Articles of Faith - "Scriptures" - "True God" - "Fall of Man" - "Salvation" - "Justification" - "Freeness of Salvation" - "Regeneration" - "Repentance & Faith" - "God's Purpose & Grace" - "Sanctification" - "Perseverance of The Saints" - "Law & Gospel" - "Gospel Church" - "Baptism & Lord' Supper" - "Christian Sabbath" - "Civil Government" - "Righteous & Wicked" - "World To Come"
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 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.
Exodus 24:4; Deuteronomy 4:1-2; 17:19; Joshua 8:34; Psalms 19:7-10; 119:11,89,105,140; Isaiah 34:16; 40:8; Jeremiah 15:16; 36:1-32; Matthew 5:17-18; 22:29; Luke 21:33; 24:44-46; John 5:39; 16:13-15; 17:17; Acts 2:16ff.; 17:11; Romans 15:4; 16:25-26; 2 Timothy 3:15-17; Hebrews 1:1-2; 4:12; 1 Peter 1:25; 2 Peter 1:19-21
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, 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 Ghost; equal in every divine perfection, and executing distinct but harmonious offices in the great work of redemption.
Isaiah 44:6; Deuteronomy 4:35; Deuteronomy 6:4; Deuteronomy 32:39; 1 Kings 8:60; James 2:19; 1Timothy 2:5-6; Isaiah 43: 10-11; 1 Chronicles 17:20; Isaiah 16:9; 1 Corinthians 8:4-6; John 1:1-2; John 1:14; John 10:30-33; Philippians 2:5-6; Isaiah 42:8; Matthew 28:19; 2 Corinthians 13:14; Revelation 4:8; Exodus 8:10; James 2:19; 2 Samuel 7:22; Psalm 83:18; Psalm 86:10; Isaiah 44:6; Isaiah 45:18; Isaiah 43:10; Mark 12:29; Ephesians 4:6; 1 John 5:7; Revelation 1:8
We believe the Scriptures teach that Man was created in holiness, under the law of his Maker; but by voluntary transgressions fell from that holy and happy state; in consequence of which all mankind 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 2:17; Romans 5:18-21; Isaiah 53:6; Ecclesiastes 7:29; 2 Corinthians 11:3; 1 Corinthians 15:22; Romans 5:12; Ephesians 4:17-18; Colossians 1:21; Titus 1:15; Romans 8:5-7; Genesis 3:8; Psalm 58:3; Matthew 15:19; Genesis 8:21; Genesis 6:5; Jeremiah 16:12, Psalm 51:5; Job 15:14; Job 25:4; Isaiah 48:8; John 3:6; 1 John 1:8; Galatians 3:22; 1 Kings 8:46; 1 John 5:19; 1 Timothy 2:14; 2 Corinthians 11:3; Genesis 3:1-5; Genesis 3:19; Jeremiah 13:23; Proverbs 20:9; Jeremiah 2:22; Genesis 6:12; Romans 3:12-16; Romans 7:23; Romans 6:19; Romans 7:5; Romans 6:23; Job 21:30
We believe that the Scriptures teach that the salvation of sinners is wholly of grace; through the mediatorial offices of the Son of God; who by the appointment of the Father, freely took upon him 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 the tenderest sympathies with divine perfections, he is in every way qualified to be a suitable, a compassionate, and an all-sufficient Savior.
Acts 2:38; Acts 4:12; John 14:6; Matthew 7:21; Matthew 8:18-22; Titus 3:5; Matthew 19:25-26; Ephesians 2:8-9; John 3:16-18; Romans 3:8; Romans 3:23; Acts 16:30-33; Romans 8:38-39; Romans 10:9-10; Philippians 3:4-11; Isaiah 57:12; Luke 3:8; Hebrews 7:25; Revelation 22:17; 1 John 1:9; 1 John 5:13; 1 Peter 2:24; 1 Peter 3:21; 1 Thessalonians 5:9; 2 Corinthians 5:17; 2 Corinthians 5:21; 2 Corinthians 6:2; 2 Peter 3:9; 2 Thessalonians 2:13; 2 Timothy 1:9; Acts 11:18; Acts 22:16; Acts 28:28; Ephesians 1:13; John 1:12; John 3:36; John 3:5; John 5:24; John 6:37; John 6:44; Mark 16:16
We believe the Scriptures teach that the great Gospel blessing which Christ secures to such as 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; by virtue of which faith his perfect righteousness is freely imputed to us of God; that it brings us into a state of most blessed peace and favor with God, and secures every other blessing needful for time and eternity.
Genesis 15:6; Habakkuk 2:4; Acts 13:39; Romans 3:24-26; Romans 4:25; Romans 5:1-2; Romans 5:9; Romans 5:16-18; 1 Corinthians 1:30; 1 Corinthians 6:11; Galatians 3:6; Galatians 3:8; Galatians 3:24; Philippians 3:8-9; Hebrews 11:4; Romans 8:30; Titus 3:7; Ephesians 1:13-14; Philippians 3:10-11; Romans 6:5; Romans 8:31-34; Romans 8:1-4; Galatians 3:13-14; Romans 8:15-17; Galatians 4:6-7; James 2:24
We believe that 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, penitent and obedient faith; and that nothing prevents the salvation of the greatest sinner on earth, but his own determined depravity and voluntary rejection of the Gospel; which rejection involves him in an aggravated condemnation.
Isaiah 55:1; Revelation 22:17; Luke 14:17; Romans 16:26; Mark 1:15; Romans 1:15-17; John 5:40; Matthew 23:37; Romans 9:32; Proverbs 1:24; Acts 13:46; John 3:19; Matthew 11:20; Luke 19:27; 2 Thessalonians 1:8
We believe that 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; Ephesians 2:1; Colossians 2:13; John 1:12-13; 1 Peter 1:3; Ephesians 2:4-5; James 1:18; 1 Peter 1:23-25; John 3:5-8; John 6:63; Titus 3:5; 1 John 5:1; John 3:5; Acts 2:38-39; Ephesians 5:25-26; 1 John 3:9; 1 John 5:18; 1 Peter 1:1-2; 1 John 4:7; 1 John 5:2; 1 John 5:4; Titus 3:5; 1 John 1:7; Ezekiel 36:26-27
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 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.
2 Chronicles 7:14; 1 John 1:9; Acts 3:19; Proverbs 28:13; Matthew 3:8; 2 Chronicles 30:9b; 2 Peter 3:9; Matthew 9:13; Matthew 4:17; James 4:8; Revelation 3:19; Luke 15:7, Ezekiel 18:32, Acts 17:30; Mark 1:15; Luke 5:32; Zechariah 1:3b; Luke 13:3; Luke 15:10; Acts 2:38; Proverbs 1:23; Luke 17:3b-4; Psalm 34:14; Acts 26:19-29; Mark 1:15; Luke 9:23; Luke 24:46-47; Acts 16:31; Acts 20:21; Acts 26:20; Ephesians 2:8-9
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.
Genesis 12:1-3; Exodus 19:5-8; 1 Samuel 8:4-7,19-22; Isaiah 5:1-7; Jeremiah 31:31ff.; Matthew 16:18-19; 21:28-45; 24:22,31; 25:34; Luke 1:68-79; 2:29-32; 19:41-44; 24:44-48; John 1:12-14; 3:16; 5:24; 6:44-45,65; 10:27-29; 15:16; 17:6,12,17-18; Acts 20:32; Romans 5:9-10; 8:28-39; 10:12-15; 11:5-7,26-36; 1 Corinthians 1:1-2; 15:24-28; Ephesians 1:4-23; 2:1-10; 3:1-11; Colossians 1:12-14; 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14; 2 Timothy 1:12; 2:10,19; Hebrews 11:39–12:2; James 1:12; 1 Peter 1:2-5,13; 2:4-10; 1 John 1:7-9; 2:19; 3:2.
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 begun in regeneration; 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 especially the word of God, self-examination, self-denial, watchfulness, and prayer.
Romans 6:6; 1 Corinthians 6:11; 2 Corinthians 5:17; 2 Thessalonians 2:13; Hebrews 10:10; Romans 6:18; Romans 12:1; Galatians 2:20; 1 Thessalonians 4:3; 2 Peter 3:18; 2 Timothy 2:21; Acts 26:18; Colossians 2:11; Colossians 3:1; Colossians 3:5; Ephesians 1:13; Exodus 13:2; Exodus 31:13; Galatians 2:20; Hebrews 2:11; Hebrews 9:14; Hebrews 12:14; Hebrews 10:14; Hebrews 12:10; Hebrews 13:12; 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 Corinthians 6:11; 1 John 1:9; 1 John 3:9; 1 Peter 1:2; 1 Thessalonians 5:23; 2 Corinthians 12:21; John 17:17; John 17:19
XI. PERSERVERANCE OF THE SAINTS
We believe the Scriptures teach that such only are real believers as 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 unto salvation.
John 8:31; 1 Corinthians 15:1-2; Colossians 1:21-23; Hebrews 2:1-3; Hebrews 4:14; Hebrews 6:11-12; Hebrews 10:39; Hebrews 12:14; James 1:2-4; Romans 8:37-39; 1 Corinthians 9:24-27; 1 John 2:19; Philippians 1:6; John 10:28; 1 Peter 1:5; 2 Timothy 1:22; Ephesians 4:30; John 10:27-29; 1 John 3:9; Romans 11:29; Hebrews 6:4-6
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 the visible church.
Romans 3:20; Galatians 2:15-16; Acts 13:39; Romans 4:13-15; Romans 5:20; 1 Timothy 1:9-10; 1 John 3:4; Galatians 3:24; Romans 3:28; Galatians 3:11; Habakkuk 2:4; Romans 4:1-5: Galatians 3:10-14; Ephesians 2:15; Galatians 2:19; Romans 7:11-12; 1 Timothy 1:8; 1 Peter 1:15-16; Leviticus 11:44-46; Leviticus 19:2; Leviticus 20:7; Romans 7:7-11; Romans 13:8-10; James 2:8-11; Romans 8:3-4; Jeremiah 31:31-34; Ezekiel 11:19-20; Galatians 5:13-18
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.
Matthew 16:15-19; 18:15-20; Acts 2:41-42,47; 5:11-14; 6:3-6; 13:1-3; 14:23,27; 15:1-30; 16:5; 20:28; Romans 1:7; 1 Corinthians 1:2; 3:16; 5:4-5; 7:17; 9:13-14; 12; Ephesians 1:22-23; 2:19-22; 3:8-11,21; 5:22-32; Philippians 1:1; Colossians 1:18; 1 Timothy 2:9-14; 3:1-15; 4:14; Hebrews 11:39-40; 1 Peter 5:1-4; Revelation 2:3; 21:2-3.
XIV. BAPTISM & THE LORD’S SUPPER
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 Ghost; 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 it is prerequisite to the privileges of a church relation; and to the Lord’s Supper, in which the members of the church, by the sacred use of bread and wine, are to commemorate together the dying love of Christ; preceded always by solemn self-examination.
Matthew 3:13-17; 26:26-30; 28:19-20; Mark 1:9-11; 14:22-26; Luke 3:21-22; 22:19-20; John 3:23; Acts 2:41-42; 8:35-39; 16:30-33; 20:7; Romans 6:3-5; 1 Corinthians 10:16,21; 11:23-29; Colossians 2:12.
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 abstaining from all secular labor and sinful recreations, by the devout observance of all the means of grace, both private and public, and by preparation for that rest that remaineth for the people of God.
Exodus 20:8-11; Matthew 12:1-12; 28:1ff.; Mark 2:27-28; 16:1-7; Luke 24:1-3,33-36; John 4:21-24; 20:1,19-28; Acts 20:7; Romans 14:5-10; I Corinthians 16:1-2; Colossians 2:16; 3:16; Revelation 1:10
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.
Exodus 18:21; Romans 13:4; Isaiah 33:22; Acts 5:29; Deuteronomy 1:13; 1 Peter 2:13-17; Romans 13:1-2; Leviticus 19:15; 2 Samuel 23:3; Deuteronomy 17:18-20; Matthew 22:21; Genesis 9:6; Psalm 2:10-12; Romans 13:1-7; Matthew 5:38-39; Mark 12:13-17; Titus 3:1
We believe the Scriptures teach that there is a radical and essential difference between the righteous and the wicked; that such only as through faith are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and sanctified by the Spirit of our God, are truly righteous in his esteem; while all such as continue in impenitence and unbelief are in his sight wicked, and under the curse; and this distinction holds among men both in and after death.
Matthew 25: 10-13; Matthew 25:30-46; 2 Corinthians 6:14-17; Revelation 18:4; Matthew 24:37-41; Romans 12:2 Proverbs 20:7; Psalms 37: 21; Proverbs 10:11; Proverbs 12:5; Proverbs 13:5; Proverbs 15:28; Proverbs 21:25-26; Proverbs 29:7; Matthew 25:31-40; Psalm 146:8; Proverbs 18:10; Psalms 1:5-6; Psalms 37:16-17; Psalms 55:22; Proverbs 10:29; Proverbs 11:8; Proverbs 12:21; Proverbs 10:3; Psalm 37:25; Proverbs 13:25; Psalm 5:12; Job 36:7; Proverbs 3:33; Proverbs 10:6-7; 1 Peter 3:12
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.
Isaiah 2:4; 11:9; Matthew 16:27; 18:8-9; 19:28; 24:27,30,36,44; 25:31-46; 26:64; Mark 8:38; 9:43-48; Luke 12:40,48; 16:19-26; 17:22-37; 21:27-28; John 14:1-3; Acts 1:11; 17:31; Romans 14:10; 1 Corinthians 4:5; 15:24-28,35-58; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Philippians 3:20-21; Colossians 1:5; 3:4; 1 Thessalonians 4:14-18; 5:1ff.; 2 Thessalonians 1:7ff.; 2; 1 Timothy 6:14; 2 Timothy 4:1,8; Titus 2:13; Hebrews 9:27-28; James 5:8; 2 Peter 3:7ff.; 1 John 2:28; 3:2; Jude 14; Revelation 1:18; 3:11; 20:1-22:13.