About the Scriptures
We believe that the Holy 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 content; 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.
2 Timothy 3:16-17
About the True God
We believe that Scripture teaches 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, and worthy of all possible honor confidence and love; 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 without division of nature, essence, or being; yet each having distinct personal attributes and executing distinct but harmonious offices in the great work of redemption. John 4:24
About the Fall of Humankind
We believe the Scriptures teach that humans were created in holiness, under the law of their Maker; but by voluntary transgressions fell from that holy and happy state; in consequence of which all humankind are now sinners, not by constraint but choice, being by nature utterly void of that holiness required by the law of God, positively inclined to evil; and therefore under just condemnation to eternal ruin, without defense or excuse. Genesis 3:14-24
About the Way of Salvation
We believe that the Scriptures teach that the salvation of sinners is wholly of grace, and is accomplished through Jesus Christ, the Son of God; who is the divinely appointed Mediator between God and man; who without sin took upon Himself human nature and perfectly fulfilled the divine law; who by his death upon the cross made a full atonement for our sin; and who rose from the dead and ascended to His Father, at whose right hand He now sits enthroned, ever living to make intercession for His people. He is the only Mediator, the Prophet, Priest, and King of the Church, and is therefore in every way qualified to be a suitable, a compassionate, and an all-sufficient Savior. Ephesians 2:5; Matthew 18:11
About Justification
We believe the Scriptures teach that the great Gospel blessing which Christ secures to those who believe in him is justification; that justification includes the pardon of sin, and the promise of eternal life on principles of righteousness; 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, His perfect righteousness is freely imputed to us. John 1:16; Act 13:39
About Salvation as a free gift
We believe the Scriptures teach that the blessings of salvation are made free to all by the Gospel; that it is the immediate duty of all to accept them by cordial, repentant and obedient faith; and that nothing prevents the salvation of the greatest sinner on earth but his own inherent depravity and voluntary rejection of the Gospel; which rejection involves him in an aggravated condemnation.
About Regeneration
We believe the Scriptures teach that in order to be saved, sinners must be regenerated, or born again; that regeneration consists in giving a holy disposition to the mind that it is effected in a manner above our comprehension by the power of the Holy Spirit in connection with divine truth, so as to secure our voluntary obedience to the Gospel; and that its proper evidence appears in the holy fruits of repentance and faith, and newness of life. John 3:3; John 3:6; 1 Peter 1:23
About Repentance and Faith
We believe the Scriptures teach that repentance and faith are solemn obligations, and also inseparable graces, wrought in our souls by the regenerating Spirit of God; thereby, being deeply convinced of our guilt, danger and helplessness and of the way of salvation by Christ, we turn to God with unfeigned contrition, confession, and supplication for mercy; 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. Matthew 3:1-2; Acts 16:31; Romans 10:4
About God’s purpose and grace
We believe the Scriptures teach that election is the eternal purpose of God, according to which he graciously regenerates, sanctifies and saves sinners; that being perfectly consistent with the free agency of man, it comprehends all the means in connection with the end; that it is a most glorious display of God’s sovereign goodness, being infinitely free, wise, holy and unchangeable; that it utterly excludes boasting and promotes humility, love, prayer, praise, trust in God, and active imitation of his free mercy; that it encourages the use of means in the highest degree; that it may be ascertained by its effects in all who truly believe the Gospel; that it is the foundation of Christian assurance; and that to ascertain it with regard to ourselves demands and deserves the utmost diligence. 2 Timothy 1:8-9
About 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; that it is a progressive work; that it is carried on for the duration of life 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 especially the word of God, the communion of believers, self-examination, self-denial, watchfulness, and prayer.
1 Thessalonians 4:3
About the Perseverance of the Saints
We believe the Scriptures teach that committed believers of Jesus Christ will endure to the end; that their persevering attachment to Christ is the grand mark which distinguishes them from superficial professors; that a special Providence watches over their welfare; and they are kept by the power of God through faith into salvation. John 8:31
About the Law and the Gospel
We believe the Scriptures teach that the Law of God is the eternal and unchangeable rule of his moral government; that it is holy, just and good; and that the inability which the Scriptures ascribe to fallen men to fulfill its precepts arise entirely from their love of sin; to deliver them from which, and to restore them through a Mediator to unfeigned obedience to the holy Law is one great end of the Gospel, and of the Means of Grace connected with the establishment of this visible church. Luke 16:17; Romans 3:31
About the Gospel Church
We believe the Scriptures teach that a visible church of Christ is a congregation of baptized believers, associated by covenant in the faith and fellowship of the Gospel; observing the ordinances of Christ; governed by his laws; and exercising the gifts, rights, and privileges invested in them by His Word; 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. Acts 2:41
About Baptism
We believe the Scriptures teach that Christian baptism is the immersion in water of a believer, into the name of the Father, and Son, and Holy Spirit; 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; that is prerequisite to the privileges of a church relation.
About the Lord’s Supper
We believe the Scriptures teach that the Lord’s Supper is an ordinance of the Lord Jesus Christ, in which the members of the church, by the eating of bread and the drinking of the cup, are to commemorate together the dying love of Christ; preceded always by solemn self-examination.
About the Christian Sabbath
We believe the Scriptures teach that the first day of the week is the Lord’s Day, or Christian Sabbath, and is to be kept sacred to religious purposes, by the devout observance of all the means of grace, both private and public, and by preparation for that rest that remained for the people of God. Exodus 20:8; Acts 20:7
About Civil Government
We believe the Scriptures teach that civil government is of divine appointment for the interest and good order of human society; and that magistrates are to be prayed for, conscientiously honored and obeyed; except only in things opposed to the will of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is the only Lord of the conscience, and the Prince of the Kings of the earth. 1 Timothy 2:1-6
About the Righteous and the Wicked
We believe the Scriptures teach that there is a radical and essential difference between the righteous and the wicked; that only those who are justified through faith in the name of the Lord Jesus, and sanctified by the Spirit of our God, are truly righteous in His esteem; while all who continue in impenitence and unbelief are in his sight wicked, and under the curse; and this distinction holds among people both in and after death. Malachi 3:18; Romans 6:16
About the World to Come
We believe the Scriptures teach that the end of the world is approaching; that at the last day, Christ will descend from heaven, and raise the dead from the grave for final retribution; that a solemn separation will then take place; that the wicked will be adjudged to endless punishment, and the righteous to endless joy; and that this judgment will fix forever the final state of men in heaven or hell, on principles of righteousness. 1 Peter 4:7; 1 Corinthians 7:29-31