Statement of Faith

The Holy Scriptures 

The Holy Bible, also known as Scriptures, are God’s revelation to humanity in written form. All Scripture is contained in 66 books of the Holy Scripture. The 39 Old Testament Books and the 27 New Testament books have been given to us through the Inspiration of the Holy Spirit (God breathed (2 Tim 3:16-17). Through the Triune God, in all His attributes of perfection, without error and without change, all Scripture is absolute, is inerrant in the original manuscripts, and infallible. The Mill teaches that literal, grammatical and the historical interpretation of Scripture without apology. Including the accurate, and reliable account of creation in six literal days (Gen 1:31, Ex 31:17). Because God is absolute, his word is absolute – and is the only rule for both Christian faith and practice – or Sola Scriptura (John 10:35, 16. 12-13, 1 Cor 2:13, 2 Tim 3:15-17, Heb 4:12, 2 Peter 1:20-21)

We reject the claim that man is the sole author of Scripture. Through the Holy Spirit, each writer, with all their backgrounds, characters, and styles, wrote under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, was the final authority to what was written, and therefore God’s word was recorded to humanity (2 Peter 1:20-21). With this, Scripture is without error, in whole or in part within the original manuscripts (Matthew 5:18, 2 Tim 3:16-17) and we have in our possession today, in various languages a true and accurate translation thereof. 

We understand there are many denominations, and therefore many applications that may be made by Holy Scripture, there is indeed only one true interpretation. The text is to be studied in context, to obtain the literal, grammatical and historical meaning of each chapter and verse. Through this study, the Holy Spirit enlightens the reader to all understanding (John 7:17, 1 Cor 2:7-15, 1 John 2:20). Each person, filled with the Holy Spirit, should read carefully, and study to show themselves approved, rightly handling the word of truth (2 Tim 2:15). Each person is not only read, but they are to meditate, memorize and apply the truths of Scripture. 

God

There is only ONE living and Triune God (Deut 6:4, Is 45:5-7, 1 Cor 8:4). He is perfect in all His attributes. He is infinite, all knowing, and one in essence, eternally existing in three Persons. Father, Son and Holy Spirit (Matt 28:19, 2 or 13:14)

God the Father

God the Father is the First Person of the Holy Trinity. He is spirit, and his worshipers must worship him in spirit and in truth (John 4:24). He is the one who orders all things and puts all things in place according to his Grace Psalm 145:8-9). The Father, is the creator of all things that are made, throughout the universe, seen or unseen and therefore is Sovereign over all creation, has providential care over all creation including his sovereignty over redemption (Psalm 103:19, Rom 11:36) . When we say God the Father, it is the declaration of his designation within the Trinity, and His relationship with humanity. All were created in the Imago Day (Image of God); however, he is the spiritual Father only to His children (believers) (Romans 8:14, 2 Cor 6:18)

Saying, God the Father, it is the declaration that by His own Will, and God his Own glory (Soli Deo Gloria) he set all things into being, and providentially decreed all things to come to pass (Eph 1:11, 1 Chron 29:11) Since God made all things perfect, and only perfection can be in His presence, he cannot allow sinful men to simply be approved. As Sovereign, it is imperative to understand that God is neither the author of, nor approves sin (Hab 1:13, John 8:38-47). Because of His Grace, He has chosen from eternity past those whom he would have as his own (Eh 1:4-6, John 6:37,44, John 17:6). The Farther saves us from sin, all who come to Him through Jesus Christ the Son, so that He remains just and the justifies those who have faith in Christ Jesus the Son (Romans 3:26). By this, the Father adopts as His own, all those who will come to Him. He will be their Father, they become His children (Ezk 36:26-28, John 1:12, Rom 8:15, Gal 4:5, Heb 12:5-9)

God the Son

Jesus Christ is the second Person of the Trinity. He possesses all divine attributes, and therefore is coequal, coeternal, and coexistent with the Father (John 10:30, 14:9). The Father, created all things in accordance with His will, through His Son, Jesus Christ by whom all things continue in existence, operation and being held together (John 1:1-3, Col 1:15-17, Heb 1:2)

Jesus Christ is truly God, truly man, two natures in one, was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary (Luke 1:35, Gal 4:4-5). In this incarnation, the eternal Son, without altering His Divine nature, nor surrendering any divine attributes came down and lived among humanity yet lived without sin (Phil 2:5-8, Heb 4:15, 7:26, Col 2:9, Luke 5:18-26, John 16:30. 20:28) Christ Jesus Kept the Law, and atoned for sin, satisfying the wrath of God. Doing so, believers, now have a righteousness not of their own, a righteousness outside of themselves, because Jesus took the filthy rags upon himself, and provide his righteous robe to us (Imputation) (John 10:15, Rom 3:24-25, 5:8, 1 Peter 2:24)

Because of the perfect life, obedience and death of our Lord Jesus Christ, the believing sinner is no longer in bondage to sin, but freed from the punishment penalty that awaits all those outside of Christ. On the day of the believer’s death, or on the final day of consummation [whichever comes first]. The believer will be pronounced righteous and given eternal life as adopted children (Rom 3:25, 5:8-9. 2 Cor 5:14-15, 1 Peter 2:24, 3:18). Jesus Christ is our Prophet, Priest and King and is building up His Church. He does this by interceding for us as he reigns over all things (1 Tim 2:15). Therefore, our justification is sure. Because of Christ literal, and physical resurrection from the dead. This means, that when Christ was placed inside the tomb of Joseph of Arimathea, and it was sealed and guarded by Roman military, Christ indeed rose from the grave and it was found empty (Mark 16:6, Luke 24:1-53, John 20:2, 1 Cor 15:3-8). By this, God the Father confirmed ng the deity of His Son and providing the visible, documented proof that God accepted the atoning work of Jesus Christ at the cross on Calvary.  He ascended to the right hand of the Father and now advocates for us as High Priest (Matt 28:6, Luke 24:38039, Acts 2:30-31. Romans 4:25, 8:34, Heb 7:25, 9:24, 1 John 2:1). Therefore, all believers rest in the guarantee of a future resurrection (John 5:26-29, 14:19, Rom 1:4, 4:25, 6:5-10. 1 Cor 15:20-23).

Christ will return, in a second advent, not as a redeemer but as Judge, and will judge all mankind (John 5:22-23). This judgement will take place for believers, (1 Cor 3:10-15, 2 Cor 5:10), for all living inhabitants of the earth (Matt 25:31-46) and all those who have already died at the great white throne of judgement (Rev 20:11-15). 

God the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirt is the third Person of the Trinity; He is divine, eternal, underived and possess all the attributes of personality and deity of God. The Holy Spirit is not it, a force nor a power, but is God, which includes intellect (1 Cor 2:10-13), emotion (Eph 4:30), and will (1 Cor 12:11). Like the Son, the Holy Spirit is Coequal, coexistent and coeternal. He is Omnipresent, Omnipotent, and Omniscience (Heb 9:14, Psalm 139:7-10, Is 40:13-14, Rom 15:13). He is truth (John 16:13) and leads all believers into understanding. His work began for the New Testament church on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4), when he came from the Father, as promised by Christ the Son (John 14:1-17, 15:26) in order to build and equip the body of Christ, the church (1 Cor 12:13). The ministry of the Holy Spirit is to convict the world of sin, or righteousness and of judgement. He glorifies the Lord Jesus Christ and transforms believers to be image bearers of Christ Jesus (John 16:7-9, Acts 1:5, 2:4, Rom 8:29 ,2 Cor 3:18, Eph 2:22)

The Holy Spirit is supernatural and Sovereign over regeneration. He is the one who baptizes all believers into the body of Christ (1 Cor 12:13). He is the One who indwells, sanctifies, instructs, empowers all believers for Christian service, and seals all believers for the day of redemption (Rom 8:9, 2 Cor 3:6, Eph 1:13) Because He is the third person of the Holy Trinity, He is our divine teacher. He is the One who guides all the prophets and Apostles in the ways of truth and was the agent in which all authors of Holy Scripture were carried along (2 Peter 1:19-21). Therefore, all converted believers are filled with the Spirit at the moment of their salvation and is therefore every believer has a duty to yield to the Spirit in their sanctification (John 16:13, Rom 8:9, Eph 5:18, 1 John 2:20-27). 

The Holy Spirit is the one who administers the spiritual gifts to the Church (Rom 12:6-8, 1 Cor 12). All gifts are for the work of the ministry and all point to the glory of God. He does not act independent from the Father or the Son, insomuch, that He will not violate His attributes while an individual is professing to operate in “the Spirit”. Meaning, we teach, that any person, who professes to operate in the Spirit, and conducts themselves privately or publicly in a manner of disqualification, or builds for them self a kingdom, peddling the gift of God, and not proclaiming the sound Gospel (2 Cor 2:17), indeed is not a manifestation of the Spirit’s work in our day and age. The primary work of the Spirit, is to glorify Christ, implementing His work of redeeming grace upon the lost and building believers in the holy faith (John 16:13-14, Acts 1:8, 1 Cor 12:4-11, 2 Cor 3:18)

Therefore, we teach that God has and can, based off His divine wisdom and Sovereign will bestow gifts upon the church for the purpose of perfecting the saints’ gifts of various kinds. However, these gifts are never the norm, and have always been expressed throughout Scripture as the exception, and to a large degree decreased after Apostolic succession to the elders of the church. Therefore, the primary purpose of speaking in tongues, and the working of the sign gifts [Miracles], as seen in Scripture, was to point to the authenticity of the Gospel preached, confirming the divine truth as taught and are not to be considered a mark of Christianity, nor evidence of salvation. As such, we teach what aligns to the traditions of Reformation theology and do not promote or operate in what is known as “charismatic experiential theology” (1 Cor 12:4-11, 13:8-10, 2 Cor 12:12, Eph 4:17-12, Heb 2:1-4) 

Creation

In the beginning, all things that now are, were created by the “I AM”. We teach, it please God it pleased God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, for the Glory of God alone and as a demonstration of his eternal power, wisdom, and goodness, to create the world and all other created things.  Whether visible or invisible, in the space of six days actual days, from sunset to sunrise, as such declared all things good. (Gen 1, Joh 1:2-3; Heb 1:2; Job 26:13; Rom 1:20; Col 1:16; Gen 1:31) 

With the truth of Scripture firm, we teach God did indeed create man, male and female. As such, the first created people were created biological male and anatomically able to reproduce with a biological female, who is anatomically able to carry offspring within her womb. Both male and female, created with reasons, and with immortal souls, as intended by God. Further, as noted in the 1689 2nd London Baptist Confession; being made after the image of God, in knowledge, righteousness, and true holiness; having the law of God written in their hearts, and power to fulfil it, and yet under a possibility of transgressing, being left to the liberty of their own will, which was subject to change. (Gen 1:27; e Gen 2:7; f Ecc 7:29; Gen 1:26; g Rom 2:14-15; h Gen 3:6) Besides the law written in their hearts, they received a command not to eat of the tree of knowledge of good and evil, which whilst they kept, they were happy in their
communion with God, and had dominion over the creatures. (Gen 2:17; k Gen 1:26-28)

Man

Man (Male and Female) were intentionally and directly created by God in His image (Gen 1:26-27). Adam formed from the dust of the ground (Gen 2:7) and his helper Eve created from Adam’s rib (Gen 2:21-23) were created in the image and the likeness of God. The creation, of man, did not evolve, nor proceed to a level of consciousness, but in their creation were intelligent, ha moral responsibility, had volition and self-determination, and yet were without sin in their natural nature (Gen 2:15-25, James 3:9). Man was created to glorify God and fully enjoy him for ever. Through this enjoyment of fellowship, to live a life in the will of God, and accomplish the purpose of their creation (Is 43:7, Col 1:16, Rev 4:11). 

The disobedience of our ancestrally parents, breaking the command of God, brought about the first sin of humanity. As such, man (Adam and Eve) lost their innocence, and incurred the penalty of spiritual death; therefore, became subject to the wrath of God. Man, no longer perfect, and now inherently corrupted radically corrupt, no longer able to either choose or act which is acceptable to God apart from God’s divine grace. Man, now radically corrupt, and no power or ability within themselves, is now spiritually dead and hopelessly lost. Man, needing God’s grace fully for redemption that is to be fully reconciled through Jesus Christ the Son (Gen 2:16-17, 3:1-19. John 3:36, Rom 3:23, 6:23, 1 Cor 2:14, Eph 2:1-3, 1 Tim 2:13-14, 1 John 1:8). 

Man is under the dilemma of original sin (the consequences of the sin of Adam) which means every person, ever born are guilty. The only man, ever to be exempt from this great dilemma is the God Man Jesus Christ. Therefore, all men, everywhere are sinners. We sin because we are sinners and by nature and by divine declaration (Psalm 14:1-3, Jer 17:9, Rom 3:9-18, 3:23, 5:10-12).

Created man is appointed once to die (Heb 9:27a), when this occurs, the soul of the redeemed saint passes immediately into the presence of Jesus Christ our Lord (Luke 23:43, Phil 1:23, 2 Cor 5:8). This is known as the separation of the soul and the body (Phil 1:21-24) and this separation will remain until the glorious resurrection (Rev 20:4-6) when body and soul will be reunited forever with the Lord. All men will be resurrected. Those cleansed by the blood of Christ with be saved to eternal life (John 3:36, Rom 8:10-11, 19-23, 2 Cor 4:14). The unsaved will go to judgement (Great White Throne of Judgement) and everlasting punishment (Dan 12:2, John 5:29, Rev 20:13-15). 

Marriage and Family

From the Baptist Faith and Message 2000

God has ordained the family as the foundational institution of human society. It is composed of persons related to one another by marriage, blood, or adoption.

Marriage is the uniting of one man and one woman in covenant commitment for a lifetime. It is God’s unique gift to reveal the union between Christ and His church and to provide for the man and the woman in marriage the framework for intimate companionship, the channel of sexual expression according to biblical standards, and the means for procreation of the human race.

The husband and wife are of equal worth before God, since both are created in God’s image. The marriage relationship models the way God relates to His people. A husband is to love his wife as Christ loved the church. He has the God-given responsibility to provide for, to protect, and to lead his family. A wife is to submit herself graciously to the servant leadership of her husband even as the church willingly submits to the headship of Christ. She, being in the image of God as is her husband and thus equal to him, has the God-given responsibility to respect her husband and to serve as his helper in managing the household and nurturing the next generation.

Children, from the moment of conception, are a blessing and heritage from the Lord. Parents are to demonstrate to their children God’s pattern for marriage. Parents are to teach their children spiritual and moral values and to lead them, through consistent lifestyle example and loving discipline, to make choices based on biblical truth. Children are to honor and obey their parents. (Genesis 1:26-28; 2:15-25; 3:1-20; Exodus 20:12; Deuteronomy 6:4-9; Joshua 24:15; 1 Samuel 1:26-28; Psalms 51:5; 78:1-8; Psalms 127; Psalms 128; 139:13-16; Proverbs 1:8; 5:15-20; 6:20-22; 12:4; 13:24; 14:1; 17:6; 18:22; 22:6,15; 23:13-14; 24:3; 29:15,17; 31:10-31; Ecclesiastes 4:9-12; 9:9; Malachi 2:14-16; Matthew 5:31-32; 18:2-5; 19:3-9; Mark 10:6-12; Romans 1:18-32; 1 Corinthians 7:1-16; Ephesians 5:21-33; 6:1-4; Colossians 3:18-21; 1 Timothy 5:8,14; 2 Timothy 1:3-5; Titus 2:3-5; Hebrews 13:4; 1 Peter 3:1-7.)

Commentary on above: 

This biblical principle for marriage transcends time and culture. Marriage, according to Scripture, is a covenant commitment to the exclusive, permanent, monogamous union of one man and one woman, and thus it cannot be defined as a flexible contract between consenting human beings.

Salvation

We hold and teach the Reformed understanding of the order of salvation (ordo salutis). Therefore, we openly reject semi-Pelagian theology. We teach that salvation is an act of God. God calls, this produces regeneration, there is a response with repentance, faith, and obedience. We teach, when God calls a sinner (effectual grace), they are immediately regenerated and will turn from sin to God in one action, which justifies the person. Therefore salvation, is entirely of God by grace, through faith in Christ alone. It is through the atoning blood and merit of Jesus Christ, a person is saved, never based upon any merit or work of a person (John 1:12, Eph 1:7, 2:8-10, 1 Peter 1:18-19). 

The term regeneration refers to a supernatural work of the Holy Spirit which the divine nature and divine life are given (John 3:3-7, Titus 3:5). Regeneration always proceeds faith, and as such is an instantaneous accomplished work, solely on the power of the Holy Spirit through the preaching of the Word of God (Rom 10:14-15). Once a sinner has been regenerated, enabled by the Holy Spirit, they will come to a place of repentance through the gift of faith. Regeneration will be manifested by fruits of righteous conduct. Good works are the evidence of salvation (1 Cor 6:19-20, Eph 2:10) and will be experienced by all those who profess Christ and lead by The Holy Spirit who leads in accordance with the Word of God (Eph 5:17-21, Phill 2:12, Col 3:16, 2 Peter 1:4-10). By active obedience, the believer is conformed to the image of our Lord Jesus Christ (2 Cor 3:18, Rom 12:1-2)

Definition of Terms Regarding Salvation

Radical Corruption (Total Depravity)

Since all people have sinned in Adam and have come under the sentence of the curse and eternal death, God would have done no one an injustice if it had been his will to leave the entire human race in sin and under the curse, and to condemn them on account of their sin. As the apostle says: “The whole world is liable to the condemnation of God” (Rom. 3:19), “All have sinned and are deprived of the glory of God” (Rom. 3:23), and “The wages of sin is death” (Rom. 6:23). [Article 1, God’s Right to Condemn All People, Canons of Dort]

Man, by his fall into a state of sin, hath wholly lost all ability of will to any spiritual
good accompanying salvation; so as a natural man, being altogether averse from that good, and dead in sin, is not able by his own strength to convert himself, or to prepare himself thereunto. Rom 5:6, 8:7; Eph 2:1,5; Ti 3:3-5; Joh 6:44 [1689 2nd London Baptist Confession of Faith, Chapter 9, paragraph 3]

Sovereign Election (Unconditional Election)

The fact that some receive from God the gift of faith within time, and that others do not, stems from his eternal decree. For “all his works are known to God from eternity” (Acts 15:18; Eph. 1:11). In accordance with this decree God graciously softens the hearts, however hard, of the elect and inclines them to believe, but by a just judgment God leaves in their wickedness and hardness of heart those who have not been chosen. And in this especially is disclosed to us God’s act—unfathomable, and as merciful as it is just—of distinguishing between people equally lost. This is the well-known decree of election and reprobation revealed in God’s Word. The wicked, impure, and unstable distort this decree to their own ruin, but it provides holy and godly souls with comfort beyond words. [Article 6, God’s Eternal Decree, Canons of Dort]

By the decree of God, for the manifestation of his glory, some men and angels are predestinated, or foreordained to eternal life through Jesus Christ, to the praise of his glorious grace; others being left to act in their sin to their just condemnation, to the praise of his glorious justice. (1Ti 5:21; Mat 25:34; Eph 1:5-6; Rom 9:22-23; Jude 4) [1689 2nd London Baptist Confession of Faith, Chapter 3, paragraph 3]

Definite Atonement (Limited Atonement)

For it was the entirely free plan and very gracious will and intention of God the Father that the enlivening and saving effectiveness of his Son’s costly death should work itself out in all the elect, in order that God might grant justifying faith to them only and thereby lead them without fail to salvation. In other words, it was God’s will that Christ through the blood of the cross (by which he confirmed the new covenant) should effectively redeem from every people, tribe, nation, and language all those and only those who were chosen from eternity to salvation and given to him by the Father; that Christ should grant them faith (which, like the Holy Spirit’s other saving gifts, he acquired for them by his death). It was also God’s will that Christ should cleanse them by his blood from all their sins, both original and actual, whether committed before or after their coming to faith; that he should faithfully preserve them to the very end; and that he should finally present them to himself, a glorious people, without spot or wrinkle [Article 8, The Saving Effectiveness of Christ’s Death, The Canons of Dort]

God did from all eternity decree to justify all the elect, and Christ did in the fullness of time die for their sins, and rise again for their justification; nevertheless, they are not justified personally, until the Holy Spirit doth in time due actually apply Christ unto them. (Gal 3:8; 1Pe 1:2; 1Ti 2:6; Rom 4:25; Col 1:21-22; Ti 3:4-7)[1689 2nd London Baptist Confession of Faith, Article 11, paragraph 4]

Effectual Grace (Irresistible Grace)

The fact that others who are called through the ministry of the gospel do come and are brought to conversion must not be credited to human effort, as though one distinguishes oneself by free choice from others who are furnished with equal or sufficient grace for faith and conversion (as the proud heresy of Pelagius maintains). No, it must be credited to God: just as from eternity God chose his own in Christ, so within time God effectively calls them, grants them faith and repentance, and, having rescued them from the dominion of darkness, brings them into the kingdom of his Son, in order that they may declare the wonderful deeds of the One who called them out of darkness into this marvelous light, and may boast not in themselves, but in the Lord, as apostolic words frequently testify in Scripture.[Article 10, Conversion as the Work of God, Canons of Dort]

Those whom God hath predestinated unto life, he is pleased in his appointed and accepted time, effectually to call, by his Word and Spirit, out of that state of sin and death in which they are by nature, to grace and salvation by Jesus Christ; enlightening their minds spiritually and savingly to c understand the things of God; taking away their heart of stone, and giving unto them a heart of flesh; renewing their wills, and by his almighty power determining them e to that which is good, and effectually drawing them to Jesus Christ; yet so as they come most freely, being made willing by his grace. (Rom 8:30; 11:7; Eph 1:10-11; 2Th 2:13-14; b Eph 2:1-6; Act 26:18; Eph 1:17-18; d Eze 36:26; Deu 30:6; Eze 36:27; Eph 1:19; Psa 110:3; Song 1:4)[1689 2nd London Baptist Confession of Faith, Chapter 10, paragraph 1]

Persevering Grace (Perseverance of the saints)

Because of these remnants of sin dwelling in them and also because of the temptations of the world and Satan, those who have been converted could not remain standing in this grace if left to their own resources. But God is faithful, mercifully strengthening them in the grace once conferred on them and powerfully preserving them in it to the end [Article 3, God’s Preservation of the Converted, Canons of Dort]

Those whom God hath accepted in the beloved, effectually called and sanctified by his Spirit, and given the precious faith of his elect unto, can neither totally nor finally fall from the state of grace, a but shall certainly persevere therein to the end, and be eternally saved, seeing the gifts and callings of God are without repentance, whence he still begets and nourisheth in them faith, repentance, love, joy, hope, and all the graces of the Spirit unto immortality; and though many storms and floods arise and beat against them, yet they shall never be able to take them off that foundation and rock which by faith they are fastened upon; notwithstanding, through unbelief and the temptations of Satan, the sensible sight of the light and love of God may for a time be clouded and obscured from b them, yet he is still the same, and they shall be sure to be kept by the power of God unto salvation, where they shall enjoy their purchased possession, they being engraven upon the palm of his hands, and their names having been written in the book of life from all eternity. (Joh 10:28-29; Phi 1:6; 2Ti 2:19; 1Jo 2:19; Psa 89:31-32; 1Co 11:32; Mal 3:6) [1689 2nd London Baptist Confession of Faith, Chapter 17, paragraph 1]

Justification and Sanctification 

We teach there is a distinction between justification and sanctification. Justification is an act of God, by which He declares righteous those who through faith in Christ, repent of their sins (Romans 8:33, Luke 13:3, Acts 2:38). There is a confession of God as sovereign (Romans 10:9-10, 1 Cor 12:3, 2 Cor 4:5, Phil 2:11). Righteousness is outside of any individual, therefore alien to them so that no virtue, boasting or work of man may stand (Rom 3:20-26, 4:6) and rests solely on the imputation of Christ’s righteousness to us (1 Cor 1:30, 2 Cor 5:21) and our filthy rags imputed to Christ at Calvary. In this God, in his justices is able to pardon sinners without violating His Word (Prv 17:15) and is enable to “be just and the justifier of the one who as faith in Jesus Christ” (Rom 3:26). Whereas Sanctification is the doctrine that redeemed sinners are to be SET APART, unto God by justification and is declared to be holy and called a saint. This known as positional sanctification, or a believer’s standing before God (Acts 20:32, 1 Cor 1:2, 2 Thes 2:13, Heb 2:11, 3:1, 10:10, 1 Peter 1:2). Progressive sanctification is the state of a believer being brought closer to God and to enjoyment of their justification. The individual will show and walk in the means of grace in their life, and able to increase in personal holiness and conforming to the will of God, brought more into the image of Jesus Christ (John 17:17, Rom 6:1-22, 2 Cor 3:18, 1 Thes 4:3-4, 5:23)

Separation from Sin

All redeemed individuals are to separate themselves from sin. This is the pattern throughout Holy Scripture and such a separation shows the fruits worthy of repentance. There is a day coming of great apostasy and worldliness that is unlike before, therefore the believer is to walk in the paths of righteousness in accordance to their calling (2 Cor 6:14-7:1, 2 Tim 3:1-5). Saints do not avoid sin as a work, they avoid sin and separate themselves because they are grateful for the grace that has been bestowed upon them. God is worthy all total obedience and consecration, therefore all who profess the name of Christ should joyfully adore Him in order to joyfully follow him. (Rom 12:1-2, 1 Cor 5:9-13, 2 Cor 6:14-7:1, 1 John 2:15-17, 2 John 9-11)

The Church

 The church is the collection of people who have been regenerated by the Holy Spirit, and have placed their faith in Jesus Christ, also known as the bride of Christ (1 Cor 12:12-13, 2 Cor 11:2, Eph 5:23-32, Rev 19:7-8). This formation of the church began at the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:1-21, 38-47) and will come to completion at the coming of Jesus Christ. Therefore, the church is ordained and designed by Jesus Christ, made up of “born again” individuals (Eph 2:11-3:6). Therefore, the church, is to be present, and continue to operate in the local geographical settings as presented and taught within the New Testament (Acts 14:23-27, 20:17-28, Gal 1:2, Phil 1:1, 1 Thes 1:1, 2 Thes 1:1). All believers are in One body and are called therefore to belong to the expression of this ordained institution, of local church assembling (1 Cor 11:18-20, Heb 10:25).

Since Christ is the head of the church, He alone has supreme authority of the church (1 Cor 11:3, Eph 1:22, Col 1:18). Church leadership, order, worship, gifts and matters of discipline are all appointed by Christ, through the Scriptures which designate who may instruct and oversee the matters of faith and practice. Everything that is done, or the entire purpose of the local assembly is to Glorify God and build itself up in the faith. It is to be lead by the authority of Scripture, and follow the ordinances (Communion and Baptism) of the faith. Further, believers are to equip and be equipped for the work of ministry (Mat 28:19, Luke 22:19, Acts 1:8, Acts 2:38-42, 47Eph 3:21, Eph 4:13-16, 2 Tim 2:2, 2:15, 3:16017, 1 Joh 1:3)

Separation of Church and State

We hold to the conviction that the church is separate from the state. This conviction is found within the Westminster Confession of Faith. 

1. God, the Supreme Lord and King of all the world, hath ordained
   civil magistrates to be under him over the people, for his own glory,
   and the public good; and, to this end, hath armed them with the
   power of the sword, for the defense and encouragement of them that
   are good, and for the punishment of evil doers.
2. II. It is lawful for Christians to accept and execute the office of a
   magistrate, when called thereunto: in the managing whereof, as they
   ought especially to maintain piety, justice, and peace, according to
   the wholesome laws of each commonwealth; so, for that end, they
   may lawfully, now under the New Testament, wage war upon just
   and necessary occasions.
3. Civil magistrates may not assume to themselves the
   administration of the Word and Sacraments; or the power of the
   keys of the kingdom of heaven: or, in the least, interfere in matters
   of faith. Yet, as nursing fathers, it is the duty of civil magistrates to
   protect the Church of our common Lord, without giving the
   preference to any denomination of Christians above the rest, in such
   a manner that all ecclesiastical persons whatever shall enjoy the full,
   free, and unquestioned liberty of discharging every part of their
   sacred functions, without violence or danger. And, as Jesus Christ
   hath appointed a regular government and discipline in his Church,
   no law of any commonwealth should interfere with, let, or hinder,
   the due exercise thereof, among the voluntary members of any
   denomination of Christians, according to their own profession and belief. It is the duty of civil magistrates to protect the person and good name of all their people, in such an effectual manner as that no
   person be suffered, either upon pretence of religion or of infidelity,
   to offer any indignity, violence, abuse, or injury to any other person
   whatsoever: and to take order, that all religious and ecclesiastical
   assemblies be held without molestation or disturbance.
   IV. It is the duty of people to pray for magistrates, to honor their
   persons, to pay them tribute and other dues, to obey their lawful
   commands, and to be subject to their authority for conscience’ sake.
   Infidelity or difference in religion, doth not make void the
   magistrate’s just and legal authority, nor free the people from their
   due obedience to him: from which ecclesiastical persons are not
   exempted; much less hath the Pope any power or jurisdiction over
   them in their dominions, or over any of their people; and least of all
   to deprive them of their dominions or lives, if he shall judge them to
   be heretics, or upon any other pretence whatsoever

Further, we teach what aligns to the Belgic Confession Article 32 regarding the specific responsibilities of the order and the discipline of the church. Placed here:

We also believe that
although it is useful and good
for those who govern the churches
to establish and set up
a certain order among themselves
for maintaining the body of the church,
they ought always to guard against deviating
from what Christ,
our only Master,
has ordained
for us.

Therefore, we reject all human innovations
and all laws imposed on us,
in our worship of God,
which bind and force our consciences
in any way.

So, we accept only what is proper
to maintain harmony and unity
and to keep all in obedience
to God.

To that end excommunication,
with all it involves,
according to the Word of God,
is required.

Religious Liberty

We believe in religious liberty; that every person has the right to practice and propagate their beliefs. [1 Corinthians 10:23-11:1, 2 Corinthians 3:17, Romans 14:5] 

Angels

There two terms for angels, Holy and fallen. Holy angels are created by God, and as such, they are limited in their power and position. They are never to be worshiped to sought after in any form of worship. Though their order of creation places them higher that man, they serve God and worship him (Luke 2:9-14, Heb 1:6-7, Rev 5:11-14, 19:10, 22:9). Fallen angels also are created and are limited in their power and position. The accuser, Satan is the author of sin, and rebelled against God (Is 14:12-17, Ez 28:11-19). During this fall took many angels with him, who are referred to now as demons. The accuser, or Satan, is the enemy of God and man (Is 14:13-14, Matt 4:1-11, Rev 12:9-10) and is referred to as the prince of this world. 

Eschatology (Pertaining to the end of things)

We teach that eschatology is a third tear doctrine and should not cause to break fellowship between believers. Though it is important to have a firm, Biblical position in these areas not everyone can agree on the full, truest description of how all things will commence at the end of the age regarding order of events and physical millennial reign. 

We teach, there are four end time positions, with varying understanding in each camp. Historical Pre-millennialism, Dispensational Pre-millennialism, Post-Millennialism, Amillennialism. We deny full Preterist theology and understand there are those who refer to themselves as partial- preterist. It is our position to hear each person out before concluding in this area as many are actually in one of the major four camps but not articulating their argument well enough to define. Throughout the history of the Christian Church, and found within the teachings of the Reformation, certain positions hold more weight regarding the hermeneutic and systematic theology surrounding it. Because of this, we do not consider this a divisive issue. We respect that Calvin, Luther, Tyndale, Edwards, Owen, and others will disagree on things. With this, those who hold to dispensational theology are strongly encouraged not make prophetic claims or make decrees that are not found in Scripture regarding the times and the seasons. All ministry groups, and extensions of the church, do not teach end time theology, and turn it over to the elders who hold to various positions. 

Ordinances

We believe that there are only two ordinances for the church regularly observed in the New Testament in the following order: Baptism, which is the immersion of the believer in water, whereby he obeys Christ’s command and sets forth his identification with Christ in His death, burial and resurrection. The second is The Lord’s Supper, which is the memorial wherein the believer partakes of the two elements, bread and wine, which symbolizes the Lord’s body and shed blood, proclaiming His death until He comes. [Matthew 26:26-28, 1 Corinthians 11:24-25, , Matthew 28:19-20, Acts 2:38