|
We
adopt the Articles of Faith as follows:
THE SCRIPTURES We believe that the Holy Bible was
written by men divinely inspired, and is a perfect treasure of heavenly
instruction; and 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 shall be tried.
THE TRUE GOD We believe the Scriptures teach 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; 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 Ghost; equal in every divine perfection, and executing distinct
but harmonious offices in the great work of redemption.
THE FALL OF MAN We believe that the Scriptures teach that Man was
created in holiness, under the law of his Maker; but by voluntary transgression
fell from the holy and happy state; in consequence of which all mankind are
sinners, not by constraint but choice; 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, without defense or excuse.
THE WAY OF SALVATION We believe that the Scriptures teach 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, yet without sin; honored the divine law by his personal obedience, and
by his death made a full atonement for our sins; that having risen from the
dead, he is now enthroned in heaven; and uniting in his wonderful person the
tenderest sympathies with divine perfections, he is in every way qualified to
be a suitable, a compassionate, and an all-sufficient Saviour.
JUSTIFICATION We believe the Scriptures teach that the great Gospel
blessing which Christ secures to such as believe in him is justification; that
justification includes the pardon of sin, and the promise of eternal life on
principles of righteousness; 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; by virtue of which faith his perfect righteousness is freely
imputed to us of God; 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.
THE FREENESS OF SALVATION We believe that the Scriptures teach that the
blessings of salvation are made free to all by the Gospel; that it is the
immediate duty of all to accept them by cordial, penitent and obedient faith;
and that nothing prevents the salvation of the greatest sinner on earth, but
his own determined depravity and voluntary rejection of the Gospel; which
rejection involves him in an aggravated condemnation.
REGENERATION We believe that the Scriptures teach that in order to be
saved, sinners must be regenerated, or born again; that regeneration consists
in giving a holy disposition to the mind that it is effected in a manner above
our comprehension by the power of the Holy Spirit in connection with divine
truth, so as to secure our voluntary obedience to the Gospel; and that its
proper evidence appears in the holy fruits of repentance and faith, and newness
of life.
REPENTANCE AND FAITH We believe the Scriptures teach that repentance and
faith are sacred duties, and also inseparable graces, wrought in our soul~ 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 or him alone as the only and all-sufficient Saviour.
GOD'S PURPOSE OF GRACE We believe the Scriptures teach that election is
the eternal purpose of God, according to which he graciously regenerates,
sanctifies and saves sinners; that being perfectly consistent with the free
agency of man, it comprehends all the means in connection wit~ the end; that is
a most glorious display of God's sovereign goodness, being infinitely free,
wise, holy and unchangeable, that it utterly excludes boasting and promotes
humility, love, prayer, praise, trust in God, and active imitation of his free
mercy; that it encourage! the use of means in the highest degree; that it may
be ascertained by its effects in all who truly believe the Gospel; that it is
the foundation of Christian assurance; and that to ascertain it with regard to
ourselves demands and deserves the utmost diligence.
SANCTIFICATION We believe the Scriptures teach 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 Healer and Comforter, in the continual use of the
appointed means especially the word of God, self-examination, self-denial,
watchfulness, and prayer.
PERSEVERANCE OF SAINTS We believe the Scriptures teach that such only
are real believers as endure to 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 they are kept by the
power of God through faith unto salvation.
THE LAW AND GOSPEL We believe the Scriptures teach 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, arise 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.
A GOSPEL CHURCH We believe the Scriptures teach 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
to Timothy and Titus.
BAPTISM AND THE LORD'S SUPPER We believe the Scriptures teach that Christian
baptism is the immersion in water of a believer, into the name of the Father,
and Son, and Holy Ghost; 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; that it is 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.
THE CHRISTIAN SABBATH We believe the Scriptures teach 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 observances of all means of grace, both private and public, and
by preparation for the rest that remaineth for the people of God.
CIVIL GOVERNMENT We believe the Scriptures teach that civil government
is of divine appointment, for the interest 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.
RIGHTEOUS AND WICKED We believe the Scriptures teach 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.
THE WORLD TO COME We believe that the Scriptures teach that the end of
the world is approaching; that at the last day, Christ will descend from
heaven, and raise the dead from the grave for final retribution; that a solemn
separation will then take place; that the wicked will be adjudged to endless
punishment, and the righteous to endless joy; and that this judgment will fix
forever the final state of men in heaven or hell, on principles of
righteousness.
This
Church adopts the Holy Bible, King James Version, as our rule in our faith,
practice and methods of operation. No Bylaw or procedure shall ever outweigh
the Scriptures.
This Church adopts the Baptist Church Covenant as follows:
"Having been led, as we believe, by the Spirit of God to receive the Lord
Jesus Christ as our Saviour; and on the profession of our faith, having been
baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, we
do now in the presence of God, angels and this assembly, most solemnly and
joyfully enter into covenant with one another, as one body in Christ.
We engage, therefore, by the aid of the Holy Spirit, to walk together in
Christian love; to strive for the advancement of this church in knowledge and
holiness; to give it a place in our affections, prayers and services above
every organization of human origin; to sustain its worship, ordinances,
discipline and doctrine; to contribute cheerfully and regularly, as God has
prospered us, toward its expenses, for the support of a faithful and
evangelical ministry among us, the relief of the poor and the spread of the
Gospel throughout the world. In case of difference of opinion in the church, we
will strive to avoid a contentious spirit, and if we cannot unanimously agree,
we will cheerfully recognize the right of the majority to govern.
We also engage to maintain family and secret devotion; to study diligently the
word of God; to religiously educate our children; to seek the salvation of our
kindred and acquaintance ; to walk circumspectly in the world; to be kind and
just to those in our employ , and faithful in the service we promise others;
endeavoring in the purity of heart and good will towards all men to exemplify
and commend our holy faith.
We further engage to watch over, to pray for, to exhort and stir up each other
unto every good word and work; to guard each other's reputation, not needlessly
exposing the infirmities of others; to participate in each other's joys, and
with tender sympathy bear one another's burdens and sorrows; to cultivate
Christian courtesy; to be slow to give or take offense, but always ready for
reconciliation, being mindful of the rules of the Saviour in the eighteenth
chapter of Matthew, to secure it without delay; and through life, amid evil
report, and good report, to seek to live to the glory of God, who hath called
us out of darkness into his marvelous light.
When we remove from this place, we engage as soon as possible to unite with
some other church where we can carry out the spirit of this covenant and the
principles of God's word."
|