Table of Contents
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1. THE SCRIPTURESWe believe that the Holy Bible, as originally written, was verbally inspired and the product of Spirit-filled men and has been divinely preserved to date in the Authorized Version of 1611, and, therefore, is the truth without any admixture of error for its matter. We believe the Bible to be the true center of Christian union and the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds, and opinions shall be tried. a. By “The Holy Bible,” we mean that collection of sixty-six books, from Genesis to Revelation, which as written and preserved in the Authorized Version of 1611, does not only contain and convey the word of God, but IS the word of God. b. By “Inspiration,” we mean that the books of the Bible were written by holy men of old, as they were moved by the Holy Spirit in such a definite way that their writings were supernaturally and verbally inspired and preserved, free from error, as no other writings have ever been or ever will be. c. Whereas there are a number of other versions of the Bible in circulation, all of which are not reliable due to their omission of words and their being translated from corrupt manuscripts, we consider it, therefore, a necessity to believe and a privilege to use only the King James A.V. 1611 in our pulpit and in our classrooms. 2. THE TRUE GODWe believe that there is one, and only one, living and true God—an infinite, intelligent Spirit, the Creator and Supreme Ruler of heaven and earth; inexpressibly glorious in holiness, and worthy of all possible honor, confidence, and love. In the unity of the Godhead there are three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost or Spirit—equal in every divine perfection and executing distinct but harmonious offices in the great work of redemption. 3. THE HOLY SPIRITWe believe that the Holy Spirit is equal with God the Father and God the Son and of the same nature; that He was active in the creation; that He convicts of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment; that He bears witness to the truth of the Gospel in our preaching and testimony; that He is the agent of the New Birth; that He seals, fills, leads, intercedes, teaches, witnesses, sanctifies and comforts the believer. Reference(s): Genesis 1:1–3; Luke 1:35; John 1:12–13, 33; 3:5–8; 14:16; 16:8–11, 17, 26; Acts 5:30–32; Romans 8:14–16, 26–27; I Corinthians 2:10–13; 6:11; 12:13; II Corinthians 3:17; Ephesians 1:13–14; Hebrews 9:14. 4. JESUS CHRISTWe believe that Jesus Christ was begotten by the Holy Ghost in a miraculous manner; born of Mary, a virgin; and that He is both completely man and completely God. He was subject to temptation, yet without ANY sin. He is the Messiah for Israel, the Saviour of the world, the ONLY way any person can come to God the Father or receive forgiveness of sins and everlasting life. He is to be worshipped and glorified as the LORD. Reference(s): Isaiah 7:14; 9:6–7; Matthew 4:1–11; Luke 1:31–35; 24:52; John 4:42; 14:6; 16:14; 20:28; Philippians 2:9–11; Hebrews 4:15; I Peter 2:22. 5. SATAN OR THE DEVILWe believe that he was created perfect, as a Cherub called Lucifer, in his original creation, and because of pride, rebelled against God and became the author of sin. After that, he appeared as an angel of light to Eve in the Garden of Eden and tempted her to willfully disobey God’s command, resulting in the fall of man. We believe he was then cursed, to be henceforth referred to as a serpent, or the dragon. Now as a great red dragon he abides in the great deep, and as the Devil, he appears on earth and in heaven as the god of this world to fulfill the ultimate will of God in judging, killing, deceiving, hindering, tempting, and accusing. During the fulfillment of Daniel’s Seventieth Week, or the Great Tribulation, he will come down to earth to indwell the Antichrist. After the Antichrist is destroyed, the Devil will be chained in the bottomless pit for 1000 years, at the end of which he will be loosed to assemble an army of sinners for his last attempt to overthrow God. He and his army will be destroyed, and he will be cast into the lake of fire forever. Reference(s): Genesis 1:1–2, 28; 3:1–6, 14–19; Job 1:6–12; 2:1–7; 41:31–34; Ezekiel 28:12–19; Isaiah 14:12–15; Jeremiah 51:20–25; Romans 5:12; II Corinthians 4:3–4; 11:14; I Thessalonians 2:18; II Thessalonians 2:3–9; II Peter 3:3–7; John 8:44; Revelation 12:3–9; 19:11–20; 20:1–10. 6. THE CREATIONWe believe the Genesis account of creation as being neither allegory nor myth, but a literal, historical account of the direct, immediate creative acts of God in the person of Jesus Christ without any evolutionary process; that man, made up of spirit, soul, and body, was created by a direct work of God and not from previously existing forms of life; and that all men are descended from the historical Adam and Eve, first parents of the human race. Reference(s): Genesis 1–2; Colossians 1:16–17; Matthew 19:4; John 1:3 7. THE FALL OF MANWe believe that man was created in a state of innocence as a free moral agent under the law of his Maker; but by voluntary transgression Adam fell from his sinless and happy state, as a result of which all men are totally depraved (excluding the will), are partakers of Adam’s fallen nature, and are sinners by nature and by conduct; and therefore, are under just condemnation without defense or excuse. Reference(s): Genesis 2:17; 3:1–6; Ezra 7:13; Psalm 5:15; Romans 3:10–19; 5:12, 19. 8. CHRIST’S ATONEMENTWe 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 a body of flesh, yet without sin, honored the divine law by His personal obedience, and made a full and vicarious atonement for our sins by His death, which reconciles the sinner to God. His atonement was not merely an example of martyrdom, but a voluntary substitution—the just dying for the unjust—Christ bearing our sins in His own body on the tree. Having risen bodily from the dead, He is now seated at the right hand of God in heaven, uniting divine perfection with tender sympathy. He is fully qualified to be our compassionate and all-sufficient Saviour and High Priest. This atonement is not limited but effectual to any sinner who accepts it by faith. We believe this atonement is eternal and covers all sins—past, present, and future—for the redeemed. Therefore, any individual under this atonement is eternally saved from condemnation because of the atonement of Jesus Christ. Reference(s): Isaiah 53:4–7; John 3:16; 5:24; Acts 15:11; Romans 3:24–26; 5:8–11; Ephesians 2:8; I Corinthians 15:3–4; II Corinthians 5:18–21; Philippians 2:7; I Timothy 2:5; Hebrews 2:14; 9:14; I John 2:2; 4:10. 9. THE NEW BIRTHWe believe that the new birth (being born again) is the regenerative act of the Holy Spirit upon a sinner when they repent of their sins and believe the Gospel according to the Scriptures, receiving the Lord Jesus Christ as their personal Saviour. As a result, the sinner is made a new creature in Christ Jesus, partaking of the divine nature and receiving eternal life as a free gift of God. This regeneration, resulting in the “new man,” is brought about in a manner beyond human comprehension, solely by the power of the Holy Spirit in connection with divine truth. Reference(s): John 1:12; 3:3, 6–8; Romans 6:23; I Corinthians 4:15; II Corinthians 5:17; Ephesians 2:1, 15; 4:24; Colossians 2:13; Titus 3:5; I Peter 1:23; II Peter 1:4; I John 5:1. 10. JUSTIFICATIONWe believe that justification is the judicial act of God whereby He declares us to be just and righteous through faith in Christ Jesus. Justification includes the pardon of sin and the imputation of God’s righteousness. It is not based on any works of righteousness we have done, but solely through faith in the Redeemer’s blood. Reference(s): Isaiah 53:11; Acts 13:39; Romans 3:24–28; 5:1–9; II Corinthians 5:18–21. 11. SALVATIONWe believe that the salvation of a soul requires belief in God and repentance toward God, which involves genuine sorrow for sin and a willingness to turn from it, and faith toward the Lord Jesus Christ. This salvation is permanent and eternal to the believer. Reference(s): John 3:16; Acts 16:31; 20:21; II Corinthians 7:9–10; Ephesians 1:13; 4:30; I Thessalonians 1:9; Hebrews 1:6. 12. SANCTIFICATIONWe believe that sanctification is the divine setting apart of the believer unto God, accomplished in a threefold manner: (1) an eternal act of God, based upon redemption in Christ, establishing the believer’s spirit in a position of holiness at the moment of salvation; (2) a continuing process in the soul as the Holy Spirit applies the Word of God to the inner man; and (3) the final accomplishment at the Lord’s return, when the body will be transformed into a perfect, sinless body in the image of Christ. Reference(s): John 17:17; Romans 8:29; Ephesians 4:24; 5:25–26; I Corinthians 1:30; 6:11; 15:51–54; II Corinthians 3:18; 4:16; Philippians 3:21; I Thessalonians 4:3–4, 13–17; 5:23–24; Hebrews 10:10–14; I John 3:2, 9. 13. ADOPTIONWe believe that adoption is the gracious act whereby the Father, for the sake of Christ, places new believers into the honored position of mature sons, in contrast with regeneration whereby the believer receives the nature of God and becomes a child of God. The full benefit of the position accorded by adoption as the sons of God awaits the glorification of the believer at the coming of the Lord and the redemption of the body. Reference(s): Romans 8:15, 23; Ephesians 1:5, 13–14; Galatians 4:1–7; I John 3:1–2 14. THE CHURCHWe believe in the unity of all true believers in the Church, which is the body of Christ, established on the day of Pentecost. All believers from Pentecost to the Rapture, both Jews and Gentiles, are added to this Church by the baptism of the Holy Spirit at the moment they trust in Jesus Christ as Saviour. We believe this Church is manifested through the local church — a congregation of immersed believers associated by covenant of faith and fellowship of the Gospel. The local church observes the ordinances of Christ, is governed by His laws in accordance with Pauline revelation, and exercises the gifts, rights, and privileges invested in them by His Word. Its officers are pastors (also called elders) and deacons, whose qualifications and duties are clearly defined in Scripture. The true mission of the church is the edification, perfection, exhortation, and comfort of its members in spiritual matters, and the faithful witnessing of Christ to all men. The local church has the absolute right of self-government, free from interference by any hierarchy. The God-called and Spirit-filled pastor is the shepherd of the local church, just as Jesus Christ is the Head of the universal Church. Cooperation among true churches is scriptural, but each local church is the sole judge of its cooperation, membership, discipline, and governance. Reference(s): Acts 1:5; 2:4, 41, 47; 15:13–18; 20:17–28; I Corinthians 11:2; 12:12–13; Galatians 3:26–28; Ephesians 1:10, 22–23; 4:11–16; 5:23; Colossians 1:18; I Timothy 3:1–7; Titus 1:5–7; Hebrews 13:7, 17; I Peter 5:1–4 15. BAPTISM AND THE LORD’S SUPPERWe believe in two ordinances: baptism and the Lord’s Supper. Christian baptism is the immersion of the believer in water, under the authority of the local church, symbolizing submission to and faith in the crucified, buried, and risen Saviour. It is administered by the pastor and signifies the believer’s subjection to pastoral leadership. Only one baptism is necessary in a believer’s life, and it is a prerequisite for church membership. The Lord’s Supper commemorates Christ’s death until He returns and should always be preceded by serious self-examination and confession. Reference(s): Matthew 28:19–20; Acts 8:36–39; 9:18; Romans 6:3–5; I Corinthians 9:25; 10:1–2; 11:23–32; I Timothy 1:1, 6; I Peter 3:21 16. CIVIL GOVERNMENTWe believe that civil government is divinely appointed for the good order of human society. Magistrates are to be prayed for, honored, and obeyed — except in matters that contradict the Word of God. Reference(s): Matthew 22:21; Acts 4:19–20; 5:29; Romans 13:1–7; I Timothy 2:1–2; I Peter 2:13–16 17. SPIRITUAL GIFTS, MIRACLES, SIGNS AND WONDERSWe believe the gifts of the Spirit in I Corinthians 12 are active today for ministry within the body of Christ, except for those specifically designated as “signs.” These sign gifts — including miracles, wonders, and tongues — were given during the early church era to identify apostles, reach Jews with the Gospel, and confirm the spoken Word before Scripture was complete. Since there are no apostles today, the Gospel is primarily to Gentiles, and we have a complete Bible, we reject modern manifestations of tongues, supernatural healing as practiced by apostles, and other signs or wonders. We believe God still heals according to His Word and will, through faith and confession. Any other signs or wonders are considered heretical and deceptive, produced by Satanic power in these last days. Reference(s): Matthew 24:5, 11, 14; Mark 16:17–18, 20; Acts 2:4–5, 43; 3:7; 5:12; I Corinthians 12:1–11, 21–22; 11:30–32; 14:21–22; II Corinthians 12:12; Hebrews 2:3–4; James 5:14–16; II Thessalonians 2:8–9; I Timothy 4:1–2 18. ISRAELWe believe in the sovereign selection of Israel as God’s eternal covenant people; that she is now dispersed because of her disobedience and rejection of Christ; and that she is being regathered to Palestine. After the rapture of the Church, Israel will be saved as a nation at the second advent of Christ. Reference(s): Genesis 13:14–17; Ezekiel 37; Romans 11:1–31 19. THE RESURRECTIONS, JUDGEMENTS, PRE-MILLENNIAL RETURN OF JESUS CHRIST AND RELATED EVENTSa. We believe in the bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ. Reference(s): Matthew 28:6–7; Mark 16:6; Luke 24:2–6, 39; John 20:27; I Corinthians 15:4 b. The ascension of Jesus Christ. Reference(s): Mark 16:19; Luke 24:51; Acts 1:9–11 c. The imminent pre-tribulation resurrection of all born-again believers at the end of this dispensation. Reference(s): I Corinthians 15:51–53; Titus 2:13; Philippians 3:20; I Thessalonians 1:10; 4:13–17; 5:6, 11; Revelation 4:1 d. The Judgment Seat of Christ after the rapture of the Church, where believers’ works and motives will be tested by fire, with the promise of rewards and inheritance during the millennial reign. Reference(s): Luke 19:11–26; Romans 14:10; I Corinthians 3:9–15; 4:5; II Corinthians 5:10; Colossians 3:23–24; II Timothy 2:10–12; 4:1 e. The future conclusion of Daniel’s Seventieth Week (the Great Tribulation), determined on Israel, involving a world church and one-world government dominated by the Antichrist. Reference(s): Daniel 9:24–27; Matthew 24:4–26; Revelation 6–19 f. The personal, visible return of Jesus Christ to destroy the Antichrist and His enemies, establish a 1000-year reign with Israel as head of the nations, and rule from the throne of David in Jerusalem. Reference(s): Deuteronomy 28:13; Isaiah 9:6–7; 11:1–10; 24:23; Matthew 19:28; 25:31–46; Luke 1:32–33; Romans 11:25–27; Acts 1:10–11; Revelation 16:12–16; 19:11–21; 20:1–6 g. The Last Judgment (Great White Throne), involving all unbelievers since Adam, determining the degree of their eternal punishment in the Lake of Fire. Reference(s): Matthew 23:14; Revelation 14:10–11; 20:5–6, 11–15; 21:8 h. The New Heavens and Earth, and the eternal joy and life of believers from all dispensations. Reference(s): Psalm 16:11; John 3:16; Revelation 21:1–22:5 |