What We Believe
 

THE BAPTIST FAITH

The Baptist denomination, like other denominations, is a Christian Community united together as a body upon the basis of commonly shared religious perspectives, principles, interests and practices. As a Protestant denomination, the Baptist denomination was formed as a significant group that broke away from the English Church in the seventeenth century in revolt to the government's intrusion in religious affairs. As a result, the Baptist established and continues to maintain "Religious Liberty" as a cornerstone and a fundamental element of its denomination's religious principles.

Religious liberty refers to the rejection by Baptists and many other Protestants, of government or civil authority that is imposed, exercised, or exerted over a person's religious opinions, right to worship or the church's right to govern himself as a religious body.

In addition to its position on the issue of "Church and State," the Baptist also agree in their religious perspectives concerning certain teachings (doctrines) and religious practices which are based upon their understanding of scripture. The doctrines and religious practices which are distinctions of Baptist from other denominations include: (All based on New Testament understanding and perspective)


 DOCTRINES:

  • Free and full salvation proclaimed to all in Christ.
  • No longer under the law, but under Grace.
  • God as revealed as Father, Son and Holy Spirit are the
    Three Persons of the Trinity or Godhead in which there is Equal Divinity and Complete Unity.
  • Atonement by the Sacrifice of Christ.
  • Justification by Faith, not by Works.
  • Conversion and Regeneration necessary for Salvation.
  • The Transforming work of Holiness by the Spirit in the Believer (Sanctification).
  • True Believers are kept by the Power of God until the Day of Redemption (Personal Election of Believers).
  • Believers have been Called to Righteousness (Personal Election of Believers).
  • All Believers have Access to God through Christ without the need of any other Mediator (Priesthood of All Saints).
  • The Resurrection of the Body and Life Everlasting.
  • Endless Reward and Punishment given by Christ, the Righteous Judge at His Second Coming.
  • The Baptist Church has two scriptural officers: Pastor and Deaconate (Deacon and Deaconess).
  • The great mission or work of the Church is to spread the Gospel throughout the world. (Matthew 28:19-20)

PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICES:

The Baptist Church has two ordinances: Baptism and the Lord's Supper (often called Communion). These are known as ordinances in as much as they are religious practices the Church is commanded by Christ to practice and keep.

The Scriptures teach that Christian Baptism is the immersion in water of a believer in Christ, into the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost; to show forth in a solemn and beautiful emblem, our faith in the crucified, burial, and risen Savior. (Romans 6:4)

 

THE ARTICLES OF FAITH

I. The Scriptures  -       We believe that the Holy Bible was written by men divinely inspired, and is a perfect treasure for heavenly instruction; that it has God for its author, salvation for its end, and truth for its matter.  It reveals the principles by which God Will judge us; and therefore is, and Will remain to the end of the world, the true center for Christian union and the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds and religious opinions should be tried.  Scripture References: Luke 16:29-31, Ephesians 2:19-22, Matthew 22:29-32, John 1:45, II Timothy 3:14-17, Hebrews 1:1, II Peter 1:19-21, Psalm 19:7-11, Psalm 119:1-9, 105.

II. GOD  -  There is one and only one living and true God, an intelligent, spiritual, and personal Being, the Creator, Preserver, and Ruler of the Universe, infinite in holiness and all other perfection's, to whom we owe the highest love reverence, and obedience. He is revealed to us as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, each with distinct personal attributes, but without division of nature, essence, or being.  Scripture References: Genesis 1:1, Exodus 3:14, Deut. 5:6-7, Deut. 6:4-5, Isaiah 48:12-13, Jer. 10:10, Matthew 26:19, John 1:14-18, John 5:26, Gal. 4:4-6, I Timothy 1:17, I Cor. 8:4-6, Hebrews 11:6.

III. The Fall of Man - We believe that man was created in innocence and holiness and by voluntary transgression of the Lord's command, fell from the state in which he was created and as a consequence became a sinner alienated from God and brought upon himself and all mankind just condemnation. Man is now, by virtue of his fallen nature, void of holiness, positively inclined to evil and actually condemned to eternal ruin without excuse.  Scripture References Gen 3:6-24, Romans 5:19, Eph 2:1-3, Romans 5:12, Romans 1:18, Romans 1:28

IV. The Way of Salvation -  The salvation of sinners is wholly of grace, through the mediatory office of the Son of God, who by the Holy Spirit was born of the Virgin Mary and took upon Him our nature, yet without sin; honored the Divine Law by His personal obedience and made atonement for our sins by His death. Being risen from the dead, He is now enthroned in Heaven, and uniting in His Person the tenderness sympathies with Divine perfection's. He is in every way qualified to be a compassionate and all-sufficient Savior. Scripture References: Matthew 1:21-25, Luke 1:35, Romans 1:1-6, Romans 3:25, I Cor. 13:3-4, Gal. 2:19~20, Gal. 3:13, Ephesians 1:7-14, Ephesians 1:20-23, Ephesians 2:1-3, Col. 1:21-23.

V. Justification -   Justification is God's gracious and full acquittal upon principles of righteousness of all sinners who believe in Christ. This blessing is bestowed, not in consideration of any works of righteousness which we have done, but through the redemption, that is in and through Jesus Christ. It brings us into a state of most blessed peace and favor with God, and secures every other needed blessing. Scripture References:
Romans 3:20-21, 5:1-2, 8:30, I Cor. 1:30-31, II Cor. 5:21.

VI. Freeness of Salvation -  The blessing of salvation is made free to all by the gospel. It is the duty of all to accept them by penitent and obedient faith. Nothing prevents the salvation of the greatest sinner except his own voluntary refusal to accept Jesus Christ as Teacher, Savior, and Lord. Scripture References:
Mark 16:16, John 3:14-18, Romans 5:1-11, I Cor. 1:30-31, Ephesians 1:5,2:4-10, Rev. 22:17.

VII. Regeneration -   Regeneration of the new birth is a change of heart wrought by the Holy Spirit whereby we become partakers of the divine nature and a Holy disposition is given, leading to the love and practice of righteousness. It is a work of God's free grace conditioned upon faith in Christ and made manifest by the fruit which we bring forth to the glory of God. Scripture References: John 1:12-13, John 3:1-8, Romans 8:1-3, II Cor. 5:17, Gal. 6:15, Ephesians 2:1-10, 4:30, Col 3:1-11, Titus 3:3-7.

VIII. God's Purpose of Grace -  Election is the gracious purpose of God, according to which He regenerates sanctifies and saves sinners. It is perfectly consistent with the free agency of man, and comprehends all the means in connection of man, and comprehends all the means in connection with the end. It is a most glorious display of God's sovereign goodness, and is infinitely wise, holy, and unchangeable. It excludes boasting and promotes humility. It encourages the use of means in the highest degree. Scripture References:
Acts 26:18, Romans 8:29-30, 11:7-16, Ephesians 1:9-10, Ephesians 1:15-23, Ephesians 2:4-7, II Timothy 1:8-10.

IX. Sanctification  -  Sanctification is the process by which the regenerate gradually attains to moral and spiritual perfection through the presence and power of the Holy Spirit dwelling in their hearts. It continues throughout the earthly life, and is accomplished by the use of all the ordinary means of grace, and particularly by the word of God.  Scripture References: John 17:15, Acts 20:32, Romans 6:3-7, Romans 8:17-28, II Col. 3:18, Gal. 5: 16-26, Ephesians 3:4-21, Hebrews 12:14.

X. Perseverance -   All real believers endure to the end. Their continuance in well doing is the mark, which distinguishes them from mere professors. A special Providence cares for them, and they are kept by the power of God through faith into salvation. Scripture References: Matthew 26:70-75, John 10:27-31, Romans 5:8-10, Romans 8:28-39, 9:16, I Cor. 11:32, II Cor. 1:21-22, Ephesians 1:13-14, 4:30, II Timothy 2:19, I John 2:19-20.

XI. A Gospel Church - A Church of Christ is a congregation of baptized believers, associated by covenant in the 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 work, and seeking to extend the gospel to the end of the earth. Its Scriptural Officers are Bishops, or Elders, and Deacons. Scripture References: Matthew 16:18, Matthew 18:15-18, Acts 2:41-47, Acts 14:21-24, I Col. 1:2, I Col. 9:6, 14, Phil. 1:1, I Timothy 3:1-13.

XII. Baptism and The Lord's Supper - Christian Baptism is the immersion of a believer in water in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. The act is a symbol of our faith in a crucified, buried and risen Savior. It is prerequisite of the privileges of a Church relation and to the Lord's Supper, in which the members of the Church, by the use of bread and wine, commemorate the dying love of Christ.Scripture References:
Matthew 3:13-17, Matthew 28:19-20, Mark 1:9-11, Matthew 26:26-27, Luke 22:19, 30, John 3:22-23, Acts 8:38-39, Romans 6:3-5, I Cor. 10:16-17, I1 Cor. 11:23-26.

XIII. The Lord's Day -  The first day of the week is the Lord's Day. It is a Christian institution for regular observance. It commemorates the resurrection of Christ from the dead and should include exercises of worship and spiritual devotion, both public and private. Activities on the Lord's Day should be commensurate with the Christian's conscience under the Lordship of Jesus Christ. Scripture References: Matthew 28:1-6, John 20:1, Acts 20:7, I Cor. 16:1-2, Rev. 1:9-11.

XIV. The Righteous and The Wicked -  We believe that there is a radical and essential difference between the righteous and the wicked; that such only as through faith are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, 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 and after death, in the everlasting felicity of the saved and the everlasting conscious suffering of the lost.  Scripture References: Matthew 25:31-46, Mark 9:48, Luke 23:43, John 3:36, Romans 9:22-24, I Cor. 15:45-53, II Cor. 5:1-10, Phil 3:20-21, I Thess. 4:16-17, Rev. 20:10-15.

XV. The Resurrection -  The Scriptures clearly teach that Jesus arose from the dead. His grave was emptied of its contents. He appeared to the disciples after His resurrection in many convincing manifestations. He now exists in His Glorified Body at God's right hand. There will be a resurrection of the righteous and wicked. The bodies of the righteous will conform to the glorious Spiritual body of Jesus. Scripture References:
Matthew 28:6, John 5:28-29, Acts 24:14-1 5, I Cor. 15:1-58, II Cor. 5:1-10, Phil. 3:20-21, 1 Thess. 4:13-17, Rev. 20:12-15.

XVI. The Return of the Lord -  The New Testament teaches in many places the visible and personal return of Jesus to this earth. The time of His coming is not revealed. It is the duty of all believers to live in readiness for His coming and by diligence in good works to make manifest to all men the reality and power of their hope in Christ. Scripture References: Matthew 24:29-44, Mark 13:24-37, Luke 21 :25-28, Acts 1:9-11.

XVII. Religious Liberty - God alone is Lord of the conscience, and He has left it free from the doctrines and commandments of men which are contrary to His Word or not contained in it. Church and State should be separate. The State owes the Church protection and full freedom in the pursuits of its spiritual ends. In providing for such freedoms, no ecclesiastical group or denomination should be favored by the State more than others. Civil governments being ordained of God, it is the duty of Christians to render loyal obedience thereto in all things not contrary to the revealed will of God. The Church should not resort to the civil power to carry on its work. The Gospel of Christ contemplates spiritual means alone for the pursuit of its ends. The State has no right to impose taxes for the support of any form of religion. A Free Church in a Free State is the Christian ideal, and this implies the right of free and unhindered access to God on the part of all men, and the right to form and propagate opinions in the sphere of religion without interference by the civil power. Scripture References: Matthew 22:17-21, Mark 12:13-17, 1 Timothy 2:1-4, 1 Peter 2:17.

XVIII. Peace and War  - It is the duty of Christians to seek peace with all men on principles of righteousness. In accordance with the spirit and teachings of Christ they should do all in the true remedy for the Spirit of War, is the pure Gospel of our Lord. The supreme need of the world is the acceptance of His teachings in all the affairs of men and nations, and the practical application of His law of love. Christian people throughout the world should pray for the reign of the Prince of Peace and oppose everything likely to provoke war.  Scripture References: Matthew 5:3-12, Matthew 5:38-48, Romans 12:17-21, and Romans 14:17-19, Hebrews 12:14, James 4:1-3.

XIX. Education -  Christianity is the religion of enlightenment and intelligence. In Jesus Christ are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. All sound learning is therefore a part of our Christian heritage. The New Birth opens all human faculties and creates a thirst for knowledge. An adequate system of schools is necessary to a complete spiritual program for Christ's people. The cause of education in the Kingdom of Christ is co-ordinate with the cause of missions and general benevolence, and should receive along with these the liberal support of the churches. Scripture References: Deut. 4:1-14, Deut. 6:1-10, Psalm 19:7-Il, Prov. 4:1-13, Neh. 8:1-9, Matthew 28:19-20, Col. 2-2-7, II Timothy 2:14-15.

XX. Social Service -   Every Christian is under obligation to seek to make the will of Christ regnant in his own life and in human society; to oppose in the Spirit of Christ every form of greed, selfishness, and vice; to provide for the orphaned, the aged, the helpless, and the sick; to seek to bring industry, government, and society as a whole under the sway of the principles of righteousness, truth and brotherly love; to promote these ends Christians should be ready to work with all men of goodwill in any good cause, always being careful to act in the spirit of love without compromising their loyalty to Christ and His truth. All means and methods used in social service for the amelioration of society and the establishment of righteousness among men must finally depend on the regeneration of the individual by the saving grace of God in Jesus Christ. Scripture References:
Exodus 22:9-15, Lev. 6:1-5, Deut. 4:41-42, Deut. 15:1-2, Deut. 27:17, Ezek. 18:5-9, Zech. 8:16-17, Luke 10:25-37, 6:27-36, Romans 12:14-21, Col. 3:12-17, James 2:8.

XXI. Cooperation -  Christ's people should, as occasion requires, organize such associations and conventions as may best secure cooperation for the great objects of the Kingdom of God. Such organizations have no authority over each other or over the churches. They are voluntary and advisory bodies designed to elicit, combine, and direct the energies of our people in the most effective manner. Individual members of New Testament Churches should cooperate with each other and the Churches themselves should cooperate with each other in carrying forward the missionary, educational and benevolent program for the extension of Christ's Kingdom. Christian unity in the New Testament sense is spiritual harmony and voluntary cooperation for common ends by various Christian denominations, when the end to be attained is itself justified, and when such cooperation involves no violation of conscience or compromise of loyalty to Christ and His Word as revealed in the New Testament. Scripture References: Ezra 1:3-4, 2:68-69, 5:15-16, Neh. 4:4-6, 8:1-4, Mal. 3:10, Matthew 10:5-15, 20:1-16, 22:10, Acts 1:13-14, 1:21-26, 2:1, 41-47, I Cor. 1:10, 3:1-15, I Cor. 11:12, I Cor. 16:2, II Cor. 9, Ephesians 4:1-16, III John 1:5-8.

XXII. Evangelism and Missions -  It is the duty of every Christian man and woman, and the duty of every Church of Christ to seek to extend the gospel to the ends of the earth. The new birth of man's spirit by God's Holy Spirit means the birth of love for others Missionary efforts on the part of all rests thus upon a spiritual necessity of the regenerate life. It is also expressly and repeatedly commanded in the teachings of Christ. It is the duty of every child of God to seek constantly to win the lost to Christ by personal effort and by all other methods sanctioned by the gospel of Christ. Scripture References: Matthew 10:8-15, 13:1-23, 22:8-10, 28:19-20, Mark 16:15-16, 16:19-20, Luke 24:46-53, Acts 1:4-8, 2:1-4, 21, 39, 8:1-40, 10:42-48, 13:1-3, 30-33. II Cor. 5:19-21, I Thess. 1:1-8.

XXIII. Stewardship -  God is the source of all blessings, temporal and spiritual; all that we have and are, we owe to Him. We have a spiritual debtorship to the whole world, a Holy trusteeship in the gospel, and a binding stewardship in our possessions. We are therefore under obligation to serve Him with our time, talents and material possessions; and should recognize all these as entrusted to us to use for the glory of God and for helping others. Christians should cheerfully, regularly, systematically, proportionately, and liberally contribute of their means to advancing the redeemer's cause on earth. Scripture References: Lev. 27:30, Mat 3:8-10, Matthew 23:23, Matthew 25:14-30, Luke 12:41-48, Acts 2:44-47, I Cor. 16:2, II Cor. 8:1-15.

XXIV. The Kingdom -  The Kingdom of God is the Reign of God in the heart and life of the individual in every human relationship, and in every form and institution of organized human society. The chief means for promoting the Kingdom of God on earth are preaching the Gospel of Christ, and teaching the principals of righteousness contained therein. The Kingdom will be complete when every thought and will of man shall be brought into captivity to the will of Christ. And, it is the duty of all Christian people to pray and labor continually that His Kingdom may come and His will be done on earth as it is done In Heaven.  Scripture References:
Dan. 2:37-44, 7:18, Matthew 4:23, 6:10, 8:12, 13:25, Mark 11:10, Luke 12:32, 22:29, 23:42, John 3:3, 18:36, I Cor. 15:24, Col. 1:13, Hebrews 12:28.