Articles of Faith

 

Article 1: 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. (see II Pet. 1:21; II Tim. 3:16; I Thes. 5:21)

 

Article 2: Of the True God

We believe that there is one and only one living and true God, an intelligent, spiritual and personal Being, the Creator, Preserver and Ruler of the universe, infinite in holiness and all other perfections to whom we owe the highest love, reverence and obedience. He is revealed to us as Father, Son and Holy Spirit, each with distinct personal attributes, but without division of nature, essence or being. (see Ps. 83:18; Mk. 12:30; Jn. 14:15; Mt. 28:19-20)

 

Article 3: Of the Fall of Man

We believe that man was created by the special act of God, as recorded in Genesis. “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them” (Genesis 1:27). “And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul” (Genesis 2:7).
He was created in a state of holiness under the law of his Maker, but through the temptation of Satan, he transgressed the command of God and fell from his original holiness and righteousness; whereby his posterity inherit a nature corrupt and in bondage to sin, are under condemnation, and as soon as they are capable of moral action, become actual transgressors. (see Gen. 1:27, 31; 3:6; Rom. 5:19; 6:23; Ps. 51:5; Jn. 3:18)

 

Article 4: Of the Way of Salvation

We believe that the salvation of sinners is wholly of grace, through the mediatorial office of the Son of God, who by the Holy Spirit was born of the Virgin Mary and took upon him our nature, yet without sin; honored the divine law by his personal obedience and made atonement for our sins by his death. Being risen from the dead, he is now enthroned in Heaven, and, uniting in his person the tenderest sympathies with divine perfections, he is in every way qualified to be a compassionate and all-sufficient Saviour. (see Eph. 2:8-9; II Cor. 5:21; Rom. 6:23; Heb. 7:25)

 

Article 5: Of Justification

We believe that justification is God’s gracious and full acquittal upon principles of righteousness of all sinners who believe in Christ. This blessing is bestowed, not in consideration of any works of righteousness which we have done, but through the redemption that is in and through Jesus Christ. It brings us into a state of most blessed peace and favor with God, and secures every other needed blessing. (see Rom. 5:1-2, 9; 4:5; Mt. 6:33; I Cor. 2:9; Heb. 11:6)

 

Article 6: Of the Freeness of Salvation

We believe that the blessings of salvation are made free to all by the gospel. It is the duty of all to  accept them by penitent and obedient faith. Nothing prevents the salvation of the greatest sinner except his own voluntary refusal to accept Jesus Christ as Teacher, Savior and Lord. (see Jn. 3:16; 5:40; 3:19)

 

Article 7: Of Grace in Regeneration

We believe that regeneration or the new birth is a change of heart wrought by the Holy Spirit, whereby we become partakers of the divine nature and a holy disposition is given, leading to the love and practice of righteousness. It is a work of God’s free grace conditioned upon faith in Christ and made manifest by the fruit which we bring forth to the glory of God. (see Jn. 3:3; Eph. 5:9; Mt. 7:20; I Jn. 5:1; Tit. 3:5)

 

rticle 8: 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 allsufficient Savior. (see Acts 11:18; Eph. 2:8; Jn. 16:8)

 

Article 9: Of God’s Purpose of Grace

We believe that election is the gracious purpose of God, according to which he regenerates, sanctifies and saves sinners. It is perfectly consistent with the free agency of man and in no way interferes with the salvation of any individual.
It is a most glorious display of God’s sovereign goodness, and is infinitely wise, holy and unchangeable. It excludes boasting and promotes humility. It encourages the use of means in the highest degree. (see Mt. 20:15; Ps. 24:1; I Cor. 4:7; II Tim. 1:8-9)

 

Article 10: 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. (see I Thess. 4:3; Pro. 4:18; Rom. 8:5)

 

Article 11: 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 that they are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation. (see Jn. 8:31; I Jn. 2:19; Rom. 8:28; Jn. 14:15)

 

Article 12: 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. (see Rom. 7:12; 8:7-8, 2-4)

 

Article 13: 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 of Timothy and Titus. (see Acts 2:41; Mt. 28:19-20; I Tim. 3; I Pet. 5:1-4; Acts 6:1-6)

 

Article 14: 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 of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost; to show forth, in a solemn and beautiful emblem, our faith in the crucified, buried and risen Savior with its effect in our death to sin and resurrection to a new life; that it is a 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. (see Mt. 28:19-20; Rom. 6:4; I Cor. 11:26-28)

 

Article 15: Of the Christian Sabbath

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 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 that rest that remaineth for the people of God. (see Acts 20:7; Lev. 23:15; Isa. 58:13-14; Heb. 10:24-25; I Jn. 1:19; I Cor. 13:13)

 

Article 16: 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. (see Rom. 13:1-7; Acts 5:29; Ps. 72:11)

 

Article 17: Of the Righteousness and the Wicked

We believe that there is a radical and essential difference between the righteous and the wicked. Those only who are justified through the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and sanctified by the Holy Spirit are truly righteous in His sight. Those who continue in impenitence and unbelief are in His sight wicked and are under condemnation. This distinction between the righteous and the wicked holds in and after death, and will be made manifest at the judgment when final and everlasting awards are made to all men. (see Mal. 3:18; Rom. 1:17; I Jn. 5:19)

 

Article 18: Of Christian Education

We believe that Christianity is the religion of enlightenment and intelligence. In Jesus Christ are hidden 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. An adequate system of schools is necessary to complete spiritual program for Christ’s people. The cause of education in the Kingdom of Christ is coordinate with the causes of missions and general benevolence, and should receive along with these the liberal support of the churches. (see Mt. 28:19-20; Pro. 10:14; Tit. 2:14; 3:8)