5; John 10:27-29; Rom. 8:38, 39; I Peter 1:5.
XIII.
THE LOCAL CHURCH
We believe the Scriptures teach that a local church is a
congregation of immersed believers, associated by a covenant of
faith and fellowship of the Gospel; observing the ordinances of
Christ; governed by His Laws; and exercising the gifts, rights
and privileges invested in them by His Word; that its only
scriptural officers are bishops or pastors and deacons, whose
qualifications, claims and duties are clearly defined in the
Epistles of Timothy and Titus. We believe the true mission of
the church is the faithful witnessing of Christ to all men as we
have the opportunity, and the building up and edifying of the
saints. We hold that the local church has the absolute right of
self-government free from the interference of any hierarchy of
individuals of organizations; and that the one and only Head is
Christ through the Holy Spirit.
Acts 2:41,42; 8:1; I Cor. 4:17; Acts 2:47; I Cor. 11:2; Matt.
28:20; John 14:15; 15:10; Acts 14:23; 15:22; II Thess. 3:7; Rom.
16:17-20; I Cor. 11:23; Matt. 18:15-20; I Tim. 3; Titus 1.
XIV.
BAPTISM AND THE LORD'S SUPPER
We believe that Christian baptism is the immersion of the
believer in water, in the name of the Father, of the Son, and of
the Holy Ghost, with authority of the local church, to show
forth in solemn and beautiful emblem our faith in the crucified,
buried, and risen Saviour, with its effect in our death to sin
and resurrection to a new life; that it is a prerequisite to
church membership.
We believe that the Lord's Supper is the
commemoration, by the use of unleavened bread and of the fruit
of the vine of the death of Christ until He comes again; to be
preceded always by solemn self-examination.
Acts 8:36-39; Matt. 3:6; John 3:23; Rom. 6:4,5; Matt. 3:16;
28:19; Col. 2:12; Acts 2:41,42; Matt. 28:19,20; I Cor. 11:23-28.
XV.
CIVIL GOVERNMENT
We believe the Scriptures teach that civil government is of
Divine appointment, for the interest and good order of human
society; and that magistrates are to be prayed for,
conscientiously honored and obeyed, except only in things
opposed to the will of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is the only
Lord of the conscience, and coming Prince of the Kings of the
earth. Civil rulers have no rights of control over, or of
interference with religious matters.
Rom. 13:1-7; I Peter 2:13; Matt. 22:21; Titus 3:1; I Tim.
2:1-8; Acts 5:29; Matt. 10:38; Daniel 3:15-18; 6:7, 10; Acts
4:18-20; Matt 23:10; Rom. 14:4; Rev 19:16; Psalm 72:11; Psalm 2.
XVI.
THE RIGHTEOUS AND THE WICKED
We believe the Scriptures teach that there is a radical and
essential difference between the righteous and the wicked; that
such as through faith are justified in the name of the Lord
Jesus, and sanctified by the Spirit of God, are truly righteous
in His esteem; while all such as continue in impenitence and
unbelief are, in His sight wicked and under the curse; and this
distinction holds among men both in this life and after death,
in the everlasting bliss of the saved and the everlasting
conscious suffering of the lost.
Malachi 3:18; Isa. 5:20; Gen. 18:23; Jer. 15:19; Acts 10:34,
35; Rom. 6:16; 1:17; I John 2:29; 3:7; Rom. 6:18,22; I Cor.
11:32; I John 5:19; Gal. 3:10; John 3:36; Isa. 57:21; Ps. 10:4;
Isa 55:6, 7; Prov. 14:32; Luke 16:25; John 8:21-24; Luke 12:4,
5; 11:23-26; John 12:25, 26; Matt. 7:14,15.
XVII.
SATAN OR THE DEVIL
We believe the Scriptures teach that the personality of Satan
is: the unholy god of this age, the author of this age, the
author of all the powers of darkness, and is destined to the
judgement of an eternal justice in the Lake of Fire.
Matt. 4:1-3; II Cor. 4:4; Rev. 20:10.
XVIII.
THE RETURN OF CHRIST AND THE RESURRECTION
We believe in the bodily, personal, premillenial return of Jesus
Christ to catch away His church and to judge the living nations
and to set up His kingdom on earth.
I Thess. 4:13-18; Matt. 25:31-46; Rev. 19:11-21.
We believe in the resurrection of the bodies
of the dead; that believers who sleep in Jesus will be raised at
the pre-tribulational coming of Christ for His Church and caught
up with transformed living saints to meet the Lord in the air;
and that the wicked dead will be raised at the close of the
Millenial Kingdom and stand in their bodies at the Great White
Throne Judgement to receive their final doom.
John 5:21-30; I Thess. 4:16; Rev. 7:9-17; 20:11-15.
XIX.
SOULWINNING
We believe that the command to give the Gospel to the world is
clear and unmistakable; and that this commission is the
responsibility of all believers.
Matt. 28:18-20; Mark 16:15; John 20:21; Acts 1:8; Rom.
10:13-15.
XX.
THE GRACE OF GIVING
We believe that Scriptural giving is one of the fundamentals of
the faith. We believe that proportionate giving is a distinct
and positive command in the Scriptures and pledge ourselves to a
systematic contribution for the support of the church of such a
portion of our income as we believe God requires of us according
to the principles laid down in I Corinthians 16:1, 2.
I Cor. 16:1, 2; II Cor. 8:1-16; Malachi 3:8-11.
XXI.
SEPARATION FROM
ALL FORMS OF APOSTACY AND FALSE GOSPELS
We believe that modernism, liberalism, "Social
Gospel," and any other gospel other than the Gospel of our
Lord Jesus Christ, are not of God, but are of antichrist; and
that we as believers should have no fellowship with such
unfruitful works of darkness, and that we are called upon to
separate from all alliances, churches, groups, organizations,
and individuals, that sanction such doctrines.
II Cor. 6:14-18; II Peter 2:1, 2; I John 2:22; Jude 4; II
Thess. 3:6; II John 7-11; Eph. 5-11; I Tim. 6:3-6; Rev. 18:4, 5;
Acts 19:8-10; Rom. 16:17, 18; Gal. 1:8-10; Phil. 3:17-19; Matt.
7:15-20.
XXII.
SEPARATION FROM WORLDLINESS
We believe that all believers should walk in such manner as not
to bring reproach upon our Lord and Saviour and that separation
from worldly pleasures and practices is commanded of God.
Rom. 12:1, 2; 14:13; II Cor. 6:14-17:1; I John 2:15-17.
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