What We Believe

 

The Scriptures

We believe that the Holy Bible was written by men supernaturally inspired by God; that it has truth without any mixture of error for its matter; and, therefore, is and shall remain to the end of the age, the only complete and final revelation of the will of God to man; the true center of Christian union and the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds, and opinions should be tried. Our interpretation and confession of faith is as follows:
 
By “The Holy Bible,” we mean that collection of sixty-six books from Genesis to Revelation, which as originally written
does not only contain and convey the Word of God, but IS the very Word of God.
 
By “Inspiration,” we mean that the books of the Bible were written by holy men of old, as they were moved by the Holy
Spirit, in such a definite way that their writings were supernaturally and verbally inspired and free from error as no
other writings have ever been or ever will be inspired.
 
We accept the King James Version of the Bible as our sole authority in matters of faith and practice. It will be used in
all public services.

Psalm 19:7-11; Psalm 119:89; Psalm 119:105, 130, 160; Proverbs 30:5-6; Isaiah 8:20; Luke 16:31; Luke 24:25-27; Luke 24:44-45; John 5:39; John 5:45-47; John 12:48; John 17:17; Acts 1:16, 28:25; Romans 3:4; Romans 15:4; Ephesians 6:17; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 1 Peter 1:23; 2 Peter 1:19-21; Revelation 22:19.

The True God

We believe that there is one and only one, living and true God, an infinite, intelligent Spirit, 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.

Genesis 17:1; Exodus 15:11; Exodus 20:2-3; Psalm 147:5, 83:18, 90:2; Jeremiah 10:10; Matthew 28:19; Mark 12:30; John 4:24; John 10:30; John 15:26; John 17:5; Romans 11:33; I Corinthians 2:10-11; 1 Corinthians 8:6; 1 Corinthians 12:4-6; 2 Corinthians 13:14; Ephesians 2:18; Ephesians 4:6; Philippians 2:5-6; 1 Timothy 1:17; 1 John 5:7; Revelation 4:11.

The Holy Spirit

We believe that the Holy Spirit is a divine person; equal with God the Father and God the Son and of the same nature; that He was active in the creation; that in His relation to the unbelieving world He restrains the evil one until God's purpose is fulfilled; that He convicts of sin, of judgment and of righteousness; that He bears witness to the truth of the Gospel in preaching and testimony; that He is the agent in the new birth; that He seals, endues, guides, teaches, witnesses, sanctifies, and helps the believer.
 
Genesis 1:1-3; Matthew 28:19; Luke 1:35; Luke 24:49; John 11:16; John 14:16-17; John 14:26; John 15:26-27; John 16:8-11, John 16:13; Acts 5:30-32; Romans 8:14-16; Romans 8:26-27; 2 Thessalonians 2:7; 2 Thessalonians 2:13; Hebrews 9:14;
I Peter 1:2.

The Devil or Satan

We believe that Satan was once holy and enjoyed heavenly honors; but through pride and ambition to be as the Almighty, fell and drew after him a host of angels; that he is now the malignant prince of the power of the air, and the unholy god of this world. We hold him to be man's great tempter, the enemy of God and His Christ, the accuser of the saints, the author of all false religions, the chief power back of the present apostasy; the lord of the antichrist, and the author of all the powers of darkness – destined, however, to final defeat at the hands of God's own Son, and to the judgment of an eternal justice in hell, a place prepared for him and his angels.

Isaiah 14:12-15; Ezekiel 28:14-17; Matthew 4:1-3; Matthew 13:39; Matthew 25:41; Mark 13:21-22; Luke 22:3-4; John 14:30; 2 Corinthians 11:13-15; Ephesians 2:2; 1 Thessalonians 3:5; 2 Thessalonians 2:8-11; 1 Peter 5:8; 2 Peter 2:4; 1 John 2:22; 1 John 3:8; 1 John 4:3; 2 John 7; Jude 6; Revelation 12:7-10; Revelation 13:13-14; Revelation 19:11, 16, 20; 20:1-3, 10.

Creation

We believe in the Genesis account of creation, 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 made directly and God's established law was that they should bring forth only “after their kind.”

Genesis 1:1; Genesis 1:26-27, 11, 24, 2:21-23; Exodus 20:11; Nehemiah 9:6; Jeremiah 10:12; John 1:3; Acts 4:24; Acts 17:23-26; Romans 1:20; Colossians 1:16-17; Hebrews 11:3; Revelation 10:6.

The Fall of Man

We believe that man was created in innocence under the law of his Maker, but by voluntary transgression fell from his sinless and happy state, in consequence for which all mankind are now sinners not by constraint, but of choice; and, therefore, under just condemnation without defense or excuse.

Genesis 3:1-6; Ezekiel 18:19-20; Romans 1:18, 20, 28, 32; Romans 3:10-19; Romans 5:12, 19; Ephesians 2:1- 3; Galatians 3:22.

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, supernaturally conceived of the Holy Spirit, without a human father.

Genesis 3:15; Isaiah 7:14; Psalm 2:7; Matthew 1:18-25; Mark 1:1; Luke 1:35; John 1:14; 1 Corinthians 15:47; Galatians 4:4; I John 5:20.

The Atonement for Sin

We believe that the salvation of sinners is wholly of grace; through the mediatorial offices of the Son of God, who by appointment of the Father, freely took upon Him our nature, yet without sin, honored the divine law by His personal obedience and by His death made a full and vicarious atonement for our sins; that His atonement consisted, not in setting us an example by His death as a martyr, but was the voluntary substitution of Himself in the sinner's place, the just dying for the unjust, Christ the Lord, bearing our sins in His own body on the tree; that, having risen from the dead, He is now enthroned in heaven and uniting in His wonderful person the most tender sympathies with divine perfection; He is in every way qualified to be a suitable, a compassionate and an all-sufficient Savior.

Isaiah 53:4-7; Isaiah 53:11-12; Matthew 18:11; John 3:16; John 10:18; Acts 15:11, Romans 3:24-25; 1 Corinthians 15:3; 1 Corinthians 15:30; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Galatians 1:4; Ephesians 2:8; Philippians 2:7-8; Hebrews 2:14; Hebrews 7:25; Hebrews 9:12-15; Hebrews 12:2; 1 Peter 2:24; 1 Peter 3:18; I John 2:2; 1 John 4:10.

Grace in the New Creation

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 instantaneous and not a process; that in the new birth the one dead in trespasses and in sin 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, not by culture, not by character, nor by the will of man, but wholly and solely by the power of the Holy Spirit 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.
 
Luke 5:27; John 1:12-13; John 3:3; John 3:6-7; Acts 2:41 Romans 6:23; 2 Corinthians 5:17-19; Galatians 5:22; Ephesians 2:1; Ephesians 5:9; Colossians 2:13; 2 Peter 1:4; 2 John 5:1.

The Freeness of Salvation

We believe in God's electing grace; that the blessings of salvation are made free to all by the Gospel; that it is the immediate duty of all to accept them by a cordial, penitent and an obedient faith; and nothing prevents the salvation of the greatest sinner on Earth but his own inherent depravity and voluntary rejection of the Gospel; which rejection involves him in an aggravated condemnation.

Isaiah 55:1; Isaiah 55:6;-7; Matthew 11:28; John 3:15-16; John 3:18, 36; John 6:37; Acts 2:38; Romans 8:29-30; Romans 10:13; I Corinthians 15:10; Ephesians 2:4-5; Colossians 3:12; 1 Thessalonians 1:4; 1 Timothy 1:15; Titus 1:1; 1 Peter 1:2; Revelation 22:17.

Justification

We believe that the greatest blessing which Christ secures to such as believe in Him is justification; that justification includes the pardon of sin, and the gift 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, His righteousness is imputed unto us.

Isaiah 53:11; Habakkuk 2:4; Zechariah 13:1; Acts 13:39; Romans 1:17; Romans 4:1-8; Romans 5:9; Romans 8:1; Galatians 3:11; Titus 3:5-7; Hebrews 10:38.

Repentance and Faith

We believe that repentance and faith are solemn obligations, and also inseparable graces, wrought in our souls by the quickening spirit of God; thereby, being deeply convicted of our guilt, danger and helplessness, and of the way of salvation by Christ, we turn to God with unfeigned contrition, confession and supplication for mercy; at the same time heartily receiving the Lord Jesus Christ and openly confessing Him as our only and all-sufficient Savior.

Psalm 51:1-4, 7; Isaiah 55:6-7; Mark 1:15; Luke 12:8; Luke 18:13; Acts 2:37-38; Acts 20:21; Romans 10:9-11, 13.

The Church

We believe that a Baptist church is a congregation of baptized believers associated by a covenant of faith and fellowship of the Gospel, said church being understood to be the citadel and propagator of the divine and eternal grace; observing the ordinances of Christ; governed by His laws; exercising the gifts, rights, and privileges invested in them by His Word; that its officers of ordination are pastors or elders whose qualifications, claims, and duties are clearly defined in the scriptures; we believe that the true mission of the church is found in the Great Commission: first, to make individual disciples; second, to build up the church; third, to teach and instruct as He commanded. We do not believe in the reversal of His order; we hold that the local church has the absolute right of self-government, free from the interference of any hierarchy of individuals or organizations; and that the one and only superintendent is Christ through the Holy Spirit; that it is scriptural for true churches to cooperate with each other in contending for the faith and for the furtherance of the Gospel; that each church is the sole and only judge of the measure and method of its cooperation; on all matters of membership, policy, government, discipline, and benevolence, the will of the local church is final.

Malachi 3:10; Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 2:41-42; Acts 6:5-6; Acts 14:23; Acts 15:22-23; Acts 20:17-28; 1 Corinthians 5:11-13, 1 Corinthians 6:1-3; 1 Corinthians 8:11; 1 Corinthians 11:2; 1 Corinthians 12:4; 1 Corinthians 16:1-2; 2 Corinthians 8:23-24; Ephesians 1:22-23; Ephesians 4:11; Ephesians 5:23-24; Colossians 1:18; 1 Timothy 3:1-13; 1 Peter 5:1-4; Jude 3, 4.

Baptism and the Lord's Supper

We believe that Christian baptism is the immersion of a believer in water; in the name of the Father, of the Son and of the Holy Ghost, with the authority of the local church, to show forth in a 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 pre-requisite to the privileges of a church relation and to the Lord's supper; in which the members of the church, by the sacred use of bread and the fruit of the vine are to commemorate together the dying love of Christ; preceded always by solemn self-examination.

Matthew 3:6; Matthew 3:16; Matthew 28:19-20; John 3:23; Acts 2:41-42; Acts 8:36-39; Romans 6:3-5; 1 Corinthians 11:23-28; Colossians 2:12.

Security of The Believer

We believe that all believers are eternally secure in Jesus Christ. They are born again, made new creatures in Christ, and indwelt by the Holy Spirit, enabling their perseverance in good works. God's providence watches over them, and they are kept by His power.

John 3:3-5; John 10:24-30; Romans 8:9; Romans 8:28; Romans 8:35-39; 1 Corinthians 10:13; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Ephesians 2:10; Philippians 1:6; Philippians 2:12-13; 1 Peter 1:3-5; 1 Peter 1:23; 2 Peter 1:4; 1 John 4:4; 1 John 5:1; Hebrews 13:5.

Divine Sovereignty and Human Free Will

We believe that God's sovereignty and man's free will are two inseparable factors in the salvation experience. The two Bible truths are in no way contradictory, but they are amazingly complementary in our great salvation. God, in His sovereignty purposed, planned, and executed salvation in eternity while man's freedom enables him to make a personal choice in time, either to receive this salvation and be saved or to reject it and be damned.
 
John 1:12-13; Ephesians 1:9-14; Ephesians 2:4-6.

The Righteous and the Wicked

We believe that there is a radical and essential difference between the righteous and the wicked. Only those who through faith in the Lord Jesus are justified and sanctified by the Spirit of our God, are truly righteous in His esteem; while all those who continue in impenitence and unbelief are, in His sight, wicked and under the curse and this distinction holds among men both in and after death, in the everlasting joy of the saved and the everlasting conscious suffering of the lost.

Genesis 18:23; Proverbs 11:31; Proverbs 14:32; Matthew 3:18; Matthew 7:13-14; Matthew 25:34, 41; Luke 9:26; Luke 16:25; John 8:21; John 12:25; Acts 10:34-35; Romans 1:17; Romans 6:16-18; Romans 6:23; Romans 7:6; 1 Corinthians 15:22; Galatians 3:10; 1 Peter 8:18; 1 John 2:29; 1 John 5:19.

Civil Government

We believe that civil government is of divine appointment, for the interests and good order of human society; 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 the coming Prince of the kings of the earth.

Exodus 18:21-22; 1 Samuel 23:3; Psalm 72:11; Daniel 3:17,18; Matthew 10:28; Matthew 22:21; Matthew 23:10; Acts 4:19-20; Acts 23:5; Romans 13:7; Philippians 2:10-11; Titus 3:1; I Peter 2:13-14; I Peter 2:17.

The Resurrection and Return of Christ and Related Events

We believe in and accept the sacred scriptures upon these subjects at their face and full value. We believe that Christ rose bodily “the third day according to the scriptures;” that He alone is our “merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God;” that “this same Jesus which is taken up from you into heaven shall so come in like manner as ye have seen Him go into heaven” – bodily, personally and visibly; that the “dead in Christ shall rise first,” that the living saints “shall all be changed in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump;” that “the Lord God shall give unto Him the throne of His Father, David;” and that “Christ shall reign a thousand years in righteousness until He hath put all enemies under His feet.”
 
Psalm 72:8; Isaiah 11:4-5; Matthew 24:27, 42; Matthew 28:6,7; Mark 16:6; Mark 16:19; Luke 1:32; Luke 24:2-7; Luke 24:39; Luke 24:51; John 14:3; John 20:27; Acts 1:9-11; 1 Corinthians 15:4; 1 Corinthians 15:25; 1 Corinthians 15:42-44, 51-53; Philippians 3:20-21; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17; 1 Timothy 2:5; Hebrews 8:1, 6; Hebrews 2:17; Hebrews 5:9-10; Hebrews 9:28; 1 John 2:1; Revelation 3:21; Revelation 20:6.

Missions

We believe that the command to give the Gospel to the world is clear and unmistakable and this commission was given to the churches.

Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15; Luke 24:46-47; John 20:21; Acts 1:8; Romans 10:13-15.

The Grace of Giving

We believe that scriptural giving is one of the fundamentals of the faith. We are commanded to bring our gifts into the storehouse (common treasury of the church) upon the first day of the week. In the New Testament, the storehouse was the common treasury of the church.
 
Under Grace we give, and do not pay, the tithe – “Abraham gave the tenth of the spoils” – Hebrews 7:2,4 – and this was four hundred years before the law, and is confirmed in the New Testament. Jesus said concerning the tithe, “These ye ought to have done” in Matthew 23:23.

Leviticus 27:30; Malachi 3:10; Acts 4:34-35; 2 Corinthians 8:7; 1 Corinthians 16:2.

Christians and Litigation

We believe that Christians are prohibited from bringing civil lawsuits against other Christians or the church to resolve personal disputes. We believe the church possesses all the resources necessary to resolve personal disputes between members. We do believe, however, that a Christian may seek compensation for injuries from another Christian's insurance company as long as the claim is pursued without malice or slander.

1 Corinthians 6:1-8; Ephesians 4:31-32.