What We Believe

Of the Scriptures

We believe that the Holy Bible (consisting of the 66 books, Genesis through Revelation) was written by men divinely inspired by God through the Holy Spirit, and is a perfect treasure of heavenly instruction; (1) that it has God for its author, salvation for its end;(2) and truth without any mixture of error for its matter;(3) that it reveals the principles by which God will judge us.(4)And therefore is, and shall remain to the end of the world, the true center of Christian union,(5) and the supreme standard by which all human teaching conduct, creed, and opinions should be tried.(6)

Of the True God

We believe that there is one, and only one living and true God, an infinite, intelligent Spirit whose name is JEHOVAH, the Maker and Supreme Ruler of heaven and earth;(7) He is inexpressibly glorious in holiness,(8) incomprehensible in wisdom, and worthy of all possible honor, confidence and love.(9)that in the unity of the Godhead there are three persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,(11)they are equal in every divine perfection, and executing distinct but harmonious offices in the great work of redemption(12)

On the Devil, Satan

We believe that the Devil is real, and not an imaginary influence (A); That he once enjoyed heavenly honors and privileges (B); but through pride, ambition and self-will he fell from his position and drew with him a host of angels (C); That he operates now as the god of this world, the prince of the power of the air (D); therefore is the enemy of all that God is doing in the world (E); but will finally be overcome and cast into the lake of fire and brimstone for eternity (F).

Scripture References A. Job 1:6-12, 2:1-7; Zechariah 3:1-2, Matthew 4:1-11. B. Ezekiel 28:12-19. C. Isaiah 14:12-14; Genesis 2:2; II Peter 2:4. D. John 16:11; II Corinthians 4:4 Ephesians 2:2. E. Luke 13:16, 22:3; Acts 5:3, 10:38; I Corinthians 7:5; II Corinthians 2:11, 11:3; I Peter 5:8. F. Genesis 3:15; Matthew 25:41; Luke 10:18; John 12:31; Romans 16:20; revelation 12:7-12.

Of the Fall of Man

We believe that man was created in holiness, under the law of his Maker (13), and in perfect agreement and fellowship with Him; but by voluntary transgression fell from that holy and happy state; (14) in consequence of which all mankind are now sinners, (15) not by constraint but by choice. (16) 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, (17) without defense or excuse. (18)

Of the Way of Salvation

We believe that the salvation of sinners is wholly of grace, (19) through the mediatorial offices of the Son of God; (20) Who by the appointment of the Father, freely took upon Himself our nature, yet without sin; (21) That He honored and obeyed the divine law by His personal obedience, (22) and by His death made a full atonement for our sins; (23) that having risen from the dead, He is now enthroned in heaven; (24) He is every way qualified to be a suitable, a compassionate, and an all-sufficient Saviour.(25)

Of Justification

We believe that the great gospel blessing which Christ (26) secures to such as believe in Him is Justification; (27) That Justification includes the pardon of sin,(28) and the promise of eternal life on principles of righteousness; (29)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;(30) by virtue of which faith His perfect righteousness is freely imputed to us of God;(31) That it brings us into a state of most blessed peace and favor with God; and secures every other blessing needful for time and eternity.(32)

Of the Freeness of Salvation

We believe that the blessings of salvation are made free to all by the gospel; (33) That it is the immediate duty of all to accept the blessings of salvation by a sincerely penitent, and obedient faith; (34) And that nothing prevents the salvation of the greatest sinner on earth but his own inherent depravity and voluntary rejection of the gospel; (35) which rejection involves the sinner in an aggravated condemnation. (36)

Of the Grace in Regeneration

We believe that, in order to be saved, sinners must be regenerated or born again; (37) That regeneration consists in giving a holy disposition to the mind; (38) That it is effected, in a manner above our comprehension, by the power of the Holy Spirit in connection with divine truth, (39) so as to secure our voluntary obedience to the gospel; (40) and that its proper evidence appears in the holy fruits of repentance and faith and newness of life. (41)

Of Repentance and Faith

We believe that repentance and faith are sacred duties, and also inseparable graces, wrought in our souls by the regenerating Spirit of God; (42) whereby, being deeply convinced of our guilt, danger, and helplessness, and of the way of salvation by Christ, (43) we turn to God with unfeigned contrition, confession, and supplication for mercy; (44) at the same time heartily receiving the Lord Jesus Christ as our Prophet, Priest, and King and relying on him alone as the only and all-sufficient Savior.(45)

Of God's Purpose of Grace

We believe that election is the eternal purpose of God (by which He chooses His people unto eternal life, not because of foreseen merit or worthiness in them, but because of His unconditional love, sovereign mercy, and free grace in Jesus Christ.) According to His choice, He graciously saves sinners (46) by calling, justifying, regenerating, sanctifying, and glorifying them. (That being perfectly consistent with the free agency of man, it comprehends all the means in connection with the purposed end). (47) That God's election also ordains and arranges for all the practical human means by which the elect will come to faith in Jesus Christ, and that it encourages the confident and hopeful use of those means. That it is a most glorious display of God's sovereign goodness, being infinitely free, wise, holy and unchangeable. (48) That it utterly excludes boasting and promotes humility, love, prayer, praise, trust in God, and active imitation of His free mercy; (49) that it encourages the use of means in the highest degree; (50) and that it may be ascertained by its spiritual effects in all who truly believe the Gospel; (51) That it is the foundation of Christian assurance; (52) and that to ascertain it with regard to ourselves demands and deserves the utmost diligence. (53)

Of Sanctification

We believe that sanctification is the process by which, according to the will of God, we are made partakers of His holiness; (54) that it is a progressive work; (55) that it is begun in regeneration; (56) And 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. (57)

Of the Perseverance of the Saints

We believe that such only are real believers as endure unto the end; (58) that their persevering attachment to Christ is the grand mark which distinguishes them from superficial professors; (59) that a special Providence watches over their welfare; (60) and that they are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation. (61)

Of the Harmony of the Law and the Gospel

We believe that the Law of God is the eternal and unchangeable rule of His moral government; (62) That it is holy, just, and good; (63) and that the inability which the Scriptures ascribe to fallen men to fulfill its precepts arises entirely from their love of sin; (64) to deliver them from their disobedience, and to restore them through a Mediator to sincere and genuine obedience to the holy Law of God, is one great end of the gospel, and also of the means of grace connected with the establishment of the visible Church.(65)

Of a Gospel Church

We believe that a visible church of Christ is a congregation of baptized believers, (66) associated by covenant in the faith and fellowship of the Gospel; (67) observing the ordinances of Jesus Christ; (68) governed by His laws, (69) and exercising the gifts, rights, and privileges invested in them by His Word; (70) That it is a local and visible congregation and assembly and not universal or invisible; that its only scriptural officers are Pastors (bishops and elders), and Deacons, (71) whose qualifications, claims, and duties are defined in the Epistles to Timothy and Titus( along with other relevant references). That churches of the kind Jesus Christ Himself established, authorized, and commissioned have existed in all ages of history, though they may have been identified by various names. That these churches have not only preserved "the faith once for all delivered to the saints" by Jesus Christ, but have also perpetuated themselves through faithful deliberate, and diligent evangelism.

Of Baptism and the Lord's Supper

We believe that Christian Baptism is the immersion in water of the believer, (72) into the Name of the Father, and Son, and the Holy Spirit; (73) That it shows forth, by solemn and beautiful emblem, our faith in the crucified, buried, and risen Savior, with its practical effect - that is our death to sin and resurrection to a new life; (74) That the only Scriptural baptism is that which is administered by immersion through authority of a local church found and functioning according to the Scriptural and historical pattern of those churches now called "Baptist". That it is a prerequisite to the privileges of a church relation; and participation in the Lord's Supper; (75) That the Lord's Supper is the other pictorial ceremony of the Gospel and is to be observed by the members of that local church, "closed" in nature, in which the members of that local church commemorate and celebrate together the dying love of Jesus Christ and the loving union and unity of His body through the sacred sharing of the unleavened bread and fruit of the vine. (76) That participation in the mutual service should be preceded by solemn self-examination. (77)

Of the Great Commission

We believe that the Great Commission is the supreme mandate of Jesus Christ to His churches and that is serves and that it serves as a comprehensive, sufficient, and all-inclusive guide for all our purposes, ambitions, and activities through all ages until He comes again. And that Jesus Christ commands us to take our witness of his Gospel to every other person in the world. And that this mission and mandate is the personal responsibility of every believer. And that our mission reaches first of all to those closest to us in our own immediate families, communities, and localities; and that it ultimately includes all the nations of the world. And that the lost people of the world cannot be saved apart from hearing the Gospel of Jesus Christ. And that the stated purposes the church should pursue to fulfill our mission are: (one) to evangelize the lost through the witness of the Gospel; (two) to cultivate and express the worship of Jesus Christ; (three) to covenant together in a mutual fellowship and commitment of Jesus Christ and to each other obey everything Jesus Christ has commanded us and practice everything he has taught us; (four) To develop disciples into the likeness of Jesus Christ through public instruction, personal counsel, and the mutual encouragement of exhortation, example and support; (five) to train and equip believers to serve Jesus Christ both by the exercise of their gifts in the ministries of the church and through our witness to others.

Of the Lord's Day

We believe that the first day of the week is the Lord's Day (78) and is to be kept sacred for religious purpose (79) by abstaining from all unnecessary secular labor. (80) That our church ministries and spiritual exercises should be faithfully, regularly, and devoutly observed both publicly (81) and privately. (82) And that our Lord's Day worship both signifies and prepares us for that rest that remains for the people of God. (83)

Of Civil Government

We believe that civil government is divinely appointed for the interest and good order of human society. (84) And that those in positions of civil authority are to be prayed for, conscientiously honored, and obeyed, (85) except only in things opposed to the will of our Lord Jesus Christ, (86) who is the only Lord of the conscience and the Supreme Sovereign over all the powers and authorities in the earth. (87)

Of the Righteous and the Wicked

We believe that there is a real, radical, and essential difference between the righteous and the wicked. (88) That such only who through faith in Jesus Christ are justified from their sins, and who are sanctified by the Spirit of our God are truly righteous and therefore favorably considered by God through His grace; (89) While all such who continue in impenitence and unbelief are in God's sight considered wicked, and under the curse of His condemnation; (90) And that this distinction holds true among humanity both while they live and after they die. (91)

Of the World to Come

We believe that the end of this world's society and operation is approaching; (92) That at the Last Day, at God's appointed time, Jesus Christ will personally and visibly descend from heaven; (93) That He will raise the dead from their graves to final reward or retribution; (94) That a solemn separation will then take place; (95) That the wicked will be condemned to eternal punishment and the righteous will be rewarded by God's grace and according to His promise to endless joy in His Presence; (96)And that this judgment will fix forever and irrevocably the final state of all people either in heaven or hell according to God's holy and righteous principles of justice, mercy, grace, and love.(97)

Of Creation

We believe in the Genesis account of creation (i.e.; one day equals 24 hours), and that it is to be accepted literally, and not allegorically or figuratively; that man was created directly in God's own image and after his own likeness; that man's creation was not a matter of evolution or evolutionary change of species, or development through interminable periods of time from lower to higher forms; that all animal and vegetable life was created by the direct act of God with His established law that they should bring forth only "after their kind."
Gen. 1:1; Ex. 20:11; Acts 4:24; Col 1:16-17; Heb. 11:3; John 1:3; Rev. 10:6; Rom. 1:20; Acts 17:23-26; Jer. 10:12; Neh. 9:6; Gen. 1:26-27; Gen 2:21-23; Gen. 1:11; Gen. 1:24.

Of the Virgin Birth

We believe that Jesus Christ was begotten of the holy Ghost 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; Luke 1:35; Mark 1:1; John 1:14; Psa. 2:7, Gal. 4:4; 1 John 5:20; 1 Cor. 15:47.

Scriptural References

  1. 2 Tim. 3;16-17; 2 Pet. 1;21; 1 Sam. 23:2; Acts 1:16; 3:21; John 10;35; Luke 16:29-31; Psa. 119:11; Rom. 3:1-2
  2. 2 Tim. 3:15; 1 Pet. 1:10-12; Acts 11:14; Rom. 1:16; Mark 16;16; John 5:38- 39
  3. Prov. 30:5-6; John 17:17; Rev. 22:18-19; Rom. 3:4
  4. Rom. 2:12; John 12:47-48; Cor. 4:3-4; Luke 10:10-16; 12:47-48
  5. Phil. 3:16; Eph. 4:3-6; Phil. 2:1-2; 1Cor. 1:10; 1 Pet. 4:11
  6. 1 John 4:1; Isa. 8:20; 1 Thess. 5-21; 2 Cor. 8:5; Acts 17:11; 1 John 4:6; Jude 3:5; Eph. 6:17; Psa. 119:59-60; Phil. 1:9-11
  7. John 4:24; Psa. 147:4; 83:18; Heb. 3:4; Rom. 1:20 Jer. 10:10
  8. Exod. 15:11; Isa. 6:3; 1 Pet. 1:16-16; Rev. 4:6-8
  9. Mark 12:30; Rev. 4:11; Matt. 10:37; Jer. 2;12-13
  10. Matt. 28:19; John 15:26; 1 Cor. 12:4-6; 1 John 5:7
  11. John 10:30; 5:17; 14:23; 17:5,10; Acts 5:3-4; 1 Cor.2:10-11; Phil. 2:5-6
  12. Eph. 2:18; 2 Cor. 13;14; Rev. 1:4-5
  13. Gen. 1:27,31; Eccl. 7:29; Acts 16:26; Gen. 2:16
  14. Gen. 3:6-24; Rom. 5:12
  15. Rom. 5;19; John 3:6; Psa. 51:5; Rom. 5:15-19; 8;7
  16. Isa. 53:6; Gen. 6;12; Rom. 3:9-18
  17. Eph. 2;1-3; Rom. 1:18,32; 2:1-16; Gal. 3;10; Matt. 20:15
  18. Ezek. 18:19-20; Rom. 1:20; 3;19; Gal. 3:22
  19. Eph. 2:5; Matt. 18:11; 1 john 4:10; 1 Cor. 3:5-7; Acts 15:11
  20. John 3:16; 1:1-14; Heb. 4:14; 12:24
  21. Phil. 2:6-7; Heb. 2:9, 14; 2 Cor. 5;21
  22. Isa. 42:21; Phil. 2:8; Gal. 4:4-5; Rom. 3:21
  23. Isa. 53:4-5; Matt. 20:28; Rom. 4;25; 3:21-26; 1 John 4:10; 2;2; 1 Cor. 15:1-3; Heb, 9:13-15
  24. Heb. 1;8, 3; 8:1; Col. 3;1-4
  25. Heb. 7:25; Col. 2:9; Heb. 2:18; 7;26; Psa. 89:19; Psa. 14
  26. John 1:16; Eph. 3:8
  27. Acts 13;39; Isa. 3:11-12; Rom. 8:1
  28. Rom. 5:9; Zech. 13:1; Matt. 9:6; Acts 10:43
  29. Rom. 5:17; Titus 3:5-6; 1Pet. 3:7; 1 John 2;25; Rom. 5:21
  30. Rom. 5:19; 3:24-26; 4:23-25; 1 John 2:12
  31. Rom. 4:4-5; 5:21; 6:28; Phi. 3:7-9
  32. Rom. 5:1-3, 11; 1 Cor. 1:30-31; Matt. 6:33; 1 Tim. 4:8
  33. Isa. 55:1; Rev. 22:17; Luke 14:17
  34. Rom. 16:26; Mark 1:15; Rom. 1:15-17
  35. John 5:40; Matt. 23:37; Rom. 9:32; Prov. 1;24; Acts 13:46
  36. John 3;19; Matt. 11;20; Luke 19:27; 2 Thess. 1:8
  37. John 3;3, 6-7; 1 Cor. 1;14; Rev. 8:7-9; 21:27
  38. 2 Cor. 5;17; Ezek. 36:26; Deut. 30:6; Rom. 2:28-29; 5:5; 1 John 4:7
  39. John 3:8; James 1;16-18; 1 Cor. 1;30; Phil. 2:13
  40. 1 Pet. 1:22-25; 1 John 5;1; Eph. 4;20-24; Col. 3;9-11
  41. Eph. 5:9; Rom. 8:9; Gal. 5:16-23; Eph. 3:14-21; Matt. 3:8-10; 7:20; 1 John 5:4,18
  42. Mark 1:15; Acts 11:18; Eph. 2:8; 1 John 5:1
  43. John 16:8; Acts 2;37-38; 16:30-31
  44. Luke 18:13; 15:18-21; James 4:7-10; 2 Cor. &;11; Rom. 10;12-13; Psa. 51
  45. Rom. 10:9-11; acts. 3:22-23; Heb. 4;14; Psa. 2:6; Heb. 1;8; 8:25; 2Tim. 1:12
  46. 2 Tim. 1:8-9; Eph. 1:3-14; 1 Pet. 1:1-2; Rom. 11:5-6; John 15:15; 1 John 4;19; Hos. 12:9
  47. 2 Thess. 2:13-14; Acts 13;48; John 10;16; Matt. 20;16; Acts 15:14
  48. Exod. 33;18-19; Matt. 20;15; Eph. 1;11; Rom. 9:23-24; Jer. 31;3; Rom. 11:28-29; James 1:17-18; 2 Tim. 1:9; Rom. 11:32-26
  49. 1 Cor. 4;7; 1:26-31; Rom. 3:27; 4:16; Col. 3:12; 1 Cor. 3;5-7; 15:10; 1 Pet. 5:10; Acts 1;24; 1 Thess. 2;13; 1 Pet. 2:9; Luke 18:7; John 15;16; Eph. 1:16; 1 Thess. 2:12
  50. 2 Tim. 2;10; 1 Cor. 9;22; Rom. 8:28-30; John 6:37-40; 2 Peter 1;10
  51. 1 Thess. 1:4-10
  52. Rom. 8:28-30; Isa. 42:16; Rom. 11:29
  53. 2 Pet. 1:10-11; Phil. 3:12; Heb. 6:11
  54. 1 Thess. 4;3; 5:23; 2 Cor. 7:1; 13:9; Eph. 1:4
  55. Prov. 4;18; 2 Cor. 3;18; Heb. 6:1; 2 Pet. 1:5-8; Phil. 3;12-16
  56. John 2:29; Rom. 8:5; John 3;6; Phil. 1:9-11; Eph. 1:13-14
  57. Phil. 2:12-13; Eph. 4;11-12; 1 Pet. 2;2; 2 Pet. 3;18; 2 Cor. 13:5; Luke 11:35; 9:23; Matt. 26:41; Eph. 6;18; 4:30
  58. John 8:31; 1 John 2:27-28; 3:9; 5:18
  59. 1 John 2:19; John 13;18; Matt. 13:20-21; John 6:66-69; Job. 17:9
  60. Rom. 8:28; Matt. 6:30-33; Jer. 32;40; Psa. 121:3; 91;11-12
  61. Phil. 1:6; 2;12-13; Jude 24-25; Heb. 1:14; 2 Kings 6:16; Heb. 13:5; 1 John 4;4
  62. Rom. 3:31; Matt. 5:17; Luke 16;17; Rom. 3:20; 4:15
  63. Rom. 7:12, 7, 14, 22; Gal. 3:21; Psa. 119
  64. Rom. 8:7-8; Josh. 24:19; Jer. 13:23; John 6:44; 5:44
  65. Rom. 8:2,4: 10:4; 1 Tim. 1:5; Heb. 8:10; Jude 20-21; Heb. 12:14; Matt. 16:17-18; 1 Cor. 12:28
  66. 1 Cor. 1:1-13; Matt. 18:17; Acts 5:11; 8:11; 11:31; 1 Cor. 4:17; 14:23; 3 John 9; 1 Tim. 3:5
  67. Acts. 2:41-41; 2 Cor. 8:5; Acts 2:47; 1 Cor. 5:12-13
  68. 1 Cor. 11:2; 2 Thess. 3:6; Rom. 16:17-20; 1 Cor. 11;23; Matt. 18:15-20; 1 Cor. 5:5; 2 Cor. 2:7; 1 Cor. 4:17
  69. Matt. 28:20; John 14:15; 15:12; 1 John 4:21; John 14;21; 1 Thess. 4:2; 2 John 6; Ga. 6:2; All the Epistles
  70. Eph. 4;7; 1 Cor. 14:12; Phil. 1;27; 1 Cor. 12:14
  71. Phil. 1;1; Acts 14;23; 15:22; 1 Tim. 3; Titus
  72. Acts 8:36-39; Matt. 3;5-6; John 3:22-23; 4:1-2; Matt. 28:19; Mark 16;16; Acts 2:38; 8:12; 16:32-34; 18:8
  73. Matt. 28:19; Acts. 10;47-48; Gal. 3:27-28
  74. Rom. 6:4; Col. 2:12; 1 Pet. 3:20-21; Acts. 22:16
  75. Acts 2:41-42; Matt. 28:19-20; Acts and Epistles
  76. 1 Cor. 11:26; Matt. 26:26-29; Mark 14:22-25; Luke 22:14-20
  77. 1 Cor. 11:28; 5:1, 10:3-32; 11:17-32; John 6:26-71
  78. Acts 20:7; Gen 2:3; Col 2:16-17: Mark 2:27; John 20:19; 1 Cor. 16:1-2
  79. Exod. 20:8; Rev. 1:10; Psa. 118:24
  80. Isa. 58:13-14; 56:2-8
  81. Psa. 119:15
  82. Heb. 10:24-25; Acts 11:26; 13:44; Lev. 19:30; Exod. 46:3; Luke 4:16; Acts 17:2, 3; Psa. 26:8; 87:3
  83. Heb. 4:3-11
  84. Rom. 13:1-7; Deut. 16:18; 1 Sam. 23:3; Exod. 18:23; Jer. 30:21
  85. Matt 22:21; Titus 3:1; 1 Pet 2:13; 1 Tim. 2:1-8
  86. Acts 5:29; Matt. 10:28; Dan. 3:15-18; 6:7-10; Acts 4:18-20
  87. Matt. 23:10; Rom. 14:4; Rev. 19:16; Psa 72:11; Psa 2; Rom 14:9-13
  88. Mal. 3:18; Prov. 12:26; Isa. 5:20; Gen. 18:23; Jer. 15:19; Acts 10:34-35; Rom. 6:16
  89. Rom 1:17; 7:6; 1 John 2:29; 3:7; Rom. 6:18, 22; 1 Cor. 11:32; Prov 11:31; 1 Pet 4:17-18
  90. 1 John 5:19; Gal. 3:10; John 3:36; Isa. 57:21; Psa 10:4; Isa 55:6-7
  91. Prov. 14:32; Luke 16:25; John 8:21-24; Prov 10:24; Luke 12:4-5; 9:23-26; John 12:25-26; Eccl. 3:17; Matt. 7:13-14
  92. 1 Pet. 4:7; 1 Cor. 7:29-31; Heb. 1:10-12; Matt. 24:35; 1 John 2:17; Matt 28:20; 13:39-40; 2 Pet. 3:3-13
  93. Acts 1:11; Rev. 1:7; Heb. 9:28; Acts 3:21; 1 Thess. 4:13-18; 5:1-11
  94. Acts 24:15; 1 Cor. 15:12-59; Luke 14:14; Dan. 12:2, John 5:28-29; 6:40; 11:25-26; 2 Tim 1:10; Acts 10:42
  95. Matt. 13:49; 37-43; 24:30-31; 25:31-33
  96. Matt. 25:35-41; Rev. 22:11; 1 Cor. 6:9-10; Mark 9:43-48; 2 Pet. 2:9; Jude 7; Phil 3:19; Rom. 6:32; 2 Cor. 5:10-11; John 4:36; 2 Cor. 4:18
  97. Rom. 3:5-6; 2 Thess. 1:6-12; Heb. 6:1-2; 1 Cor. 4:5; Acts 17:31; Rom. 2:2-16; Rev 20:11-12; 1 John 2:28; 4:17