We believe that the Holy Bible was written by men divinely inspired, and is 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 shall be tried.
2 Tim. 3:16-17 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. (John 1:1 – In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God); Det. 4:2; Rev. 22:19; Titus 1:2 In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promise before the world began.
We believe the Scriptures teach 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 but harmonious offices in the great work of redemption.
John 4:24-God is Spirit; Ps. 147:5-His understanding is infinite; Ps. 83:18-Thou, whose name is Jehovah, art the Most High over all the earth; John 6:44-No man can come unto to me, except through the Godhead (I John 5:7); Ps. 19:1 He created heaven; Ps. 139:7-10-He is omnipresent; John 8:36-The Son shall make you free; Eph. 4:30-Ye are sealed unto … redemption.
We believe the Scriptures teach 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; 1:31-God created man in His own image; I Thes. 5:23-… God sanctify you and I pray God your spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto our Lord Jesus Christ; Gen. 3:6-24- Adam made a choice (I John 3:4; Rom. 4:15); Rom. 1:20; 5:12, 19-All men are now sinners and without excuse; Rom. 3:23- All have sinned and come short of the glory and (6:23) the wages of sin is death, but God’s gift is eternal life through Jesus Christ (5:8), who died for us, (10:9-10) -We must confess with thy mouth and believe in our heart God has raised Him from the dead and (6:4) through baptism we may walk in newness of life.
We believe the Scriptures teach that Election 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.
John 3:16-For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life; 2 Thes. 2:13-14-But we are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God from the beginning chosen you for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief of the truth: whereunto He called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 13:48; John 10:16; Mat. 20:16; Acts 15:14). 2 Tim. 1:8-9-Salvation is not because of your own work … but according to God’s own purpose and grace, which was given to us in Christ Jesus before the world began (Eph. 1:3-14; 1 Pet. 1:1-2; Rom. 11:5-6; John15:16; 1 John 4:19). Eph. 2:8-9-For by grace are ye saved through faith … it is the gift of God; Rom. 3:24-Being justified freely by his grace … that is in Christ Jesus; Acts 16:31-… Believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved; 2 Pet. 1:10-Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall (Phil. 3:12; Heb. 6:11).
We believe the Scriptures teach that the salvation of sinners is wholly of grace, through the mediatorial offices of the Son of God; who according to the will of the Father, assumed 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 tenderest sympathies with divine perfections, he is every way qualified to be a suitable, a compassionate, and an all-sufficient Savior.
Eph. 2:8-By grace ye are saved; Mat. 3:17-God claimed his Son and was well pleased; Mat. 20:17-19-Christ’s ultimate gift of life to us; Heb. 8:1-He sits on the throne of the Majesty in the heavens; 1 Cor. 5:7-Christ is our sacrifice and died for us; 1 Tim. 6:15-He is the King of King; Acts 4:12-Salvation in Jesus.
We believe the Scriptures teach that regeneration, or the new birth, is that change wrought in the soul by the Holy Spirit, by which a new nature and a spiritual life, not before possessed, are imparted, and the person becomes a new creation in Christ Jesus; a holy disposition is given to the mind; the will is subdued, the dominion of sin broken, and the affections changed from a love of sin and self, to a love of holiness and God, the change is instantaneous, effected solely by the power of God, in a manner incomprehensible to reason; the evidence of it is found in a change disposition of mind, the fruits of righteousness, and the newness of life. And without it salvation is impossible.
John 3:3-Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God (John 3:6-7; 1 Cor. 1:14; Rev. 14:3; 21:27); 2 Cor. 5:17-Anyone who belongs to Christ is a new person. The past is forgotten and everything is new (Ezek. 36:26; det. 30:6; Rom. 2:28-29; 5:5; 1 John 4:7); Rom. 12:2-Don’t be like the people of this world, but let God change the way you think; John 3:8-Only God’s Spirit gives new life. The Spirit is like the wind that blows wherever it wants to. You can hear it, but you don’t know where it comes from or where it is going; John 3:5-Before you get into God’s Kingdom, you must be born not only by water, but by the Spirit.
We believe the Scriptures teach that repentance is a personal act, prompted by the Spirit; and consists in a godly sorrow for sin, as offensive to God and ruinous to the soul; that it is accompanied with great humiliation in view of one’s sin and guilt, together with prayer for pardon; also by a sincere hatred for sin, and persistent turning away from, and abandonment of, all that is evil and unholy. Since none are sinless in this life, repentance needs to be often repeated.
2 Cor. 7:10-When god makes you feel sorry enough to turn to him and be saved, you don’t have anything to feel bad about. But when this world makes you feel sorry, it can cause your death. 1 John 1:9-But if we confess our sins to God, he can always be trusted to forgive us and take our sins away.John 3:3-Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God (John 3:6-7; 1 Cor. 1:14; Rev. 14:3; 21:27); 2 Cor. 5:17-Anyone who belongs to Christ is a new person. The past is forgotten and everything is new (Ezek. 36:26; det. 30:6; Rom. 2:28-29; 5:5; 1 John 4:7); Rom. 12:2-Don’t be like the people of this world, but let God change the way you think; John 3:8-Only God’s Spirit gives new life. The Spirit is like the wind that blows wherever it wants to. You can hear it, but you don’t know where it comes from or where it is going; John 3:5-Before you get into God’s Kingdom, you must be born not only by water, but by the Spirit.
We believe the Scriptures teach that faith, as an evangelical grace wrought by the Spirit, is the medium through which Christ is received by the soul as its sacrifice and Savior. It is as assent of the mind and a consent of the heart, consisting mainly of belief and trust; the testimony of God is implicitly accepted and believed as true, while Christ is unreservedly trusted for salvation; by it the believer is brought into vital relations with God, freely justified, and lives as seeing him who is invisible. Faith cannot save, but it reveals Christ to the soul as a willing and sufficient Savior, and commits the heart and life to him.
Eph. 2:8-You were saved by faith in God, who treats us much better than we deserve. This is God’s gift to you, and not anything you have done on your own; Acts 16:29-31- Faith is necessary to believe and have trust in God (Heb. 11); Luke 17:5-must have unceasing faith; (Rom. 10:17; Gal. 5:6; James 2:17; 1 Joh. 5:4).
We believe the Scriptures teach 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.
Rom. 3:19-21 (Description)-Everything in the Law was written for those who are under it. This stops us from making excuses and let God show that the whole world is guilty. God doesn’t accept people simply because they obey the law – all the Law does is to point out our sins. Now we see how God does make us acceptable to him. The Law and the Prophets tell how we become acceptable (Acts 13:39; Isa. 53:11; Rom. 8:1); Rom. 4:1-25 (Illustration); Rom. 5:1-11(Benefits)-Peace with God, Joy in Tribulation, and Salvation from God’s Wrath; Rom. 5:12-21-Contrasts of Righteousness and Condemnation; Rom. 3:28 (Memory)-We see that people are acceptable to God because they obey the Law; Rom. 5:1 (Memory)- By faith we have been made acceptable to God. And now, because of our Lord Jesus Christ, we live at peace.
We believe the Scriptures teach that adoption is a gracious act, by which the Father, for the sake of Christ, accepts believers to the estate and condition of children, by a new and spiritual birth; sending the Spirit of adoption into their hearts, whereby they become members of the family of God, and entitled to all the rights, privileges, and promises of children; and if children, then heirs, heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Jesus Christ, to the heritage of the saints on earth, and an inheritance reserved in heaven for them.
Gal. 4:4-5-God sent his son who obeyed the Law, so he could set us free from the Law, and we could become God’s children (1 Pet. 2:9; det 14:2); Eph. 1:5-God was kind and decided that Christ would choose us to be God’s own adopted children (predetermined); Rom. 8:14-16-Only those people who are led by God’s Spirit are his children. God’s Spirit doesn’t make us slaves where we are afraid of him. God’s Spirit makes us sure that we are his children.
We believe the Scriptures teach that regeneration, or the new birth, is that change wrought in the soul by the Holy Spirit, by which a new nature and a spiritual life, not before possessed, are imparted, and the person becomes a new creation in Christ Jesus; a holy disposition is given to the mind; the will is subdued, the dominion of sin broken, and the affections changed from a love of sin and self, to a love of holiness and God, the change is instantaneous, effected solely by the power of God, in a manner incomprehensible to reason; the evidence of it is found in a change disposition of mind, the fruits of righteousness, and the newness of life. And without it salvation is impossible.
John 3:3-Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God (John 3:6-7; 1 Cor. 1:14; Rev. 14:3; 21:27); 2 Cor. 5:17-Anyone who belongs to Christ is a new person. The past is forgotten and everything is new (Ezek. 36:26; det. 30:6; Rom. 2:28-29; 5:5; 1 John 4:7); Rom. 12:2-Don’t be like the people of this world, but let God change the way you think; John 3:8-Only God’s Spirit gives new life. The Spirit is like the wind that blows wherever it wants to. You can hear it, but you don’t know where it comes from or where it is going; John 3:5-Before you get into God’s Kingdom, you must be born not only by water, but by the Spirit.
We believe the Scriptures teach that such as are truly regenerate, being born of the Spirit, will not utterly fall away and finally perish, but will endure unto the end; that their perseverance attachment to Christ is the grand mark which distinguishes them from superficial professors; that a special Providence watches over their welfare; and they are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation.
Phil. 1:6-God is the one who began this good work in you, and I am certain that he won’t stop before it is complete on the day that Christ Jesus returns (Phil. 2:12-13; Jude 24-25; Heb. 1:14; 13:5; 1 John 4:4); John 6:39-And this is the Father’s will which hath sent me, that of all which he has given me I should not lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day; John 10:29-No one can take your salvation; 1 John 2:19-They came from our own group, yet they were not part of us. If they had been part of us, they would have stayed with us, But they left, which proves that they did not belong to our group (John 13:18; Mat. 13:20-21; John 6:66-69).
We believe the Scriptures teach that the Law of God is the eternal and unchangeable rule of his moral government; that it is holy, just, and good; and that the inability which the Scriptures ascribe to fallen men to fulfill its precepts arises entirely from their sinful nature; to deliver them from which, and to restore them through a Mediator to unfeigned obedience to the holy Law, is one great end of the Gospel, and of the means of grace connected with the establishment of the visible Church.
Rom. 7:12-The Law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just and good (Rom. 7:7, 14, 22; Gal. 3:21; Ps. 119); Rom. 3:19-23-Everything in the Law was written for those who are under it. This stops us from making excuses and let God show that the whole world is guilty. God doesn’t accept people simply because they obey the law – all the Law does is to point out our sins. Now we see how God does make us acceptable to him. The Law and the Prophets tell how we become acceptable. God treats everyone alike. He accepts people only because they have Faith in Jesus Christ. All of us have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory. Rom. 8:1-2- There is no condemnation if you walk in the Spirit; Rom. 3:31-We cannot void the Law merely because we believe in Jesus Christ (Mat. 5:17; Luke 16:17; Rom. 3:30; 4:15); 2 Cor. 5:17-Anyone who belongs to Christ is a new person. The past is forgotten and everything is new.
We believe the Scriptures teach 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.
Acts 2:41-42-When they that gladly received His word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls (2 Cor. 8:5; Acts 2:47; 1Cor.5:12-13); 1 Tim. 3- Qualifications of a Bishop or Pastor and Deacons (Phil. 1:1; Acts 14:23; Titus 1; Acts. 6:3.
We believe the Scriptures teach that Christian Baptism is the immersion in water of a believer in Christ, 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 Savior, 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.
Matt. 28:19-20- Baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost and teach them to do everything I have told you. I will be with you always, even until the end of the world (Acts 2:38,41; 8:36-39; 10:47-48; John 3:23; Gal. 3:27-28); Eph. 4:5-One Lord, one faith, one baptism (Mat. 3:13); Rom. 6:3-5-By being baptized in Christ Jesus, we also share in his death; therefore, we are buried with Him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, … we should walk in the newness of life and we will be raised to life with him (Col. 2:12; 1Pet. 3:20-21; Acts 22:16).
We believe the Scriptures teach that the Lord’s Supper is a provision of bread and wine, as symbols of Christ’s body and blood, partaken of by the members of the church, in commemorate of the suffering and death of their Lord; showing their faith and participation in the merits of his sacrifice, and their hope of eternal life through his resurrection from the dead; its observance to be preceded by faithful self-examination.
Mat. 26:26-29-The Lord’s Supper is instituted; 1 Cor. 11:26-28-For as often as you eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he comes. If you take the Lord’s supper in manner that is not worthy to Him, you are sinning against his body and blood. Therefore, let a man examine himself and so let him eat of that bread and drink of that cup (Mark 14;18-25; Luke22:14-23; 1 cor. 5;1; 8; 10:3-32; 11:17-32; John 6:26-71).
We believe the Scriptures teach that the first day of the week is the Lord’s Day; and is to be kept sacred to religious purposes, by abstaining from all secular labor, except works of mercy and necessity, 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-Upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them (Gen. 2:3; Col. 2:16-17; Mark 2:27; John 20:19; 1 Cor. 16;1-2); Acts 13:44-And the next sabbath day came almost the whole city together to hear the word of God (Ezek. 46:3); Heb. 4:3-11-Let us labor therefore to enter into that rest. Lev. 23:3- Six days shall work be done … (Lev. 23:32; Ex. 20:10; Jer. 17:21-22); Mat. 12:12 – How much better and more value is a man than a sheep! So it is lawful and allowable to do good on the Sabbath day (Luke 13:15,16).
We believe the Scriptures teach 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. But that civil rulers have no rights of control over, or of interference with, religious matters.
Rom. 13:1-10-The power that be are ordained by God. … For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil (Deut. 16:18; 2 Sam. 23;3; Ex. 18:21-23; Jer. 30:21; 1 Pet. 2:13-14; Dan. 10:13,20; Pro. 24:21); Mat. 22:21-Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s (Titus 3;1; 1 Pet. 2:13; 1 Tim. 3:1-3); Acts 5:29-We ought to obey God rather than men.
We believe the Scriptures teach 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.
Pro. 14:32-The wicked is driven away in his wickedness: but the righteous hath hope in his death (Luke 16:25; John 8:21-24; 12:25-26; Pro. 10:24; Luke 12:4-5; 9:23-26; Ecc. 3:17; Mat. 7:13-14); Rom. 1:17-The just shall live by faith (Rom. 6:18,22; 7:6; 1 John 2:29; 3:7; 1 Cor. 11:32; Pro. 11:31; 1 Pet. 4:17-18); Gal. 3:10-As many as are of the works of the law, are under the curse (John 3:36; Isa. 55:6-7; 57:21; Ps. 10:4).
We believe the Scriptures teach that the end of the world is approaching; that at the last day Christ will descend from heaven, 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 sorrow, 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-But the end of all things is at the hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer ( 1 Cor. 7:29-31; Heb. 1:10-12; Mat. 25:31; 28:20; 13:39-43; 1 John 2:17; 2 Peter 3:3-13; Acts 1:11); Acts 24:15-There shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and the unjust (1 Cor. 15:12-58; Luke 14:14; Dan. 12:2; John 5:28-29; 6:40; 11:25-26; Acts 10:42); Mat. 25:31-46-And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal (Rev. 20:11-15; 22:11; 2 Thes. 1:6-7).
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