What We Believe
ARTICLES OF FAITH
Scripture references are as read from the KJV
1. The Scriptures.
The Scriptures of the Old and New Testament were given by inspiration of God and providentially preserved by God. They are inerrant, and are the only sufficient, certain and authoritative rule of all saving knowledge, faith and obedience. Exodus 24:4; Deuteronomy4:1-2; Psalms 19:7-10; 119:11,89,105; Isaiah 40:8; Matthew 5:17-18; Romans 15:4; 2 Timothy 3:15-17; Hebrews 1:1-2;4:12; 1 Peter 1:25; 2 Peter 1:19-21.
2. God.
There is but one God, the Maker, Preserver and Ruler of all things, having in and of Himself, all perfections, and being infinite in them all; and to Him all creatures owe the highest love, reverence and obedience. Genesis 1:1; 2:7; Exodus 3:14; 6:2-3; 15:11ff; 20:1ff; Leviticus 22:2; Deuteronomy 6:4; 32:6; 1 Chronicles 29:10; Psalms 19:1-3; Isaiah 43:3,15; 64:8; Jeremiah 10:10; 17:13; Matthew 6:9ff; 7:11; 23:9; Mark 1:9-11; John 4:24; 5:26 14:6-13; 17:1-8; Acts 1:7; Romans 8:14-15; Ephesians 4:6; Colossians 1:15; Hebrews 11:6.
God is revealed to us as Father, Son and Holy Spirit each with distinct personal attributes, but without division of nature, essence or being. Psalms 2:7ff; 110:1ff; Isaiah 7:14; Isaiah 53; Matthew 1:18-23; 3:17; John 1:1-18,29; Hebrews 1:1-3; Genesis 1:2; Psalm 51:11; Matthew 1:18; John 4:24; Ephesians 1:13-14; 1 John 4:13; 5:6-7; Acts 5:3-4.
3. Creation
The biblical account of the creation of the physical universe, angels, and man is neither allegory nor myth, but a literal, historical account of the direct, immediate creative acts of God without any evolutionary process. This creation took place in six literal days. There is no gap or great period of time between Genesis 1:1 and 1:2. Man was created by a direct work of God and not from previously existing forms of life. All men are descended from the historical Adam and Eve, first parents of the entire human race. Genesis 1:1-31; 5:3.
4. Providence.
God from eternity, decrees all things that come to pass, and perpetually upholds, directs and governs all creatures and all events; yet so as not to destroy the responsibility of intelligent creatures. Hebrews 1:3; Daniel 4:34-35; Psalms 135:6; Proverbs 15:3; Matthew 10:29-31; Acts 17:25-28; Romans 1:24,26,28; James 1:13,14,17.
5. The Fall of Man.
In the beginning God created man in His own image, and free from sin; but, through the temptation of Satan, he transgressed the command of God, and fell from his original holiness and righteousness; whereby his posterity inherit a nature corrupt and wholly opposed to God and His law, are under condemnation, and as soon as they are capable of moral action, become actual transgressors. Genesis 1:26-30; Genesis 3; Psalms 51:5; Jeremiah 17:5; Matthew 16:26; Romans 1:19-32; 3:23; Ephesians 2:1-22; Colossians 3:9-11.
6. The Mediator.
Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God, is the divinely appointed mediator between God and man. Having taken upon Himself human nature, yet without sin, He perfectly fulfilled the Law, suffered and died upon the cross for the salvation of His people. He was buried, and rose again the third day, and ascended to His Father, at whose hand He ever liveth to make intercession for His people. He is the only Mediator, the Prophet, Priest and King of the Church, and Sovereign of the Universe. Psalms 2:7ff; Mark 1:1; Luke 1:35; John 1:1-18; Acts 1:9; 1 Corinthians 1:30; Ephesians 1:20; Hebrews 1:1-8; 1 Tim 2:5; 1 Peter 2:24.
7. Election.
Election is God's eternal choice of some persons unto everlasting life -- not because of foreseen merit in them, but of His mere mercy in Christ -- in consequence of which choice they are called, justified and glorified. Exodus 33:19; Deuteronomy 7:6,7; Psalms 33:12; 65:4; Matthew 11:27; 22:14; 24:22,24,31; Luke 18:7; John 15:16; Romans 8:28-30; 8:33; 9:11-13,16; 10:20; 1Corinthians 1:27-29; Ephesians 1:4,5,11; 2:10; Revelation 13:8; 17:8.
8. Regeneration.
Regeneration is a change of heart, wrought by the Holy Spirit, who quickeneth the dead in trespasses and sins enlightening their minds spiritually and savingly to understand the Word of God, and renewing their whole nature, so that they love and practice holiness. It is a work of God's free and special grace alone. Regeneration is a necessary antecedent to saving faith in Christ. Ezekiel 36:26-27; John 1:12-13; John 3:3-8; 1 Corinthians 2:10-14; 6:11; Ephesians 2:5,10; Titus 3:5-6.
9. Repentance.
Repentance is a work of grace, wherein a person being, by the Holy Spirit, made sensible of the manifold evil of his sin, humbleth himself for it, with godly sorrow, detestation of it, and self-abhorrence, with a purpose and endeavor to walk before God so as to please Him in all things. Matthew 5:3-6; Acts 5:31; 2 Corinthians 7:10-11; 2 Timothy 2:25-26.
10. Faith.
Saving faith is the belief, on God's authority, of whatsoever is revealed in His Word concerning Christ; accepting and resting upon Him alone for justification and eternal life. It is wrought in the heart by the Holy Spirit, and is accompanied by all other saving graces, and leads to a life of holiness. Acts 13:48; 16:14; 1 Corinthians 4:7; Ephesians 2:8-9; Philippians 1:29.
11. Justification.
Justification is God's gracious and full acquittal of sinners, who believe in Christ, from all sin, through the satisfaction that Christ has made; not for anything wrought in them or done by them; but on account of the obedience and satisfaction of Christ, they receiving and resting on Him and His righteousness by faith. John 6:35-40; Romans 3:24, 5:14-18; 1 Corinthians 1:30; Galatians 3:13; Colossians 1:13-14; Titus 3:5-6; Hebrews 9:12; 1Peter 2:24.
12. Sanctification.
Those who have been regenerated are also sanctified, by God's word and Spirit dwelling in them. This sanctification is progressive through the supply of Divine strength, which all saints seek to obtain, pressing after a heavenly life in cordial obedience to all Christ's commands. 1 Corinthians 1:30; Ephesians 1:3,5:25-26; Titus 2:14; Hebrews 12:6-11;1John 1:7.
13. Perseverance of the Saints.
Those whom God hath accepted in the Beloved, and sanctified by His Spirit, will never totally nor finally fall away from the state of grace, but shall certainly persevere to the end; and though they may fall, through neglect and temptation, into sin, whereby they grieve the Spirit, impair their graces and comforts, bring reproach on the Church, and temporal judgments on themselves, yet they shall be renewed again unto repentance, and be kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation. Matthew 18:12-14; John 3:16; John 6:35-40; 10:27-30; Romans 8:29-30,35-39; 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24; 1 John 2:19, 5:4.
14. The Church.
The Lord Jesus is the Head of the Church, which is composed of all His true disciples, and in Him is invested supremely all power for its government. According to His commandment, Christians are to associate themselves into particular societies or churches; and to each of these churches He hath given needful authority for administering that order, discipline and worship which He hath appointed. The regular officers of a Church are Overseers, or Elders, and Deacons. Matthew 16:15-19; Acts 2:41-42,47; Ephesians 1:22-23; Colossians 1:18; Titus 1:5-9; 1Timothy 3:1-15; 1 Peter 5:1-4.
15. Baptism.
Baptism is an ordinance of the Lord Jesus, obligatory upon every believer, wherein he is immersed in water in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, as a sign of his fellowship with the death and resurrection of Christ, of remission of sins, and of his giving himself up to God, to live and walk in newness of life. Matthew 28:19-20; Mark 1:4-11; Acts 2:38-41, 8:36-38; Romans 6:3-5.
16. The Lord's Supper.
The Lord's Supper is an ordinance of Jesus Christ, to be administered with the elements of bread and fruit of the vine in the context of a meal, and to be observed and celebrated by His churches till the end of the world. It is in no sense a sacrifice, but is designed to commemorate His death, to anticipate His return and the wedding supper of the Lamb, to serve as a reminder of God’s covenant promises, to confirm the faith and other graces of Christians, and to be a bond, pledge and renewal of their communion with Him, and of their church fellowship. Matthew 26:26-30; Mark 14:22-26; Luke 22:15-20; 1 Corinthians 11:23-29.
17. The Lord's Day.
The Lord's Day is a Christian institution for regular observance, and should be employed in exercises of worship and spiritual devotion, both public and private. Exodus 20:8-11; Matthew 12:1-12; Mark 2:27-28; Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 16:1-2; Colossians 2:16; Revelation 1:10.
18. Liberty of Conscience.
God alone is Lord of the conscience; and He hath left it free from the doctrines and commandments of men, which are in anything contrary to His word, or not contained in it. Civil magistrates being ordained of God, subjection in all lawful thing commanded by them ought to be yielded by us in the Lord, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. Matthew 6:6-7; John 8:36; Acts 4:19-20; Romans 13:1-7; Galatians 5:1,13; Philippians 3:20; James 4:12.
19. The Resurrection.
The bodies of men after death return to dust, but their spirits return immediately to God -- the righteous to rest with Him; the wicked to be reserved under darkness to the judgment. At the last day, the bodies of all the dead, both just and unjust, will be raised. Job 19:26-27; Luke 16:23; John 5:28-29; 1 Corinthians 15:42; Jude 6.
20. The Judgment.
God hath appointed a day, when every one shall receive according to his deeds; the wicked shall go into everlasting punishment; the righteous, into everlasting life. Ecclesiastes 12:14; Matthew 12:36-37; Mark 13:35-37; Acts 17:31; Romans 14:10; 1 Corinthians 6:3; Revelation 22:20.
Scripture references are as read from the KJV
1. The Scriptures.
The Scriptures of the Old and New Testament were given by inspiration of God and providentially preserved by God. They are inerrant, and are the only sufficient, certain and authoritative rule of all saving knowledge, faith and obedience. Exodus 24:4; Deuteronomy4:1-2; Psalms 19:7-10; 119:11,89,105; Isaiah 40:8; Matthew 5:17-18; Romans 15:4; 2 Timothy 3:15-17; Hebrews 1:1-2;4:12; 1 Peter 1:25; 2 Peter 1:19-21.
2. God.
There is but one God, the Maker, Preserver and Ruler of all things, having in and of Himself, all perfections, and being infinite in them all; and to Him all creatures owe the highest love, reverence and obedience. Genesis 1:1; 2:7; Exodus 3:14; 6:2-3; 15:11ff; 20:1ff; Leviticus 22:2; Deuteronomy 6:4; 32:6; 1 Chronicles 29:10; Psalms 19:1-3; Isaiah 43:3,15; 64:8; Jeremiah 10:10; 17:13; Matthew 6:9ff; 7:11; 23:9; Mark 1:9-11; John 4:24; 5:26 14:6-13; 17:1-8; Acts 1:7; Romans 8:14-15; Ephesians 4:6; Colossians 1:15; Hebrews 11:6.
God is revealed to us as Father, Son and Holy Spirit each with distinct personal attributes, but without division of nature, essence or being. Psalms 2:7ff; 110:1ff; Isaiah 7:14; Isaiah 53; Matthew 1:18-23; 3:17; John 1:1-18,29; Hebrews 1:1-3; Genesis 1:2; Psalm 51:11; Matthew 1:18; John 4:24; Ephesians 1:13-14; 1 John 4:13; 5:6-7; Acts 5:3-4.
3. Creation
The biblical account of the creation of the physical universe, angels, and man is neither allegory nor myth, but a literal, historical account of the direct, immediate creative acts of God without any evolutionary process. This creation took place in six literal days. There is no gap or great period of time between Genesis 1:1 and 1:2. Man was created by a direct work of God and not from previously existing forms of life. All men are descended from the historical Adam and Eve, first parents of the entire human race. Genesis 1:1-31; 5:3.
4. Providence.
God from eternity, decrees all things that come to pass, and perpetually upholds, directs and governs all creatures and all events; yet so as not to destroy the responsibility of intelligent creatures. Hebrews 1:3; Daniel 4:34-35; Psalms 135:6; Proverbs 15:3; Matthew 10:29-31; Acts 17:25-28; Romans 1:24,26,28; James 1:13,14,17.
5. The Fall of Man.
In the beginning God created man in His own image, and free from sin; but, through the temptation of Satan, he transgressed the command of God, and fell from his original holiness and righteousness; whereby his posterity inherit a nature corrupt and wholly opposed to God and His law, are under condemnation, and as soon as they are capable of moral action, become actual transgressors. Genesis 1:26-30; Genesis 3; Psalms 51:5; Jeremiah 17:5; Matthew 16:26; Romans 1:19-32; 3:23; Ephesians 2:1-22; Colossians 3:9-11.
6. The Mediator.
Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God, is the divinely appointed mediator between God and man. Having taken upon Himself human nature, yet without sin, He perfectly fulfilled the Law, suffered and died upon the cross for the salvation of His people. He was buried, and rose again the third day, and ascended to His Father, at whose hand He ever liveth to make intercession for His people. He is the only Mediator, the Prophet, Priest and King of the Church, and Sovereign of the Universe. Psalms 2:7ff; Mark 1:1; Luke 1:35; John 1:1-18; Acts 1:9; 1 Corinthians 1:30; Ephesians 1:20; Hebrews 1:1-8; 1 Tim 2:5; 1 Peter 2:24.
7. Election.
Election is God's eternal choice of some persons unto everlasting life -- not because of foreseen merit in them, but of His mere mercy in Christ -- in consequence of which choice they are called, justified and glorified. Exodus 33:19; Deuteronomy 7:6,7; Psalms 33:12; 65:4; Matthew 11:27; 22:14; 24:22,24,31; Luke 18:7; John 15:16; Romans 8:28-30; 8:33; 9:11-13,16; 10:20; 1Corinthians 1:27-29; Ephesians 1:4,5,11; 2:10; Revelation 13:8; 17:8.
8. Regeneration.
Regeneration is a change of heart, wrought by the Holy Spirit, who quickeneth the dead in trespasses and sins enlightening their minds spiritually and savingly to understand the Word of God, and renewing their whole nature, so that they love and practice holiness. It is a work of God's free and special grace alone. Regeneration is a necessary antecedent to saving faith in Christ. Ezekiel 36:26-27; John 1:12-13; John 3:3-8; 1 Corinthians 2:10-14; 6:11; Ephesians 2:5,10; Titus 3:5-6.
9. Repentance.
Repentance is a work of grace, wherein a person being, by the Holy Spirit, made sensible of the manifold evil of his sin, humbleth himself for it, with godly sorrow, detestation of it, and self-abhorrence, with a purpose and endeavor to walk before God so as to please Him in all things. Matthew 5:3-6; Acts 5:31; 2 Corinthians 7:10-11; 2 Timothy 2:25-26.
10. Faith.
Saving faith is the belief, on God's authority, of whatsoever is revealed in His Word concerning Christ; accepting and resting upon Him alone for justification and eternal life. It is wrought in the heart by the Holy Spirit, and is accompanied by all other saving graces, and leads to a life of holiness. Acts 13:48; 16:14; 1 Corinthians 4:7; Ephesians 2:8-9; Philippians 1:29.
11. Justification.
Justification is God's gracious and full acquittal of sinners, who believe in Christ, from all sin, through the satisfaction that Christ has made; not for anything wrought in them or done by them; but on account of the obedience and satisfaction of Christ, they receiving and resting on Him and His righteousness by faith. John 6:35-40; Romans 3:24, 5:14-18; 1 Corinthians 1:30; Galatians 3:13; Colossians 1:13-14; Titus 3:5-6; Hebrews 9:12; 1Peter 2:24.
12. Sanctification.
Those who have been regenerated are also sanctified, by God's word and Spirit dwelling in them. This sanctification is progressive through the supply of Divine strength, which all saints seek to obtain, pressing after a heavenly life in cordial obedience to all Christ's commands. 1 Corinthians 1:30; Ephesians 1:3,5:25-26; Titus 2:14; Hebrews 12:6-11;1John 1:7.
13. Perseverance of the Saints.
Those whom God hath accepted in the Beloved, and sanctified by His Spirit, will never totally nor finally fall away from the state of grace, but shall certainly persevere to the end; and though they may fall, through neglect and temptation, into sin, whereby they grieve the Spirit, impair their graces and comforts, bring reproach on the Church, and temporal judgments on themselves, yet they shall be renewed again unto repentance, and be kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation. Matthew 18:12-14; John 3:16; John 6:35-40; 10:27-30; Romans 8:29-30,35-39; 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24; 1 John 2:19, 5:4.
14. The Church.
The Lord Jesus is the Head of the Church, which is composed of all His true disciples, and in Him is invested supremely all power for its government. According to His commandment, Christians are to associate themselves into particular societies or churches; and to each of these churches He hath given needful authority for administering that order, discipline and worship which He hath appointed. The regular officers of a Church are Overseers, or Elders, and Deacons. Matthew 16:15-19; Acts 2:41-42,47; Ephesians 1:22-23; Colossians 1:18; Titus 1:5-9; 1Timothy 3:1-15; 1 Peter 5:1-4.
15. Baptism.
Baptism is an ordinance of the Lord Jesus, obligatory upon every believer, wherein he is immersed in water in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, as a sign of his fellowship with the death and resurrection of Christ, of remission of sins, and of his giving himself up to God, to live and walk in newness of life. Matthew 28:19-20; Mark 1:4-11; Acts 2:38-41, 8:36-38; Romans 6:3-5.
16. The Lord's Supper.
The Lord's Supper is an ordinance of Jesus Christ, to be administered with the elements of bread and fruit of the vine in the context of a meal, and to be observed and celebrated by His churches till the end of the world. It is in no sense a sacrifice, but is designed to commemorate His death, to anticipate His return and the wedding supper of the Lamb, to serve as a reminder of God’s covenant promises, to confirm the faith and other graces of Christians, and to be a bond, pledge and renewal of their communion with Him, and of their church fellowship. Matthew 26:26-30; Mark 14:22-26; Luke 22:15-20; 1 Corinthians 11:23-29.
17. The Lord's Day.
The Lord's Day is a Christian institution for regular observance, and should be employed in exercises of worship and spiritual devotion, both public and private. Exodus 20:8-11; Matthew 12:1-12; Mark 2:27-28; Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 16:1-2; Colossians 2:16; Revelation 1:10.
18. Liberty of Conscience.
God alone is Lord of the conscience; and He hath left it free from the doctrines and commandments of men, which are in anything contrary to His word, or not contained in it. Civil magistrates being ordained of God, subjection in all lawful thing commanded by them ought to be yielded by us in the Lord, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. Matthew 6:6-7; John 8:36; Acts 4:19-20; Romans 13:1-7; Galatians 5:1,13; Philippians 3:20; James 4:12.
19. The Resurrection.
The bodies of men after death return to dust, but their spirits return immediately to God -- the righteous to rest with Him; the wicked to be reserved under darkness to the judgment. At the last day, the bodies of all the dead, both just and unjust, will be raised. Job 19:26-27; Luke 16:23; John 5:28-29; 1 Corinthians 15:42; Jude 6.
20. The Judgment.
God hath appointed a day, when every one shall receive according to his deeds; the wicked shall go into everlasting punishment; the righteous, into everlasting life. Ecclesiastes 12:14; Matthew 12:36-37; Mark 13:35-37; Acts 17:31; Romans 14:10; 1 Corinthians 6:3; Revelation 22:20.