ARTICLE IV - THE CONFESSION OF FAITH
SECTION 1. OF THE AUTHORITY OF THE STATEMENT OF FAITH:
The Statement of Faith does not exhaust the extent of our faith. The Bible itself is the sole and final source of all that we believe. We do believe, however, that the foregoing Statement of Faith accurately represents the teachings of the Bible and, therefore, is binding upon all members. All literature, whether print or electronic, presented in the church shall be in complete agreement with the statement of faith.
SECTION 2. OF THE SCRIPTURES:
We believe that the Holy Bible, in its orthodox canon as originally written, was verbally and plenarily inspired, inerrant, infallible and God-breathed, complete in the 66 books of the Old and New Testaments, the product of Spirit-controlled men, and therefore, has truth without any admixture of error for its matter. We believe the Bible to be the true center of Christian union and the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds, and opinions shall be tried. The Scriptures shall be interpreted according to their normal grammatical-historical meaning. All issues of interpretation and meaning shall be determined by the pastor or the deacons in the absence of the pastor. II Tim. 3:16-17; II Pet. 1:19-21
SECTION 3. OF THE TRUE GOD:
We believe there is one and only one living and true God, an Infinite Spirit, the Maker, and the Supreme and Sovereign Ruler 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 persons: 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. Ex. 20:2-3; I Cor. 8:6; Rev. 4:11; I Jn. 5:7
SECTION 4. OF JESUS CHRIST THE SON:
We believe Jesus Christ is God manifested in the flesh. He came into this world, being born of a virgin and conceived of the Holy Spirit, and thus was both God and man. His life was one of absolute sinlessness. Christ's death was substitutionary and His resurrection was bodily achieving our eternal salvation and justification. He ascended into heaven where He now sits at the right hand of the Father as our High Priest, interceding for us. Mt. 28:6-7; Lk 24:39; Jn. 20:27; 1 Cor. 15:4; Mk 16:6; Lk 24:2-6,51; Acts 1:9-11; Rev. 3:21; Heb. 8:6; 12:2; 7:25; 1 Tim. 2:5; 1 Jn. 2:1,2; Heb. 2:17; Heb.5:9-10; Rom 5:12-17
SECTION 5. OF THE HOLY SPIRIT:
We believe that the Holy Spirit, is a divine Person, equal with the Father and the Son, the third member of the Holy Trinity, the source and power of all acceptable worship and service, is our abiding Comforter and Helper; that He never takes His departure from His Church, nor from the feeblest of the saints, but is ever present to testify of Christ, seeking to occupy us with Him, and not with ourselves nor with our experiences. Jn. 7:38; 14:16; 15:26; 16:13, 24; Acts 1:8; Rom. 8:9; Phil. 3:3
We believe that in this day and age certain well-defined ministries are committed to the Holy Spirit, and that it is the duty of every Christian to understand these and to be adjusted to them in his own life and experience. These ministries are: The restraining of evil in the world to the measure of the divine will; the convicting of the world in respect to sin, righteousness and judgment; the regenerating of all believers; the indwelling of all who are saved; the anointing of believers to teach them all truth; the sealing of believers unto the day of redemption; and the filling for power and service of all believers. II Thess. 2:7; Jn. 16:7-11; Rom. 8:9; I Cor. 12:13; Eph. 4:30, 5:18b
SECTION 6. OF CREATION:
We believe the Genesis account of creation as interpreted by Ex. 20:9,11, is neither allegory nor myth, but a literal, historical account of God's creation of the universe in six literal, 24-hour periods and that man came into being by direct creation of God and not by evolution. We reject evolution, the Gap Theory, the Day-Age Theory, and Theistic Evolution as unscriptural theories of origin. Gen. l & 2; Col. 1:16-17; Jn. 1:3; Ex. 20:9, 11
SECTION 7. OF MAN:
We believe that man was created in the image of God under the law of his Maker, but by voluntary transgression, fell from his sinless state, in consequence of which, all mankind are now sinners, not only by inheritance, but by choice; therefore, under just condemnation, without defense, excuse, or the ability to save themselves. Gen. 3:1-6, 24; Rom. 3:10-19; 1:16, 32
SECTION 8. OF MARRIAGE, SEXUALITY AND GENDER:
We believe that marriage is created by God as stated in the Scriptures to be shared by the joining of one biologically-born man and one biologically-born woman for life until the death of one or both spouses, for the purpose of companionship, sexual intimacy and procreation. We believe our created gender, sexuality and sexual fulfillment are gifts from the Creator and are to be embraced with gratitude and worship. Gen. 1:27-28, 2:24; Matt. 19:4-6; Rom. 7:2; 1 Cor. 7:10; Eph. 5:22-23
We believe that God has designed and commanded that no intimate sexual activity be engaged in outside of a marriage bond between one biologically-born man and one biologically-born woman. We believe that any form of homosexuality, lesbianism, bisexuality, bestiality, incest, fornication, adultery, and pornography are sinful perversions of God's gift of sex. We believe that God disapproves of and forbids any attempt to alter one's gender by surgery, appearance or any other means. Gen. 2:24; 19:5, 13; 26:8-9; Lev. 18:1-30; Rom. 1: 26-29; 1 Cor. 5:1; 6:9; 1 Thess. 4:1-8; Heb. 13:4
SECTION 9. OF FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS:
We believe that men and women are created in the image of God and so are spiritually equal in position before God. Jesus makes men and women fellow heirs of God’s eternal grace who differ in complimentary and mutually beneficial ways. We believe that God has ordained distinct and separate spiritual functions for men and women in the home and the church. We affirm the significant role women should play in the home and in the local church and that every leadership opportunity is open to women except those excluded by Scripture in the home and church. The husband is to be the leader of the home, and men are to be the leaders of the church. Accordingly, only men are eligible for licensure and ordination by the church. Gal. 3:28; Eph. 5:22-33; Col. 3:18; 1 Tim. 2:8-15; 3:2, 4-5, 12; 1 Pet. 3:7
We believe that God has ordained the family as the foundational institution of human society. The husband is to love his wife as Christ loves the church. The wife is to submit herself to the Scriptural leadership of her husband as the church submits to the headship of Christ. Children are an heritage from the Lord. Parents are responsible for teaching their children spiritual and moral values through consistent lifestyle example and appropriate discipline, including Scriptural corporal correction. Gen. 1:26-28;Ex. 20:12; Deut. 6:4-9; Ps. 127:3- 5; Prov. 19:18; 22:15; 23:13-14; Mk. 10:6-12; 1 Cor. 7:1-16; Eph. 5:21-33; 6:1-4, Col. 3:18-21; Heb. 13:4; 1 Pet. 3:1-7
SECTION 10. OF DIVORCE AND REMARRIAGE:
We believe that God disapproves of and forbids divorce and intends marriage to last until one of the spouses dies. Divorce and remarriage is regarded as adultery except on the grounds of fornication. Although divorced and remarried persons or divorced persons may hold positions of service in the church and be greatly used of God for Christian service, they may not be considered for the offices of pastor or deacon. Mal. 2:14-17; Mt. 19:3-12; Rom. 7:1-3; 1 Tim. 3:2,12; Tit. 1:6
SECTION 11. OF PERSONAL HEALTH:
We believe that God has dictated that through Him we have been wonderfully and fearfully made, pure, and whole. We believe our bodies to be the temple of God, where the Holy Spirit dwells and so they must be honored as such. We believe that in accordance of such, we have a profound responsibility to God that dictates our need to exercise prudent control over any and all medical procedures in which we choose to participate, especially those procedures that may threaten individual health, whether with short or long term consequences. This includes known or unknown side effects, experimental or emergency uses, potential involvement in fetal cell lines whether in development or testing, or medical and/or political corruption or coercion. Anything less would be considered sinful. Jesus Himself said “Go, and sin no more.” Ps. 139:14; Jn. 8:11; 1 Cor. 6:19-20
SECTION 12. OF ABORTION:
We believe that human life begins at conception and that the unborn child is a living human being. Abortion constitutes the unjustified, unexcused taking of unborn human life. Abortion is murder. We reject any teaching that abortions due to rape, incest, birth defects, gender selection, birth or population control, or mental well-being of the mother are acceptable. Job 3:16; Ps. 51:5; 139:14-16; Is. 44:24; 49:1, 5; Jer. 1:5; 20:15-18; Lk 1:44
SECTION 13. OF EUTHANASIA:
We believe that the direct taking of an innocent human life is a moral evil, regardless of the intention. Life is a gift of God and must be respected from conception until natural death. Thus we believe that an act or omission which, of itself or by intention, causes death in order to eliminate suffering constitutes a murder contrary to the will of God. Discontinuing medical procedures that are extraordinary or disproportionate to the expected outcome can be a legitimate refusal of over-zealous treatment. Ex. 20:13, 23:7; Mt. 5:21; Acts 17:28
SECTION 14. OF LOVE:
We believe that we should demonstrate love for others, not only toward fellow believers, but also toward those who are not believers, those who oppose us, and those who engage in sinful actions. We are to deal with those who oppose us graciously, gently, patiently, and humbly. God forbids the stirring up of strife, the taking of revenge, or the threat or use of violence as a means of resolving personal conflict or obtaining personal justice. Although God commands us to abhor sinful actions, we are to love and pray for any person who engages in such sinful actions. Lev. 19:18; Mt. 5:44-48; Lk. 6:31; Jn. 13:34-35; Rom. 12:9-10; 17-21; 13:8-10; Phil. 2:2-4; 2 Tim. 2:24-26; Tit. 3:2; 1 Jn 3:17, 18
SECTION 15. OF LAWSUITS BETWEEN BELIEVERS:
We believe that Christians are prohibited from bringing civil lawsuits against other Christians or the church to resolve personal disputes. We believe the church possesses all the resources necessary to resolve personal disputes between members. We do believe, however, that a Christian may seek compensation for injuries from another Christian's insurance company as long as the claim is pursued without malice or slander. 1 Cor. 6: 1-8; Eph. 4:31-32; Mt. 18: 15-17
SECTION 16. OF STEWARDSHIP:
We believe that every Christian, as a steward of that portion of God's wealth entrusted to him, is obligated to financially support his local church. We believe that God has established the tithe as a basis for giving, but that every Christian should also give other offerings sacrificially and cheerfully to the support of the church, the relief of those in need, and the spread of the Gospel. We believe that a Christian relinquishes all rights to direct the use of his tithe or offering once the gift has been made. Gen. 14:20; Prov. 3:9-10; Acts 4:34-37; 1 Cor. 16:2; 2 Cor. 9:6-7; Gal. 6:6; Eph. 4:28; 1 Tim. 5:17-18; 1 Jn 3:17
SECTION 17. OF SALVATION:
We believe that the salvation of sinners is the gift of God brought to man by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, not of works; that they are justified freely through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, who honored the divine law by His personal obedience, and by His death made a full and vicarious atonement for our sins; the Just dying for the unjust; Christ, the Lord, bearing our sin in his own body on the cross. We believe that once a person is saved, he is kept by God's power and Remains Secure in Christ Forever. We believe that all sins, except blasphemy of the Holy Spirit, are forgivable. Mt. 12:31-32; 1 Pet. 1:4-5; Eph. 2:8-9; Acts 15:11; Rom. 3:24, 25; 8:1, 38, 39; Jn. 3:16; Mt. 18:11; Phil. 2:7; Heb. 2:14; Is. 53:4-7; I Jn. 2:2; 4:10; I Cor. 1:4-8; 15:3; II Cor. 5:21; Jn. 6:37-40; 10:27-30
We believe that it is the privilege of believers to rejoice in the assurance of their salvation through the testimony of God's Word, which, however, clearly forbids the use of Christian liberty as an occasion to the flesh. Rom. 13:13, 14; Gal. 5:13
SECTION 18. OF THE LOCAL CHURCH:
We believe that a local church is a congregation of believers, associated by covenant of faith and fellowship of the Gospel; observing the ordinances of Baptism and the Lord's Supper; governed by His laws; and exercising the gifts, rights and privileges invested in them by His word. We believe the mission of the church is the faithful witnessing of Christ to all men. We hold that the local church has the absolute right of self-government, free from the interference of any hierarchy of individuals, affiliations, societies, organizations, associations, agencies or governments, and that the one and only Head is Christ. Acts 2:41, 42; 15:13-18; 20:17-28; I Cor. 11:2; Eph. 1:22-23; 4:11; 5:23, 24; I Tim. 3:1-13; Col. l:18
SECTION 19. OF SEPARATION:
We believe that believers should maintain a godly testimony and live in such a way that their lives do not bring reproach upon their Savior. God commands His people to separate from all religious apostasy, all worldly and sinful pleasures, practices, and associations, and to refrain from all immodest and immoderate appearances, piercings, and bodily markings. We stand against any and all worldly philosophies that seek to destroy or undermine the truth of Biblical Christianity. Lev. 19:28; Rom. 12: 1-2; 14:13; 1 Cor. 6:19-20; 2 Cor. 6:14-7:1; 2 Tim. 3:1-5; 1 Jn. 2:15-17; 2 Jn. 9-11
SECTION 20. OF SATAN:
We believe in THE EXISTENCE OF SATAN: who originally was created a holy and perfect being, but through pride and unlawful ambition rebelled against God; thus, becoming utterly depraved in character, the great Adversary of God and His people, leader of all other evil angels and spirits, the deceiver and god of this present world; that his powers are supernaturally great, but strictly limited by God who overrules all his wicked devices for good; that he was defeated and judged at the Cross, and therefore, his final doom is certain; that we are able to resist and overcome him only in the armor of God and by the blood of the Lamb. Is. 14:13-14; Ezek. 28:13-17; Mt. 12:24-26; 25:41; Jn. 8:44; Eph. 6:12-18; II Cor. 4:4; Rev.20:10
SECTION 21. OF BAPTISM AND THE LORD'S SUPPER:
We recognize water baptism by immersion and the Lord's Supper as the Scriptural ordinances of obedience for the church in this age. We believe that Christian baptism is the immersion of a believer in water, to show forth a solemn and beautiful symbol of 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 prerequisite to the privilege of church membership. We believe that the Lord's Supper is the commemoration of His death until He comes, and should be preceded always by solemn self-examination. Acts 8:26-39; Jn. 3:23; Rom. 6:3-5; Mt. 3:16; Col. 2:12; I Cor. 11:23-28
SECTION 22. OF THE ETERNAL STATE:
We believe in the bodily resurrection of all men, the saved to eternal life, and the unsaved to judgment and everlasting punishment. Mt. 25:46; Jn. 5:28-29; 11:25-26; Rev. 20:5-6, 12-13
We believe that the souls of the redeemed are, at death, absent from the body and present with the Lord, where in conscious bliss they await the first resurrection, when spirit, soul, and body are reunited to be glorified forever with the Lord. Lk. 23:43; 2 Cor. 5:8; Phil. 1:23; 3:21; 1 Thess. 4:16-17; Rev. 20:4-6
We believe that the souls of unbelievers remain, after death, in conscious punishment and torment until the second resurrection, when with soul and body reunited, they shall appear at the Great White Throne Judgment, and shall be cast into the Lake of Fire, not to be annihilated, but to suffer everlasting conscious punishment and torment. Mt. 25:41-46; Mk. 9:43-48; Lk. 16:19-26; 2 Thess. 1:7-9; Jude 6-7; Rev. 20: 11-15
SECTION 23. OF HELL:
We believe in the real literal place of Hell and the Lake of Fire, which is the eternal destiny for all eternity for everyone without faith, in the revealed way of the salvation of God. Rev. 20:14-15; Heb. 9:27; Lk. 16:19-31; Rev. 21:8; Mt. 18:8-9
SECTION 24. OF CIVIL GOVERNMENT:
We believe that God has ordained and created all authority consisting of three basic institutions: 1) the home, 2) the church, and 3) the state. Every person is subject to these authorities, but all (including the authorities themselves) are answerable to God and governed by His Word. God has given each institution specific Biblical responsibilities and balanced those responsibilities with the understanding that no institution has the right to infringe upon the other. The home, the church, and the state are equal and sovereign in their respective Biblically assigned spheres of responsibility under God. We believe that civil government is of divine appointment for the interests and good order of human society; that magistrates are to be prayed for, conscientiously honored, and obeyed, except 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. Rom. 13:1-7; II Sam. 23:3; Ex. 18:21-22; Mt. 22:15-22; Acts 4:19, 20; 5:29; 23:5; Dan. 3:17-18; Rom. 13:1-7; Eph. 5:22-24; Tit. 3:1-2; Heb. 13:17; 1 Pet. 2:13-14
SECTION 25 OF MISSIONS:
We believe that God has given the church a great commission to proclaim the Gospel to all nations so that there might be a great multitude from every nation, tribe, ethnic group, and language group who believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. As ambassadors of Christ, we must use all available means to go to the foreign nations and not wait for them to come to us. Mt. 28:19-20; Mk. 16:15; Lk. 24:46-48; Jn. 20:21; Acts 1:8; 2 Cor. 5:20
SECTION 26. OF FUTURE EVENTS:
We believe in the Pretribulational Rapture of the Church; in the Tribulation; in the Second Coming; in the Millennial Reign; in the Throne of David; in the Great White Throne Judgement of the Wicked; in the New Heaven and the New Earth. I Thess. 4:1-18; 5:9; Jn. 14:3; Jas. 5:8; Heb. 9:28; Phil. 3:20-21; Mt. 24:1-51; Dan. 9:27; Jer. 30:7; Acts 1:11; 2:29, 30; Zech. 14:4; I Cor. 15:25, 51-52; Is.9:6, 7; 11:4-5, 32:1, 72:8; Lk. 1:32; Rev. 3:10; 19:11-16; 20:6, 11-15, 21, 22