Statement of Faith
Concerning the Scriptures
We believe that the Bible, consisting of the 39 books of the Old Testament and the 27 books of the New Testament, is the written Word of God; that it was written by men under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit and is without error in the original manuscripts; 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 only sufficient, certain and authoritative rule of all saving knowledge, faith, and obedience.
2 Tim 3:15-17; 2 Pet 1:19-21; 2 Thes 3:14; 1 Cor 14:37; Matt 22:29; Titus 1:1-3; 1 John 4:6; Prov 30:5-6; Heb 1:1; Heb 4:12-13
Of the Old Testament: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, Joshua, Judges, Ruth, I Samuel, II Samuel, I Kings, II Kings, I Chronicles, II Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, The Song of Solomon, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, Daniel, Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi
Of the New Testament: Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, The Acts of the Apostles, Romans, I Corinthians, II Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, I Thessalonians, II Thessalonians, I Timothy, II Timothy, Titus, Philemon, Hebrews, James, I Peter, II, Peter, I John, II John, III John, Jude, Revelation
Concerning the True God
We believe that there is one, and only one, living and true God--the Maker, Preserver and Ruler of heaven and earth; inexpressibly glorious in holiness, infinite in being and perfections, 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 Spirit; co-eternal and co-equal in every divine perfection without division of nature, essence, or being; yet they execute distinct but harmonious offices in the work of creation, providence, and redemption.
Deut 6:4-5; John 4:24; 1 Cor 8:6; Jer 10:10; 1 Tim 1:17; Matt 28:19; Eph. 1:3-14; 2 Cor 13:14; John 1:1-2; John 1:14; John 1:18; John 15:26; Rev 4:11; Exod 34:6-7; Num 23:19; Psalm 90:2; Isaiah 6:3; Acts 5:3-4; 2 Cor 3:17-18; Gal 4:4-5; Heb 1:3; Col 1:17
Concerning Providence
We believe that God, from eternity, decrees--either by causing or permitting--all things that come to pass, and perpetually upholds, directs and governs all creatures and all events; yet so as not in any way to be the author or approver of sin nor to destroy the will and responsibility of intelligent creatures.
Isaiah 46:10; Eph 1:11; Acts 4:27-28; Dan 4:34-35; Psalm 115:3; Isaiah 10:5-12; Rom 8:28; Prov 21:1; Deut 32:39; Isaiah 45:7
Concerning Election
We believe that election is God’s eternal choice of some persons in Christ unto everlasting life, not because of any foreseen faith, or good works, or perseverance in them, but because of his free grace and love, in accordance with his immutable and eternal purpose and the good pleasure of his will; in consequence of which they are called, justified, and glorified; that it is perfectly consistent with the free will of man, comprehending all the means in connection with the end; 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.
Eph 1:4-5; Matt 11:27; John 6:37; John 6:39-40; John 6:44; John 6:65; John 10:26; John 17:9; Rom 9:11; Rom 9:14-18; Rom 8:28-30; 2 Tim 1:9; Rom 11:33-36; Deut 7:7-9
Concerning Humanity and the Family
We believe that God created Adam and Eve, the first human beings, in his own image, equal before God as persons, and distinct as male and female; that divinely ordained differences between male and female reflect God’s original creation design, and are wonderful, unchangeable, and meant for human good and flourishing; furthermore, we believe marriage, as an image of the gospel, is an exclusive, lifelong covenant union between one man and one woman. We believe that children, from the moment of conception, are a blessing and inheritance from the Lord; that parents are to patiently lead their children in the ways of Christ by intentional instruction, gracious discipline, and consistent example based on biblical truth; and that children are to honor and obey their parents for the glory of God and their ultimate good.
Gen 1:26-28; Gen 2:15-25; Exo 20:14; Lev 18:22; Prov 5:1-23; Prov 6:20-35; Matt 5:27–30; Matt 19:4-12; Rom 1:26-27; 1 Cor. 6:9–11; 1 Cor 6:18-20; Eph 5:31–32; 1 Thess 4:3-8; 1 Tim 1:9-10; Heb 13:4; Psalm 127:3-5; Eph 6:1-4; Eph 5:22-28; Deu 6:7; Psalm 139:13-14
Concerning Humanity and the Fall of Man
We believe that God created Man in his own image, and originally free from sin; but through the temptation of Satan, Man voluntarily transgressed the command of God, and fell from his original holiness and righteousness; in consequence of which all mankind are now sinners, having inherited a nature corrupt and wholly opposed to God and his law, and are under just condemnation to eternal ruin, without defense or excuse.
Gen 1:27; Gen 3:13; Rom 5:12-19; Rom 3:23; Gen 6:5; Rom 3:10-19; Eph 2:3; Rom 8:7-8; 1 Cor 2:14; Psalm 51:4-5
Concerning the Mediator
We believe that the salvation of sinners is entirely of grace, and is accomplished through Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God; who is the divinely appointed Mediator between God and man; who without sin took upon Himself human nature and perfectly fulfilled the divine law; who by his substitutionary death upon the cross made a full atonement for the sins of His people thereby satisfying the wrath of God; and who rose from the dead and ascended to His Father, at whose right hand He now sits enthroned, ever living to make intercession for His people. He is the only Mediator, the Prophet, Priest, and King of the Church, and is therefore in every way qualified to be a suitable, a compassionate, and an all-sufficient Savior.
Isaiah 53; Lev 17:11; 1 Tim 2:5; Eph 2:8-9; John 3:16; Eph 1:7; Titus 3:5-7; 1 Tim 1:15; Heb 2:7; John 1:14; Phil 2:7-11; 1 John 2:2; 1 John 4:10; Rom 3:25; Col 1:20; Heb 8:6-13; Rom 8:2-4; Heb 1:3; Matt 5:17-18; Heb 7:25; Gal 3:13; Deut 21:22-23
Concerning Regeneration
We believe that, in order to be saved, sinners must be regenerated, or born again; that regeneration is a change of heart, brought about by the Holy Spirit, who brings the spiritually dead to life, enlightening their minds to understand the Word of God, and renewing their whole nature so that they voluntarily love and practice holiness; that it is a work of God’s free and special grace alone; and that its proper evidence appears in the holy fruits of repentance and faith, and newness of life.
Ezk 36:25-27; Deu 30:6; Jer 31:33-34; John 3:3-7; 2 Cor 4:6; Titus 3:5; 1 Peter 1:3; 2 Cor 5:17; Eph 2:1-5; 1 Peter 1:22-23; Gal 5:16-24; Matt 3:8-10; 1 John 5:18
Concerning Repentance and Faith
We believe that repentance and faith is the right and required response to the gospel. They are sacred duties, and inseparable graces, brought about in our souls by the regenerating Spirit of God; that repentance is an evangelical grace, wherein a person being deeply convinced by the Holy Spirit of his guilt, danger, and helplessness, and of the way of salvation by Christ, turns to God with sincere contrition, humbles himself with godly sorrow, and in faith commits to walk before God so as to please Him in all things; and that saving faith is also an evangelical grace, whereby a person believes, on God’s authority, whatsoever is revealed in His Word concerning Christ– accepting, relying, and resting upon Him alone for justification and eternal life; that the whole of the Christian life is to be marked by faith and repentance as is fitting unto the Lordship of Christ
Isaiah 55:7; Ezk 14:5-7; Joel 2:12-13; Hab 2:4; Zech 1:2-6; Mark 1:15; Acts 11:18; Ephesians 2:8; Acts 2:38; Acts 19:4; 2 Tim 2:25-26; Rom 10:14; John 1:12; Gal 2:20; Acts 16:31; Rom 10:9-11; Acts 2:37-38; 2 Cor 7:10
Concerning Justification
We believe that the great Gospel blessing which Christ secures to those who believe in Him is justification; that justification is God’s gracious and full acquittal of sinners wherein He pardons our guilt and considers us righteous in Christ; that it is bestowed through faith alone in Jesus Christ, not in consideration of anything in us or done by us, but solely on account of His substitutionary death on the cross, and on the basis of His perfect righteousness, which is freely imputed to us by God; and that it brings us into a state of most blessed peace and favor with God, and secures every other blessing needful for this age and the age to come.
Gen 15:6; Hab 2:4; Lev 17:11; Rom 3:24; Rom 8:30; Rom 4:5-8; Rom 4:4-5; Rom 5:1; Rom 5:9; Phil 3:7-9; Col 1:21-22; Col 2:14; Gal 2:16; 2 Cor 5:21; 1 Cor 1:30
Concerning 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 faith and repentance; 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 invokes a more severe condemnation.
Titus 2:11; Matt 11:28; John 7:37-38; John 1:12; Matt 23:37-38; John 5:40; John 3:18; Acts 17:30; Matt 11:20-22; 2 Thess 1:6-10; 1 Peter 4:17
Concerning Sanctification
We believe that sanctification is the process by which, according to the will of God, we are conformed to the image of Christ; that it is a progressive work; that it is begun in regeneration; and that it is carried on for the duration of life 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, the communion of the saints, the administration of ordinances, self-examination, self-denial, watchfulness, and prayer.
Psalm 1; Joshua 1:8; Psalm 19:7-11; Psalm 5:1-3; 1 Thess 5:23; 2 Cor 7:1; Eph 1:4; Phil 2:12-13; 2 Cor 3:18; 2 Peter 1:5-8; Phil 1:9-11; 3:12-16; Eph 1:13-14; Rom 6:12-14; Gal 5:24; Acts 2:42; Acts 20:32; John 17:17; Eph 4:9-16; 1 Peter 2:2; Luke 9:23; 2 Cor 13:5; Eph 4:20-24; Col 3:1-17
Concerning the Perseverance of the Saints
We believe that those whom God has accepted in Christ, effectively called and sanctified by his Holy Spirit, will never totally nor finally fall away from the state of grace, but shall certainly persevere to the end and be eternally saved; that their persevering attachment to Christ is the grand mark which distinguishes them from superficial professors; that a special providence watches over their welfare; and that 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; that their perseverance depends not upon their will, but upon the immutability of the decree of election, flowing from the free and unchangeable love of God the Father, upon the efficacy of the merit and intercession of Jesus Christ and union with him, and upon the Spirit’s sealing and abiding presence, the guarantee of their inheritance.
Jer 32:40-41; Isaiah 55:3; Mal 3:6; Phil 1:6; 2 Tim 2:19; 1 John 2:19; Rom 8:30; Rom 5:9-10; Heb 6:17-18; John 8:31; 1 John 3:9; 1 John 5:18; Mark 13:13; 1 Peter 1:3-9; Jude 24-25; 1 John 4:4; Eph 1:3-14; Rom 8:34; 1 Cor 5:5; Eph 4:30
Concerning the Church
We believe that all Christians are to join themselves to particular churches, according to Christ’s commandment; that a visible church of Christ is a congregation of baptized believers, bound together by covenant in the faith and fellowship of the Gospel, and exercising the various gifts given them by the Holy Spirit for the building up of the church; that it is identified by the accurate preaching of God’s Word, the right administration of Christ’s ordinances, and the faithful exercise of discipline over its members; and that its only scriptural officers are Elders or Pastors, and Deacons, whose qualifications and duties are defined in Scripture.
Acts 2:41-47; Matt 16:13-20; Matt 18:15-20; Matt 28:18-20; Acts 6:1-6; Acts 11:26; Acts 14:23; Acts 20:28; Rom 16:1; 1 Cor 1:2; 1 Cor 5:4-5; 1 Cor 5:12-13; 1 Cor 11:25-26; 2 Cor 2:6-8; Eph 3:10; Eph 4:1-6; Eph 4:11-16; 1 Tim 3:1-13; 1 Tim 4:13; 1 Tim 5:17; Titus 1:5-9; Heb 10:23-25; Heb 13:7, 17; 1 Peter 5:1-5; Rev 5:9; Heb 12:23; Col 1:18; 1 Cor 12; Rom 12:3-8
Concerning Baptism
We believe that baptism is an ordinance of the Lord Jesus Christ, obligatory upon every believer, wherein he is baptized by immersion in water in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit; that it is to show forth in a solemn and beautiful emblem our faith in the crucified, buried, and risen Savior, and our death to sin and resurrection to a new life; that it is an act of incorporation into the visible community of faith; that its only proper subjects are those who profess repentance towards God, and faith in and obedience to the Lord Jesus; and that, as a church ordinance, it is prerequisite to the privileges of church membership, and to the Lord's Supper.
Matt 28:19; Rom 6:3-5; Gal 3:27; Acts 2:41; Acts 8:12; Acts 18:8; Exo 12:48; Col 2:11-12; Eph 4:5-6; Acts 8:36-38; Acts 16:14-15, 30-34; 1 Pet 3:20-21
Concerning the Lord’s Supper
We believe that the Lord’s Supper is an ordinance of the Lord Jesus Christ, to be observed by his churches until the end of the world; that, as a church ordinance, it is to be observed corporately by the eating of bread and the drinking of the cup; and that it is in no sense a sacrifice, but is designed to commemorate His death, to spiritually nourish and grow the body, to confirm the faith of Christians, and to be a bond, pledge, and renewal of their communion with Him and of their church fellowship.
Matt 26:26-29; Mark 14:22-25; Luke 22:14-20; John 6:53-58; Acts 20:7; 1 Cor 10:16-17; 1 Cor 11:17-29
Concerning the Lord’s Day
We believe that the first day of the week is the Lord's Day; that it is a Christian institution for regular observance; that it commemorates the resurrection of Christ from the dead and is a preparation for and foretaste of the rest that awaits the people of God; and that it is to be kept sacred to religious purposes by the devout observance of all the means of grace, both public and private.
Matt 28:1; John 20:1; Acts 20:7; 1 Cor 16:2; Heb 10:24-25; Rev 1:10; 1 Tim 4:13; 2 Tim 4:2; Col 3:16; Eph 5:19; Matt 28:19-20; 1 Cor 11:26
Concerning Liberty of Conscience
We believe that God alone is Lord of the conscience, and He has left it free from the doctrines and commandments of men, which are in anything contrary to His word, or not contained in it.
Rom 14; 1 Cor 10:23-33; Col 2:16-23; 1 Tim 4:3-4; Matt 15:1-9
Concerning the Civil Government
We believe that civil government is of divine appointment, for the interests and good order of human society; and that officials 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 Ruler of the kings of the earth.
Gen 9:5-6; 2 Sam 23:3-4; Psalm 2:2-6; Mark 12:13-17; Rom 13:1-7; 1 Tim 2:1-3; Titus 3:1; 1 Peter 2:13-17; Rev 19:16
Concerning the Resurrection and the World To Come
We believe that death is not the end; that though the bodies of men after death return to dust, their spirits live on, the righteous departing immediately to be with the Lord, and the wicked to be reserved under darkness to the judgment; that God has appointed a day wherein he will judge the world in righteousness, by Jesus Christ; that on that day Christ will descend from heaven and raise the dead, both righteous and wicked, from the grave to final judgment; that a solemn separation will then take place which will fix forever the final state of men, the wicked being sentenced to everlasting conscious punishment in hell, and the righteous to everlasting life and joy in the new heavens and the new earth.
Ecc 12:7; 2 Cor 5:1-8; Phil 1:21-23; Heb 12:23; Jude 6-7; 1 Cor 15:51-52; 1 Thess 4:13-18; John 5:29; Phil 3:21; Acts 17:31; John 5:22; 2 Cor 5:10; Matt 25:46; 2 Thess 1:5-10; Dan 12:2; Matt 13:36-50; Matt 24:31-46; Mark 9:43-48; John 3:36; John 4:36; John 6:40, Acts 1:11, Acts 3:21; Rev 20:11-15; Rev 21-22:5