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Our Faith
ARTICLES OF FAITH
I. 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 shall be tried.
II. 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.
III. THE FALL OF MAN.
We believe the Scriptures teach that Man was created in holiness, under the law of
his Maker; but by voluntary transgressions fell from that holy and happy state; in
consequence of which all mankind are now 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.
IV. 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.
V. 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.
VI. 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.
VII. 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.
VIII. REPENTANCE AND FAITH
We believe the Scriptures teach 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
all-sufficient Saviour.
IX. 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 with the end; that it 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 encourages 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.
X. 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 Sealer and
Comforter, in the continual use of the appointed means especially the word of God,
self-examination, self-denial, watchfulness, and prayer.
XI. 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.
XII. 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.
XIII. 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.
XIV. 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.
XV. 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 observance of all the
means of grace, both private and public, and by preparation for that rest that
remaineth for the people of God.
XVI. 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.
XVII. 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.
XVIII. THE WORLD TO COME.
We believe 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.
I. 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 shall be tried.
II. 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.
III. THE FALL OF MAN.
We believe the Scriptures teach that Man was created in holiness, under the law of
his Maker; but by voluntary transgressions fell from that holy and happy state; in
consequence of which all mankind are now 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.
IV. 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.
V. 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.
VI. 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.
VII. 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.
VIII. REPENTANCE AND FAITH
We believe the Scriptures teach 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
all-sufficient Saviour.
IX. 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 with the end; that it 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 encourages 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.
X. 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 Sealer and
Comforter, in the continual use of the appointed means especially the word of God,
self-examination, self-denial, watchfulness, and prayer.
XI. 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.
XII. 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.
XIII. 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.
XIV. 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.
XV. 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 observance of all the
means of grace, both private and public, and by preparation for that rest that
remaineth for the people of God.
XVI. 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.
XVII. 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.
XVIII. THE WORLD TO COME.
We believe 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.
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