THE SCRIPTURES
We believe that the Holy Bible was written by men divinely inspired and is a perfect treasure of heavenly instruction. (Jeremiah 36:2, 2 Timothy 3:16, 2 Peter 1:21)
The Bible has God for it’s author, salvation for its end, and (John 20:31, Romans 1:16, 1 John 5:13) truth without any mixture of error for its matter. (1 Kings 8:56, Ezekiel 12:25, Psalm 19:7)
The Bible reveals 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. (Matthew 24:35, 1 Peter 1:25, Isaiah 2:3)
THE TRUE GOD
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.
In the unity of Godhead there are three persons: The Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit, equal in every divine perfection and executing distinct but harmonious offices in the great work of redemption. (Matthew 28:19, John 14:16-17, Revelations 1:4-6)
THE FALL OF MAN
We believe the Scriptures teach that man was created in holiness, under the law of his Maker, but by voluntary transgressions, fell from that holy and happy state.
In consequence, of which all mankind are now sinners, not by constraint but by 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. (Genesis 1:26, Romans 5:12, 1 Corinthians 15:21-23)
THE WAY OF SALVATION
We believe that the scriptures teach that the salvation of sinners is wholly of grace. Through 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 by His death made a full atonement for our sins.
That having risen from the dead, He is now enthroned in heaven, and uniting in this wonderful person the most tender sympathies with divine perfection. He is now in every way qualified to be suitable, compassionate, and all-sufficient Savior. (Matthew 1:21, John 3:16, Hebrews 2:3-10, 5:8-9)
JUSTIFICATION
We believe that the scriptures teach that the great gospel blessing, which Christ secures to such as believe in Him, is justification. Justification includes the pardon of sin, and the promise of eternal life on principles of righteousness. Justification is bestowed, not in consideration of works of righteousness, which we have done, but solely through faith in the Redempter’s blood.
By faith Jesus’ perfect righteousness is freely imparted to us of God, bringing us into a state of most blessed peace and favor with God, and secures every blessing needful for time and eternity. (1 Corinthians 1:30, Romans 3:24-26, 8:28, Titus 3:4-8)
THE FREENESS OF SALVATION
We believe that the scriptures teach that the blessings of salvation are made free to all by the gospel.
It is the immediate duty of all to accept scripture by cordial, penitent and obedient faith. Nothing prevents the salvation of the greatest sinner on earth but his own determined depravity and voluntary rejection of the gospel resulting in an aggravated state of condemnation. (1 John 5:1, John 3:16, Romans 4:4-8)
REGENERATION
We believe that the Scriptures teach that in order to be saved, sinners must be regenerated or “born again.”
Regeneration consists in giving a holy disposition to the mind. 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, faith and newness of life. (John 3:3-13, 1 Peter 1:23, Titus 3:5.)
REPENTANCE AND FAITH
We believe that the Scriptures teach that repentance and faith are sacred duties, and also inseparable graces, wrought in our souls by the regenerating Spirit of God.
Being convinced of our guilt, danger, 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. We rely on Him alone as the only All-Sufficient Savior. (2 Corinthians 7:9-10, Psalm 51, Acts 26:20)
GOD’S PURPOSE OF GRACE
We believe the Scriptures teach that election is the eternal purpose of God. According to which He graciously regenerates, sanctifies, and saves sinners. Grace is a most glorious display of God’s sovereign goodness, being infinitely free, wise, holy and unchangeable. Grace excludes boasting and promotes humility, love, prayer, praise, and trust in God. Grace is the foundation of Christian assurance. (Ephesians 2:4-5, Romans 5:1-20, 6:14, Colossians 2:9-10)
SANCTIFICATION
We believe the Scriptures teach that sanctification is the process by which, according to the will of God, we are made partakers of His holiness. Sanctification is a progressive work. It is begun in regeneration, and is carried on in the hearts of believers by the presence and power of the Holy Spirit, the Sealer, and Comforter. Sanctification is a continuous process through the Word of God, self-examination, self-denial, watchfulness, and prayer. (2 Timothy 2:21, Hebrews 13:12, Ephesians 4:17-24)
PERSEVERANCE OF SAINTS
We believe the Scriptures teach that persevering saints are the real believers who endure to the end. Saints’/Christians’ persevering attachment to Jesus Christ is the grand mark which distinguishes them from superficial professors.
A special providence watches over the welfare of Christians. Christians are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation. (John 17:9, James 1:12, Revelation 3:10-12)
THE LAW AND THE GOSPEL
We believe that Scriptures teach that the Law of God is the eternal and unchangeable rule of His moral government.
Scripture is holy, just, and good. Fallen man’s inability to fulfill biblical precepts arises entirely from the love of sin. To deliver man from sin and to restore him 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. (Romans 3:20, 5:20, 7:7, Galatians 3:19-24, 1 Timothy 1:9)
A GOSPEL CHURCH
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.
A Gospel Church’s 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, 4:4, 5:14, 6:7, 11:21, Ephesians 1:22)
BAPTISM AND THE LORD’S SUPPER
We believe the Scriptures teach that Christian baptism is the immersion in water of a believer, in the name of the Father, and Son, and Holy Ghost. Baptism symbolizes our faith in the crucified, buried, and risen Savior with its effect in our death to sin and resurrection to a new life. Baptism is prerequisite to the privileges of a church relation and the Lord’s Supper in which the members of the church by sacred use of bread and wine are to commemorate together the dying love of Christ: preceded always by solemn, self-examination. (Romans 6:3-5, Colossians 2:11-12, Lord’s Supper: Matthew 26:26-29)
THE CHRISTIAN SABBATH
We believe the Scriptures teach that the first day of the week is the Lord’s day, or Christian Sabbath, and is to be kept sacred to religious purpose by 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. (Mark 16:9, John 20:19, Acts 20:7)
CIVIL GOVERNMENT
We believe the Scriptures teach that civil government is of divine appointment for the interest and good order of human society and that magistrates are to be prayed for conscientiously, honored and obeyed.
Exception: Opposition 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. (Matthew 22:21, Romans 13:1, 1 Peter 2:13-14)
RIGHTEOUS AND WICKED
We believe the Scriptures teach that there is a radical and essential difference between the righteous and the wicked.
Righteous individuals through faith are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and sanctified by the Spirit of our God. Individuals who choose not to repent and to continue in their unbelief are in his sight wicked and under the curse. This distinction holds among men both in and after death. (Job 36:7, Isaiah 3:10-11, Romans 1:18)
THE WORLD TO COME
We believe the Scriptures teach that the end of the world is approaching and that at the last day, Christ will descend from heaven and raise the dead from the grave for a final retribution, and that a solemn separation will then take place. The wicked will be adjudged to endless punishment. The righteous will be adjudged to endless joy. This judgment will fix forever the final state of men in heaven or hell, based on principles of righteousness. (Matthew 25:31-32, Jude 14-15, Isaiah 2:12-21)