What we believe
These Articles of Faith are not intended to add anything to the simple conditions of salvation revealed in the New Testament, viz., repentance toward God and faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, nor do we regard them as complete statements of our faith, having any quality of finality or infallibility.
Of the Scriptures
We believe that the 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.
Of the True God
We believe that there is only one living and true God, an infinite, intelligent Spirit, the Maker and Supreme Ruler of heaven and earth, inexpressibly glorious in holiness, and worthy of all possible honor, confidence, and love.
We believe that in the unity of the Godhead there are three persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, equal in every divine perfection and executing distinct but harmonious purposes in the great work of redemption.
We believe that Jesus Christ was conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary; that He died for our sins and was raised for our justification; that He is true God and true man and is the only sufficient mediator between God and man, through whom every soul may have direct access to God.
We believe in the personality of the Holy Spirit and that His ministry is to reveal Christ to men in the regeneration and sanctification of their souls and in the understanding application of Christian truth.
Of the Fall of Man
We believe that man was created without sin, but voluntary transgressions became sinful; therefore, all mankind are now sinners. Man is by nature utterly void of that holiness required by the law of God.
Of the Way of Salvation
We believe that the salvation of sinners is wholly by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who by His death made a full atonement for our sins.
Of Justification
We believe that justification includes the pardon of sin and the promise of eternal life. It is bestowed solely through faith in the Redeemer’s death, burial, and resurrection.
Of the Freeness of Salvation
We believe that the blessings of salvation are made free to all by the gospel; and that nothing prevents the salvation of the greatest sinner on earth except his/her own voluntary refusal to accept Jesus Christ as Teacher, Savior, and Lord.
Of the Grace in Regeneration
Regeneration, or the new birth, is a work of God’s grace whereby believers become new creatures in Christ Jesus. It is a change of heart wrought by the Holy Spirit through conviction of sin, to which the sinner responds in repentance toward God and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Of Repentance and Faith
Repentance and faith are inseparable experiences of grace. Repentance is a genuine turning from sin toward God. Faith is the acceptance of Jesus Christ and commitment of the entire personality to Him as Lord and Savior.
Of God’s Purpose of Grace
Election (God choosing man) is the gracious purpose of God, according to which He regenerates, sanctifies, and glorifies sinners. It is consistent with the free agency of man, and comprehends all the means in connection with the end. It is a glorious display of God’s sovereign goodness, and is infinitely wise, holy, and unchangeable. It excludes boasting and promotes humility.
All true believers endure to the end. Those whom God has accepted in Christ, and sanctified by His Spirit, will never fall away from the state of grace but shall persevere to the end.
Of Sanctification
Sanctification is the experience, beginning in regeneration, by which the believer is set apart to God’s purposes, and is enabled to progress toward moral and spiritual perfection through the presence and power of the Holy Spirit dwelling in him. Growth in grace should continue throughout the saved person’s life.
Of Stewardship
We believe that God is the source of blessings, temporal and spiritual; all that we have and are we owe to Him. Christians have a spiritual indebtedness to the whole world, a holy Trusteeship in the gospel, and a binding stewardship in their possessions. They are therefore under obligation to serve Him with their time, talents, and material possessions; and should recognize all these are entrusted to them to use for the glory of God and for helping others. According to the Scriptures, Christians should contribute of their means cheerfully, regularly, systematically, proportionately, and liberally for the advancement of the Redeemer’s cause on earth.
Of the Harmony of the Law and Gospel
We believe that the law of God is the eternal and unchangeable rule of moral government; that it is holy, just, and good.
Of a New: Testament Church
A New Testament church of the Lord Jesus Christ is a local body of baptized believers who are associated by covenant in the faith and fellowship of the gospel. It observes the two ordinances of Christ, Baptism and Lord’s Supper, is committed to His teachings, exercises the gifts, rights, and privileges invested in them by His Word, and seeks to extend the gospel to the ends of the earth.
This church is an autonomous body, operating through democratic processes under the Lordship of Jesus Christ. Its scriptural officers are Pastors and deacons.
Of Baptism
Christian baptism is the immersion of a believer in water in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. It is an act of obedience symbolizing the believer’s faith in a crucified, buried, and risen Savior, the believer’s death to sin, the burial of the old life, and the resurrection to walk in newness of life in Christ Jesus. It is a testimony to his/her faith in the final resurrection of the dead.
Of the Lord’s Supper
The Lord’s Supper is a symbolic act of obedience whereby baptized believers through partaking of the bread and the fruit of the vine, memorialize the death of the Redeemer and anticipate His second coming.
Of the Lord’s Day
The first day of the week is the Lord’s Day. It is a Christian institution for regular observance. It commemorates the resurrection of Christ from the dead and should be employed in exercises of worship and spiritual devotion, both public and private, and by refraining from worldly amusements, resting from secular employments, except for works of necessity and mercy.
Civil Government
We believe that civil government is a divine appointment for the interest and good order of human society, and that our civil leaders should be a matter of grave concern and prayer to every Christian. We further believe in the complete separation of the Church and State.
Of Last Things
God, in His own time and in His own way, will bring the world to its appropriate end. According to His promise, Jesus Christ will return personally and visibly in glory to the earth; the dead will be raised; and Christ will judge all men in righteousness.
The unrighteous will be consigned to Hell, the place of everlasting punishment. The righteous in their resurrected and glorified bodies will receive their reward and will dwell forever in Heaven with the Lord.
