Articles of Faith
I. Of the Scriptures:
We believe that the Holy Bible was written by men supernaturally inspired; that it has truth without any admixture or error for its matte, and therefore is and shall remain to the end of the age, the only complete and final revelation of the will of GOD to man; the true center of Christian union and the supreme standard by which all human conduct, deeds, and opinion should be tried.
1. by “The Holy Bible” we mean the King James Version collection of sixty-six books from Genesis to Revelation, which, as originally written does only contain and convey the Word of GOD.
2. 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 free from error, as no other writings have ever been or even will be inspired. (II Timothy 3:16-17; II Peter1:19-21; Acts 1:16; Acts 28:25; Psalms 118:89, 105, 130, 160; Luke 24:25-27; John 17:17; Luke 24:44-45; Proverbs 30:5-6; Romans 3:1; I Peter 1:2-3;Revelation 22:19: John 12:48; Isaiah 8:20; Ephesians 6:17.)
II. Of the True GOD
We believe that there is one, and only one living and true GOD, an infinite, intelligent Spirit, and maker 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 person, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, equal in every divine perfection, and executing distinct but harmonious offices in the great work of Redemption.(Exodus 20:2-3; Genesis 17:1; I Corinthians 8:6; Ephesians 4:6; John 4:24; Psalms 147:5; Psalms 83:18; Psalms 90:2; Jeremiah 10:10; Exodus 15:11; I Timothy 1:17; Romans 11:33; Mark 12:30; Matthew 28:19; John 17:5; I Corinthians 12:4-6; I John 5:7; John 10:30; John 15:26; Acts 5:3-4; I Corinthians 2:10-11; Philemon 2:5-6; Ephesians 2:18; II Corinthians 13:14)
III. Of the Holy Spirit
We believe that the Holy Spirit is a divine person, equal with GOD the Father and GOD the Son, of the same nature, and he was active in the creation. In His relation to the unbelieving world, he restrains the evil one until GOD’s purpose is fulfilled; that He convicts of sin, of judgment, and of righteousness. He bears witness to the truth of the gospel in preaching and testimony; that He is the agent in the new birth; that He seals, endues, guides, teaches, witnesses, sanctifies and helps the believer. (John 1:33; 3:5-6; 14:16; 14:26; 15:26-27; 16:8-11; 16:13; Matthew 3:11; 28:19; Hebrews 9:14; Luke 1:35; Genesis 1:1-3; II Thessalonians 2:7; 2:13; Acts 5:30-32; 11:16; Ephesians 1:13-14; Mark 1:8; Luke 3:16;24:49; Romans 8:16; 8:26-27; I Peter 1:12.)
IV. Of the Devil, or Satan
We believe that Satan was once a holy angel, and enjoyed heavenly honors, but through pride and ambition to be as the Almighty, fell and drew after him a host of angels. He is now the power and prince of the air, and the unholy god of this world. We hold him to be man’s great tempter, the enemy of GOD and his Christ, the accuser of the saints, the author of all false religions, the chief poser of the present apostasy; the Lord of the Anti-Christ, and the author of all the posers of darkness---destined however to final defeat at the hands of GOD’s own Son, and to the judgment of an eternal justice in hell, a place prepared for Him and his angels. (Isaiah 14:12-15; Ezekiel 28:14-17; Revelation 12:7-9; 12:10; 13:13-14; 19:11; 20:1-3; 10; Jude 1:6; II Peter 2:4; Ephesians 2:2; John 14:30; I Thessalonians 3:5; Matthew 4:1-3; 13:25; 25:41; I Peter 5:8; Zechariah 1:3; I John 3:3; 4:3; Luke 22:3-4; II Corinthians 11:13-15; Mark 13:21-22; II John 2:22)
V. Of Creation
We believe in the Genesis account of creation, and that it is accepted literally, and not allegorically or figuratively. Man was created directly in GOD’s own image and after His own likeness. Man’s creation was not a matter of evolution or evolutionary change of species, or development through interminable periods of time from lower to higher forms. All animal and vegetable life was made directly, and GOD’s established law was they should bring forth only “after their kind”. (Genesis 1:1; 2:21-23; 1:11, 24; Exodus 20:11; Acts 4:14; Colossians 1:16-17; Hebrews 11:3; John 1:3; Revelation 10:6; Romans 1:20; Acts 17:23-26; Jeremy 10:12; Nehemiah 9:6)
VI. Of the Fall of Man
We believe that man was created in innocence under the law of his Maker, but by voluntary transgression fell from his sinless and happy state, in consequence of which, all mankind are now sinners, not by constraint but by choice, and thereof under just condemnation without defense or excuse. (Genesis 3:1-6,24; Romans 1:18; 1:20; 1:32; 3:10-19; 5:12; Ephesians 2:1-3; Ezekiel 18:19-20; Galatians 3:22)
VII. Of the Virgin Birth
We believe that Jesus Christ was begotten of the Holy Spirit in a miraculous manner; born of Mary, a virgin, as no other man was ever born or can be born of woman, and that He is both the Son of GOD, and GOD, the Son. (Genesis 3:15; Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:18-25; Luke 1:35; Mark 1:1; John 1:14, Psalms 2:7; Galatians 4:4; I John 5:20; I Corinthians 15:47)
VIII. Of the Atonement for Sin
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, but without sin, honored the divine law by his personal obedience and by His death. He made a full and vicarious atonement for sins; that His atonement consisted not in setting us an example by His death as a martyr, but was the voluntary substitution of Himself in the sinner’s place, the just dying for the unjust. Christ, the Lord bearing our sins in His own body on the tree, united in His wonderful person the most tender sympathies with divine perfection. He is every way qualified to be a suitable, a compassionate and all-sufficient Savior. (Ephesians 2:8; Acts 15:11; Romans 3:24-25; John 3:24; 3:16; 10:18; Matthew 18:11; Philippians 2:7-8; Hebrews 2:14; 7:25; 9:12-15; 12:2; Isaiah 53:4-7;12; I John 2:2; 4:10; I Corinthians 15:3; II Corinthians 5:21; Galatians 1:4; I Peter 2:24; 3:18; Isaiah 53:11.)
IX. Of Grace in the New Creation
We believe that in order to be saved, sinners must be born again. The new birth is a new creation in Christ Jesus; it is instantaneous and not a process; that in the new birth the one dead in trespasses and in sins is made a partaker of the divine nature and receives eternal life, the free gift of GOD. The new creation is brought about in a manner above our comprehension, not by culture, not by character, not by the will of man, but wholly and solely by the power of the Holy Spirit in connection with divine truth, so as to secure our voluntary obedience to the gospel. Its proper evidence appears in the holy fruits of repentance and faith and newness of life. (John 1:12-13; 3:3; 6-27; II Corinthians 5:17; 19; Luke 5:27; I John 5:1; Acts 2:1; II Peter 1:4; Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:1; 5:9; Colossians 2:13; Galatians 5:22)
X. Of Salvation, a Free Gift
We believe in GOD’s election grace; that the blessings of salvation are made free to all by the gospel. It is the immediate duty of all to accept them by a cordial penitent and obedient faith; and not prevent the salvation of the greatest sinner on earth by his own inherent depravity and voluntary rejection of the gospel; which rejection involves him in aggrieved condemnation. (I Thessalonians 1:4; Colossians 3:12; I Peter 1:2; Tutus 1:1; Romans 8:29-30; 10:13; Matthew 11:28; Isaiah 55:1; 6-7; Revelation 22:17; John 6:37; Acts 2:38; John 3:15-16; 18; 36; 5:40; I Timothy 1:15; I Corinthians 15:10; Ephesians 2:4-5)
XI. Of Justification
We believe that the great gospel blessing which Christ secures to such as believe in Him is justification. Justification includes the pardon of sin, and the gift of eternal life on principles of righteousness. It is not which we have done; but solely through faith in the Redeemer’s blood, His righteousness is imputed unto us. (Acts 13:39; Isaiah 53:11; Zechariah 13:1; Romans 1:17; 4:1-8; 5:8; 8:1; Titus 3:5-7; Hebrews 2:4; 10:38; Galatians 3:11)
XII. Of Repentance and Faith
We believe that repentance and faith are solemn obligations, and also inseparable graces; wrought in our souls by the quickening Spirit of GOD. Thereby being deeply convicted 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 and openly confessing Him as our Holy and all sufficient Savior. (Acts 2:37-38; 20:21; Mark 1:15; Luke 12:8; 18:13; Romans 10:13; 8-11; Psalms 51:1-4; Isaiah 55: 6-7)
XIII. Of the Church
We believe that the church of the Lord Jesus Christ is a congregation of baptized believers associated by a covenant of faith and fellowship of the gospel, observing the ordinances of Christ governed by His Laws; exercising the gifts, rights and privileges invested in them by His Word, that its officers of ordination are the Pastors whose qualifications, claims and duties are clearly defined in the scriptures. We believe the true mission of the church is found in the great commission; FIRST: to make disciples, SECOND: to build up the church; THIRD: to teach and instruct as He has commanded. We do not believe in the reversal of this order; we hold that the local church has the absolute right of self government, free from the interference of any hierarchy or individuals or organizations; and that the only superintendent is Christ through the Holy Spirit; that it is scriptural for true churches to co-operate with each other in contending for the faith and for the furtherance of the gospel; that every church is the sole and only judge of the measure and method of its co-operation; on all matters of membership, of policy, of government, of discipline, of benevolence, the will of the local church is final. (Acts 2:41-42; 6:5-6; 14:23; 15:22-23; 20:17-28; I Corinthians 5:11-13; 11:2; 12:4; 12:11; 16:1-2; Ephesians 1:22-23; 4:11; 5:23-24; I Timothy 3:1-7; Matthew 28:19-20; Colossians 1:18; I Peter 5:1-4; Jude 1:3-4; II Corinthians 8:23-24; Malachi 3:10; Leviticus 27:32)
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, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, with the authority of the local church to show forth in a solemn and beautiful emblem of our faith in the crucified, buried, and risen Savior, with its effect in our death to sin and resurrection to a newness of life that it is the pre-requisite to the privileges of a church relation and 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; proceeded always by solemn self-examination. (Acts 2:41-42; 8:37-39; Matthew 3:6; 3:16; 28:19-20; John 3:23; 6:3-5; Romans 6:4-5; I Corinthians 11:23-28)
XV. Perseverance of the Saints
We believe that such only are real believers as endure unto the end; that their preserving 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 eternal Salvation. (John 8:31-32; 10:28-29; 16:8; Colossians 1:21-23; I John 2:19; Matthew 6:20; 13:19-21; Romans 8:28; Psalms 121:3; Hebrews 1:14; I Peter 1:5; Philippians 1:6)
XVI. 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, in the everlasting felicity of the saved, and the everlasting conscious suffering of the lost. (Malachi 3:18; Genesis 18:23; Romans 1:17; 6:16-18; 7:6; Proverbs 11:31; 14:32; I Peter 4:18; I Corinthians 16:22; Acts 10:34-35; I John 2:29; 3:17; 12:25; 5:19; Galatians 3:10; Luke 16:25; Matthew 7:13-14; 25:34, 41; John 8:21; Luke 9:26)
XVII. Of Civil Government
We believe that civil government is of divine appointment, for the interests and good order of human society. 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 coming prince of the kings of the earth. (Romans 13:7; II Samuel 23:3; Exodus 18:21-22; Acts 4:19; 23:5; Matthew 10:38; 22:21; Titus 3:1; I Peter 2:17; Daniel 3:17-18; Revelation 10:6; Philippians 2:10-11)
XVIII. Of the Resurrection and Return of Christ and Related Events
We believe in and accept the sacred scriptures upon these subjects at their face and full value. Of the resurrection, we believe that Christ rose bodily the third day according to the scriptures; that he ascended to “the right hand of the throne of GOD”; that He alone is our merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to GOD. We believe this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven shall so come in like manner as ye have seen Him go into heaven.” Bodily, personally and visibly; that the “dead in Christ shall rise first”; that the living saints “shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye” at the last trump. That “the Lord God shall give unto Him the throne of His Father David;“ and that Christ shall reign a thousand years in righteousness until “He hath put all enemies under His feet.” (Matthew 28:6-7; Luke 1:32; 24:2; 4-6; 24:39; John 14:3; 20:27; I Corinthians 15:4;25, 51-52; Mark 16:6; 19; Acts 1:9; 11; Luke 24:51; Revelations 3:21; 20:1-4; 6; Hebrews 2:17; 5:9-10; 8:1; 6; I Timothy 2:5; I John 2:1; Hebrews 12:2; I Thessalonians 4:16; Philippians 3:20-21; Isaiah 9:29-30; 11:4-5; 23:1; Psalms 72:8)
XIX. Of Missions
The command to give the gospel to the world is clear and unmistakable and this commission was given to the churches. Matthew 28:18-20, “And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” Mark 16:15, “And He said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” John 20:21, “as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.” Acts 1:8, “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” Romans 10:13-15, “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they hear without a preacher; and how shall they preach, except they be sent; As it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and glad tidings of good things.”
XX. Of the Grace of Giving
Scriptural giving is one of the fundamentals of the Faith: II Corinthians 8:7, “Therefore, as ye abound in everything, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also.” I Corinthians 16:2, “Upon the first day of the week let everyone of you lay by him in store, as GOD hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.” Under grace we give, and do not pay, the tithe...”Abraham gave the tenth of the spoils” Hebrews 7:2-4, and this was four hundred years before the law, and is confirmed in the New Testament; Jesus said concerning the tithe, “These ye ought to have done”...Matthew 23:23. We are commanded to bring the tithe into the common treasury of the Church. Leviticus 27:30, “the tithe is the Lord’s.” Malachi 3:10, “Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of host, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.” In the New Testament it was the common treasury of the church. Acts 4:34-37, “And brought the prices of the things that were sold and laid them down at the apostles feet....having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles’ feet.” A shorter statement of the Confession of Faith is as follows:
1. We believe the whole KJV Bible from Genesis 1:1 through Revelations 22:21, as the verbally inspired and infallible Word of GOD.
2. We believe Jesus Christ was born of Mary the Virgin, and is the Son of GOD, and GOD of the Son.
3. We believe that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures, the just for the unjust that He might bring us to GOD.
4. We believe that He rose from the grave the third day according to the scriptures.
5. We believe that He only, is the great high priest, and we need not the intercession of any man, but that Christ ever liveth to make intercession for us.
6. We believe that Christ will come again in person, bodily, visibly, to establish His kingdom on the earth.
7. We believe that in order to be saved, the soul must be born again.
8. We believe that every truly born again soul should declare his faith by the act of baptism (immersion in water setting forth the Lord’s
death, burial, and resurrection).
9. We believe that the church is a body of baptized believers whose only mission is not to reform the world, but to preach the gospel of salvation to the individual soul. Summing it all up, a Fundamental Baptist is one who believes in a supernatural Bible, which tells of a supernatural Christ, who had a supernatural birth, who spoke supernatural words, who performed supernatural miracles, who lived a supernatural life, who died a supernatural death, who rose in supernatural power, who ascended in super natural splendor, who intercedes as a supernatural priest and who will one day return in supernatural glory to establish a supernatural kingdom on the earth.
