- 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
as 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.
- OF THE TRUE GOD
We believe 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
by harmonious office in the great work of redemption.
- OF THE FALL OF MAN
We believe that a man was created in holiness, under the law of his Maker;
but by voluntary transgression fell from that holy and happy state; in
consequence of which all mankind are now sinners, not by constraint,
but by choice; being by nature utterly void of that holiness required by
law of God, positively inclined to evil; and therefore under just
condemnation to eternal ruin, without defense or excuse.
- OF THE WAY OF SALVATION
We believe 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 is now enthroned in heaven; and uniting in his
wonderful person the tenderest sympathies with divine perfections. He is every
way qualified to be a suitable, a compassionate, and an all-sufficient Savior.
- OF JUSTIFICATION
We believe that the Great gospel 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, by
solely through faith in the Redeemer's blood; by virtue of which 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.
- OF THE FREENESS OF SALVATION
We believe 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 a cordial, penitent,
and obedient faith; and that nothing prevents the salvation of the greatest
sinner on earth but his own inherent depravity and voluntary rejection of the
gospel; which rejection involves him in an aggravated condemnation.
- OF GRACE IN REGENERATION
We believe 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.
- 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 all-sufficient Savior.
- OF GOD'S PURPOSE OF GRACE
We believe 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 indefinitely free, wise holy and unchangeable; that it utterly
excludes boasting, and promote 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.
- 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.
- 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 to Timothy
and Titus.
- OF BAPTISM AND THE LORD'S SUPPER
We believe that Christian Baptism is the immersion of water of a believer, into the name of the Father, and Son
and Holy Ghost; to show forth, in 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 Christ; preceded
always by solemn self-examination.
To God be the Glory
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