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Statement of Faith

Statement of Faith

(adapted from the New Hampshire Confession of Faith with Pre-Millennial Revision)

OF THE SCRIPTURES

We believe (a) that the Holy Bible was written by men divinely inspired, and is a perfect treasure of heavenly instruction; (b) that it has God for its author, salvation for its end; (c) and truth without any mixture of error, for its matter; (d) that it reveals the principles by which God will judge us; (e) and therefore is, and shall remain to the end of the world, the true center of Christian union; (f) and the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds, and opinions should be tried. We believe that the New Testament is God’s final and authoritative communication. No vision, experience, dream, book or prophecy is to be put on the same level of authority as the Bible.

Places in the Bible where taught:

  1. II Timothy 3:15-17; II Peter 1:21; Acts 1:16, 3:21; 1 Samuel 23:2; John 10:35; Luke 16:29-31; Psalm 119:111; Romans 3:1-2.
  2. II Timothy 3:15-16; I Peter 1:10-12; Acts 11:14; Romans 1:16; Mark 16:16; John 5:38-39.
  3. Proverbs 30:5-6; John 17:17; Revelation 22:18-19; Romans 3:4.
  4. Romans 2:12; John 12:47-48; I Corinthians 4:3-4; Luke 10:10-16, 12:47-48.
  5. Philippians 3:16; Ephesians 4:3-6; Philippians 2:1-2; I Corinthians 1:10; I Peter 4:11.
  6. I John 4:1; Isaiah 8:20; I Thessalonians 5:21; Acts 17:11; II Corinthians 13:5; I John 4:6; Jude 3; Ephesians 6:17; Psalm 119:59-60; Philippians 1:9-11.

OF THE TRUE GOD

We believe (a) that there is one and only one, living and true God, an infinite, intelligent Sprit, whose name is YAHWEH, the maker and Supreme Ruler of Heaven and earth; (b) inexpressibly glorious in holiness, (c) and worthy of all possible honor, confidence, and love; (d) that in the unity of the Godhead there are three persons, the Father, the Son and the Holy Sprit; (e) equal in every divine perfection, (f) and executing distinct but harmonious offices in the work of redemption.

Places in the Bible where taught:

  1. John 4:24; Psalm 147:5; Psalm 83:18; Hebrews 3:4; Romans 1:20; Jeremiah 10:10; Isaiah 45:21-22.
  2. Exodus 15:11; Isaiah 6:3; I Peter 1:15-16; Revelation 4:6-8.
  3. Mark 12:30; Revelation 4:11; Matthew 10:37; Jeremiah 2:12-13.
  4. Matthew 28:19; John 15:26; I Corinthians 12:4-6; I John 5:7; II Corinthians 13:14; Matthew 3:16-17; Luke 1:25.
  5. John 10:30, 5:17, 14:23, 17:5-10; Acts 5:3-4, 20:28; I Corinthians 2:10-11; Philippians 2:5-6.
  6. Ephesians 2:18; II Corinthians 13:14; Revelation 1:4-5, 2:7; Ephesians 1:3-14.

Explanatory Notes:

We believe that Jesus Christ as begotten of the Holy Sprit in a miraculous manner; born of Mary, a virgin, as no other man was ever born or can ever be born of woman, and that He is both perfect God and perfect man, the Son of God, and God the Son.

Genesis 3:15; Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:18-25; Luke 1:35; Mark 1:1; John 1:14; Psalm 2:7; Galatians 4:4; John 5:20; I Corinthians 15:47.

We believe that Jesus Christ died for our sins, that He was buried, that He rose the third day, and ascended into heaven where He now sits at the right hand of the Father as our High Priest interceding for us.

I Corinthians 15:4; Romans 5:8; Acts 1:9-11; Hebrews 7:25.

We believe that the Holy Spirit is a divine person; equal with God the Father, and God the Son and of the same nature; that He was active in the creation; that in His relation to the unbelieving world He restrains the Evil One until God’s purpose is fulfilled; that He bears witness to the truth of the Gospel in preaching and testimony; that He is the agent in the new birth; that He seals, baptizes, empowers, guides, teaches, witness, sanctifies and helps the believer in accordance with the Scriptures.

John 14:16-17; Matthew 28:19; Hebrews 9:14; John 14:26; Luke 1:35; Genesis 1:1-3; II Thessalonians 2:7; John 16:8-11; John 15:25-27; Acts 5:30-32; John 3:5-6; Ephesians 1:13-14; Matthew 3:11; Mark 1:8; Luke 3:16; John 1:33; Acts 11:16; Luke 24:49; John 16:13, 14:26; Romans 8:16; II Thessalonians 2:13; I Peter 1:2; Romans 8:26-27.

OF CREATION

We believe the Biblical record of the creation of the physical universe, angels and man; that this account is neither allegory nor myth, but a literal, historical account of the direct, immediate creative acts of God in six twenty-four hour days without any evolutionary process; that man was created by a direct work of God and not from previously existing forms of life; and that all men are descended from the historical Adam and Eve, first parents of the entire human race.

Places in the Bible where taught:

Genesis 1 and 2; Exodus 20:11; John 1:1-3; Colossians 1:16-17; Romans 5:12; I Corinthians 15:22; I Timothy 2:13-14; Hebrews 11:3.

OF THE FALL OF MAN

We believe (a) that man was created in holiness, in the image of God, under the law of his Maker (b) but by voluntary transgression fell from that holy and happy state; (c) in consequence of which all mankind are now sinners, (d) not by constraint, but choice; (e) being by nature utterly void of that holiness required by the law of God, eternal ruin, (f) without defense or excuse.

Places in the Bible where taught:

  1. Genesis 1:27, 31; Ecclesiastes 7:29; Acts 17:24-29; Genesis 2:16-17.
  2. Genesis 3:6-24; Romans 5:12; II Corinthians 11:3; I Timothy 2:13-14.
  3. John 3:6; Psalm 51:5; Romans 3:9-18, 23.
  4. Isaiah 53:6; Genesis 6:5, 12; Romans 3:9-18, 23.
  5. Ephesians 2:1-3; Romans 1:18, 2:1-16; Galatians 3:10; Matthew 20:15.
  6. Ezekiel 18:19-20; Romans 1:19-32, 3:19; Galatians 3:22.

OF THE WAY OF SALVATION

We believe (a) that the salvation of sinners is wholly of grace; (b) through the mediatorial offices of the Son of God; (c) who by the appointment of the Father, freely took upon Him our nature, yet without sin; (d) honored the divine law by His personal obedience, (e) and by His death made a full atonement for our sins; (f) that having physically risen from the dead He is now enthroned in Heaven, (g) and uniting in His wonderful Person the tenderest sympathies with divine perfections, He is every way qualified to be a suitable, a compassionate and an all sufficient Savior.

Places in the Bible where taught:

  1. Ephesians 2:8; Matthew 18:11; I John 4:10; I Corinthians 3:5-7; Acts 15:11; Luke 19:10.
  2. John 3:16, 1:1-14; Hebrews 4:14, 12:24, 9:11-12.
  3. Philippians 2:6-7; Hebrews 2:9, 14; II Corinthians 5:21.
  4. Isaiah 42:21; Philippians 2:8; Galatians 4:4-5; Romans 3:21.
  5. Isaiah 53:4-6; Matthew 20:28; Romans 4:25, 3:21-26; Mark 10:45; I John 4:10-11, 2:2; I Corinthians 15:1-3; Hebrews 9:13-15.
  6. Hebrews 1:8, 8:1; Colossians 3:1-4.
  7. Hebrews 7:25; Colossians 2:9; Hebrews 2:18, 7:25-26; Psalm 89:19; Psalm 34.

OF JUSTIFICATION

We believe (a) that the great gospel blessing which Christ (b) secures to such as believe in Him is justification; (c) that justification includes the pardon of sin, (d) and the promise of eternal life on principles of righteousness; (e) that is bestowed, not in consideration of any works of righteousness which we have done, but solely through faith in the Redeemer’s blood; (f) by virtue of which faith His perfect righteousness is freely imputed to us of God; (g) that it brings us into a state of most blessed peace and favor with God and secures every other blessing needed for time and eternity.

Places in the Bible where taught:

  1. John 1:16; Ephesians 3:8.
  2. Acts 13:39; Isaiah 53:11-12; Romans 8:1.
  3. Romans 5:9; Zechariah 13:1; Matthew 9:6; Acts 10:43.
  4. Romans 5:17; Titus 3:5-7; II Peter 3:7; I John 2:25; Romans 5:21.
  5. Romans 4:4-5, 3:38, 5:21, 6:23; Philippians 3:7-9.
  6. Romans 3:24-26, 4:23-25, 5:11, 19; I John 2:12.
  7. Romans 5:1-3; I Corinthians 1:30-31; Matthew 6:33; I Timothy 4:8.

OF THE FREENESS OF SALVATION

We believe (a) that the blessings of salvation are made free to all by the Gospel; (b) that it is the immediate duty of all to accept them by a cordial, penitent and obedient faith; (c) and that nothing prevents the salvation of the greatest sinner on earth but his own inherent depravity and voluntary rejection of the Gospel, (d) which rejection involves him in an aggravated condemnation.

Places in the Bible where taught:

  1. Isaiah 55:1; Revelation 22:17; Luke 14:17.
  2. Romans 16:25-26; Mark 1:15; Romans 1:15-17; Acts 17:30.
  3. John 5:40; Matthew 28:37; Romans 9:32; Proverbs 1:24-29; Acts 13:46.
  4. John 3:19; Matthew 11:20, 24; Luke 19:27; II Thessalonians 1:8-9.

OF GRACE IN REGENERATION

We believe (a) that, in order to be saved, sinners must be regenerated or born again; (b) that regeneration consists in giving a holy disposition to the mind; (c) that in is effected, in a manner above our comprehension, by the power of the Holy Spirit in connection with divine truth, (d) so as to secure our voluntary obedience to the Gospel; (e) and that its proper evidence appears in the holy fruits of repentance and faith and newness of life.

Places in the Bible where taught:

  1. John 3:3-7; I Corinthians 2:14; Revelation 14:3, 21:27.
  2. II Corinthians 5:17; Ezekiel 36:26; Deuteronomy 30:6; Romans 8:28-29, 5:5; I John 4:7.
  3. John 3:8, 1:13; James 1:16-18; I Corinthians 1:30; Philippians 2:13.
  4. I Peter 1:22-25; I John 5:1; Ephesians 4:20-24; Romans 6:17-18; Colossians 3:9-11.
  5. Ephesians 5:9; Romans 8:9; Galatians 5:16-23; Ephesians 2:14-22; Matthew 3:8-10, 7:20; I John 5:4, 18.

OF REPENTANCE AND FAITH

We believe (a) that repentance and faith are sacred duties and also inseparable graces, wrought in us by the regenerating work of the Spirit of God; (b) whereby, being deeply convinced of our guilt, danger and helplessness and of the way of salvation by Christ, (c) we turn to God with unfeigned contrition, confession and supplication for mercy; (d) 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.

Places in the Bible where taught:

  1. Mark 1:15; Acts 11:18, 20:21; Ephesians 2:8; I John 5:1.
  2. John 16:8; Acts 2:37-38, 16:30-31.
  3. Luke 18:13, 15:18-21; James 4:7-10; II Corinthians 7:10-11; Romans 10:12-13; Psalm 51.
  4. Romans 10:9-11; Acts 3:19-22; Hebrews 4:14; Psalm 2:6; Hebrews 1:8, 7:25; II Timothy 1:12.

OF GOD’S PURPOSE OF GRACE

We believe (a) that election is the eternal purpose of God, according to which He graciously regenerates, sanctifies and saves sinners; (b) that being perfectly consistent with the free agency of man, it comprehends all the means in connection with the end; (c) that it is a most glorious display of God’s sovereign goodness being infinitely free, wise, holy and unchangeable; (d) that it utterly excludes boasting, and promotes humility, love, prayer, praise, trust in God and active imitation of His free mercy (e) that it encourages the use of means in the highest degree; (f) that it may be ascertained by its effects in all who truly believe the Gospel; (g) that it is the foundation of Christian assurance; (h) and that to ascertain it with regard to ourselves demands and deserves the utmost diligence.

Places in the Bible where taught:

  1. II Timothy 1:8-9; Ephesians 1:3-14; I Peter 1:1-2; Romans 11:5-6; John 15:16; I John 4:19.
  2. II Thessalonians 2:13-14; Acts 13:48; John 10:16; Matthew 20:16; Acts 15:15.
  3. Exodus 33:18-19; Matthew 20:15; Ephesians 1:11; Romans 9:22-24; Jeremiah 21:3; Romans 11:28-29; James 1:17-18; II Timothy 1:9; Romans 11:32-36.
  4. I Corinthians 4:7, 1:26-31; Romans 3:27, 4:16; Colossians 3:12; I Corinthians 15:10; I Peter 5:10; I Thessalonians 2:12-13; I Peter 2:9; Luke 18:7.
  5. II Timothy 2:10; I Corinthians 9:22; John 6:37-40; II Peter 1:10.
  6. I Thessalonians 1:4-10.
  7. Romans 8:28-31; Isaiah 32:16; Romans 11:29.
  8. II Peter 1:10-11; Philippians 3:12-14; Hebrews 6:11-12.

OF SANCTIFICATION

We believe (a) that sanctification is the process by which, according to the will of God, we are made partakers of His holiness; (b) that it is a progressive work; (c) that it is begun in regeneration; (d) 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, hearing and applying the Word of God, self-examination, maintaining a clear conscience, confessing sin, self-denial, watchfulness, prayer, and corporate worship and fellowship in the local church.

Places in the Bible where taught:

  1. I Thessalonians 4:3, 5:23; II Corinthians 7:1, 13:9; Ephesians 1:4-6.
  2. Proverbs 4:18; Hebrews 6:1; II Peter 1:5-8; Philippians 3:12-16.
  3. I John 2:29; Romans 8:5; John 3:6; Philippians 1:9-11.
  4. Philippians 2:12-13; Ephesians 4:11-12, 30, 6:18; I Peter 2:2; II Peter 3:18; II Corinthians 13:5; Luke 9:23, 11:35; Matthew 26:41; Ephesians 6:18.

OF THE PERSEVERANCE OF SAINTS

We believe (a) that such only are real believers as endure unto the end, (b) that their persevering attachment to Christ is the grand mark which distinguishes them from superficial professors; (c) That a special Providence watches over their welfare; (d) that they are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation.

Places in the Bible where taught:

  1. John 8:31; I John 2:27-28, 3:9, 5:18.
  2. I John 2:19; John 13:18; Matthew 13:20-23; John 6:66-69.
  3. Romans 8:28; Matthew 6:30-33; Jeremiah 32:40; Psalm 121:2-3; Psalm 91:11-12.
  4. Philippians 1:6, 2:12-13; Jude 24:25; Hebrews 1:14, 7:25, 13:5; I John 4:4; I Peter 1:3-5.

OF A GOSPEL CHURCH

We believe (a) that a visible church of Christ is a congregation of baptized believers associated by covenant in the faith and fellowship of the Gospel; (b) observing the ordinances of Christ; (c) governed by His laws; (d) and exercising the gifts, rights and privileges invested in them by His Word; (e) that its only Scriptural officers are bishops or pastors and deacons whose qualifications, claims and duties are defined in the epistles to Timothy and Titus.

Places in the Bible where taught:

  1. I Corinthians 1:1-13; Matthew 18:17; Acts 5:11, 8:1, 11:21-23; I Corinthians 4:17, 14:23-25; III John 9; Acts 2:41-42; II Corinthians 8:5; Acts 2:47; I Corinthians 5:12-13.
  2. I Corinthians 11:2; II Thessalonians 3:6; Romans 16:17-20; I Corinthians 4:17; Colossians 2:12.
  3. Matthew 28:18-20; John 14:15, 15:12-14; I John 4:21; John 14:21.
  4. Ephesians 4:7; I Corinthians 14:12; Philippians 1:27.
  5. Philippians 1:1; Acts 14:23, 15:22; I Timothy 3; Titus 1; Acts 20:17, 28.

OF BAPTISM AND THE LORD’S SUPPER

We believe that Christian baptism is (a) the immersion in water of a believer, (b) into the name of the Father and Son and Holy Spirit; (c) to show forth in a solemn and beautiful emblem, our faith in the crucified, buried and risen Savior, with its effect in our death to sin and resurrection to a new life; (d) that it is prerequisite to the privileges of church membership; (e) and the Lord’s Supper in which the saints by the use of bread and the cup are to commemorate together the dying love of Christ, (f) preceded always by solemn self-examination.

Places in the Bible where taught:

  1. Acts 8:36-39; Matthew 3:5-6; John 3:22-23, 4:1-2; Matthew 28:19; Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38, 41; Acts 8:12; Acts 16:32-34; Acts 18:8.
  2. Matthew 28:19; Acts 10:47-48; Galatians 3:27-28.
  3. Romans 6:4; Colossians 2:12; I Peter 3:20-21; Acts 22:16.
  4. Acts 2:41-42; Matthew 28:19-20; all through Acts and the Epistles.
  5. I Corinthians 11:26; Matthew 26:26-29; Mark 14:22-25; Luke 22:4-20.
  6. I Corinthians 11:28, 5:8-11, 10:3-32, 11:17-32; John 6:26-71.

OF THE LORD’S DAY

We believe (a) that the first day of the week is the Lord’s day, (b) it is a day when God’s people choose to publicly assemble together to worship the Lord through teaching, preaching, fellowship, observing the Lord’s supper and baptism, prayer, giving, and discipline.

Places in the Bible where taught:

  1. Acts 20:7; I Corinthians 16:1-2; Revelation 1:10.
  2. Acts 2:42, 20:7; I Corinthians 14:3, 16:1-2; II Thessalonians 2:15; I Timothy 4:13; II Timothy 2:2, 3:16 – 4:3; Titus 1:9.

OF CIVIL GOVERNMENT

We believe (a) that civil government is of divine appointment for the interests and good order of human society; (b) and that magistrates are to be prayed for, conscientiously honored and obeyed; (c) except only in things opposed to the will of our Lord Jesus Christ; (d) who is the Lord of conscience, and the Prince of the Kings of the earth.

Places in the Bible where taught:

  1. Romans 13:13; Deuteronomy 16:18; II Samuel 23:3; Exodus 18:21-23; Jeremiah 30:21.
  2. Matthew 22:21; Titus 3:1; I Peter 2:13-17; I Timothy 2:1-3.
  3. Acts 5:29; Matthew 10:28; Daniel 3:14-18, 6:7-10; Acts 4:18-20.
  4. Matthew 23:10; Romans 14:4; Revelation 19:16; Psalm 72:11; Psalm 2; Romans 14:9-13.

OF SATAN

We believe in the reality and personality of Satan, the devil, that he was created by God as an angel but through pride and rebellion became the enemy of God; that he became the god of this age and the ruler of all the powers (demons); that he is destined to judgment in eternal fire.

Places in the Bible where taught:

Matthew 4:1-11; II Corinthians 4:4; Revelation 20:10.

OF THE RIGHTEOUS AND THE WICKED

We believe (a) that there is a radical and essential difference between the righteous and the wicked; (b) that such as through faith are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and sanctified by the Spirit of God, are truly righteous in His esteem; (c) while all such continue in impenitence and unbelief are in His sight wicked and under the curse; (d) and this distinction holds among men both in and after death.

Places in the Bible where taught:

  1. Malachi 3:18; Proverbs 12:26; Isaiah 5:20; Genesis 18:23; Acts 10:34-35; Romans 6:16.
  2. Romans 1:17, 7:6; I John 2:7, 29; Romans 6:18, 22; I Corinthians 11:32; Proverbs 11:31; I Peter 4:17-18.
  3. I John 5:18; Galatians 3:10; John 3:36; Isaiah 57:21; Psalm 10:4; Psalm 55:6-7.
  4. Proverbs 14:32; Luke 16:25; John 8:21-24; Proverbs 10:24; Luke 12:4-5, 9:23-26; John 12:25-26; Ecclesiastes 3:17; Matthew 7:13-14, 10:28.

OF THE RESURRECTION AND RETURN OF CHRIST AND RELATED EVENTS

We believe (a) that our Lord Jesus Christ rose literally, physically and bodily from the tomb on the third day; (b) that He ascended into Heaven: (c) that He is now at the right hand of God the Father as our only sufficient mediator and advocate. (d) We believe in the personal, imminent, pre-millenial, pre-tribulational coming of Christ for the Church; (e) the resurrection and physical glorification of the saints, (f) the great tribulation; (g) after this He will return with His saints to this earth where He will sit on the throne of David, and shall subdue all enemies and reign in righteousness for a thousand years. (h) After this shall be the judgment of the great white throne when the unsaved dead shall be raised and judged, that this will result for them in eternal punishment in the lake of fire, which is the second death; (I), and that the saved shall then enjoy eternal glory with God.

Places in the Bible where taught:

  1. Matthew 28:6-7; Luke 24:30; John 20:27; I Corinthians 15:4; Mark 16:6; Luke 24:2-6; Acts 1:2-3; Revelation 1:18.
  2. Mark 16:19; Luke 24:51; Acts 1:9-18; Hebrews 12:2, 8:1.
  3. Hebrews 7:25; I Timothy 2:5; Hebrews 1:3; I John 2:1; Hebrews 8:6, 2:17, 5:9-10; Romans 8:34.
  4. I Thessalonians 4:13-18; I Corinthians 15:51-53; Philippians 3:20, 21; II Corinthians 5:10.
  5. I Corinthians 15:20-58.
  6. Matthew 24:21-22; Revelation 7:14.
  7. Luke 1:32; Isaiah 9:6-7; Acts 2:29-30; I Corinthians 15:25; Revelation 20:1-6; Matthew 24:30; Revelation 19:11-16.
  8. Revelation 20:11-15; Revelation 21 and 22; Romans 6:23; John 5:28,29.
  9. II Corinthians 4:17; Hebrews 4:9; I Corinthians 13:8-10; Revelation 21:27, 22:3; Revelation 19:1; Hebrews 12:23; Revelations 21:3, 22:15; John 14:1-3; Revelation 21; Revelation 22.

OF THE FAMILY

We believe (a) that God designed marriage to be the sacred union of a man and woman in a monogamous, lifelong relationship; (b) that the roles of the husband, wife, parent, and child are clearly defined in Scripture; (c) that the sexual relationship is sacred between husband and wife and fulfilling only within the bonds of marriage, and is condemned outside of the marriage relationship; (d) that children are a blessing from God; the responsibility for them rests upon the parents; and they are to be brought up in loving structured control and conscientious instruction in the truths of God’s Word.

Places in the Bible where taught:

  1. Genesis 2:18-25; Matthew 19:3-9; Ephesians 5:18-32; I Timothy 3:4-5, 12; Malachi 2:13-14.
  2. Ephesians 5:21-32; Colossians 3:16-21; I Peter 3:1-7.
  3. I Corinthians 7:3-4; Hebrews 13:4.
  4. Psalm 127:3; Ephesians 6:4; Deuteronomy 6:6-7; Psalm 78:4-7.

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