The Infallible verbal inspiration of the whole Bible, and that the
KJV is the only faithful English translation of God's Word (Only one to
be used in the Services), 2 Tim. 3:16. The Triune God, Mat. 28:19; 1 John
5:7.
The Genesis Account of Creation. The virgin birth of Jesus Christ,
Mat. 1:20.
The deity and manhood of Jesus Christ. Jesus crucifixion and suffering
as vicarious and substitutionary.
The bodily resurrection and ascension of Christ Jesus and the bodily
resurrection of His saints, 1 Cor. 15. The coming of Jesus Christ in the
air for His people before the seven year Tribulation, and His second coming
to the earth at the end of the seven year Tribulation, in glory, 1 Thes.
4:13ff; Acts 1:11; Rev. 19:11ff.
The Bible doctrine of eternal punishment of the finally impenitent,
Mat. 25:46.
That the Great Commission was given only to the Lord's Churches.
We believe that the great commission teaches that there has been a succession
of missionary Baptist churches from the days of Jesus Christ down to this
day. That these churches also have perpetuity, Mat. 16:16.
We believe in the Doctrine of Grace, holding to all of its five points,
which are as follows:
Total depravity of man, Unconditional Election, Particular Atonement,
Irresistible grace and Preservation and Perseverance of the saints, Eph.
1:1-23; 2 Tim. 1:9.
OUR CONFESSION OF FAITH
I. Of the Scriptures
We believe that the Holy Bible was written by men divinely inspired,
and is a perfect treasure of heavenly instruction (2 Tim. 3:16-17); that
it has God for its author, salvation for it end (2 Tim. 3:15), and truth
without any mixture of error for its matter (Pro. 30:5-6); that it reveals
the principles by which God will judge us (Rom. 2:12; John 12:47-48); and
therefore is, and shall remain to the end of the world, the true center
of Christian union (Php. 3:16), and the supreme standard by which all human
conduct, creeds and opinions should be tried (1 John 4:1; Isa. 8:20), and
will last forever (Psa. 119:89; Mat. 5:17-18).
II. Of the True God
We believe 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 (John 4:24; Psa. 147:5; 83:18; Heb. 3:4; Rom.
1:20; Jer. 10:10); inexpressibly glorious in holiness (Ex. 15:11), and
worthy of all possible honor, confidence, and Love (Mark 12:30; Rev. 4:11);
that in the unity of the Godhead there are three persons, the Father, the
Son and the Holy Spirit (Mat. 28:19; John 15:16); equal in every divine
perfection (John 10:30), and executing distinct but harmonious offices
in the great work of redemption (Eph. 2:18; 2 Cor. 13:14).
III. Of the Fall of Man
We believe that man was created in holiness, under the law of his
Maker (Gen. 1:27, 31; Ecc. 7:29); but by voluntary transgression fell from
that holy and happy state (Gen. 3:6-24; Rom. 5:12); not by constraint by
choice (Isa. 53:6; Gen. 6:12; Rom. 3:9-18); being by nature utterly void
of the holiness required by the law of God, positively inclined to evil;
and therefore under just condemnation to eternal ruin (Eph. 2:13; Rom.
1:18,31; 2:1-16), without defense or excuse (Eze. 18:19-20; Rom. 1:20;
3:19).
IV. Of the Way of Salvation
We believe that the salvation of sinners is wholly of grace (Eph.
2:5; 1 John 4:10); through the Mediatorial offices of the Son of God (John
3:16; 1:1-14); who by the appointment of the Father, freely took upon Him
our nature, yet without sin (Php. 2:6-7; Heb. 2:9,14); honored the divine
law by His personal obedience (Isa. 42:21; Php. 2:8), and by His death
made a full atonement for our sins (Isa. 53:4-5; Mat. 20:28; Rom. 4:25);
that having risen from the dead, He is now enthroned in heaven (Heb. 1:38;
Col. 3:14), and united in His wonder person the tenderest sympathies with
divine perfections, He is every way qualified to be a suitable a compassionate,
and an all-sufficient Savior (Heb. 7:25-26; Col. 2:9; Heb. 2:18).
V. Of Justification
We believe that the great gospel blessing, which Christ Jesus (John
1:16; Eph. 3:8) secures to each believer in Him is justification (Acts
13:39; Rom. 8:1); that justification included the pardon of sin (Rom. 5:9),
and the promise of eternal life on principles of righteousness (Rom. 5:17;
Titus 3:5-6); 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 (Rom. 4:4-5); by virtue of which faith His perfect righteousness
is freely imputed to us of God (Rom. 5:19; 3:24-28); 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. 5:1-3,11; Mat. 6:33).
VI. Of the Freeness of Salvation
We believe that the blessings of salvation are made free to all
by the Gospel of Jesus Christ (Isa. 55:1; Rev. 22:17); that it is the immediate
duty of all to accept them by a cordial penitent and obedient faith (Rom.
16:26; Mark 1:15; Rom. 1:15-17); and that nothing prevents the salvation
of the greatest sinner on earth, but his own inherent depravity and voluntary
rejection of the Gospel of Jesus Christ (John 5:40; Rom. 9:32); which rejection
involves him in an aggravated condemnation (John 3:19; Mat. 11:20).
VII. Of Grace in Regeneration
We believe that in order to be saved, sinners must be regenerated,
or born again (John 3:3, 6-7); that regeneration consists in giving a holy
disposition to the mind (2 Cor. 5:17; Eze. 36:26; Rom. 2:28-29), that it
is effected in a manner above our comprehension by the power of the Holy
Spirit, in connection with divine truth (John 3:8; 1:13; Jam. 1:16-18),
so as to secure our voluntary obedience to the Gospel of Jesus Christ (1
Pet. 1:22-25; 1 John 5:1; Eph. 4:20-24), and that its proper evidence appears
in the holy fruits of repentance, and faith, and newness of life (Eph.
5:9; Rom. 8:9; Gal. 5:16-23; Eph. 3:14-21).
VIII. Of Repentance and Faith
We believe that repentance and faith are sacred duties, and also
inseparable graces, wrought in our souls in regeneration (Mark 1:15; Acts
11:18; Eph. 2:8; 1 John 5:1); whereby being deeply convinced of our guilt,
danger, and helplessness, and of the way of salvation by Christ Jesus (John
16:8; Acts 2:37-38; 16:30-32), we turn to God with unfeigned contrition,
confession, and supplication for mercy (Luke 18:13; Jam. 4:7-10); at the
same time heartily receiving the Lord Jesus Christ as our Prophet, Priest,
and King, and relying on Him alone as the only and all-sufficient Savior
(Rom. 10:9-13; Acts 3:22-23; Heb. 1:8).
IX. Of God's Purpose of Grace
We believe that Election is the eternal purpose of God, according
to which He graciously regenerates, sanctifies, and saves sinners (2 Tim.
1:8-9; Eph. 1:3-14; Rom. 11:5-6), that being perfectly consistent with
the free agency of man, it comprehends all the means in connection with
the end (2 Thes. 2:13-14; Acts 13:48; John 10:16); that it is a most glorious
display of God's sovereign goodness, being infinitely free, wise, holy,
and unchangeable (Ex. 33:18-19; Mat. 20:15; Eph. 1:11; Rom. 9:23-24; 11:28-36);
that it utterly excludes boasting, and promotes humility, love, prayer,
praise, trust in God, and active imitation of His free mercy (1 Cor. 4:7;
1:26-31; Col. 3:12); that it encourages the use of means in the highest
degree (2 Tim. 2:10; 1 Cor. 9:2; Rom. 8:28-30; John 6:37-40); that it may
be ascertained by its effects in all who truly believe the Gospel of Jesus
Christ (1 Thes. 1:4-10); that it is the foundation of Christian assurance
(Rom. 8:28-31; 11:29); and that to ascertain it with regard to ourselves
demands and deserves the utmost diligence (2 Pet. 1:10-11; Php. 3:12).
X. Of Sanctification
We believe that sanctification is the process by which, according
to the will of God, we are made partakers of His holiness (1 Thes. 4:3;
5:23; 2 Cor. 7:1); that it is a progressive work (Pro. 4:18; 2 Pet. 1:5-8;
Php. 3:12-16); that it is begun in regeneration (John 3:29; Rom. 8:5; Php.
1:9-11); and that it is carried on 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 specially, the Word of God, self-examination,
self-denial, watchfulness, and prayer (Php. 2:12-13; Eph. 4:11-12; 1 Pet.
2:2).
XI. Of the Perseverance of Saints
We believe that such only are real believers as endure unto the
end (John 8:31; 1 John 2:27-28; 3:9); that they persevering attachment
to Jesus Christ is the grand mark which distinguishes them from superficial
professors (1 John 2:19; Mat. 13:20-21); that a special providence watches
over their welfare (Rom. 8:28; Mat. 6:30-33); and that they are kept by
the power of God through faith unto salvation (Php. 1:6; 2:12-13; Jude
24-25).
XII. Of the Harmony of the Law and the Gospel
We believe that the Law of God is the eternal and unchangeable rule
of His moral government (Rom. 3:31; Mat. 5:17; Luke 16:17); that it is
holy, just, and good (Rom. 7:12, 14,33; Gal. 3:21); and that the inability
which the scriptures ascribe to fallen man to fulfill its precepts arises
entirely from their own love of sin (Rom. 8:7-8; Jer. 13:23); to deliver
from which, and to restore them through a Mediator to unfeigned obedience
to the holy law, is one great end of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and of
the means of grace connected with the establishment of the visible church
(Rom. 8:2,4; 10:4; Jude 20-21; Mat. 16:17-18).
XIII. Of a Gospel Church
We believe that a New Testament Church is a local Visible, Congregation
of baptized believers (1 Cor. 1:1-13; Mat. 18:17; Acts 5:11; 8:1); associated
by covenant in faith and fellowship of the Gospel of Jesus Christ (Acts
2:41-42,47; 2 Cor. 8:5; 1 Cor. 5:12-13); observing the ordinances of Jesus
Christ (1 Cor. 11:2,23; 2 Thes. 3:6; Rom. 16:17-20); governed by His Laws
(Mat. 28:20; John 14:15,21; 1 John 4:21); and exercising the gifts, rights
and privileges invested in them by His Word (Eph. 4:7; 1 Cor. 14:12; Php.
1:27); funding for the church is by tithes and offerings only (Gen. 14:18-20;
Mal. 3:8-10; Heb. 7:1-8); that its only Scriptural officers are Bishops
or Pastors and Deacons (Php. 1:1; Acts 14:23; 1 Tim. 3); whose qualifications,
claims, and duties are defined in the Epistles of Timothy and Titus. It
is required of the women to be silent in the church not usurping authority
over men, they may sing, teach children and other women, but not men (1
Cor. 14:32-35; 2 Tim. 2:11-14); each church is an autonomous body with
Jesus Christ as its head and is to be free from all worldly entanglements,
such as societies, associations, conventions (Eph. 1:22; 5:23; Col. 1:18).
XIV. Of Baptism and the Lord's Supper
We believe that Christian baptism is the immersion in water of a
believer (Acts 8:36-39; Mat. 3:5-6; John 3:22-23), into the name of the
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Mat. 28:19; Acts 10:47-48); to show forth
in a solemn and beautiful emblem our faith in crucified, buried, and risen
Savior, with its effect, in our death to sin and resurrection to a new
life (Rom. 6:4; Col. 2:12); that it is a prerequisite to the privilege
of a church relation; and to the Lord's Supper (Acts 2:41-42; Mat. 28:19-20),
in which the members of the church by the sacred use unleavened bread and
wine, are to commemorate together the dying love of Jesus Christ (1 Cor.
11:26; Mat. 26:26-29); preceded always by solemn self-examination (1 Cor.
11:28; 5:1,8).
XV. Of the Lord's Day (Sunday)
We believe that the first day of the week is the Lord's day (Acts
20:7; Col 2:16-17; John 20:19; 1 Cor. 16:1-2); and is to be kept Sacred
to Religious purposes (Ex. 20:8; Rev. 1:10; Psa. 118:24); by abstaining
from all secular labor and sinful recreations (Isa. 58:13-14; 56:2-8),
by devout observance of all the means of grace, both private (Psa. 118:15)
and public (Heb. 10:24-25; Acts 11:26; 13:44); and by preparation for the
rest that remaineth for the people of God (Heb. 4:3-11).
XVI. Of Civil Government
We believe that civil government is of divine appointment, for the
interests and good order of human society (Rom. 13:1-7; Deu. 16:18; 2 Sam.
23:3); and magistrates are to be prayed for, conscientiously honored, and
obeyed (Mat. 22:21; Titus 3:1; 1 Pet. 2:13; 1 Tim. 2:1-8); except only
in things opposed to the will of our Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 5:29; Mat.
10:28; Dan. 3:15-18; 6:7-10), who is the only Lord of the conscience, and
the Prince of the kings of the earth (Mat. 23:10; Rom. 14:4; rev. 19:16;
Psa. 72:11).
XVII. Of the Righteous and the Wicked
We believe that there is a radical and essential difference between
the righteous and the wicked (Mal. 3:18; Pro. 12:26; Rom. 6:16); 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
(Rom. 1:17; 7:6; 6:18-22; 1 John 2:29; 3:7); while all such as continue
in impenitence and unbelief are in His sight wicked, and under the curse
(1 John 5:19; Gal. 3:10; John 3:36); and this distinction holds among men
both in and after death (Pro. 14:32; 10:24; Luke 16:25; John 8:21-24).
XVIII. Of the World to Come
We believe that the end of the world is approaching (1 Pet. 4:7;
1 Cor. 7:29-31; Heb. 1:10-12; Mat 24:35); that in the last days Jesus Christ
will appear in the heavens (Acts 1:11; Rev. 1:7; Heb. 9:28; 1 Thes. 4:13-18;
5:1-11); that at His coming the dead saints will be raised from their graves,
and the living believers caught up with them to meet the Lord in the air
(1 Thes. 4:16-17; 1 Cor. 15:51-53); that the saints will be judged for
rewards according to their works (2 Cor. 5:10; 1 Cor. 3:11-15); that Jesus
Christ will descend to the earth with His saints, personally and bodily
(Jude 14; Zec. 14:4; Acts 1:11); that Jesus Christ will reign over the
earth in peace for one thousand years (Isa. 2:1-4; Isa. 65:18-25; Rev.
20:1-4); that at the end of the thousand years the wicked dead shall be
raised and forever consigned to the "lake of fire" (Rev. 20:5,11-15); that
the righteous shall enter into eternal joy with the Lord (Rev. 7:15-17;
22:1-7); that these judgments will fix forever the final state of men in
heaven or hell, on principles of righteousness (Rom. 3:5-6; 2 Thes. 1:6-12;
Heb. 6:1-2; Rom. 2:2-16).