Article 1: What We Believe
All books of the Old and New Testament are divinely inspired and must be received as the Word of God. They contain all the necessary instructions in the faith and practice and conduct for each individual Christian. It is the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds, and opinions should be tried. (2 Timothy 3:16;2 Peter 1:20-21)
Article 2: 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; inexpressibly glorious in holiness, worthy of all possible honor, confidence, and love. 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 harmoniously, in the great work of redemption. (Isaiah 45:21-22; John 4:24)
Article 3: The Fall of Man
We believe the scriptures teach that man was created in holiness, under the law of his Maker. Therefore, by voluntary transgression, mankind fell from that holy and happy state; the consequence of which, all mankind are now sinners, not by constraint, but by choice. (Genesis 2:16-17, Genesis 3:6-24)
Article 4: God’s Purpose of Grace
Grace is a most glorious display of God’s sovereign goodness, being infinitely free, wise, holy, and unchangeable. Grace utterly excludes boasting and promotes humility, love, prayer, praise, trust in God, and active imitation of His free mercy. Grace encourages belief in the Gospel. (Ephesians 2:40-10; Romans 11:6)
Article 5: The Way of Salvation
We believe the scriptures teach that the salvation of sinners is by grace; through Jesus Christ. According to the will of the Father He assumed our nature yet without sin; honored the divine law by His personal obedience, and by His death made a full atonement for our sins. After having risen from the dead. He is now enthroned in heaven. The obligation of all convicted sinners to obtain salvation is to repent, believe in the Gospel, and to walk therein. (Acts 4:12; Romans 10:9-10)
Article 6: The Act of Regeneration
We believe the scriptures teach that repentance is a personal act prompted by the Spirit and results in a Godly sorrow for sin. We believe the scriptures teach that regeneration, or the new birth, is that change wrought in the soul by the Holy Spirit. It brings a new nature and spiritual life, not before possessed, when imparted, the person becomes a new creature in Christ Jesus. (John 3:3-7; John 16:13-14; Romans 8:1-10)
Article 7: Justification by the Imputed Righteousness of Christ.
Scriptures teaches that the great Gospel blessing, which Christ secures to whosoever believes in Him is justified. Justification includes the pardon of sin and the promise of eternal life. Justification is not based on that which we have done, but solely through faith in the Redeemer’s blood. (John 3:16; Romans 5:1-2, 16)
Article 8: 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. It is a progressive work that is begun in regeneration; that is carried on in the hears of believers, by the presence and power of the Holy Spirit, the sealer and comforter. (John 17:19; Ephesians 5:26-27; Romans 15:16 and 1 Peter 1:1-2)
Article 9: Water Baptist of Believers by Immersion Only
We believe the scriptures teach that Christian baptism is the immersion of a believer in Christ, in water, in the name of the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit. This shows forth, in a solemn and beautiful symbol, our faith in the crucified, buried, and risen Savior, with its effect, in our death to sin and resurrection to a new life; that it is a prerequisite to the privileges of a church relationship and to the Lord’s Supper. (John 3:22-23; Matthew 3:3-17; 28:19; Acts 2:41; 8:37-39)
Article 10: The Lord’s Supper
We believe the scriptures teach that the Lord’s Supper is a provision of bread and wine, as symbols of Christ’s body and blood. Partaken of by the member of the church, in commemoration of the suffering, and death of their Lord; it shows their faith, participating in the merits of His sacrifice, and hope of external life through His resurrection from the dead. Its observance is preceded by faithful self-examination. (Matthew 26:27-28; Luke 22:19-21; 1 Corinthians 11:23-24)
Article 11: The Perseverance and Final Preservations of the Saints
We believe the scriptures teach that such as are truly regenerated, being born of the Spirit, will not utterly fall away and finally perish, but will endure unto the end; that their persevering attachment to Christ is the grand mark which distinguishes them from superficial professors (teachers of false doctrines.) (John 10:28; John 8:31; Romans 8:26-278and 1 John 2:19)
Article 12: The Universal Resurrection of the Body of Believers
We believe that the scriptures teach that there is a radical and essential difference between the righteous and the wicked. Only through faith are we justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and sanctified by the Spirit of our God. (1 Corinthians 15:42-54; Philemon 1:21; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; 1 John 3:2; Revelation 21:3-4)
Article 13: Final Judgement of Unbelievers
We believe the scriptures teach while all such as continue in unrepentance and unbelief are, in His sight wicked, under the curse; and this distinction holds among men both in this life and after death. This judgment will fix forever the final state of men, in heaven or hell on principles of righteousness. (Romans 2:5-9,11; Hebrews 6:4-6; Revelation 20:11-15)
Article 14: Civil Government
We believe the scriptures teach that civil government is a divine appointment for the interest and good order of human society. Civil rulers have no rights of control over, nor can they interfere with the religious matters. (Romans 13:1-8, 1 Peter 2:13-14; Matthew 22:15-21)