ARTICLE
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 Savior.
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
Savior.
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 the 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 Savior, 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 selfexamination.
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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