I.
Of the
Scriptures. We believe that the Holy Bible was written by men divinely
inspired, and is a perfect treasure of heavenly instruction (1); that it has
God for its author, salvation for its end (2), and truth without any mixture of
error for its matter (3); that it reveals the principles by which God will
judge us (4); and therefore is, and shall remain to the end of the world, the
true center of Christian union (5), and the supreme standard by which all human
conduct, creeds, and opinions should be tried (6).
1. 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. 2
Tim. 3:15; 1 Pet. 1:10-12; Acts 11:14; Rom. 1:16; Mark 16:16; John 5:38-39
3.
Prov. 30:5-6; John 17:17; Rev. 22:18-19; Rom. 3:4
4.
Rom. 2:12; John 12:47-48; 1 Cor. 4:3-4; Luke 10:10-16; 12:47-48
5.
Phil. 3:16; Eph. 4:3-6; Phil. 2:1-2; 1 Cor. 1:10; 1 Pet. 4:11
6. 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. 119:59-60;
Phil. 1:9-11
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 (7); inexpressibly glorious in holiness (8), and
worthy of all possible honor, confidence, and love (9); that in the unity of
the Godhead there are three persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost
(10); equal in every divine perfection (11), and executing distinct and
harmonious offices in the great work of redemption (12).
7.
John 4:24; Psa. 147:5; 83:18; Heb. 3:4; Rom. 1:20; Jer. 10:10
8.
Exod. 15:11; Isa. 6:3; 1 Pet. 1:15-16; Rev. 4:6-8
9.
Mark 12:30; Rev. 4:11; Matt. 10:37; Jer. 2:12-13
10.
Matt. 28:19; John 15:26; 1 Cor. 12:4-6; 1 John 5:7
11.
John 10:30; 5:17; 14:23; 17:5, 10; Acts 5:3-4; 1 Cor. 2:10-11; Phil. 2:5-6
12. 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 (13); but by voluntary transgression fell from that holy and happy
state (14); in consequence of which all mankind are now sinners (15), not by
constraint, but choice (16); 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 (17), without defense or excuse (18).
13.
Gen. 1:27, 31; Eccl. 7:29; Acts 16:26; Gen. 2:16
14.
Gen. 3:6-24; Rom. 5:12
15.
Rom. 5:19; John 3:6; Psa. 51:5; Rom. 5:15-19; 8:7
16.
Isa. 53:6; Gen. 6:12; Rom. 3:9-18
17.
Eph. 2:1-3; Rom. 1:18, 32; 2:1-16; Gal. 3:10; Matt. 20:15
18. 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 (19), through the mediatorial offices of the Son of God (20); who by the
appointment of the Father, freely took upon him our nature, yet without sin
(21); honored the divine law by his personal obedience (22), and by his death
made a full atonement for our sins (23); that having risen from the death, he
is now enthroned in heaven (24); 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 (25).
19.
Eph. 2:5; Matt. 18:11; 1 John 4:10; 1 Cor. 3:5-7; Acts 15:11
20.
John 3:16; 1:1-14; Heb. 4:14; 12:24
21.
Phil. 2:6-7; Heb. 2:9, 14; 2 Cor. 5:21
22.
Isa. 42:21; Phil. 2:8; Gal. 4:4-5; Rom. 3:21
23.
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
24.
Heb. 1:8, 3; 8:1; Col. 3:1-4
25. 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 (26)
secures to such as believe in him is Justification (27); that Justification
includes the pardon of sin (28), and the promise of eternal life on principles
of righteousness (29); 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 (30); by virtue of which faith his perfect righteousness is freely
imputed to us of God (31); 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 (32).
26.
John 1:16; Eph. 3:8
27.
Acts 13:39; Isa. 3:11-12; Rom. 8:1
28.
Rom. 5:9; Zech. 13:1; Matt. 9:6; Acts 10:43
29.
Rom. 5:17; Titus 3:5-6; 1 Pet. 3:7; 1 John 2:25; Rom. 5:21
30.
Rom. 4:4-5; 5:21; 6:28; Phil. 3:7-9
31.
Rom. 5:19; 3:24-26; 4:23-25; 1 John 2:12
32. 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 (33); that it is the immediate duty of all to
accept them by a cordial, penitent, and obedient faith (34); and that nothing
prevents the salvation of the greatest sinner on earth but his own inherent
depravity and voluntary rejection of the gospel (35); which rejection involves
him in an aggravated condemnation (36).
33.
Isa. 55:1; Rev. 22:17; Luke 14:17
34.
Rom. 16:26; Mark 1:15; Rom. 1:15-17
35.
John 5:40; Matt. 23:37; Rom. 9:32; Prov. 1:24; Acts 13:46
36. 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 (37); that regeneration consists in giving a
holy disposition to the mind (38); that it is effected in a manner above our
comprehension by the power of the Holy Spirit, in connection with divine truth
(39), so as to secure our voluntary obedience to the gospel (40); and that its
proper evidence appears in the holy fruits of repentance, and faith, and
newness of life (41).
37.
John 3:3, 6-7; 1 Cor. 1:14; Rev. 8:7-9; 21:27
38. 2
Cor. 5:17; Ezek. 36:26; Deut. 30:6; Rom. 2:28-29; 5:5; 1 John 4:7
39.
John 3:8; 1:13; James 1:16-18; 1 Cor. 1:30; Phil. 2:13
40. 1
Pet. 1:22-25; 1 John 5:1; Eph. 4:20-24; Col. 3:9-11
41. 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 (42); whereby being deeply convinced of our guilt, danger, and
helplessness, and of the way of salvation by Christ (43), we turn to God with
unfeigned contrition, confession, and supplication for mercy (44); 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 (45).
42.
Mark 1:15; Acts 11:18; Eph. 2:8; 1 John 5:1
43.
John 16:8; Acts 2:37-38; 16:30-31
44.
Luke 18:13; 15:18-21; James 4:7-10; 2 Cor. 7:11; Rom. 10:12-13; Psa. 51
45. 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 that Election is the eternal purpose
of God, according to which he graciously regenerates, sanctifies, and saves
sinners (46); that being perfectly consistent with the free agency of man, it
comprehends all the means in connection with the end (47); that it is a most
glorious display of God's sovereign goodness, being infinitely free, wise,
holy, and unchangeable (48); that it utterly excludes boasting, and promotes
humility, love, prayer, praise, trust in God, and active imitation of his free
mercy (49); that it encourages the use of means in the highest degree (50);
that it may be ascertained by its effects in all who truly believe the gospel
(51); that it is the foundation of Christian assurance (52); and that to
ascertain it with regard to ourselves demands and deserves the utmost diligence
(53).
46. 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
47. 2
Thess. 2:13-14; Acts 13:48; John 10:16; Matt. 20:16; Acts 15:14
48.
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
49. 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
50. 2
Tim. 2:10; 1 Cor. 9:22; Rom. 8:28-30; John 6:37-40; 2 Pet. 1:10
51. 1
Thess. 1:4-10
52.
Rom. 8:28-30; Isa. 42:16; Rom. 11:29
53. 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 (54); that
it is a progressive work (55); that it is begun in regeneration (56); 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 (57).
54. 1
Thess. 4:3; 5:23; 2 Cor. 7:1; 13:9; Eph. 1:4
55.
Prov. 4:18; 2 Cor. 3:18; Heb. 6:1; 2 Pet. 1:5-8; Phil. 3:12-16
56.
John 2:29; Rom. 8:5; John 3:6; Phil. 1:9-11; Eph. 1:13-14
57. 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 (58); that their persevering attachment to Christ is the
grand mark which distinguishes them from superficial professors (59); that a
special Providence watches over their welfare (60); and they are kept by the
power of God through faith unto salvation (61).
58.
John 8:31; 1 John 2:27-28; 3:9; 5:18
59. 1
John 2:19; John 13:18; Matt. 13:20-21; John 6:66-69; Job 17:9
60.
Rom. 8:28; Matt. 6:30-33; Jer. 32:40; Psa. 121:3; 91:11-12
61. 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 (62); that it is
holy, just, and good (63); and that the inability which the Scriptures ascribe
to fallen men to fulfill its precepts arises entirely from their love of sin
(64); 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 (65).
62.
Rom. 3:31; Matt. 5:17; Luke 16:17; Rom. 3:20; 4:15
63.
Rom. 7:12, 7, 14, 22; Gal. 3:21; Psa. 119
64.
Rom. 8:7-8; Josh. 24:19; Jer. 13:23; John 6:44; 5:44
65. 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 (66), associated by covenant in the faith and
fellowship of the gospel (67); observing the ordinances of Christ (68);
governed by his laws (69), and exercising the gifts, rights, and privileges
invested in them by his Word (70); that its only scriptural officers are Elders,
or Pastors, and Deacons (71), whose qualifications, claims, and duties are
defined in the Epistles to Timothy and Titus.
66. 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
67.
Acts 2:41-42; 2 Cor. 8:5; Acts 2:47; 1 Cor. 5:12-13
68. 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
69.
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
70.
Eph. 4:7; 1 Cor. 14:12; Phil. 1:27; 1 Cor. 12:14
71. 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 (72), into the name of the Father, and Son,
and Holy Ghost (73); 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 (74); that it is prerequisite to the
privileges of a Church relation; and we believe the Lord's Supper is an
ordinance (75), in which the members of the Church, by the sacred use of bread
and wine, are to commemorate together the dying love of Christ (76); preceded
always by solemn self- examination (77).
72.
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
73.
Matt. 28:19; Acts 10:47-48; Gal. 3:27-28
74.
Rom. 6:4; Col. 2:12; 1 Pet. 3:20-21; Acts 22:16
75.
Acts 2:41-42; Matt. 28:19-20; Acts and Epistles
76. 1
Cor. 11:26; Matt. 26:26-29; Mark 14:22-25; Luke 22:14-20
77. 1 Cor. 11:28; 5:1, 8; 10:3-32;
11:17-32; John 6:26-71
XV.
Of
Civil Government. We believe that civil government is of divine
appointment, for the interests and good order of human society (78); and that government
officials are to be prayed for, conscientiously honored and obeyed (79); except
only in things opposed to the will of our Lord Jesus Christ (80) who is the
only Lord of the conscience, and the Prince of the kings of the earth (81).
78.
Rom. 13:1-7; Deut. 16:18; 1 Sam. 23:3; Exod. 18:23; Jer. 30:21
79.
Matt. 22:21; Titus 3:1; 1 Pet. 2:13; 1 Tim. 2:1-8
80.
Acts 5:29; Matt. 10:28; Dan. 3:15-18; 6:7-10; Acts 4:18-20
81. Matt. 23:10; Rom. 14:4; Rev.
19:16; Psa. 72:11; Psa. 2; Rom. 14:9-13
XVI.
Of the
Righteous and the Wicked. We believe that there is a radical and
essential difference between the righteous and the wicked (82); 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 (83); while all such
as continue in impenitence and unbelief are in his sight wicked, and under the
curse (84); and this distinction holds among men both in and after death (85).
82.
Mal. 3:18; Prov. 12:26; Isa. 5:20; Gen. 18:23; Jer. 15:19; Acts 10:34- 35; Rom.
6:16
83.
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
84. 1
John 5:19; Gal. 3:10; John 3:36; Isa. 57:21; Psa. 10:4; Isa 55:6-7
85.
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
XVII.
Of the
World to Come. We believe that
the end of the world is approaching (86); that at the last day Christ will
descend from heaven (87), and raise the dead from the grave to final
retribution (88); that a solemn separation will then take place (89); that the
wicked will be adjudged to endless punishment, and the righteous to endless joy
(90); and that this judgment will fix forever the final state of men in heaven
or hell, on principles of righteousness (91).
86. 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
87.
Acts 1:11; Rev. 1:7; Heb. 9:28; Acts 3:21; 1 Thess. 4:13-18; 5:1-11
88.
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
89.
Matt. 13:49, 37-43; 24:30-31; 25:31-33
90.
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
91. 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
XVIII. Of Human Sexuality. We believe that marriage is an institution
ordained by God and is between one man and one woman. It is not lawful for any
man to have more than one wife, nor for any woman to have more than one
husband, at the same time (92). It is the duty of Christians to marry in the
Lord (93). We believe that God intends sexual intimacy to only occur between a
man and a woman who are married to each other and that God has commanded that
no intimate sexual activity be engaged in outside of a marriage between a man
and a woman. Therefore, any form of sexual immorality, such as adultery,
fornication, homosexual conduct, bisexual conduct, bestiality, incest, any use
of pornography, or any attempt to change one’s sex, is against the design of
God and is therefore sin. (94)
92. Genesis 1:26-31; 2:18-24;
93. 1 Corinthians 7:39;
94. 1 Corinthians 5:9; 6:18; 1 Thessalonians 4:3; 1 Timothy 1:8-11; Jude 7; Romans 1:24-32; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11; Leviticus 18:22, 23; 18:6-18; 20:13; Deuteronomy 22:30; Matthew 5:27-30; Romans 9:19-20
93. 1 Corinthians 7:39;
94. 1 Corinthians 5:9; 6:18; 1 Thessalonians 4:3; 1 Timothy 1:8-11; Jude 7; Romans 1:24-32; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11; Leviticus 18:22, 23; 18:6-18; 20:13; Deuteronomy 22:30; Matthew 5:27-30; Romans 9:19-20
