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Our Beliefs

Salem Baptist uses two statements of Faith that reflect those beliefs held by the congregation. The first is a statement of generally held convictions by Southern Baptists called The Baptist Faith and Message 2000. The second is an older Baptist confession of faith called The New Hampshire Confession. They serves as guides to understanding who Salem Baptist is. 

 

The New Hampshire Confession of Faith

By J. Newton Brown

1833

 

I. Of the Scriptures

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.

II Tim. 3:16-17II Tim. 3:15Proverbs 30:5-6Romans 2:12Phil. 3:16I John 4:1

 

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 ossible 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.

John 4:24Ps. 83:18Heb.3:4Rom. 1:20Jer.10:10Ex.15:11Ps.147:5Isa.6:3I Pet.1:15-16Rev.4:6-8Mark12:30Rev.4:11Matt.10:37Jer.2:12-13Matt.28:19John 15:26I Cor.12:4-6I John 5:7John10:30John 5:17John 14:23John 17:5&10Acts 5:3-4I Cor.2:10-11Phil. 2:5-6Eph. 2:18II Cor.13:14Rev. 1:4-5.

 

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.1:27Gen.1:31Ecc.7:29Acts 17:26-29Gen.2:16-17Gen.3:6-24Rom. 5:12Rom.5:15-19Ps.51:5Rom.8:7Isa.53:6Gen.6:12Rom.3:9-18Eph.2:1-3Rom.1:18,32Rom.2:1-16Gal.3:10Matt. 20:15Ezek. 18:19-20Rom.1:20Rom.3:19Gal. 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 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.2:3Matt. 18:11I John4:10I Cor.3:5-7Acts 15:11John 3:16John1:1-14Heb. 4:14Heb. 12-24Phil. 2:9&14II Cor. 5:21Isa. 42:21Phil. 2:8Gal. 4:4-5Rom. 3:21Isa. 53:4-5Matt. 20:28Rom.4:25Rom. 3:21-26I John 2:3I Cor. 15:1-3Heb.9:13-15Heb.1:8Heb. 1:3Col. 3:1-4Heb. 7:25Col. 2:18Heb. 7:26Ps. 89:19Ps.34

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 1:16Eph.3:8Acts 13:39Isa. 53:11-12Rom5:1-2Rom. 5:9Zech. 13;1Matt. 9:6Acts 10:43Rom. 5:17Titus 3:5-7I Peter 3:7I John 2:25Rom. 5:21Rom. 4:4-5Rom. 6:23Phil. 3:7-9Rom. 5:19Rom. 3:24-26Rom.4:23-25I John 2:12Rom. 5:3Rom. 5:11I Cor. 1:30-31Matt. 6:33I 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. 55:1Rev. 22:17Rom. 16:25-26Mark 1:15Rom. 1:15-17John 5:40Matt.23:37Rom.9:32Pro. 1:24Acts 13:46John 3:19Matt. 11:20Luke 10:27II 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 3:3John 3:6-7I Cor.3:14Rev.14:3Rev. 21:27II Cor. 5;17Ezek. 36:26, Deu. 30-6, Rom. 2:28-29Rom.5:5I John 4:7John 3:8John 1:13James 1:16-18I Cor. 1:30Phil. 2:13I Peter 1:22-25I John 5:1Eph. 4:20-24Col. 3:9-11Eph. 5:9Rom. 8:90Gal. 5:16-23Eph. 3:14-21Matt. 3:8-10Matt.7:20I John 5:418

 

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 1:15Acts 11:18Eph. 2:8I John 5:1John 16:8Acts 2:37-38Acts 16:30-31 Luke 18:13Luke 15:18-21James 4:7-10II Cor. 7:11, Tim. 10:12-13, Ps.51Rom. 10:9-11Acts 3:22-23Heb. 4:14Ps.2:6Heb. 1:8Heb. 7:25II Tim. 1:12

IX. Of 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.

II Tim. 1:8-9Eph. 1:3-14I Peter 1:1-2Rom. 11:5-6; John 15;16; I John 4:19II Thess. 2:13-14Acts 13:48John 10:16Matt. 20:16Acts 15:14Ex. 33:18-19Matt. 20:15Eph. 1:11Rom. 9:23-24Jer. 31:3Rom.11:28-29James 1:17-18II Tim.1:9Rom. 11:32-36I Cor. 1:26-31Rom.3:27Rom. 4:16Col.3:12I Cor. 3:5-7I Cor. 15:10I Peter 5:10Acts 1:24I Thess. 2:13I Peter 2:9Luke 18:7John 15:16I Thess. 2:12II Tim. 2:10I Cor. 9:22Rom. 8:28-30John 6:37-40I Thess 1:4-10Isa. 42:16Rom. 11:29II Peter 1:10-11Phil. 3:12Heb. 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 especially the Word of God, self-examination, self-denial, watchfulness, and prayer.

I Thess. 4:3I Thess. 5:23II Cor. 7:1II Cor. 13:10Phil. 3:12-16I John 2:29Rom. 8:5Eph. 1:4Pro. 4:18II Cor. 3:18Heb. 6:1II Peter 1:5-8John 3:6Phil. 1:9-11Eph. 1:13-14Phil. 2:12-13Eph. 4:11-12I Peter 2:2II Peter 3:18II Cor. 13:5Luke 11:35Luke 9:23Matt. 26:41Eph.6:18Eph.4:30

 

XI. Of 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 8:31I John 2:27-28I John 3:9I John 5:18I John 2:19John 13:18Matt. 13:20- 21John 6:66-69Job 17:9Rom. 8:28Matt. 6:30-33Jer. 32:40Ps.121:3Ps. 91:11-12Phil. 1:6Phil. 2:13Jude 24:25Heb.1:14II Kings 6:16Heb. 13:5I 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. 3:31Matt. 5:17Luke 16:17Rom. 3:20Rom. 4:15Rom. 7:12Rom.7:7,14-22Gal.3:21Ps. 119Rom.8:7-8Josh. 24:19Jer. 13:23John 6:44John 5:44Rom. 8:2-4Rom. 10:4I Tim. 1:5Heb. 8:10Jude 20&21

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 or pastors and deacons whose qualifications, claims and duties are defined in the Epistles to Timothy and Titus.

I Cor. 1:1-3Matt. 18:17Acts 5:11Acts 8:1Acts 11:21-23I Cor. 4:17I Cor. 14:23III John 9I Tim. 3:5Acts 2:41-42II Cor. 8:5Acts 2:47I Cor. 5:12-13I Cor. 11:2II Thess. 3:6Rom. 16:17-20I Cor.11:23-24Matt. 18:15-20I Cor. 5:6II Cor. 2:17I Cor. 4:17Matt. 28:20John 14:15John 15:12I John 14:21I Thess. 4:2II John 6Gal. 6:2Eph. 4:7I Cor. 14:12Phil. 1:1Acts 14:23Acts 15:22I Tim. 3; Titus 1

 

XIV. Of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper

We believe that the 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 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 wine, are to commemorate together the dying love of Christ; preceded always by solemn self-examination.

Acts 8:36-39Matt. 3:5-6John 3:22-23John 4:12Matt. 28:19-20Mark 16:16Acts 2:38Acts 8:12Acts 16:32-34Acts 18:8Acts 10:47-48Gal.3:26-28Rom.6:4Col. 2:12I Peter 3:20-21Acts 22:16Acts 2:41-42I Cor. 11:26Matt. 26:26-29Mark 14:22-25Luke 22:14-20I Cor.11:28I Cor. 5:1-8I Cor. 10:3-32I Cor. 11:17-32John 6:26

 

XV. Of the Christian Sabbath

We believe that the first day of the week is the Lord's Day or Christian Sabbath; and it 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 the rest that remaineth for the people of God.

Acts 20:7Gen. 2:3Col. 2:16-17Mark 2:27John 20:19I Cor. 16:1-2Ex. 20:8Rev. 1:10Ps. 118:1524Isa. 58:13-14Isa. 56:2-8Heb. 10:24-25Acts 11:26Acts 13:44Lev. 19:30Luke 4:16Acts 17:2-3Ps. 26:8Ps. 87:3Heb. 4:3-11

 

XVI. Of the 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; Deu. 16:18; II Sam. 23:3Ex. 18:23Jer. 30:21Matt. 22:21Titus 3:1I Peter 2:13I Tim. 2:1-4Acts 5:29Matt.28Dan. 3:15-18Dan. 6:7-10Acts 4:18-20Matt. 23:10Rom. 14:4Rev. 19:16Ps.72:11Ps.2Rom. 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. 3:18Pro. 12:26Isa. 5:20Gen. 18:23Jer. 15:19Acts 10:34-35Rom. 6:16Rom. 1:17Rom. 7:6I John 2:29I John 3:7Rom. 6:18,22I Cor. 11:32Pro. 11:31I Peter 4:17-18I John 5:19Gal. 3:10John 3:36Isa. 57:21Ps. 10:4Isa. 55:6-7Pro. 14:32Luke 16:25John 8:21-24Pro. 10:24Luke 12:4-5Luke 9:23-26Ecc. 3:17Matt. 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, 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.

I Peter 4:7I Cor. 7:29-31Heb. 1:10-12Matt. 24:35I John 2:17Matt. 28:20Matt. 13:39-40II Peter 3:3-13Acts 1:11Rev. 1:7Heb. 9:28Acts 3:21I Thess 4:13-18I Thess. 5:1-11Acts 24:15I Cor. 15:12-58Luke 14:14Dan. 12:2 John 5:28-29John 6:40John 11:25-26II Tim. 1:10Acts 10:42Matt. 13:49Matt. 13:37-43Matt. 24:30- 31Matt. 25:31-46Rev. 22:11I Cor. 6:9-10Mark 9:43-48II Peter 2:9Jude7Phil. 3:19Rom. 6:23II Cor. 5:10-11John 4:36II Cor. 4:18Rom. 3:5-6II Thess. 1:6-12Heb. 6:1-2I Cor. 4:5Acts 17:31Rom. 2:2-16Rev.20:11-12I John 2:28I John 4:17II Peter 3:11-12

Baptist Faith and Message 2000

I. The Scriptures

The Holy Bible was written by men divinely inspired and is God's revelation of Himself to man. It is a perfect treasure of divine instruction. It has God for its author, salvation for its end, and truth, without any mixture of error, for its matter. Therefore, all Scripture is totally true and trustworthy. It reveals the principles by which God judges us, and therefore is, and will remain to the end of the world, the true center of Christian union, and the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds, and religious opinions should be tried. All Scripture is a testimony to Christ, who is Himself the focus of divine revelation.

Exodus 24:4Deuteronomy 4:1-217:19Joshua 8:34Psalms 19:7-10119:11,89,105,140Isaiah 34:1640:8Jeremiah 15:1636:1-32Matthew 5:17-1822:29Luke 21:3324:44-46John 5:39;16:13-1517:17Acts 2:16ff.; 17:11Romans 15:416:25-262 Timothy 3:15-17Hebrews 1:1-24:121 Peter 1:252 Peter 1:19-21.

 

II. God

There is one and only one living and true God. He is an intelligent, spiritual, and personal Being, the Creator, Redeemer, Preserver, and Ruler of the universe. God is infinite in holiness and all other perfections. God is all powerful and all knowing; and His perfect knowledge extends to all things, past, present, and future, including the future decisions of His free creatures. To Him we owe the highest love, reverence, and obedience. The eternal triune God reveals Himself to us as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, with distinct personal attributes, but without division of nature, essence, or being.

 

A. God the Father

God as Father reigns with providential care over His universe, His creatures, and the flow of the stream of human history according to the purposes of His grace. He is all powerful, all knowing, all loving, and all wise. God is Father in truth to those who become children of God through faith in Jesus Christ. He is fatherly in His attitude toward all men.

Genesis 1:12:7Exodus 3:146:2-315:11ff.; 20:1ff.; Leviticus 22:2Deuteronomy 6:432:61 Chronicles 29:10Psalm 19:1-3Isaiah 43:3,1564:8Jeremiah 10:1017:13Matthew 6:9ff.; 7:11;23:928:19Mark 1:9-11John 4:245:2614:6-1317:1-8Acts 1:7Romans 8:14-151 Corinthians 8:6Galatians 4:6Ephesians 4:6Colossians 1:151 Timothy 1:17Hebrews 11:612:91 Peter 1:17;1 John 5:7.

 

B. God the Son

Christ is the eternal Son of God. In His incarnation as Jesus Christ He was conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. Jesus perfectly revealed and did the will of God, taking upon Himself human nature with its demands and necessities and identifying Himself completely with mankind yet without sin. He honored the divine law by His personal obedience, and in His substitutionary death on the cross He made provision for the redemption of men from sin. He was raised from the dead with a glorified body and appeared to His disciples as the person who was with them before His crucifixion. He ascended into heaven and is now exalted at the right hand of God where He is the One Mediator, fully God, fully man, in whose Person is effected the reconciliation between God and man. He will return in power and glory to judge the world and to consummate His redemptive mission. He now dwells in all believers as the living and ever present Lord.

Genesis 18:1ff.; Psalms 2:7ff.; 110:1ff.; Isaiah 7:14Isaiah 53:1-12Matthew 1:18-233:178:2911:27;14:3316:16,2717:52728:1-6,19Mark 1:13:11Luke 1:354:4122:7024:46John 1:1-18,29;10:30,3811:25-2712:44-5014:7-1116:15-16,2817:1-521-2220:1-20,28Acts 1:92:22-247:55-569:4-5,20Romans 1:3-43:23-265:6-218:1-3,3410:41 Corinthians 1:302:28:615:1-8,24-282 Corinthians 5:19-218:9Galatians 4:4-5Ephesians 1:203:114:7-10Philippians 2:5-11;Colossians 1:13-222:91 Thessalonians 4:14-181 Timothy 2:5-63:16Titus 2:13-14Hebrews 1:1-34:14-157:14-289:12-15,24-2812:213:81 Peter 2:21-253:221 John 1:7-93:24:14-15;5:92 John 7-9Revelation 1:13-165:9-1412:10-1113:819:16.

 

C. God the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of God, fully divine. He inspired holy men of old to write the Scriptures. Through illumination He enables men to understand truth. He exalts Christ. He convicts men of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment. He calls men to the Saviour, and effects regeneration. At the moment of regeneration He baptizes every believer into the Body of Christ. He cultivates Christian character, comforts believers, and bestows the spiritual gifts by which they serve God through His church. He seals the believer unto the day of final redemption. His presence in the Christian is the guarantee that God will bring the believer into the fullness of the stature of Christ. He enlightens and empowers the believer and the church in worship, evangelism, and service.

Genesis 1:2Judges 14:6Job 26:13Psalms 51:11139:7ff.; Isaiah 61:1-3Joel 2:28-32Matthew 1:183:164:112:28-3228:19Mark 1:10,12Luke 1:354:1,18-1911:1312:1224:49John 4:2414:16-17,2615:2616:7-14Acts 1:82:1-4,384:315:36:37:558:17,3910:4413:215:2816:619:1-6;Romans 8:9-11,14-16,26-271 Corinthians 2:10-143:1612:3-11,13Galatians 4:6Ephesians 1:13-144:305:181 Thessalonians 5:191 Timothy 3:16;4:12 Timothy 1:143:16Hebrews 9:8,142 Peter 1:211 John 4:135:6-7Revelation 1:1022:17.

 

III. Man

Man is the special creation of God, made in His own image. He created them male and female as the crowning work of His creation. The gift of gender is thus part of the goodness of God's creation. In the beginning man was innocent of sin and was endowed by his Creator with freedom of choice. By his free choice man sinned against God and brought sin into the human race. Through the temptation of Satan man transgressed the command of God, and fell from his original innocence whereby his posterity inherit a nature and an environment inclined toward sin. Therefore, as soon as they are capable of moral action, they become transgressors and are under condemnation. Only the grace of God can bring man into His holy fellowship and enable man to fulfill the creative purpose of God. The sacredness of human personality is evident in that God created man in His own image, and in that Christ died for man; therefore, every person of every race possesses full dignity and is worthy of respect and Christian love.

Genesis 1:26-302:5,7,18-2239:6; Psalms 1; 8:3-6; 32:1-5; 51:5; Isaiah 6:5Jeremiah 17:5Matthew 16:26Acts 17:26-31Romans 1:19-323:10-18,235:6,12,196:67:14-258:14-18,291 Corinthians 1:21-3115:19,21-22Ephesians 2:1-22Colossians 1:21-223:9-11.

IV. Salvation

Salvation involves the redemption of the whole man, and is offered freely to all who accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour, who by His own blood obtained eternal redemption for the believer. In its broadest sense salvation includes regeneration, justification, sanctification, and glorification. There is no salvation apart from personal faith in Jesus Christ as Lord.

 

A. Regeneration, or the new birth, is a work of God's grace whereby believers become new creatures in Christ Jesus. It is a change of heart wrought by the Holy Spirit through conviction of sin, to which the sinner responds in repentance toward God and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Repentance and faith are inseparable experiences of grace.

 

Repentance is a genuine turning from sin toward God. Faith is the acceptance of Jesus Christ and commitment of the entire personality to Him as Lord and Saviour.

 

B. Justification is God's gracious and full acquittal upon principles of His righteousness of all sinners who repent and believe in Christ. Justification brings the believer unto a relationship of peace and favor with God.

 

C. Sanctification is the experience, beginning in regeneration, by which the believer is set apart to God's purposes, and is enabled to progress toward moral and spiritual maturity through the presence and power of the Holy Spirit dwelling in him. Growth in grace should continue throughout the regenerate person's life.

 

D. Glorification is the culmination of salvation and is the final blessed and abiding state of the redeemed.

Genesis 3:15Exodus 3:14-176:2-8Matthew 1:214:1716:21-2627:22-28:6Luke 1:68-692:28-32John 1:11-14,293:3-21,365:2410:9,28-29;15:1-1617:17Acts 2:214:1215:1116:30-3117:30-3120:32Romans 1:16-182:43:23-254:3ff.; 5:8-106:1-238:1-18,29-3910:9-10,1313:11-141 Corinthians 1:18,306:19-2015:102 Corinthians 5:17-20Galatians 2:203:135:22-256:15Ephesians 1:72:8-224:11-16Philippians 2:12-13;Colossians 1:9-223:1ff.; 1 Thessalonians 5:23-242 Timothy 1:12Titus 2:11-14Hebrews 2:1-35:8-99:24-2811:1-12:8,14James 2:14-261 Peter 1:2-231 John 1:6-2:11Revelation 3:2021:1-22:5.

 

V. God's Purpose of Grace

Election is the gracious purpose of God, according to which He regenerates, justifies, sanctifies, and glorifies sinners. It is consistent with the free agency of man, and comprehends all the means in connection with the end. It is the glorious display of God's sovereign goodness, and is infinitely wise, holy, and unchangeable. It excludes boasting and promotes humility.

 

All true believers endure to the end. Those whom God has accepted in Christ, and sanctified by His Spirit, will never fall away from the state of grace, but shall persevere to the end. Believers may fall into sin through neglect and temptation, whereby they grieve the Spirit, impair their graces and comforts, and bring reproach on the cause of Christ and temporal judgments on themselves; yet they shall be kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation.

Genesis 12:1-3Exodus 19:5-81 Samuel 8:4-7,19-22Isaiah 5:1-7Jeremiah 31:31ff.; Matthew 16:18-1921:28-4524:22,3125:34Luke 1:68-79;2:29-3219:41-4424:44-48John 1:12-143:165:246:44-45,6510:27-2915:1617:6,12,17-18Acts 20:32Romans 5:9-108:28-3910:12-1511:5-7,26-361 Corinthians 1:1-215:24-28Ephesians 1:4-232:1-103:1-11Colossians 1:12-142 Thessalonians 2:13-142 Timothy 1:122:10,19;Hebrews 11:39–12:2James 1:121 Peter 1:2-5,132:4-101 John 1:7-92:193:2.

 

VI. The Church

A New Testament church of the Lord Jesus Christ is an autonomous local congregation of baptized believers, associated by covenant in the faith and fellowship of the gospel; observing the two ordinances of Christ, governed by His laws, exercising the gifts, rights, and privileges invested in them by His Word, and seeking to extend the gospel to the ends of the earth. Each congregation operates under the Lordship of Christ through democratic processes. In such a congregation each member is responsible and accountable to Christ as Lord. Its scriptural officers are pastors and deacons. While both men and women are gifted for service in the church, the office of pastor is limited to men as qualified by Scripture.

 

The New Testament speaks also of the church as the Body of Christ which includes all of the redeemed of all the ages, believers from every tribe, and tongue, and people, and nation.

Matthew 16:15-1918:15-20Acts 2:41-42,475:11-146:3-613:1-314:23,2715:1-3016:520:28Romans 1:71 Corinthians 1:23:165:4-57:17;9:13-1412Ephesians 1:22-232:19-223:8-11,215:22-32Philippians 1:1Colossians 1:181 Timothy 2:9-143:1-154:14Hebrews 11:39-401 Peter 5:1-4; Revelation 2-3; 21:2-3.

 

VII. Baptism and the Lord's Supper

Christian baptism is the immersion of a believer in water in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. It is an act of obedience symbolizing the believer's faith in a crucified, buried, and risen Saviour, the believer's death to sin, the burial of the old life, and the resurrection to walk in newness of life in Christ Jesus. It is a testimony to his faith in the final resurrection of the dead. Being a church ordinance, it is prerequisite to the privileges of church membership and to the Lord's Supper.

 

The Lord's Supper is a symbolic act of obedience whereby members of the church, through partaking of the bread and the fruit of the vine, memorialize the death of the Redeemer and anticipate His second coming.

Matthew 3:13-1726:26-3028:19-20Mark 1:9-1114:22-26Luke 3:21-2222:19-20John 3:23Acts 2:41-428:35-3916:30-3320:7Romans 6:3-51 Corinthians 10:16,2111:23-29Colossians 2:12.

 

VIII. The Lord's Day

The first day of the week is the Lord's Day. It is a Christian institution for regular observance. It commemorates the resurrection of Christ from the dead and should include exercises of worship and spiritual devotion, both public and private. Activities on the Lord's Day should be commensurate with the Christian's conscience under the Lordship of Jesus Christ.

Exodus 20:8-11Matthew 12:1-1228:1ff.; Mark 2:27-2816:1-7Luke 24:1-3,33-36John 4:21-2420:1,19-28Acts 20:7Romans 14:5-10I Corinthians 16:1-2Colossians 2:163:16Revelation 1:10.

 

IX. The Kingdom

The Kingdom of God includes both His general sovereignty over the universe and His particular kingship over men who willfully acknowledge Him as King. Particularly the Kingdom is the realm of salvation into which men enter by trustful, childlike commitment to Jesus Christ. Christians ought to pray and to labor that the Kingdom may come and God's will be done on earth. The full consummation of the Kingdom awaits the return of Jesus Christ and the end of this age.

Genesis 1:1Isaiah 9:6-7Jeremiah 23:5-6Matthew 3:24:8-10,2312:25-2813:1-5225:31-4626:29Mark 1:14-159:1Luke 4:438:19:212:31-3217:20-2123:42John 3:318:36Acts 1:6-717:22-31Romans 5:178:191 Corinthians 15:24-28Colossians 1:13Hebrews 11:10,1612:281 Peter 2:4-104:13Revelation 1:6,95:1011:1521-22.

 

X. Last Things

God, in His own time and in His own way, will bring the world to its appropriate end. According to His promise, Jesus Christ will return personally and visibly in glory to the earth; the dead will be raised; and Christ will judge all men in righteousness. The unrighteous will be consigned to Hell, the place of everlasting punishment. The righteous in their resurrected and glorified bodies will receive their reward and will dwell forever in Heaven with the Lord.

Isaiah 2:411:9Matthew 16:2718:8-919:2824:27,30,36,4425:31-4626:64Mark 8:389:43-48Luke 12:40,4816:19-2617:22-3721:27-28;John 14:1-3Acts 1:1117:31Romans 14:101 Corinthians 4:515:24-28,35-582 Corinthians 5:10Philippians 3:20-21Colossians 1:53:41 Thessalonians 4:14-185:1ff.; 2 Thessalonians 1:7ff.; 21 Timothy 6:142 Timothy 4:1,8Titus 2:13Hebrews 9:27-28James 5:82 Peter 3:7ff.; 1 John 2:283:2Jude 14Revelation 1:183:1120:1-22:13.

 

XI. Evangelism and Missions

It is the 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 new birth of man's spirit by God's Holy Spirit means the birth of love for others. Missionary effort on the part of all rests thus upon a spiritual necessity of the regenerate life, and is expressly and repeatedly commanded in the teachings of Christ. The Lord Jesus Christ has commanded the preaching of the gospel to all nations. It is the duty of every child of God to seek constantly to win the lost to Christ by verbal witness undergirded by a Christian lifestyle, and by other methods in harmony with the gospel of Christ.

Genesis 12:1-3Exodus 19:5-6Isaiah 6:1-8Matthew 9:37-3810:5-1513:18-3037-4316:1922:9-1024:1428:18-20Luke 10:1-1824:46-53;John 14:11-1215:7-8,1617:1520:21Acts 1:828:26-4010:42-4813:2-3Romans 10:13-15Ephesians 3:1-111 Thessalonians 1:82 Timothy 4:5;Hebrews 2:1-311:39-12:21 Peter 2:4-10Revelation 22:17.

 

XII. Education

Christianity is the faith of enlightenment and intelligence. In Jesus Christ abide all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. All sound learning is, therefore, a part of our Christian heritage. The new birth opens all human faculties and creates a thirst for knowledge. Moreover, the cause of education in the Kingdom of Christ is co-ordinate with the causes of missions and general benevolence, and should receive along with these the liberal support of the churches. An adequate system of Christian education is necessary to a complete spiritual program for Christ's people.

 

In Christian education there should be a proper balance between academic freedom and academic responsibility. Freedom in any orderly relationship of human life is always limited and never absolute. The freedom of a teacher in a Christian school, college, or seminary is limited by the pre-eminence of Jesus Christ, by the authoritative nature of the Scriptures, and by the distinct purpose for which the school exists.

Deuteronomy 4:1,5,9,146:1-1031:12-13Nehemiah 8:1-8Job 28:28Psalms 19:7ff.; 119:11Proverbs 3:13ff.; 4:1-108:1-7,1115:14Ecclesiastes 7:19;Matthew 5:27:24ff.; 28:19-20Luke 2:401 Corinthians 1:18-31Ephesians 4:11-16Philippians 4:8Colossians 2:3,8-91 Timothy 1:3-72 Timothy 2:153:14-17Hebrews 5:12-6:3James 1:53:17.

 

XIII. Stewardship

God is the source of all blessings, temporal and spiritual; all that we have and are we owe to Him. Christians have a spiritual debtorship to the whole world, a holy trusteeship in the gospel, and a binding stewardship in their possessions. They are therefore under obligation to serve Him with their time, talents, and material possessions; and should recognize all these as entrusted to them to use for the glory of God and for helping others. According to the Scriptures, Christians should contribute of their means cheerfully, regularly, systematically, proportionately, and liberally for the advancement of the Redeemer's cause on earth.

Genesis 14:20Leviticus 27:30-32Deuteronomy 8:18Malachi 3:8-12Matthew 6:1-4,19-2119:2123:2325:14-29Luke 12:16-21,4216:1-13Acts 2:44-475:1-1117:24-2520:35Romans 6:6-2212:1-21 Corinthians 4:1-26:19-201216:1-4; 2 Corinthians 8-9; 12:15; Philippians 4:10-191 Peter 1:18-19.

 

XIV. Cooperation

Christ's people should, as occasion requires, organize such associations and conventions as may best secure cooperation for the great objects of the Kingdom of God. Such organizations have no authority over one another or over the churches. They are voluntary and advisory bodies designed to elicit, combine, and direct the energies of our people in the most effective manner. Members of New Testament churches should cooperate with one another in carrying forward the missionary, educational, and benevolent ministries for the extension of Christ's Kingdom. Christian unity in the New Testament sense is spiritual harmony and voluntary cooperation for common ends by various groups of Christ's people. Cooperation is desirable between the various Christian denominations, when the end to be attained is itself justified, and when such cooperation involves no violation of conscience or compromise of loyalty to Christ and His Word as revealed in the New Testament.

Exodus 17:1218:17ff.; Judges 7:21Ezra 1:3-42:68-695:14-15; Nehemiah 4; 8:1-5; Matthew 10:5-1520:1-1622:1-1028:19-20Mark 2:3Luke 10:1ff.; Acts 1:13-142:1ff.; 4:31-3713:2-315:1-351 Corinthians 1:10-173:5-1512; 2 Corinthians 8-9; Galatians 1:6-10Ephesians 4:1-16Philippians 1:15-18.

 

XV. The Christian and the Social Order

All Christians are under obligation to seek to make the will of Christ supreme in our own lives and in human society. Means and methods used for the improvement of society and the establishment of righteousness among men can be truly and permanently helpful only when they are rooted in the regeneration of the individual by the saving grace of God in Jesus Christ. In the spirit of Christ, Christians should oppose racism, every form of greed, selfishness, and vice, and all forms of sexual immorality, including adultery, homosexuality, and pornography. We should work to provide for the orphaned, the needy, the abused, the aged, the helpless, and the sick. We should speak on behalf of the unborn and contend for the sanctity of all human life from conception to natural death. Every Christian should seek to bring industry, government, and society as a whole under the sway of the principles of righteousness, truth, and brotherly love. In order to promote these ends Christians should be ready to work with all men of good will in any good cause, always being careful to act in the spirit of love without compromising their loyalty to Christ and His truth.

Exodus 20:3-17Leviticus 6:2-5Deuteronomy 10:1227:17Psalm 101:5Micah 6:8Zechariah 8:16Matthew 5:13-16,43-4822:36-4025:35;Mark 1:29-342:3ff.; 10:21Luke 4:18-2110:27-3720:25John 15:1217:15; Romans 12–14; 1Corinthians 5:9-106:1-77:20-2410:23-11:1Galatians 3:26-28Ephesians 6:5-9Colossians 3:12-171 Thessalonians 3:12; Philemon; James 1:272:8.

 

XVI. Peace and War

It is the duty of Christians to seek peace with all men on principles of righteousness. In accordance with the spirit and teachings of Christ they should do all in their power to put an end to war.

The true remedy for the war spirit is the gospel of our Lord. The supreme need of the world is the acceptance of His teachings in all the affairs of men and nations, and the practical application of His law of love. Christian people throughout the world should pray for the reign of the Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 2:4Matthew 5:9,38-486:3326:52Luke 22:36,38Romans 12:18-1913:1-714:19Hebrews 12:14James 4:1-2.

 

XVII. Religious Liberty

God alone is Lord of the conscience, and He has left it free from the doctrines and commandments of men which are contrary to His Word or not contained in it. Church and state should be separate. The state owes to every church protection and full freedom in the pursuit of its spiritual ends. In providing for such freedom no ecclesiastical group or denomination should be favored by the state more than others. Civil government being ordained of God, it is the duty of Christians to render loyal obedience thereto in all things not contrary to the revealed will of God. The church should not resort to the civil power to carry on its work. The gospel of Christ contemplates spiritual means alone for the pursuit of its ends. The state has no right to impose penalties for religious opinions of any kind. The state has no right to impose taxes for the support of any form of religion. A free church in a free state is the Christian ideal, and this implies the right of free and unhindered access to God on the part of all men, and the right to form and propagate opinions in the sphere of religion without interference by the civil power.

Genesis 1:272:7Matthew 6:6-7,2416:2622:21John 8:36Acts 4:19-20Romans 6:1-213:1-7Galatians 5:1,13Philippians 3:201 Timothy 2:1-2James 4:121 Peter 2:12-173:11-174:12-19.

 

XVIII. The Family

God has ordained the family as the foundational institution of human society. It is composed of persons related to one another by marriage, blood, or adoption.

Marriage is the uniting of one man and one woman in covenant commitment for a lifetime. It is God's unique gift to reveal the union between Christ and His church and to provide for the man and the woman in marriage the framework for intimate companionship, the channel of sexual expression according to biblical standards, and the means for procreation of the human race.

 

The husband and wife are of equal worth before God, since both are created in God's image. The marriage relationship models the way God relates to His people. A husband is to love his wife as Christ loved the church. He has the God-given responsibility to provide for, to protect, and to lead his family. A wife is to submit herself graciously to the servant leadership of her husband even as the church willingly submits to the headship of Christ. She, being in the image of God as is her husband and thus equal to him, has the God-given responsibility to respect her husband and to serve as his helper in managing the household and nurturing the next generation.

Children, from the moment of conception, are a blessing and heritage from the Lord. Parents are to demonstrate to their children God's pattern for marriage. Parents are to teach their children spiritual and moral values and to lead them, through consistent lifestyle example and loving discipline, to make choices based on biblical truth. Children are to honor and obey their parents.

Genesis 1:26-282:15-253:1-20Exodus 20:12Deuteronomy 6:4-9Joshua 24:151 Samuel 1:26-28Psalms 51:578:1-8127128139:13-16;Proverbs 1:85:15-206:20-2212:413:2414:117:618:2222:6,1523:13-1424:329:15,1731:10-31Ecclesiastes 4:9-129:9Malachi 2:14-16;Matthew 5:31-3218:2-519:3-9Mark 10:6-12Romans 1:18-321 Corinthians 7:1-16Ephesians 5:21-336:1-4Colossians 3:18-211 Timothy 5:8,142 Timothy 1:3-5Titus 2:3-5Hebrews 13:41 Peter 3:1-7.

 

 

 

 

LINKS

 

Two Ways to Live             https://www.matthiasmedia.com.au/2wtl/

 

Baptist Faith and Message 2000 http://www.sbc.net/bfm2000/bfm2000.asp

 

 

ASSOCIATIONS

 

Southern Baptist Conservatives of Virginia

 

Southern Baptist Convention

 

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