A. The Scriptures
We believe that the Holy Bible as originally written was inspired of God in every word, and that the whole of it is the product of Spirit-controlled men. Therefore, it is the truth without error (II Tim. 3:16,17; II Pet. 1:19-21). We believe the Bible to be the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds, and opinions shall be tried.
B. The true God
We believe there is one living and true God. He is an infinite Spirit, the Maker and supreme Ruler of Heaven and earth, inexpressibly glorious in holiness, and worthy of all possible honor, confidence, and love (Ex. 20:2,3; I Cor. 8:6; Rev. 4:11). In the 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.
C. The Holy Spirit
1. We believe that the Holy Spirit is a divine person (Acts 5:3,4); that He was active in the creation (Gen. 1:1-3); that He convicts of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment (John 16: 8-11); that He bears witness to the truth of the Word (John 14:26); that He is the Agent in the new birth (John 3:5,6); that He seals, equips, sanctifies, and guides the believer (Eph. 1:13,14).
2. We believe that the Holy Spirit is sovereign in the granting of all His gifts. Due to controversy regarding spiritual gifts and the desire for unity among the believers we elect not to practice speaking in tongues in any of our meetings (Eph. 4:11,12; Heb. 2:3,4; II Cor. 12:12; I Cor. 13:8).
D. The Devil, or Satan
We believe God created Satan as a perfect being, with the power of choice, who fell because of pride (Ezek. 28:15; John 8:44). He hinders (I Thess. 2:18), tempts (Acts 5:3,4), and accuses (Rev. 12:9,10) the believer. Satan has demons who are able to directly influence world affairs, and even possess men. They may influence Christians but not possess them (Matt. 12:45; Eph. 6:12). As the enemy of God, Satan is the author of sin and accomplished the moral fall of the human race. He was judged at the Cross, and while yet active, his destiny is the lake of fire to which he will be consigned at the close of the millennium (Col. 2:15; Rev. 20:10).
E. Creation
We believe that God created the heavens and the earth, including all life, "each after its own kind," by direct act, and not the process of evolution (John 1:3; Gen. 1-2; Col. 1:16, 17).
F. The Fall of Man
We believe that man was created in the image and likeness of God, but that in Adam's sin the race fell, inherited a sinful nature, and became alienated from God (Rom. 3:22, 23; 5:12). Consequently, man is totally depraved, and unable to remedy his lost condition (Eph. 2:1-3, 12).
G. The Virgin Birth
We believe that Jesus was conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He is fully God and fully man (Isa. 7:14; Luke 1:35; John 1:14).
H. The Atonement for Sin
We believe that Jesus Christ freely took upon Himself our nature, but without sin (Heb. 2:14). This was done so that He could be our personal Savior (Lk. 19:10). Christ shed His blood to fully satisfy the demands of a holy and just God (Rom. 3:24-25). This act of atonement involved Christ's voluntary substitution in the sinner's place as He bore our sins in His own body on the cross (I Pet. 2:24). His bodily resurrection is the assurance of the payment made for us (I Cor. 15: 3,4).
I. The New Birth
We believe that in order to be saved, sinners must be born again (John 3:16; I Pet. 1:3). This new birth is instantaneous and not a process. The believer is a new creation because he was dead in trespasses and sins and now is alive in Christ (II Cor. 5:17). This transformation came when we received eternal life as the free gift of God (Eph. 2: 8,9). The evidence of this new birth is a person who wants to obey God.
J. Justification
We believe that justification includes the pardon of our sin and all of Christ's righteousness put on our account. When God sees the believer, He sees him through Christ's Blood (Rom. 5:1; 8:1; Gal. 2:16).
K. Faith and Salvation
We believe that faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is the only condition of salvation (Acts 16:31; Rom. 4:5). This faith is exercised in conjunction with sincere and true repentance (Luke 13:3; Rom. 2:4).
L. Sanctification
We believe that sanctification is the divine setting apart of the believer unto God accomplished in a threefold manner. First, an eternal act of God, based upon redemption in Christ, establishing the believer in a position of holiness the moment he trusts the Savior; second, a continuing process in the saint as the Holy Spirit applies the Word of God to the life; third, the final accomplishment of this process at the Lord's return (Heb. 10:10-14; John 17:17; II Cor. 3:18; Eph. 5:25-27; I Thess. 5:23-24; I John 3:2; Jude 24-25).
M. The Church
1. Local: We believe that a local church is a congregation of believers, associated by covenant of faith and fellowship of the Gospel, who observe the ordinances of Christ and are governed by His laws (Acts 2:41,42; I Cor. 11:2). Its officers are elders and deacons, whose qualifications, claims, and duties are clearly defined in the Scriptures (I Tim. 3:1-13). We hold that the local church has the absolute right of self-government free from the interference of any hierarchy of individuals or organizations, and that its one and only Head is Christ through the Holy Spirit. While it is scriptural for true churches to cooperate together, each local church answers to God alone (Acts 15:13-18).
2. Universal: It consists of all believers from Pentecost to the Rapture, the body and espoused Bride of Christ (Col. 1:18; Eph. 5:23,24).
N. Baptism and the Lord's Supper
We believe that Christian baptism is the immersion of a believer in water to declare their faith in the crucified, buried and risen Savior, and to signify their death to sin and resurrection to a new life (Rom. 6:3-5). It is a prerequisite to the privileges of church membership (Acts 2:41).
We believe that the Lord's Supper is the commemoration of Christ's death, symbolized by the use of bread and fruit of the vine until He comes. It should always be preceded by solemn self-examination (I Cor. 11:23-28).
O. The Security of the Believer
We believe that all who are born again are kept by God the Father for Jesus Christ (Phil. 1:6; John 10:28, 29; Rom. 8:35-39; I Peter 1:5). While it is the privilege of believers to rejoice in the assurance of their salvation, the Scripture forbids the use of Christian liberty as a license to sin (Rom. 13:13,14; Gal. 5:13).
P. The Righteous and the Wicked
We believe that there is a radical and essential difference between the righteous and the wicked. Only those who are justified by faith are righteous before God. Those who are unrepentant and unbelieving are wicked in His sight and under the curse. This distinction holds true among the living and the dead (Rom. 6:23; Prov. 14:32: Luke 16:25; Matt. 25:34-41).
Q. Civil Government
We believe that civil government is of divine appointment for the interest and good of society. Therefore, we ought to pray for our leaders and conscientiously honor and obey them (Rom. 3:1-7; II Sam. 23;3; Ex. 18:21,22; Acts 23:5; Matt. 22:21; Acts 5:29; 4:19, 20; Dan. 3:17,18). Our disobedience should only occur if following civil law requires us to violate God's law.
R. Missions
We believe that the command to give the Gospel to the world is clear and unmistakable and this commission is the responsibility of all believers (Matt. 28:18-20; John 20:21; Rom. 10:13-15; Acts 1:8).
S. Separation
1. Personal: We believe that Christians are called to a holy life and a walk of separation from worldly and questionable amusements and practices. (Rom. 8:12,13; II Cor. 6:14-7:1).
2. Ecclesiastical: We as a local church should have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness such as liberalism, social gospel, or any other gospel. (I Cor. 5:11; II Cor. 6:14-18; Gal. 1:7-9; II Pet. 2:1,2; I Tim. 6:3-6).
T. Future Events
We believe in the blessed hope which is the pre-millennial rapture of the Saints which will be followed by the tribulation at the end of which Christ will return with His Saints to set up His kingdom on earth (the Millennial reign of Christ). (I Thess. 4:13-18; I Cor. 15:57; John 14: 1-3; Dan. 9:27; Matt. 24; Rev. 19:11-21; Dan. 2; Zech. 14: 1-4; Rev. 20).
U. Judgment
1. Believers: At the judgment seat of Christ, immediately following the rapture. (II Cor. 5; I Cor. 3).
2. Unbelievers: At the Great White Throne of judgment following the Millennium. (Rev. 20:11).
We believe that the Holy Bible as originally written was inspired of God in every word, and that the whole of it is the product of Spirit-controlled men. Therefore, it is the truth without error (II Tim. 3:16,17; II Pet. 1:19-21). We believe the Bible to be the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds, and opinions shall be tried.
B. The true God
We believe there is one living and true God. He is an infinite Spirit, the Maker and supreme Ruler of Heaven and earth, inexpressibly glorious in holiness, and worthy of all possible honor, confidence, and love (Ex. 20:2,3; I Cor. 8:6; Rev. 4:11). In the 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.
C. The Holy Spirit
1. We believe that the Holy Spirit is a divine person (Acts 5:3,4); that He was active in the creation (Gen. 1:1-3); that He convicts of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment (John 16: 8-11); that He bears witness to the truth of the Word (John 14:26); that He is the Agent in the new birth (John 3:5,6); that He seals, equips, sanctifies, and guides the believer (Eph. 1:13,14).
2. We believe that the Holy Spirit is sovereign in the granting of all His gifts. Due to controversy regarding spiritual gifts and the desire for unity among the believers we elect not to practice speaking in tongues in any of our meetings (Eph. 4:11,12; Heb. 2:3,4; II Cor. 12:12; I Cor. 13:8).
D. The Devil, or Satan
We believe God created Satan as a perfect being, with the power of choice, who fell because of pride (Ezek. 28:15; John 8:44). He hinders (I Thess. 2:18), tempts (Acts 5:3,4), and accuses (Rev. 12:9,10) the believer. Satan has demons who are able to directly influence world affairs, and even possess men. They may influence Christians but not possess them (Matt. 12:45; Eph. 6:12). As the enemy of God, Satan is the author of sin and accomplished the moral fall of the human race. He was judged at the Cross, and while yet active, his destiny is the lake of fire to which he will be consigned at the close of the millennium (Col. 2:15; Rev. 20:10).
E. Creation
We believe that God created the heavens and the earth, including all life, "each after its own kind," by direct act, and not the process of evolution (John 1:3; Gen. 1-2; Col. 1:16, 17).
F. The Fall of Man
We believe that man was created in the image and likeness of God, but that in Adam's sin the race fell, inherited a sinful nature, and became alienated from God (Rom. 3:22, 23; 5:12). Consequently, man is totally depraved, and unable to remedy his lost condition (Eph. 2:1-3, 12).
G. The Virgin Birth
We believe that Jesus was conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He is fully God and fully man (Isa. 7:14; Luke 1:35; John 1:14).
H. The Atonement for Sin
We believe that Jesus Christ freely took upon Himself our nature, but without sin (Heb. 2:14). This was done so that He could be our personal Savior (Lk. 19:10). Christ shed His blood to fully satisfy the demands of a holy and just God (Rom. 3:24-25). This act of atonement involved Christ's voluntary substitution in the sinner's place as He bore our sins in His own body on the cross (I Pet. 2:24). His bodily resurrection is the assurance of the payment made for us (I Cor. 15: 3,4).
I. The New Birth
We believe that in order to be saved, sinners must be born again (John 3:16; I Pet. 1:3). This new birth is instantaneous and not a process. The believer is a new creation because he was dead in trespasses and sins and now is alive in Christ (II Cor. 5:17). This transformation came when we received eternal life as the free gift of God (Eph. 2: 8,9). The evidence of this new birth is a person who wants to obey God.
J. Justification
We believe that justification includes the pardon of our sin and all of Christ's righteousness put on our account. When God sees the believer, He sees him through Christ's Blood (Rom. 5:1; 8:1; Gal. 2:16).
K. Faith and Salvation
We believe that faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is the only condition of salvation (Acts 16:31; Rom. 4:5). This faith is exercised in conjunction with sincere and true repentance (Luke 13:3; Rom. 2:4).
L. Sanctification
We believe that sanctification is the divine setting apart of the believer unto God accomplished in a threefold manner. First, an eternal act of God, based upon redemption in Christ, establishing the believer in a position of holiness the moment he trusts the Savior; second, a continuing process in the saint as the Holy Spirit applies the Word of God to the life; third, the final accomplishment of this process at the Lord's return (Heb. 10:10-14; John 17:17; II Cor. 3:18; Eph. 5:25-27; I Thess. 5:23-24; I John 3:2; Jude 24-25).
M. The Church
1. Local: We believe that a local church is a congregation of believers, associated by covenant of faith and fellowship of the Gospel, who observe the ordinances of Christ and are governed by His laws (Acts 2:41,42; I Cor. 11:2). Its officers are elders and deacons, whose qualifications, claims, and duties are clearly defined in the Scriptures (I Tim. 3:1-13). We hold that the local church has the absolute right of self-government free from the interference of any hierarchy of individuals or organizations, and that its one and only Head is Christ through the Holy Spirit. While it is scriptural for true churches to cooperate together, each local church answers to God alone (Acts 15:13-18).
2. Universal: It consists of all believers from Pentecost to the Rapture, the body and espoused Bride of Christ (Col. 1:18; Eph. 5:23,24).
N. Baptism and the Lord's Supper
We believe that Christian baptism is the immersion of a believer in water to declare their faith in the crucified, buried and risen Savior, and to signify their death to sin and resurrection to a new life (Rom. 6:3-5). It is a prerequisite to the privileges of church membership (Acts 2:41).
We believe that the Lord's Supper is the commemoration of Christ's death, symbolized by the use of bread and fruit of the vine until He comes. It should always be preceded by solemn self-examination (I Cor. 11:23-28).
O. The Security of the Believer
We believe that all who are born again are kept by God the Father for Jesus Christ (Phil. 1:6; John 10:28, 29; Rom. 8:35-39; I Peter 1:5). While it is the privilege of believers to rejoice in the assurance of their salvation, the Scripture forbids the use of Christian liberty as a license to sin (Rom. 13:13,14; Gal. 5:13).
P. The Righteous and the Wicked
We believe that there is a radical and essential difference between the righteous and the wicked. Only those who are justified by faith are righteous before God. Those who are unrepentant and unbelieving are wicked in His sight and under the curse. This distinction holds true among the living and the dead (Rom. 6:23; Prov. 14:32: Luke 16:25; Matt. 25:34-41).
Q. Civil Government
We believe that civil government is of divine appointment for the interest and good of society. Therefore, we ought to pray for our leaders and conscientiously honor and obey them (Rom. 3:1-7; II Sam. 23;3; Ex. 18:21,22; Acts 23:5; Matt. 22:21; Acts 5:29; 4:19, 20; Dan. 3:17,18). Our disobedience should only occur if following civil law requires us to violate God's law.
R. Missions
We believe that the command to give the Gospel to the world is clear and unmistakable and this commission is the responsibility of all believers (Matt. 28:18-20; John 20:21; Rom. 10:13-15; Acts 1:8).
S. Separation
1. Personal: We believe that Christians are called to a holy life and a walk of separation from worldly and questionable amusements and practices. (Rom. 8:12,13; II Cor. 6:14-7:1).
2. Ecclesiastical: We as a local church should have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness such as liberalism, social gospel, or any other gospel. (I Cor. 5:11; II Cor. 6:14-18; Gal. 1:7-9; II Pet. 2:1,2; I Tim. 6:3-6).
T. Future Events
We believe in the blessed hope which is the pre-millennial rapture of the Saints which will be followed by the tribulation at the end of which Christ will return with His Saints to set up His kingdom on earth (the Millennial reign of Christ). (I Thess. 4:13-18; I Cor. 15:57; John 14: 1-3; Dan. 9:27; Matt. 24; Rev. 19:11-21; Dan. 2; Zech. 14: 1-4; Rev. 20).
U. Judgment
1. Believers: At the judgment seat of Christ, immediately following the rapture. (II Cor. 5; I Cor. 3).
2. Unbelievers: At the Great White Throne of judgment following the Millennium. (Rev. 20:11).
360.354.4321 | [email protected] | © 2017 Grace Baptist Fellowship