Statement of Faith
Scripture
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 should be tried.
2 Tim. 3:15–17; Prov. 30:5–6; Rom. 2:12; Phil. 3:16; 1 John 4:1
God
There is but one only, living, and true God, who is infinite in being and perfection, a most pure spirit, invisible, without body, parts, or passions; immutable, immense, eternal, incomprehensible, almighty, most wise, most holy, most free, most absolute; working all things according to the counsel of His own immutable and most righteous will, for His own glory; most loving, gracious, merciful, long-suffering, abundant in goodness and truth, forgiving iniquity, transgression, and sin; the rewarder of them that diligently seek Him; and withal, most just, and terrible in His judgments, hating all sin, and who will by no means clear the guilty.
Deut. 4:15, 6:4; 1 Thess. 1:9; Job 11:7; John 4:24; 1 Tim. 1:17; Acts 14:11; James 1:17; 1 Kings 8:27; Ps. 5:5, 90:2, 115:3, 145:3; Gen. 17:1; Rom. 16:27; Isa. 6:3; Rev. 4:8; Exod. 3:14, 34:6–7; Eph. 1:11; Prov. 16:4; 1 John 4:8; Heb. 11:6; Neh. 9:32; Nah. 1:2–3; Josh. 5:26
God has all life, glory, goodness, blessedness, in and of Himself; and is alone in and unto Himself all-sufficient, not standing in need of any creatures which He has made, nor deriving any glory from them, but only manifesting His own glory in, by, unto, and upon them. He is the alone fountain of all being, of whom, through whom, and to whom are all things; and has most sovereign dominion over them, to do by them, for them, or upon them whatsoever Himself pleases. In His sight all things are open and manifest, His knowledge is infinite, infallible, and independent upon the creature, so as nothing is to Him contingent, or uncertain. He is most holy in all His counsels, in all His works, and in all His commands. To Him is due from angels and men, and every other creature, whatsoever worship, service, or obedience He is pleased to require of them.
Josh. 5:26; Acts 7:2; Ps. 119:68, 145:17; 1 Tim. 6:15; Acts 17:24; Job 22:2; Rom. 11:33, 36; Rev. 4:11, 5:12; Heb. 4:13; Acts 15:18
In the unity of the Godhead there be three persons, of one substance, power, and eternity: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Ghost: the Father is of none, neither begotten, nor proceeding; the Son is eternally begotten of the Father; the Holy Ghost eternally proceeding from the Father and the Son.
1 John 5:7; John 1:5, 14, 15:26, 19:11; Eph. 1:11; James 1:13, 17; Acts 2:23, 4:27; Matt. 17:12; Gal. 4:6
Deut. 4:15, 6:4; 1 Thess. 1:9; Job 11:7; John 4:24; 1 Tim. 1:17; Acts 14:11; James 1:17; 1 Kings 8:27; Ps. 5:5, 90:2, 115:3, 145:3; Gen. 17:1; Rom. 16:27; Isa. 6:3; Rev. 4:8; Exod. 3:14, 34:6–7; Eph. 1:11; Prov. 16:4; 1 John 4:8; Heb. 11:6; Neh. 9:32; Nah. 1:2–3; Josh. 5:26
God has all life, glory, goodness, blessedness, in and of Himself; and is alone in and unto Himself all-sufficient, not standing in need of any creatures which He has made, nor deriving any glory from them, but only manifesting His own glory in, by, unto, and upon them. He is the alone fountain of all being, of whom, through whom, and to whom are all things; and has most sovereign dominion over them, to do by them, for them, or upon them whatsoever Himself pleases. In His sight all things are open and manifest, His knowledge is infinite, infallible, and independent upon the creature, so as nothing is to Him contingent, or uncertain. He is most holy in all His counsels, in all His works, and in all His commands. To Him is due from angels and men, and every other creature, whatsoever worship, service, or obedience He is pleased to require of them.
Josh. 5:26; Acts 7:2; Ps. 119:68, 145:17; 1 Tim. 6:15; Acts 17:24; Job 22:2; Rom. 11:33, 36; Rev. 4:11, 5:12; Heb. 4:13; Acts 15:18
In the unity of the Godhead there be three persons, of one substance, power, and eternity: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Ghost: the Father is of none, neither begotten, nor proceeding; the Son is eternally begotten of the Father; the Holy Ghost eternally proceeding from the Father and the Son.
1 John 5:7; John 1:5, 14, 15:26, 19:11; Eph. 1:11; James 1:13, 17; Acts 2:23, 4:27; Matt. 17:12; Gal. 4:6
The Fall of Man
We believe that man was created in holiness, under the law of his Maker, but by voluntary transgression 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.
Gen. 1:27, 31, 2:16–17, 3:6–24, 6:12; Eccles. 7:29; Acts 17:26–29; Rom. 1:18–20, 32, 2:1–16, 3:9–19, 5:12, 8:7, 15–19; Ps. 51:5; Isa. 53:6; Eph. 2:1–3; Gal. 3:10, 22; Matt. 20:15; Ezek. 18:19–20
Gen. 1:27, 31, 2:16–17, 3:6–24, 6:12; Eccles. 7:29; Acts 17:26–29; Rom. 1:18–20, 32, 2:1–16, 3:9–19, 5:12, 8:7, 15–19; Ps. 51:5; Isa. 53:6; Eph. 2:1–3; Gal. 3:10, 22; Matt. 20:15; Ezek. 18:19–20
The Way of Salvation
We believe 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 every way qualified to be a suitable, a compassionate, and an all–sufficient Saviour.
Eph. 2:3; Matt. 18:11, 20:28; 1 John 2:3, 4:10; 1 Cor. 3:5–7, 15:1–3; 2 Cor. 5:21; Acts 15:11; John 1:1–14, 3:16 Heb. 4:14; Phil. 2:8–9, 14; Isa. 42:21, 53:4–5; Gal. 4:4–5; Rom. 3:21–26, 4:25; Heb. 1:3, 8, 7:25–26, 9:13–15; Col. 2:18, 3:1–4; Ps. 34, 89:19
Eph. 2:3; Matt. 18:11, 20:28; 1 John 2:3, 4:10; 1 Cor. 3:5–7, 15:1–3; 2 Cor. 5:21; Acts 15:11; John 1:1–14, 3:16 Heb. 4:14; Phil. 2:8–9, 14; Isa. 42:21, 53:4–5; Gal. 4:4–5; Rom. 3:21–26, 4:25; Heb. 1:3, 8, 7:25–26, 9:13–15; Col. 2:18, 3:1–4; Ps. 34, 89:19
Justification
We believe 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.
John 1:16; Eph. 3:8; Acts 10:43, 13:39; Isa. 53:11–12; Zech. 13:1; Matt. 6:33, 9:6; Titus 3:5–7; 1 Pet. 3:7; Phil. 3:7–9; 1 Cor. 1:30–31; 1 Tim. 4:8; 1 John 2:12, 25; Rom. 3:24–26, 4:4–5, 23–25, 5:1–3, 9–11, 17–21, 6:23
John 1:16; Eph. 3:8; Acts 10:43, 13:39; Isa. 53:11–12; Zech. 13:1; Matt. 6:33, 9:6; Titus 3:5–7; 1 Pet. 3:7; Phil. 3:7–9; 1 Cor. 1:30–31; 1 Tim. 4:8; 1 John 2:12, 25; Rom. 3:24–26, 4:4–5, 23–25, 5:1–3, 9–11, 17–21, 6:23
Free Will
God has endued the will of man with that natural liberty, that is neither forced, nor, by any absolute necessity of nature, determined good, or evil.
Matt. 17:12; James 1:14; Deut. 30:19
Man, in his state of innocency, had freedom, and power to will and to do that which was good and well pleasing to God; but yet, mutably, so that he might fall from it.
Eccles. 7:29; Gen. 1:26, 2:16–17, 3:6
Man, by his fall into a state of sin, has wholly lost all ability of will to any spiritual good accompanying salvation: so as, a natural man, being altogether averse from that good, and dead in sin, is not able, by his own strength, to convert himself, or to prepare himself thereunto.
Rom. 5:6; 8:7; John 15:5; Rom. 3:10–12; Eph. 2:1–5; Col. 2:13; John 6:44; 1 Cor. 2:14; Titus 3:3–5
When God converts a sinner, and translates him into the state of grace, He frees him from his natural bondage under sin; and, by His grace alone, enables him freely to will and to do that which is spiritually good; yet so, as that by reason of his remaining corruption, he does not perfectly, or only, will that which is good, but does also will that which is evil.
Col. 1:13; John 8:34–26; Phil. 2:13; Rom. 6:18–22; Gal. 5:17; Rom. 7:15–21
The will of man is made perfectly and immutably free to do good alone in the state of glory only.
Eph. 4:13; Heb. 12:23; 1 John 3:2 Jude 24
Matt. 17:12; James 1:14; Deut. 30:19
Man, in his state of innocency, had freedom, and power to will and to do that which was good and well pleasing to God; but yet, mutably, so that he might fall from it.
Eccles. 7:29; Gen. 1:26, 2:16–17, 3:6
Man, by his fall into a state of sin, has wholly lost all ability of will to any spiritual good accompanying salvation: so as, a natural man, being altogether averse from that good, and dead in sin, is not able, by his own strength, to convert himself, or to prepare himself thereunto.
Rom. 5:6; 8:7; John 15:5; Rom. 3:10–12; Eph. 2:1–5; Col. 2:13; John 6:44; 1 Cor. 2:14; Titus 3:3–5
When God converts a sinner, and translates him into the state of grace, He frees him from his natural bondage under sin; and, by His grace alone, enables him freely to will and to do that which is spiritually good; yet so, as that by reason of his remaining corruption, he does not perfectly, or only, will that which is good, but does also will that which is evil.
Col. 1:13; John 8:34–26; Phil. 2:13; Rom. 6:18–22; Gal. 5:17; Rom. 7:15–21
The will of man is made perfectly and immutably free to do good alone in the state of glory only.
Eph. 4:13; Heb. 12:23; 1 John 3:2 Jude 24
Repentance and Faith
We believe 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 Saviour.
Mark 1:15; Acts 2:37–38, 3:22–23, 11:18, 16:30–31; Eph. 2:8; 1 John 5:1; John 16:8; Luke 15:18–21, 18:13; James 4:7–10; 2 Cor. 7:11; Ps. 2:6; Rom. 10:9–11; Heb. 1:8, 4:14, 7:25; 2 Tim. 1:12
Mark 1:15; Acts 2:37–38, 3:22–23, 11:18, 16:30–31; Eph. 2:8; 1 John 5:1; John 16:8; Luke 15:18–21, 18:13; James 4:7–10; 2 Cor. 7:11; Ps. 2:6; Rom. 10:9–11; Heb. 1:8, 4:14, 7:25; 2 Tim. 1:12
God’s Purpose of Grace
We believe 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 Tim. 1:8–9, 2:10; Eph. 1:3–14; 1 Pet. 1:1–2, 2:9, 5:10; Rom. 3:27, 4:16, 8:28–30, 9:23–24, 11:5–6, 28–29, 32–36; John 10:16, 6:37–40, 10:16, 15:16; 1 John 4:19; 2 Thess.. 1:4–10, 2:12–14; Acts 1:24, 13:48, 15:14; Matt. 20:15–16; Exod. 33:18–19; Jer. 31:3; James 1:17–18; 1 Cor. 1:26–31, 3:5–7, 9:22, 15:10; Col. 3:12; Luke 18:7; Isa. 42:16; 2 Pet. 1:10–11; Phil. 3:12; Heb. 6:11
2 Tim. 1:8–9, 2:10; Eph. 1:3–14; 1 Pet. 1:1–2, 2:9, 5:10; Rom. 3:27, 4:16, 8:28–30, 9:23–24, 11:5–6, 28–29, 32–36; John 10:16, 6:37–40, 10:16, 15:16; 1 John 4:19; 2 Thess.. 1:4–10, 2:12–14; Acts 1:24, 13:48, 15:14; Matt. 20:15–16; Exod. 33:18–19; Jer. 31:3; James 1:17–18; 1 Cor. 1:26–31, 3:5–7, 9:22, 15:10; Col. 3:12; Luke 18:7; Isa. 42:16; 2 Pet. 1:10–11; Phil. 3:12; Heb. 6:11
Sanctification
We believe 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.
1 Thess. 4:3, 5:23; 2 Cor. 3:18, 7:1, 13:5, 10; Phil. 1:9–11, 3:12–16; 1 John 2:29; Rom. 8:5; Eph. 1:4, 13–14, 4:11–12, 30, 6:18; Prov. 4:18; Heb. 6:1; 2 Pet. 1:5–8, 3:18; John 3:6; 1 Pet. 2:2; Luke 9:23, 11:35; Matt. 26:41
1 Thess. 4:3, 5:23; 2 Cor. 3:18, 7:1, 13:5, 10; Phil. 1:9–11, 3:12–16; 1 John 2:29; Rom. 8:5; Eph. 1:4, 13–14, 4:11–12, 30, 6:18; Prov. 4:18; Heb. 6:1; 2 Pet. 1:5–8, 3:18; John 3:6; 1 Pet. 2:2; Luke 9:23, 11:35; Matt. 26:41
Perseverance of the Saints
We believe that such only are real believers as endure unto 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 that they are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation.
John 6:66–69, 8:31, 13:18; 1 John 2:19, 27–28, 3:9, 4:4, 5:18; Matt. 6:30–33, 13:20– 21; Job 17:9; Rom. 8:28; Jer. 32:40; Ps. 91:11–12, 121:3; Phil. 1:6, 2:13; Jude 24–25; Heb. 1:14, 13:5; 2 Kings 6:16; 1 John 4:4
John 6:66–69, 8:31, 13:18; 1 John 2:19, 27–28, 3:9, 4:4, 5:18; Matt. 6:30–33, 13:20– 21; Job 17:9; Rom. 8:28; Jer. 32:40; Ps. 91:11–12, 121:3; Phil. 1:6, 2:13; Jude 24–25; Heb. 1:14, 13:5; 2 Kings 6:16; 1 John 4:4
A Gospel Church
We believe 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 pastors and deacons whose qualifications, claims and duties are defined in the Epistles to Timothy and Titus.
1 Cor. 1:1–3, 4:17, 5:6, 12–13, 11:2, 23–24, 14:12–13; Matt. 18:15–20, 28:20; Acts 2:41–42, 47, 5:11, 8:1, 11:21–23, 14:23, 15:22; 3 John 9; 1 Tim. 3:5; 2 Cor. 2:17, 8:5; 2 Thess. 3:6; Rom. 16:17–20; John 14:15, 15:12; 1 John 14:21; 1 Thess. 4:2; 2 John 6; Gal. 6:2; Eph. 4:7; Phil. 1:1
1 Cor. 1:1–3, 4:17, 5:6, 12–13, 11:2, 23–24, 14:12–13; Matt. 18:15–20, 28:20; Acts 2:41–42, 47, 5:11, 8:1, 11:21–23, 14:23, 15:22; 3 John 9; 1 Tim. 3:5; 2 Cor. 2:17, 8:5; 2 Thess. 3:6; Rom. 16:17–20; John 14:15, 15:12; 1 John 14:21; 1 Thess. 4:2; 2 John 6; Gal. 6:2; Eph. 4:7; Phil. 1:1
The World to Come
We believe 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 to 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 Pet. 4:7; Heb. 1:10–12, 6:1–2, 9:28; Matt. 13:37–43, 49, 24:30–31, 35, 25:31–46, 28:20; 1 John 2:17, 28, 4:17; 2 Pet. 2:9, 3:3–13; Acts 1:11, 3:21, 10:42, 17:31, 24:15; Rev. 1:7, 20:11–12, 22:11; 1 Thess. 4:13–18, 5:1–11; 1 Cor. 4:5, 6:9–10, 7:29–31, 15:12–58; Luke 14:14; Dan. 12:2; John 4:36, 5:28–29, 6:40, 11:25–26; 2 Tim. 1:10; Mark 9:43–48; Jude 7; Phil. 3:19; Rom. 2:2–16, 3:5–6, 6:23; 2 Cor. 4:18, 5:10–11; 2 Thess. 1:6–12
1 Pet. 4:7; Heb. 1:10–12, 6:1–2, 9:28; Matt. 13:37–43, 49, 24:30–31, 35, 25:31–46, 28:20; 1 John 2:17, 28, 4:17; 2 Pet. 2:9, 3:3–13; Acts 1:11, 3:21, 10:42, 17:31, 24:15; Rev. 1:7, 20:11–12, 22:11; 1 Thess. 4:13–18, 5:1–11; 1 Cor. 4:5, 6:9–10, 7:29–31, 15:12–58; Luke 14:14; Dan. 12:2; John 4:36, 5:28–29, 6:40, 11:25–26; 2 Tim. 1:10; Mark 9:43–48; Jude 7; Phil. 3:19; Rom. 2:2–16, 3:5–6, 6:23; 2 Cor. 4:18, 5:10–11; 2 Thess. 1:6–12
Our Statement of Faith is adapted from the 1833 New Hampshire Confession and the 1647 Westminster Confession of Faith
