I. Of the Scriptures
We believe that the Holy Bible was written by men divinely inspired,
and is the inerrant and infallible Word of God, 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. 3:16-17; 2 Pet. 1:21; 1 Sam. 23:2; Acts 1:16; 3:21; John
10:35; Luke 16:29-31; Psa. 119:11; Rom. 3:1-2;
2 Tim. 3:15; 1 Pet. 1:10-12; Acts 11:14; Rom. 1:16; Mark 16:16;
John 5:38-39;
Prov. 30:5-6; John 17:17; Rev. 22:18-19; Rom. 3:4; Rom. 2:12;
John 12:47-48; 1 Cor. 4:3-4; Luke 10:10-16; 12:47-48;
Phil. 3:16; Eph. 4:3-6; Phil. 2:12; 1 Cor. 1:10; 1 Pet. 4:11;
1 John 4:1; Isa. 8:20; 1 Thess. 5:21; 2 Cor. 8:5; Acts 17:11;
1 John 4:6; Jude 3:5; Eph. 6:17; Psa. 119:5960; Phil. 1:911
II. Of the True God
We believe 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 and harmonious offices in
the great work of redemption.
John 4:24; Psa. 147:5; 83:18; Heb. 3:4; Rom. 1:20; Jer. 10:10;
Exod. 15:11; Isa. 6:3; 1 Pet. 1:15-16; Rev. 4:6-8;
Mark 12:30; Rev. 4:11; Matt. 10:37; Jer. 2:12-13;
Matt. 28:19; John 15:26; 1 Cor. 12:4-6; 1 John 5:7;
John 10:30; 5:17; 14:23; 17:5, 10; Acts 5:3-4; 1 Cor. 2:10-11;
Phil. 2:5-6;
Eph. 2:18; 2 Cor. 13:14; Rev. 1:4-5; comp. 2, 7
III. Of 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; Eccl. 7:29; Acts 16:26; Gen. 2:16
Gen. 3:6-24; Rom. 5:12
Rom. 5:19; John 3:6; Psa. 51:5; Rom. 5:15-19; 8:7
Isa. 53:6; Gen. 6:12; Rom. 3:9-18
Eph. 2:1-3; Rom. 1:18, 32; 2:1-16; Gal. 3:10; Matt. 20:15
Ezek. 18:19-20; Rom. 1:20; 3:19; Gal. 3:22
IV. Of 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 death, he is now enthroned in heaven; and uniting
in his wonderful person the most tender sympathies with divine
perfections, he is every way qualified to be a suitable, a compassionate,
and an all- sufficient Saviour.
Eph. 2:5; Matt. 18:11; 1 John 4:10; 1 Cor. 3:5-7; Acts 15:11
John 3:16; 1:1-14; Heb. 4:14; 12:24
Phil. 2:6-7; Heb. 2:9, 14; 2 Cor. 5:21
Isa. 42:21; Phil. 2:8; Gal. 4:4-5; Rom. 3:21
Isa. 53:4-5; Matt. 20:28; Rom. 4:25; 3:21-26; 1 John 4:10; 2:2;
1 Cor. 15:1-3; Heb. 9:13-15
Heb. 1:8, 3; 8:1; Col. 3:1-4
Heb. 7:25; Col. 2:9; Heb. 2:18; 7:26; Psa. 89:19; Psa. 14
V. Of 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 13:39; Isa. 3:11-12; Rom. 8:1
Rom. 5:9; Zech. 13:1; Matt. 9:6; Acts 10:43
Rom. 5:17; Titus 3:5-6; 1 Pet. 3:7; 1 John 2:25; Rom. 5:21
Rom. 4:4-5; 5:21; 6:28; Phil. 3:7-9
Rom. 5:19; 3:24-26; 4:23-25; 1 John 2:12
Rom. 5:1-3, 11; 1 Cor. 1:30-31; Matt. 6:33; 1 Tim. 4:8
VI. Of the Freeness of Salvation
We believe 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 a cordial, penitent, 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.
Isa. 55:1; Rev. 22:17; Luke 14:17
Rom. 16:26; Mark 1:15; Rom. 1:15-17
John 5:40; Matt. 23:37; Rom. 9:32; Prov. 1:24; Acts 13:46
John 3:19; Matt. 11:20; Luke 19:27; 2 Thess. 1:8
VII. Of Grace in Regeneration
We believe 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, 6-7; 1 Cor. 1:14; Rev. 8:7-9; 21:27
2 Cor. 5:17; Ezek. 36:26; Deut. 30:6; Rom. 2:28-29; 5:5; 1 John
4:7
John 3:8; 1:13; James 1:16-18; 1 Cor. 1:30; Phil. 2:13
1 Pet. 1:22-25; 1 John 5:1; Eph. 4:20-24; Col. 3:9-11
Eph. 5:9; Rom. 8:9; Gal. 5:16-23; Eph. 3:14-21; Matt. 3:8-10;
7:20; 1 John 5:4, 18
VIII. Of 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 11:18; Eph. 2:8; 1 John 5:1
John 16:8; Acts 2:37-38; 16:30-31
Luke 18:13; 15:18-21; James 4:7-10; 2 Cor. 7:11; Rom. 10:12-13;
Psa. 51
Rom. 10:9-11; Acts 3:22-23: Heb. 4:14; Psa. 2:6; Heb. 1:8; 8:25;
2 Tim. 1:12
IX. Of God's Purpose of Grace
We believe in unconditional Election, and that it 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; Eph. 1:3-14; 1 Pet. 1:1-2; Rom. 11:5-6; John 15:15;
1 John 4:19; Hos. 12:9
2 Thess. 2:13-14; Acts 13:48; John 10:16; Matt. 20:16; Acts
15:14
Exod. 33:18-19; Matt. 20:15; Eph. 1:11; Rom. 9:23-24: Jer. 31:3;
Rom. 11:28-29; James 1:17-18; 2 Tim. 1:9; Rom. 11:32-36
1 Cor. 4:7; 1:26-31; Rom. 3:27; 4:16; Col. 3:12; 1 Cor. 3:5-7;
15:10; 1 Pet. 5:10; Acts 1:24; 1 Thess. 2:13; 1 Pet. 2:9; Luke
18:7; John 15:16; Eph. 1:16; 1 Thess. 2:12
2 Tim. 2:10; 1 Cor. 9:22; Rom. 8:28-30; John 6:37-40; 2 Pet.
1:10
1 Thess. 1:4-10
Rom. 8:28-30; Isa. 42:16; Rom. 11:29
2 Pet. 1:10-11; Phil. 3:12; Heb. 6:11
X. Of 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 - the Word of God,
self-examination, self-denial, watchfulness, and prayer.
Heb. 1:10; 13:10; I Cor. 1:30; 6:11
1 Thess. 4:3; 5:23; 2 Cor. 7:1; 13:9; Eph. 1:4
Prov. 4:18; 2 Cor. 3:18; Heb. 6:1; 2 Pet. 1:5-8; Phil. 3:12-16
John 2:29; Rom. 8:5; John 3:6; Phil. 1:9-11; Eph. 1:13-14
Phil. 2:12-13; Eph. 4:11-12; 1 Pet. 2:2; 2 Pet. 3:18; 2 Cor.
13:5; Luke 11:35; 9:23; Matt. 26:41; Eph. 6:18; 4:30
XI. Of the Perseverance of 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 they are
kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation.
John 8:31; 1 John 2:27-28; 3:9; 5:18
1 John 2:19; John 13:18; Matt. 13:20-21; John 6:66-69; Job 17:9
Rom. 8:28; Matt. 6:30-33; Jer. 32:40; Psa. 121:3; 91:11-12
Phil. 1:6; 2:12-13; Jude 24-25; Heb. 1:14; 2 Kings 6:16; Heb.
13:5; 1 John 4:4
XII. Of the Harmony of the Law and the Gospel
We believe 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 arises 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.
Rom. 3:31; Matt. 5:17; Luke 16:17; Rom. 3:20; 4:15
Rom. 7:12, 7, 14, 22; Gal. 3:21; Psa. 119
Rom. 8:7-8; Josh. 24:19; Jer. 13:23; John 6:44; 5:44
Rom. 8:2, 4; 10:4; 1 Tim. 1:5; Heb. 8:10; Jude 20-21; Heb. 12:14;
Matt. 16:17-18; 1 Cor. 12:28
XIII. Of 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 Bishops, Elders, or Pastors, and Deacons, whose qualifications,
claims, and duties are defined in the Epistles to Timothy and
Titus.
1 Cor. 1:1-13; Matt. 18:17; Acts 5:11; 8:1; 11:31; 1 Cor. 4:17;
14:23; 3 John 9; 1 Tim. 3:5
Acts 2:41-42; 2 Cor. 8:5; Acts 2:47; 1 Cor. 5:12-13
1 Cor. 11:2; 2 Thess. 3:6; Rom. 16:17-20; 1 Cor. 11:23; Matt.
18:15-20; 1 Cor 5:6; 2 Cor. 2:7; 1 Cor. 4:17
Matt. 28:20; John 14:15; 15:12; 1 John 4:21; John 14:21; 1 Thess.
4.2; 2 John 6; Gal. 6:2; all the Epistles
Eph. 4:7; 1 Cor. 14:12; Phil. 1:27; 1 Cor. 12:14
Phil. 1:1; Acts 14:23; 15:22; 1 Tim. 3; Titus 1
XIV. Of Baptism and the Lord's Supper
We believe that Christian Baptism is the immersion in water
of a believer, in 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 Saviour, 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 the cup, are to commemorate together the dying love of Christ;
preceded always by solemn self-examination.
Acts 8:36-39; Matt. 3:5-6; John 3:22-23; 4:1-2; Matt. 28:19;
Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; 8:12; 16:32-34; 18:8
Matt. 28:19; Acts 10:47-48; Gal. 3:27-28
Rom. 6:4; Col. 2:12; 1 Pet. 3:20-21; Acts 22:16
Acts 2:41-42; Matt. 28:19-20; Acts and Epistles
1 Cor. 11:26; Matt. 26:26-29; Mark 14:22-25; Luke 22:14-20
1 Cor. 11:28; 5:1, 8; 10:3-32; 11:17-32; John 6:26-71
XV. Of the
Lord's Day
We believe 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 assembling together in the local church, by avoiding
all that would hinder such assembly; 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.
Acts 20:7; Gen. 2:3; Col. 2:16-17; Mark 2:27; John 20:19; 1
Cor. 16:1-2
Exod. 20:8; Rev. 1:10; Psa. 118:24
Psa. 119:15
Heb. 10:24-25; Acts 11:26; 13:44; Lev. 19:30; Luke 4:16; Psa.
26:8; 87:3
Heb. 4:3-11
XVI. Of Civil Government
We believe that civil government is of divine appointment, for
the interests 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.
Rom. 13:1-7; Deut. 16:18; 1 Sam. 23:3; Exod. 18:23; Jer. 30:21
Matt. 22:21; Titus 3:1; 1 Pet. 2:13; 1 Tim. 2:1-8
Acts 5:29; Matt. 10:28; Dan. 3:15-18; 6:7-10; Acts 4:18-20
Matt. 23:10; Rom. 14:4; Rev. 19:16; Psa. 72:11; Psa. 2; Rom.
14:9-13
XVII. Of the Righteous and the Wicked
We believe 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.
Mal. 3:18; Prov. 12:26; Isa. 5:20; Gen. 18:23; Jer. 15:19; Acts
10:34- 35; Rom. 6:16
Rom. 1:17; 7:6; 1 John 2:29; 3:7; Rom. 6:18, 22; 1 Cor. 11:32;
Prov. 11:31; 1 Pet. 4:17-18
1 John 5:19; Gal. 3:10; John 3:36; Isa. 57:21; Psa. 10:4; Isa
55:6-7
Prov. 14:32; Luke 16:25; John 8:21-24; Prov. 10:24; Luke 12:4-5;
9:23- 26; John 12:25-26; Eccl. 3:17; Matt. 7:13-14
XVIII. Of the World to Come
We believe that the end of the world is approaching; that at
the last day Christ will descend from heaven literally, personally,
bodily and visibly 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; 1 Cor. 7:29-31; Heb. 1:10-12; Matt. 24:35; 1 John
2:17; Matt. 28:20; 13:39-40; 2 Pet. 3:3-13
Acts 1:11; Rev. 1:7; Heb. 9:28; Acts 3:21; 1 Thess. 4:13-18;
5:1-11
Acts 24:15; 1 Cor. 15:12-59; Luke 14:14; Dan. 12:2; John 5:28-29;
6:40; 11:25-26; 2 Tim. 1:10; Acts 10:42
Matt. 13:49, 37-43; 24:30-31; 25:31-33
Matt. 25:35-41; Rev. 22:11; 1 Cor. 6:9-10; Mark 9:43-48; 2 Pet.
2:9; Jude 7; Phil. 3:19; Rom. 6:32; 2 Cor. 5:10-11; John 4:36;
2 Cor. 4:18
Rom. 3:5-6; 2 Thess. 1:6-12; Heb. 6:1-2; 1 Cor. 4:5; Acts 17:31;
Rom. 2:2-16; Rev. 20:11-12; 1 John 2:28; 4:17
