Our Beliefs
Of the True God
We believe in one God, eternally existent in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, who is infinite, eternal, and unchangeable in His being, wisdom, power, holiness, justice, goodness, and truth (Deuteronomy 6:4; Matthew 28:19; 2 Corinthians 13:14).
God is the sovereign Creator and Sustainer of all things (Genesis 1:1; Colossians 1:16-17), working all things according to the counsel of His will (Ephesians 1:11). He is self-existent and independent, needing nothing outside Himself for His existence or glory (Exodus 3:14; Acts 17:24-25).
In His nature, God is perfect in holiness (Isaiah 6:3), righteousness (Psalm 145:17), and love (1 John 4:8). He is all-knowing (Psalm 139:1-4), all-powerful (Jeremiah 32:17), and everywhere present (Psalm 139:7-10). His will is perfect, and He governs all creation with wisdom and justice for His glory and the ultimate good of His people (Romans 11:33-36; Psalm 115:3).
God’s nature is revealed most fully in Jesus Christ, the Son, who is the image of the invisible God (Colossians 1:15; Hebrews 1:3). Through Christ’s work of redemption, God’s holiness, justice, and love are displayed in the salvation of sinners (Romans 3:25-26).
The Holy Spirit, proceeding from the Father and the Son, is the eternal Spirit of God who convicts the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment (John 16:8-11). He regenerates sinners (Titus 3:5), indwells believers (1 Corinthians 6:19), and empowers them for sanctification and service (Galatians 5:22-23; Acts 1:8). The Spirit illuminates the Scriptures (1 Corinthians 2:10-12) and glorifies Christ by applying His work of redemption to the hearts of God’s people (John 16:14).
Of the Scriptures
We believe that the Holy Scriptures, consisting of the Old and New Testaments, are the sufficient, inspired, infallible, and inerrant Word of God (2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21). They are the supreme and final authority in all matters of faith and life, being fully sufficient for instruction, correction, and reproof (Psalm 19:7-9; Hebrews 4:12). The Scriptures were breathed out by God (2 Timothy 3:16) and are therefore wholly true, trustworthy, and without error in the original manuscripts (John 17:17; Proverbs 30:5).
The Word of God, revealed in the Scriptures, is powerful and effective, accomplishing all that God purposes (Isaiah 55:11). It is through the Scriptures that God reveals His character, the gospel of salvation through Jesus Christ, and the principles by which believers are called to live (Romans 15:4; John 5:39). We believe that the Holy Spirit works through the Word to illuminate its truths to the hearts of believers (1 Corinthians 2:12-14), and that the Scriptures provide everything necessary for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3).
We affirm that God, who is sovereign over all things, has faithfully preserved His Word throughout history (Isaiah 40:8; Matthew 5:18), ensuring its transmission so that His people may be thoroughly equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 3:17). The Scriptures are to be read, studied, believed, and obeyed as the authoritative revelation of God’s will.
Of the Fall of Man
We believe that mankind, created in the image of God (Genesis 1:26-27), was originally in a state of innocence and communion with God. However, through the willful disobedience of Adam, humanity fell into sin (Genesis 3:1-7). Adam acted as the federal head of the human race, and through his transgression, sin and death entered the world, corrupting all of humanity and creation (Romans 5:12, 18-19).
The fall resulted in both physical and spiritual death for mankind (Genesis 2:17; Romans 6:23). All men and women are now born in sin (Psalm 51:5) and inherit a nature that is wholly corrupt, inclined toward evil, and incapable of seeking God apart from His grace (Ephesians 2:1-3; Romans 3:10-12).
This total depravity affects every part of human existence—mind, will, emotions, and body—rendering man unable to do any spiritual good or to earn salvation by his own merit (Isaiah 64:6; Romans 8:7-8). Only through the sovereign grace of God, given through Jesus Christ, can mankind be redeemed and restored to fellowship with God (Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 5:19).
Of the Way of Salvation
We believe that salvation is entirely a work of God’s sovereign grace, accomplished through the person and work of Jesus Christ and applied by the Holy Spirit. Humanity, having fallen into sin and being totally depraved (Ephesians 2:1-3), is unable to come to God or earn salvation by any merit or good works (Romans 3:10-12; Isaiah 64:6).
Salvation is rooted in God’s eternal decree, as He has chosen, before the foundation of the world, those whom He will save (Ephesians 1:4-5; Romans 8:29-30). This election is based solely on His grace and good pleasure, not on any foreseen merit in the individual (2 Timothy 1:9; Romans 9:16).
God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, into the world to redeem His elect. Christ, fully God and fully man, lived a sinless life and offered Himself as the perfect atoning sacrifice for sin through His death on the cross (John 1:14; 1 Peter 2:24). Through His substitutionary atonement, He bore the wrath of God and secured the forgiveness of sins for all who believe (Isaiah 53:4-6; 2 Corinthians 5:21). Christ’s resurrection from the dead confirms His victory over sin and death, securing eternal life for His people (1 Corinthians 15:20-22).
Salvation is applied to individuals through the work of the Holy Spirit, who regenerates the heart (John 3:3-5; Titus 3:5), granting repentance and faith in Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9; Acts 16:14). Justification is by faith alone, where the sinner is declared righteous before God, not by works, but by the imputed righteousness of Christ (Romans 5:1; 2 Corinthians 5:21).
Sanctification follows, as the Holy Spirit progressively conforms the believer to the image of Christ (Romans 8:29; Philippians 2:12-13). This process continues throughout the believer’s life and culminates in glorification, when believers will be made perfect and enjoy eternal communion with God (Romans 8:30; Revelation 21:3-4).
All of salvation—from election, to redemption, to sanctification, and glorification—is a work of God’s grace, to the praise of His glorious grace (Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 11:36).
Of the Freeness of Salvation
We believe that salvation is freely offered to all who will come to Christ in faith. The gospel call to salvation is extended to every person, and all who repent and believe in Christ will be saved (Isaiah 55:1; Matthew 11:28-30; John 3:16). This offer of salvation is sincere and universal, calling all to turn from sin and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 17:30; Revelation 22:17).
While the gospel is freely offered to all, we affirm that no one can come to Christ by their own power or will because of the bondage of sin (John 6:44; Romans 8:7-8). It is only through the regenerating work of the Holy Spirit that a person is enabled to repent and believe (John 3:5-6; Ephesians 2:4-5). This is the gracious work of God alone, whereby He grants saving faith and repentance to His elect (Acts 11:18; Philippians 1:29).
Though salvation is free and offered without price (Isaiah 55:1), it was purchased at great cost through the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ (1 Peter 1:18-19). Christ’s death satisfied the justice of God and made salvation available to all who believe, securing eternal life for the elect (Romans 3:24-25; 2 Corinthians 5:21).
Salvation is a gift of God’s grace, given freely to the undeserving and not earned by works or human effort (Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:5). This freeness of salvation magnifies the mercy and grace of God, who saves sinners for His own glory (Romans 9:16; 1 Corinthians 1:30-31).
Of the Harmony of Law and Gospel
We believe that the law and the gospel are in perfect harmony, each serving distinct but complementary purposes in the work of salvation. The moral law, summarized in the Ten Commandments, reflects the holiness, justice, and righteousness of God (Exodus 20:1-17; Romans 7:12). It reveals God’s will for humanity and serves as a standard by which all are judged (Romans 3:19-20).
The law exposes sin by showing that no person can perfectly obey it (Romans 3:20; Galatians 3:24). It convicts the sinner of their inability to attain righteousness by their own works, driving them to the need for a Savior (Romans 7:7). Therefore, the law is a “schoolmaster” that leads us to Christ, in whom the righteousness of the law is fulfilled (Galatians 3:24; Matthew 5:17).
The gospel, on the other hand, proclaims the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ. It declares that salvation is by grace through faith in the finished work of Christ, not by works of the law (Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 3:28). In His life, Christ perfectly obeyed the law on behalf of His people, and in His death, He bore the penalty of the law’s curse for their sins (Galatians 3:13; 2 Corinthians 5:21).
Though believers are no longer under the law, the law remains a guide for Christian living. In response to the gospel, believers are called to obedience, not as a means of earning salvation but as the fruit of faith and the work of the Holy Spirit (Romans 6:14-15; Ephesians 2:10). The gospel empowers Christians to obey the law out of love for God, not fear of condemnation (John 14:15; Romans 8:1-4).
Thus, the law drives us to Christ for salvation, and the gospel enables us to uphold the law through the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:3-4). In this way, law and gospel are in harmony: the law reveals our need for Christ, and the gospel provides the grace to fulfill its righteous requirements.
Of the Gospel Church
We believe that the church is the body of Christ, consisting of all true believers who are united to Him by faith (Ephesians 1:22-23; 1 Corinthians 12:12-13). Christ is the head of the church, which He purchased with His own blood (Acts 20:28; Ephesians 5:25). The church is called out from the world, sanctified, and set apart for God’s purposes (1 Peter 2:9), gathered to worship God, proclaim the gospel, and build one another up in love (Hebrews 10:24-25).
The gospel church is marked by the faithful preaching of the Word of God (2 Timothy 4:2), the right administration of the sacraments (baptism and the Lord’s Supper) as instituted by Christ (Matthew 28:19; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26), and the practice of church discipline for the purity and health of the body (Matthew 18:15-17; 1 Corinthians 5:6-7).
The mission of the church is to make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey all that Christ has commanded (Matthew 28:19-20). The church is called to bear witness to the gospel in word and deed, manifesting the kingdom of God in a fallen world (Matthew 5:14-16; 1 Peter 2:12).
The church is a spiritual family where believers are united by the Holy Spirit, gifted for service, and called to encourage, edify, and care for one another (Ephesians 4:11-16; 1 Corinthians 12:4-7). Though made up of sinners redeemed by grace, the church is being sanctified and prepared as the spotless bride of Christ, awaiting the final consummation when she will be presented to Him in glory (Ephesians 5:26-27; Revelation 19:7-9).
The visible church is comprised of local congregations, overseen by elders and deacons, who shepherd the flock, equip the saints, and lead in service and discipleship (1 Timothy 3:1-13; Titus 1:5). The unity of the church is grounded in its common faith in Christ, which is central to the life and mission of the church. This unity is further sustained by the sufficiency of Scripture as our ultimate authority and the observance of the ordinances as instituted by Christ.
Of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper
We believe that Baptism and the Lord’s Supper are the two ordinances instituted by the Lord Jesus Christ for His church. These ordinances are outward signs of inward spiritual realities and are to be observed by believers in obedience to Christ.
- Baptism
We believe that baptism is an ordinance of the New Testament, instituted by Jesus Christ, and is a public act of obedience symbolizing the believer’s faith in the crucified, buried, and risen Savior (Matthew 28:19-20). It represents the believer’s union with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection (Romans 6:3-4; Colossians 2:12), and signifies the washing away of sin and the new life of the believer in Christ (Acts 22:16; 2 Corinthians 5:17).
Baptism is to be administered by immersion, in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, to those who profess faith in Jesus Christ (Acts 8:36-38; Matthew 28:19). It is an outward declaration of an inward faith and does not in itself convey salvation (Ephesians 2:8-9). Baptism is reserved for believers alone, as a testimony of their personal commitment to Christ, and is a prerequisite for church membership and participation in the Lord’s Supper (Acts 2:41).
2. The Lord’s Supper
We believe that the Lord’s Supper is a sacred ordinance instituted by Jesus Christ, in which baptized believers partake of the bread and the cup as a means of spiritual nourishment and communion with Christ (Luke 22:19-20; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26). While the elements remain bread and the fruit of the vine, believers truly partake of Christ spiritually, as He is present by the power of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 10:16-17).
The Lord’s Supper is more than a mere memorial; it is a means of grace through which believers are strengthened in their faith, reminded of the benefits of Christ’s atoning work, and spiritually nourished as they partake in union with Him. As believers come to the table in faith, they proclaim the Lord’s death until He returns and experience the reality of their communion with Christ and His body, the Church (1 Corinthians 11:26).
This ordinance is a time of self-examination, reflection, and thanksgiving, calling believers to approach with reverence and a heart of repentance (1 Corinthians 11:27-29). While the Supper does not confer salvation, it serves as a means by which God works in the hearts of His people, deepening their faith and drawing them into closer fellowship with Christ.
Both Baptism and the Lord’s Supper are ordinances given by Christ to the Church, serving as visible signs of the gospel, acts of worship, and means through which believers are spiritually nourished and strengthened in their walk with Christ
Of the Righteous and the Wicked
We believe that there is a fundamental distinction between the righteous and the wicked, which is ultimately rooted in God’s sovereign grace. The righteous are those who have been justified by faith in Jesus Christ, clothed in His righteousness, and are being sanctified by the Holy Spirit (Romans 3:22-24; Philippians 3:9). They are not righteous by their own works, but by the imputed righteousness of Christ through faith (2 Corinthians 5:21; Romans 4:5). The righteous are those who, having been born again, live by faith and walk in obedience to God’s commandments, seeking to glorify Him in all things (Romans 1:17; Ephesians 2:10).
The wicked, on the other hand, are those who remain in their natural state of sin and rebellion against God. They reject His truth, live according to the flesh, and are under the condemnation of the law (Romans 8:7-8; John 3:18). The wicked are characterized by their persistent unbelief, their love of sin, and their refusal to submit to God’s rule (Romans 1:18-32; Psalm 14:1-3). Apart from repentance and faith in Christ, they remain under the just wrath of God (John 3:36; Romans 2:5).
In the end, there will be a final separation between the righteous and the wicked. The righteous will be welcomed into eternal life and joy in the presence of God (Matthew 25:34; Revelation 21:1-4), while the wicked will face eternal punishment and exclusion from the presence of the Lord (Matthew 25:41, 46; 2 Thessalonians 1:9). The ultimate destiny of both groups is determined by their relationship to Christ, who alone is the way to eternal life (John 14:6; 1 John 5:12).
This final judgment is certain and will be based on God’s perfect justice (Acts 17:31; 2 Corinthians 5:10). The righteous will inherit the new heavens and the new earth, living forever in the fullness of God’s kingdom (2 Peter 3:13; Matthew 25:46). The wicked, having rejected the gospel, will experience eternal separation from God in hell (Revelation 20:12-15; Mark 9:48).
Of the World to Come
We believe in the imminent return of the Lord Jesus Christ to establish His kingdom on earth, which is often referred to as the premillennial view. According to this perspective, Christ will return before the millennium—a literal thousand-year reign of Christ—as described in Revelation 20:1-6.
Upon His return, Jesus will defeat the Antichrist and establish His reign in righteousness and peace (Revelation 19:11-16; 20:1-3). This reign will be characterized by justice, the fulfillment of God’s promises to Israel, and the restoration of creation (Isaiah 2:2-4; Jeremiah 31:31-34). During this time, believers will reign with Christ, experiencing the blessings of His kingdom and the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan (2 Timothy 2:12; Revelation 20:6).
We affirm that the premillennial kingdom will be a time of unprecedented peace and restoration, where the effects of sin are mitigated, and the world will witness the reign of Christ (Isaiah 11:6-9; Micah 4:3-4). The curse of sin will be reversed, and creation will be restored to a state of harmony (Romans 8:19-21).
At the end of the millennium, there will be a final rebellion against God, led by Satan, which will ultimately be defeated (Revelation 20:7-10). This will be followed by the great white throne judgment, where all the dead will be resurrected and judged according to their works (Revelation 20:11-15). Those whose names are not found in the Book of Life will be cast into the lake of fire, signifying eternal separation from God.
Following this final judgment, God will create a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells, and He will dwell with His people forever (Revelation 21:1-4; 2 Peter 3:13). In this eternal state, there will be no more pain, sorrow, or death, as God will wipe away every tear (Revelation 21:4). The redeemed will enjoy unbroken fellowship with God in perfect holiness and joy, living in the fullness of His presence (Revelation 22:3-5).
We hold that the hope of the world to come encourages believers to live faithfully in the present, looking forward to the consummation of God’s kingdom and the ultimate victory of Christ over sin and death (Titus 2:13; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18).
In Addition to the Statement Above
Statement on Homosexuality
As Christians, we affirm the absolute authority of Scripture as the inspired, infallible, innerant, and sufficient Word of God (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Scripture alone is our rule for faith and practice, and it provides clear teachings regarding human sexuality and marriage.
1. The Design of God in Creation
We believe that God, in the beginning, created mankind male and female in His image (Genesis 1:27). The union of man and woman in marriage is the ordained pattern for sexual relationships, as established by God in the institution of marriage (Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:4-6). Marriage, as defined by Scripture, is the covenantal union of one man and one woman, reflecting the relationship between Christ and His church (Ephesians 5:31-32).
2. The Sin of Homosexuality
Scripture teaches that any sexual activity outside of the biblical definition of marriage, including homosexuality, is sinful. Both the Old and New Testaments explicitly condemn homosexual behavior as contrary to God’s design for humanity (Leviticus 18:22; Romans 1:26-27; 1 Corinthians 6:9-10; 1 Timothy 1:9-10). Homosexual desires and actions stem from the fall of mankind and are expressions of the sin nature which all humans inherit from Adam (Romans 5:12). Like all sin, homosexuality brings people under the just condemnation of God.
3. The Call to Repentance and Faith
We affirm that the gospel of Jesus Christ offers forgiveness and redemption for all sinners, including those who practice homosexuality. Through repentance and faith in Christ, individuals can be freed from the power of sin, including homosexual desires and actions (1 Corinthians 6:11). We affirm the need for Christians to lovingly call those practicing homosexuality to repentance, pointing them to the grace found in Christ.
4. The Role of the Church
The church, as the body of Christ, is called to uphold biblical truth with compassion and humility. We are committed to extending the love of Christ to all individuals, regardless of their sin, while maintaining the biblical standard of sexual purity. We affirm that the church must faithfully teach the truth of Scripture, including the sinfulness of homosexuality, while providing pastoral care to those seeking to live in obedience to God’s Word.
5. The Hope of Sanctification
We believe that through the power of the Holy Spirit, all believers can grow in holiness, putting to death sinful desires, and conforming more fully to the image of Christ (Romans 8:13; 1 Thessalonians 4:3). This includes those who have struggled with homosexual temptations or practices. The church is called to support and encourage believers as they seek to live lives pleasing to God.
Conclusion
In conclusion, we stand on the authority of Scripture in affirming that homosexuality is a violation of God’s design and a manifestation of human sinfulness. At the same time, we proclaim the power of the gospel to transform lives, offering the hope of forgiveness and new life in Christ to all who repent and believe.
Statement on Abortion
As Christians, we affirm that the Scriptures are the inspired, infallible, and innerant sufficient Word of God, providing the foundation for our beliefs and practices (2 Timothy 3:16-17). In all matters of life and morality, including the issue of abortion, we hold firmly to the teachings of Scripture and the lordship of Jesus Christ.
1. The Sanctity of Human Life
We believe that all human life is sacred and valuable because it is created by God in His image (Genesis 1:26-27). From the moment of conception, every human being bears the image of God and has inherent worth and dignity. The Bible consistently affirms the personhood and value of unborn children (Psalm 139:13-16; Jeremiah 1:5; Luke 1:41-44), and therefore, we hold that life begins at conception.
2. The Sin of Abortion
Abortion, which is the intentional termination of an unborn human life, is a violation of the Sixth Commandment, “You shall not murder” (Exodus 20:13). Scripture affirms that taking innocent human life is a grievous sin before God (Proverbs 6:16-17). We believe that abortion is not merely a personal decision but a moral offense against God, who alone has the authority to give and take life (Job 1:21). Abortion disregards the dignity of the unborn and the Creator who formed them.
3. The Call of Repentance and Faith
While abortion is a serious sin, we affirm the sufficiency of Christ’s atoning work to forgive all sins, including the sin of abortion (1 John 1:9). The gospel of Jesus Christ offers grace, forgiveness, and healing to those who have participated in or supported abortion. Through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ, anyone who has been involved in abortion can find full restoration and peace with God (Romans 5:1).
4. The Role of the Church
The church is called to be a beacon of truth and compassion in a culture that devalues human life. We are committed to upholding the biblical teaching on the sanctity of life and to speaking out against the injustice of abortion. At the same time, the church is called to provide pastoral care and gospel-centered support to those facing crisis pregnancies, those who have had abortions, and those who are struggling with guilt and shame.
As the people of God, we must offer practical help to women in need, including prayer, counseling, and assistance, demonstrating the love of Christ in word and deed (James 1:27). We also affirm our responsibility to work for the protection of the unborn through lawful means, including advocacy and participation in the political process.
5. The Hope of Sanctification
We believe in the transformative power of the gospel and the work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers. Christians are called to pursue lives of holiness, which includes honoring the sanctity of life in all its stages (Ephesians 4:1; Romans 12:1-2). We are confident that through the gospel, hearts can be changed, and lives transformed, including the culture’s view of abortion and the value of human life.
Conclusion
In conclusion, we affirm that abortion is a grave sin against God, who is the Author of life. However, we also proclaim the gospel’s promise of forgiveness and new life in Christ to all who repent and believe. As Christians, we commit to standing for the sanctity of life, providing compassionate care to those affected by abortion, and proclaiming the hope of the gospel in a broken world.
Historic Baptist Confession
In addition to our above Statement of Faith, we hereby adopt the First London Baptist Confession of Faith (1644/1646) as a historic doctrinal standard that connects us to the rich heritage of the Baptist faith. While we affirm this confession as a faithful representation of biblical doctrine, we do not require full subscription to every article within it. Instead, we uphold it as a valuable theological resource that reflects the historic convictions of Baptist churches while allowing for liberty in areas not essential to the gospel.