What We Believe
The following articles are given only as a
general statement of what we believe the Scriptures teach but not
as the infallible rule of faith and practice. We hold firmly that
the Bible is the Word of God and that with it, as the Apostle Paul
wrote, we are “throughly furnished (2 Timothy 3:16-17).”
It is our sole authority for faith and practice. We hold firmly that
the preaching and exposition of the Scriptures is ordained of God
to be central in all worship services. Our music is theologically
consistent with the truth we hold and proclaim and upon which we firmly
stand. It is mainly traditional, having the purpose of confirming
the truth to the inner spirit of man.
I. Of the Scriptures
We believe that the Holy Bible was written by men divinely inspired,
and is the inerrant and infallible Word of God, a perfect treasure
of heavenly instruction; that it has God for its 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.
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 Tim. 3:15; 1
Pet. 1:10-12; Acts 11:14; Rom. 1:16; Mark 16:16; John 5:38-39;Prov.
30:5-6; John 17:17; Rev. 22:18-19; Rom. 3:4; Rom. 2:12; John
12:47-48; 1 Cor. 4:3-4; Luke 10:10-16; 12:47-48;Phil. 3:16;
Eph. 4:3-6; Phil. 2:12; 1 Cor. 1:10; 1 Pet. 4:11;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
II. 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; 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 and harmonious offices in
the great work of redemption.
John 4:24; Psa. 147:5; 83:18; Heb. 3:4; Rom. 1:20; Jer. 10:10;Exod.
15:11; Isa. 6:3;1 Pet. 1:15-16; Rev. 4:6-8;Mark 12:30; Rev.
4:11; Matt. 10:37; Jer. 2:12-13;Matt. 28:19;John 15:26; 1 Cor.
12:4-6; 1 John 5:7;John 10:30; 5:17; 14:23; 17:5, 10; Acts 5:3-4;
1 Cor. 2:10-11; Phil. 2:5-6; Eph. 2:18; 2 Cor. 13:14; Rev. 1:4-5;
comp. 2, 7
III. Of the Fall of Man
We believe that man was created in holiness, under the law of
his Maker; but by voluntary transgression fell from that holy
and happy state; in consequence of which all mankind are now
sinners, not by constraint, but 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. 1:27,31; Eccl. 7:29; Acts 16:26; Gen. 2:16Gen. 3:6-24;
Rom. 5:12Rom. 5:19; John 3:6; Psa. 51:5; Rom. 5:15-19; 8:7;Isa.
53:6; Gen. 6:12; Rom. 3:9-18Eph. 2:1-3; Rom.1:18, 32; 2:1-16;
Gal. 3:10; Matt. 20:15Ezek. 18:19-20; Rom. 1:20; 3:19; Gal.
3:22
IV. Of the Way of Salvation
We believe that the salvation of sinners is wholly of grace,
through the mediatorial offices of the Son of God; who by the
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 atonement for our sins; that having
risen from the death, he is now enthroned in heaven; and uniting
in his wonderful person the most tender sympathies with divine
perfections, he is every way qualified to be a suitable, a compassionate,
and an all-sufficient Saviour.
Eph. 2:5; Matt. 18:11; 1 John 4:10; 1 Cor. 3:5-7; Acts 15:11John
3:16; 1:1-14; Heb. 4:14; 12:24; Phil. 2:6-7; Heb. 2:9, 14; 2
Cor. 5:21; Isa. 42:21; Phil. 2:8; Gal. 4:4-5; Rom. 3:21; 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; Heb. 1:8, 3; 8:1; Col. 3:1-4; Heb.
7:25; Col. 2:9; Heb. 2:18; 7:26; Psa. 89:19; Psa. 14
V. Of Justification
We believe that the great gospel blessing which Christ secures
to such as believe in him is Justification; that Justification
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 every other blessing needful
for time and eternity.
John 1:16; Eph. 3:8; Acts 13:39; Isa. 3:11-12; Rom. 8:1; Rom.
5:9; Zech. 13:1; Matt. 9:6;Acts 10:43; Rom. 5:17; Titus 3:5-6;
1 Pet. 3:7; 1 John 2:25; Rom. 5:21; Rom. 4:4-5; 5:21; 6:28;
Phil. 3:7-9; Rom. 5:19; 3:24-26; 4:23-25; 1 John 2:12Rom. 5:1-3,
11; 1 Cor. 1:30-31; Matt. 6:33; 1 Tim. 4:8
VI. Of the Freeness of
Salvation
We believe 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 obedient faith; and that 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.
Isa. 55:1; Rev. 22:17; Luke 14:17; Rom. 16:26; Mark 1:15; Rom.
1:15-17; John 5:40;Matt. 23:37; Rom. 9:32; Prov. 1:24; Acts
13:46; John 3:19; Matt. 11:20; Luke 19:27;2 Thess. 1:8
VII. Of Grace in Regeneration
We believe that, in order to be saved, sinners must be regenerated,
or born again; that regeneration consists in giving a holy disposition
to the mind; that it is effected in a manner above our comprehension
by the power of the Holy Spirit, in connection with divine truth,
so as to secure our voluntary obedience to the gospel; and that
its proper evidence appears in the holy fruits of repentance,
and faith, and newness of life.
John 3:3, 6-7; 1 Cor. 1:14; Rev. 8:7-9; 21-27; 2 Cor. 5:17;
Ezek. 36:26; Deut. 30:6;Rom. 2:28-29; 5:5; 1 John 4:7; John
3:8; 1:13; James 1:16-18; 1 Cor. 1:30; Phil. 2:13;1 Pet. 1:22-25;
1 John 5:1; Eph. 4:20-24; Col. 3:9-11; 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
VIII. 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; whereby being deeply convinced 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 as our Prophet, Priest, and King, and relying on him
alone as the only and all-sufficient Saviour.
Mark 1:15; Acts 11:18; Eph. 2:8; 1 John 5:1; John 16:8; Acts
2:37-38; 16:30-31Luke 18:13; 15:18-21; James 4:7-10; 2 Cor.
7:11; Rom. 10:12-13; Psa.51; Rom. 10:9-11; Acts 3:22-23; Heb.
4:14; Psa. 2:6; Heb. 1:8; 8:25; 2 Tim. 1:12
IX. Of God's Purpose of Grace
We believe in unconditional Election, and that it 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, it comprehends all the means in
connection with the end; that it is a most glorious display
of God's sovereign goodness, being infinitely free, wise, holy,
and unchangeable; that it 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.
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;2 Thess. 2:13-14; Acts 13:48; John 10:16;
Matt. 20:16; Acts 15:14Exod. 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. 11:32-36; 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; 2 Tim. 2:10; 1 Cor. 9:22; Rom. 8:28-30; John 6:37-40;
2 Pet. 1:101 Thess. 1:4-10; Rom. 8:28-30; Isa. 42:16; Rom. 11:29;
2 Pet. 1:10-11; Phil. 3:12; Heb. 6:11
X. Of Sanctification
We believe that our Sanctification in Christ is eternal and
complete, and moreover we believe that practical Sanctification
is the process by which, according to the will of God, we are
made partakers of his holiness; that it is a progressive work;
that it is begun in regeneration; 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.Heb. 1:10; 13:10; I Cor.
1:30; 6:11; 1 Thess. 4:3; 5:23; 2 Cor. 7:1; 13:9; Eph. 1:4Prov.
4:18; 2 Cor. 3:18; Heb. 6:1; 2 Pet. 1:5-8; Phil. 3:12-16; John
2:29; Rom. 8:5; John 3:6; Phil. 1:9-11; Eph. 1:13-14Phil. 2:12-13;
Eph. 4:11-12; 1 Pet. 2:2; 2 Pet. 3:18; Job 17:9; Rom. 8:28;
Matt. 6:30-33; Jer. 32:40; Psa. 121:3; 91:11-12; Phil. 1:6;
2:12-13; Jude 24-25; Heb. 1:14; 2 Kings 6:16; Heb. 13:5; 1 John
4:4
XII. Of the Harmony of
the Law and the Gospel
We believe that the Law of God is holy, just, and good; and
that the inability which the Scriptures ascribe to fallen men
to fulfill its precepts arises entirely from their love of sin;
to deliver them from which, and to restore them through a Mediator
to unfeigned obedience to holiness, is one great end of the
Gospel, and of the means of grace connected with the establishment
of the visible Church.Rom. 3:31; Matt. 5:17; Luke 16:17; Rom.
3:20; 4:15; Rom. 7:12, 7, 14, 22; Gal. 3:21;Psa. 119; Rom. 8:7-8;
Josh. 24:19; Jer. 13:23; John 6:44; 5:44; 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
XIII. Of a Gospel Church
We believe that a visible 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 Word; that its only scriptural
officers are Bishops, or Pastors, and Deacons, whose qualifications,
claims, and duties are defined in the Epistles to Timothy and
Titus.
1 Cor. 1:1-13; Matt. 18:17; Acts 5:11; 8:1; 11:31; 1 Cor. 4:17;
14:23; 3 John 9; 1 Tim. 3:5 Acts 2:41-42; 2 Cor. 8:5; Acts 2:47;
1 Cor. 5:12-13; 1 Cor. 11:2; 2 Thess. 3:6; Rom. 16:17-20; 1
Cor. 11:23; Matt. 18:15-20; 1 Cor 5:6; 2 Cor. 2:7; 1 Cor. 4:17;
Matt. 28:20; John 14:15; 15:12; 1 John 4:21; John 14:21; 1 Thess.
4.2; 2 John 6; Gal. 6:2; all the Epistles; Eph. 4:7; 1 Cor.
14:12; Phil. 1:27; 1 Cor. 12:14Phil. 1:1; Acts 14:23; 15:22;
1 Tim. 3; Titus 1
XIV. Of Baptism and the Lord's Supper
We believe that Christian Baptism is the immersion in water
of a believer, in the name of the Father, and Son, and Holy
Ghost; 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 prerequisite 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 cup, are to commemorate together
the dying love of Christ; preceded always by solemn self-examination.
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; Matt. 28:19; Acts
10:47-48; Gal. 3:27-28; Rom. 6:4; Col. 2:12; 1 Pet. 3:20-21;
Acts 22:16; Acts 2:41-42; Matt. 28:19-20; Acts and Epistles;
1 Cor. 11:26; Matt. 26:26-29; Mark 14:22-25; Luke 22:14-20;
1 Cor. 11:28; 5:1, 8; 10:3-32; 11:17-32; John 6:26-71
XV. Of the Lord’s
Day
We believe that the first day of the week is the Lord's Day,
and is to be kept sacred to religious purposes, by assembling
together in the local church, by seeking to avoid all that would
hinder such assembly; by the devout observance of all the means
of grace, both private and public; and by preparation for that
rest that remaineth for the people of God.
Acts 20:7; Gen. 2:3; Col. 2:16-17; Mark 2:27; John 20:19; 1
Cor. 16:1-2; Exod. 20:8; Rev. 1:10; Psa. 118:24; Psa. 119:15;
Heb. 10:24-25; Acts 11:26; 13:44; Lev. 19:30; Luke 4:16; Psa.
26:8; 87:3; Heb. 4:3-11
XVI. Of Civil Government
We believe that civil government is of divine appointment, for
the interests 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 the Prince of the
kings of the earth.
Rom. 13:1-7; Deut. 16:18; 1 Sam. 23:3; Exod. 18:23; Jer. 30:21;
Matt. 22:21; Titus 3:1;1 Pet. 2:13; 1 Tim. 2:1-8; Acts 5:29;
Matt. 10:28; Dan. 3:15-18; 6:7-10; Acts 4:18-20;Matt. 23:10;
Rom. 14:4; Rev.19:16; Psa. 72:11; Psa. 2; Rom. 14:9-13
XVII. Of 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, and sanctified
by the Spirit of our 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.
Mal. 3:18; Prov. 12:26; Isa. 5:20; Gen. 18:23; Jer. 15:19; Acts
10:34-35; Rom. 6:16; 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; 1 John
5:19; Gal. 3:10; John 3:36; Isa. 57:21; Psa. 10:4; Isa 55:6-7;
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
XVIII.
Of the World to Come
We believe that the end of the world is approaching;
that at the last day Christ will literally descend from heaven personally,
bodily and visibly and raise the dead from the grave to final retribution;
that a solemn separation will then take place; that the wicked will
be adjudged to endless punishment, and the righteous to endless joy;
and that this judgment will fix forever the final state of men in
heaven or hell, on principles of righteousness.
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; Acts 1:11; Rev. 1:7; Heb. 9:28;
Acts 3:21; 1 Thess. 4:13-18; 5:1-11; 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; Matt. 13:49, 37-43; 24:30-31; 25:31-33; 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; 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
