What We Believe
THE SCRIPTURES
WE BELIEVE 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 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, the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds, and opinions should be tried. (II Tim. 3:15-17; II Peter 1:21; Prov 30:5-6; Rom 2:12)
THE TRUE GOD
WE BELIEVE that there is one, and only one living and true God, an infinite intelligent Spirit, whose name is JOHOVAH, the Maker, and Supreme Ruler of Heaven and earth, inexpressibly glorious in holiness, and worthy of all possible honor, confidence, and love; that the unity of the Godhead there are three persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost; equal in every divine perfection, and executing distinct but harmonious offices in the great work of redemption. (John 5:7; John 10:30; Acts 5:3-4; Eph 2:18; II Cor 13:14)
THE FALL OF MAN
WE BELIEVE that man was created in holiness, under the law of his maker; but by voluntary transgression fell from the holy and happy state; in consequence of which all mankind are now sinners, not by constraint but choice; being by nature utterly void of holiness required by the law of God, positively inclined to evil; and therefore under just condemnation to eternal ruin, without defense of excuse. (Gen 1:27-31; Ecc. 7:29; acts 15:26; Gen 3:6-24; Rom 5:19; John 3:6; Eph 2:1-3; Ez 18:19-20; Rom 1:20; Gal 3:22)
THE WAY
TO SALVATION
WE BELIEVE that the salvation, of sinners is wholly by grace, through the Mediatorial office of the Son of God, who by appointment of the Father, freely took upon our nature, yet without sin; honored the divine law by His personal obedience, and by His death made a full atonement for our sins; that having risen from the dead, He is now enthroned in heaven; and uniting in his wonderful person that tenderest sympathies with divine perfections, He is every way qualified to be a suitable, a compassionate, and an all sufficient Savior. (Eph 2:5; Mt 18:11; John 3:16; Hebe 4:14; Phil 2:6-7; Heb 2:9,14; Is 53:4-5; Mt 20:28; Rom 4:25; 3:21-26; I John 4:10; 2:3)
REPENTANCE AND FAITH
WE BELIEVE the Scriptures teach that repentance and faith are sacred duties, and also inseparable graces, wrought in our souls by the regenerating Spirit of God; whereby being deeply convinced of our guilt, danger, and helplessness and of the way of salvation by Christ, we turn to God unfeigned contrition, confession, and supplication for mercy; at the same time heartily receiving the Lord Jesus Christ as our Prophet, High Priest, and King, and relying on Him alone as the only and all-sufficient Savior. (Mrk 1:15; I John 5:1; Acts 11:18; Eph 2:8; John 16:8; Acts 16:30-31; Lk 18:13; James 4:7-10; II Cor 7:11; Rom 10:12-13; Acts 3:22-23; Heb 5:14; Ps 2:6; Heb 1:8; II Tim 1:12)
THE PURPOSE
OF GODS 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 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. (Gen 12:1-2; Ex 19:5-8; I Sam 8:4-7, 19-22; Is 5:1-7; Jer 31:31; Mt 16:18-19,21:28-45; John 1:12-14; Acts 20:32; Rom 5:9-10; Eph 1:4-23; Col 1:12-14)
EVANGELISM AND
MISSION
WE BELIEVE that it is our duty and privilege of every follower of Christ and of every church of the Lord Jesus Christ to endeavor to make disciples of all nations. The birth of man’s spirit by God’s Holy Spirit means the birth of love for others. Missionary effort on the part of all rest this upon a spiritual necessity that regenerate life and is expressly and repeatedly commanded in the teaching go Christ; to seek constantly to win the lost to Christ personally effort and by all other methods in harmony with the Gospel of Christ. (Gen 12:1-3; Ex 19:5-6; is 6:18; Mt 9:37-38; John 14:11-12, 15; Acts 1:2-8; Acts 1:2-8; Rom 10:13-15; Eph 3:1-11; I Thess 1:8; II Tim 4:5; Heb 2:1-3; I Peter 2:4-10; Rv 22:17)