18 Baptist Articles of Faith
Article I
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 II
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)
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 III
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; 3:23; 6:23; Ps. 51:5; Jn. 3:18)
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; 3:23; 6:23; Ps. 51:5; Jn. 3:18)
Article IV
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)
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 V
Of Justification
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)
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 VI
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)
Essentially, our Articles of Faith teach and we believe that the Gospel can save anyone who receives it. The unforgiveable sin is a refusal to accept Christ as one’s savior.
Essentially, our Articles of Faith teach and we believe that the Gospel can save anyone who receives it. The unforgiveable sin is a refusal to accept Christ as one’s savior.
Article VII
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. 5:8-9; Mt. 7:20; I Jn. 5:1; Tit. 3:5)
Essentially, we believe that when one accepts Christ by faith, one is also regenerated or born again. This rebirth leads to a change of heart and a believer’s partaking in a holy disposition. This divine nature or holy disposition is known for love and the 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. 5:8-9; Mt. 7:20; I Jn. 5:1; Tit. 3:5)
Essentially, we believe that when one accepts Christ by faith, one is also regenerated or born again. This rebirth leads to a change of heart and a believer’s partaking in a holy disposition. This divine nature or holy disposition is known for love and the practice of righteousness.
Article VIII
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)
Essentially, we believe that repentance and faith are non-negotiable common denominators of all believers. At some point, we must all realize that we are doomed without faith in Christ. We all must turn from our ways to accepting Him by faith.
… 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)
Essentially, we believe that repentance and faith are non-negotiable common denominators of all believers. At some point, we must all realize that we are doomed without faith in Christ. We all must turn from our ways to accepting Him by faith.
Article IX
Of God's Purpose of Grace
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)
Essentially, we believe that repentance and faith are non-negotiable common denominators of all believers. At some point, we must all realize that we are doomed without faith in Christ. We all must turn from our ways to accepting Him by faith.
… 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)
Essentially, we believe that repentance and faith are non-negotiable common denominators of all believers. At some point, we must all realize that we are doomed without faith in Christ. We all must turn from our ways to accepting Him by faith.
Article X
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)
Essentially, we believe that sanctification is the process of growing in holiness. It starts in regeneration and continues until death. The Word of God, self examination, and denial are important in this process.
… 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)
Essentially, we believe that sanctification is the process of growing in holiness. It starts in regeneration and continues until death. The Word of God, self examination, and denial are important in this process.
Article XI
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)
Essentially, we believe that only those who strive to live according to God's will until death are really saved. The alternative is that there are some superficially professors, who are not actually saved.
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)
Essentially, we believe that only those who strive to live according to God's will until death are really saved. The alternative is that there are some superficially professors, who are not actually saved.
Article XII
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)
Essentially, we believe the moral law of God is still the ideal by which God wants us to live. The gospel doesn't lower the bar. It simply keeps us in a state of peace with God, as we continue to strive for His mark.
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)
Essentially, we believe the moral law of God is still the ideal by which God wants us to live. The gospel doesn't lower the bar. It simply keeps us in a state of peace with God, as we continue to strive for His mark.
Article XIII
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)
Essentially, we believe that a church is a group of people who have been baptized, profess to being believers, and who are associated by covenant. It carries out the ordinances and is governed by God's Word. It's only scriptural officers are the bishop or Pastor and deacons, according to this articles of faith.
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)
Essentially, we believe that a church is a group of people who have been baptized, profess to being believers, and who are associated by covenant. It carries out the ordinances and is governed by God's Word. It's only scriptural officers are the bishop or Pastor and deacons, according to this articles of faith.
Article XIV
Of Baptism and the Lord's Supper
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)
Essentially, we believe that a church is a group of people who have been baptized, profess to being believers, and who are associated by covenant. It carries out the ordinances and is governed by God's Word. It's only scriptural officers are the bishop or Pastor and deacons, according to this articles of faith.
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)
Essentially, we believe that a church is a group of people who have been baptized, profess to being believers, and who are associated by covenant. It carries out the ordinances and is governed by God's Word. It's only scriptural officers are the bishop or Pastor and deacons, according to this articles of faith.
Article XV
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)
Essentially, we believe that Sunday is the Christian Sabbath. It is to be used for religious purposes, not secular ones.
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)
Essentially, we believe that Sunday is the Christian Sabbath. It is to be used for religious purposes, not secular ones.
Article XVI
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)
Essentially, based on our Articles of faith, we believe that God ordains civil government. Governmental officers are to be honored and obeyed, as long as they don't lead us contrary to God's will.
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)
Essentially, based on our Articles of faith, we believe that God ordains civil government. Governmental officers are to be honored and obeyed, as long as they don't lead us contrary to God's will.
Article XVII
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 as supports for this 17th of the articles of faith)
Essentially, we believe that one is either righteous or wicked. The only way to be righteous, in God's sight, is to be justified through faith in Christ. Wickedness leads to condemnation and wrath. Impenitence means lack of penitence (i.e., sorrow over sin and desire to atone or amend).
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 as supports for this 17th of the articles of faith)
Essentially, we believe that one is either righteous or wicked. The only way to be righteous, in God's sight, is to be justified through faith in Christ. Wickedness leads to condemnation and wrath. Impenitence means lack of penitence (i.e., sorrow over sin and desire to atone or amend).
Article XVIII
Of the World to Come
We believe 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 to final retribution; that 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. (see Acts 1:11; 24:15; Mt. 25:46)
Essentially, we believe Jesus is coming back. There will be a great separation. The righteous will go to Heaven. And the wicked will go to Hell. Adjudged means to decide judicially.
Essentially, we believe Jesus is coming back. There will be a great separation. The righteous will go to Heaven. And the wicked will go to Hell. Adjudged means to decide judicially.