Articles of Faith
We, who are called “Bible Baptists,” living in an age overwhelmed by rationalism and false supernaturalism, deeply feel the need to clearly present—both to ourselves and to others—the doctrines of the Bible, which transcend human speculation and yet remain entirely coherent within themselves. In doing so, we confess the following articles of faith.
Originally, we have a strong affinity with the traditional stance that “the Bible is our creed,” and thus, we do not adhere to any fixed or formulated “creed” as such. Therefore, the articles of faith we confess here are not intended to define us apart from Scripture—much less to stand above it. Nor do they claim to exhaust the rich treasures contained in the Bible.
Rather, by confessing these articles, we simply express our intention to carry forward the spiritual heritage passed down by the faithful saints before us, and affirm that we share in that legacy. There is nothing entirely new here. We rejoice that the confessions of faith handed down through generations of Baptists continue to bring forth treasures drawn from Scripture, and that we now hold them together.
We believe that the 66 books of the Bible were written by holy men of old, who were moved by the Holy Spirit. They are the very Word of God, supernaturally and verbally inspired, without error in any part. The Bible is the complete and final revelation of God's will to mankind.
It is also the true center of Christian unity and the supreme standard by which all human behavior, thought, and belief must be tested. No other book has ever been inspired in this way, and no other will ever be.
(2 Timothy 3:16–17; 2 Peter 1:19–21; Acts 1:16; Acts 28:25; Psalm 119:160; Luke 24:25–27; John 17:17; Luke 24:44–45; Psalm 119:89; Proverbs 30:5–6; Revelation 22:19; Luke 16:31; John 5:45–47, 39; Psalm 119:105, 130; Romans 3:4; 1 Peter 1:2–3; John 12:48; Isaiah 8:20; Ephesians 6:17; Romans 15:4; Psalm 19:7–11)
We believe that there is one living and true God—and no other. He is an infinite, all-wise Spirit, the Creator and supreme Ruler of heaven and earth. He is holy and clothed in indescribable glory, and is worthy of all honor, trust, and love.
Within this one God exists a Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—each fully and equally God. While their roles in redemption are distinct, they act in perfect harmony and unity.
(Exodus 20:2–3; 1 Corinthians 8:6; Ephesians 4:6; Jeremiah 10:10; Genesis 17:1; John 4:24; Psalm 147:5; Psalm 83:18; Psalm 90:2; Exodus 15:11; Revelation 4:11; 1 Timothy 1:17; Romans 11:33; Mark 12:30; Matthew 28:19; John 15:26; 1 Corinthians 12:4–6; 1 John 5:7; John 10:30; John 17:5; Acts 5:3–4; 1 Corinthians 2:10–11; Philippians 2:5–6; Ephesians 2:18; 2 Corinthians 13:13)
We believe that Jesus Christ has been God from all eternity, but that He became fully human through a miraculous birth by the virgin Mary, conceived by the Holy Spirit. No one has ever been born of a woman in this way before, and no one ever will be again.
He died on the cross and rose bodily on the third day. He was taken up to the right hand of the throne of God and now serves as the only merciful High Priest before God.
(Genesis 3:15; Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:18–25; Luke 1:35; Mark 1:1; John 1:14; Psalm 2:7; Galatians 4:4; 1 John 5:20; 1 Corinthians 15:47; Matthew 28:6–7; Luke 24:39; John 20:27; 1 Corinthians 15:4; Mark 16:6; Luke 24:2–7; Acts 1:9; Luke 24:51; Mark 16:19; Revelation 3:21; Hebrews 8:1; Hebrews 12:2, 8:6; 1 Timothy 2:5; 1 John 2:1; Hebrews 2:17, 5:9–10)
We believe that the Holy Spirit is a Divine Person, equal in essence and nature with God the Father and God the Son.
He was active in creation and now restrains Satan until God’s purpose is fulfilled. He convicts the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment, and confirms the truth of the gospel through preaching and testimony. Regeneration is the work of the Holy Spirit.
To believers, He seals, empowers, guides, teaches, bears witness, sanctifies, and helps.
(John 14:16–17; Matthew 28:19; Hebrews 9:14; Luke 1:35; Genesis 1:1–3; 2 Thessalonians 2:7; John 16:8–11; John 15:26–27; Acts 5:30–32; John 3:5–6; Ephesians 1:13–14; Matthew 3:11; Mark 1:8; Luke 3:16; John 1:33; Acts 11:16; Luke 24:49; John 16:13; John 14:26; Romans 8:14, 16; 2 Thessalonians 2:13; 1 Peter 1:2; Romans 8:26–27)
We believe that Satan was once a holy being who enjoyed heavenly honor, but through pride and ambition to be like the Almighty, he fell and drew a host of angels with him. He is now the wicked ruler of the powers of the air and the unclean god of this world. He is the great tempter of mankind, the enemy of God and Christ, the accuser of the saints, the originator of all false religions, the driving force behind today’s apostasy, the master of the Antichrist, and the source of all powers of darkness.
However, he is destined to be defeated by the Son of God and to suffer eternal punishment in hell—a place prepared for him and his angels—under the justice of God forever.
(Isaiah 14:12–15; Ezekiel 28:14–17; Revelation 12:9; Jude 6; 2 Peter 2:4; Ephesians 2:2; John 14:30; 1 Thessalonians 3:5; Matthew 4:1–3; 1 Peter 5:8; Zechariah 3:1; 1 John 3:8; Matthew 13:39; Luke 22:3–4; Revelation 12:10; 2 Corinthians 11:13–15; Mark 13:21–22; 1 John 4:3; 2 John 7; 1 John 2:22; Revelation 13:13–14; 2 Thessalonians 2:8–11; Revelation 19:11,16,20; Revelation 12:7–9, 20:1–3,10; Matthew 25:41)
We believe that in the beginning, God directly created the heavens and the earth and all that is in them. He also created man in His own image and likeness.
The creation account in Genesis is to be understood literally, not allegorically or figuratively. Therefore, we reject the theory of biological evolution.
(Genesis 1:1; Exodus 20:11; Acts 4:24; Colossians 1:16–17; Hebrews 11:3; John 1:3; Revelation 10:6; Romans 1:20; Acts 17:23–26; Jeremiah 10:12; Nehemiah 9:6; Genesis 1:26–27; 2:21–23; 1:11,24)
We believe that man was created in a state of innocence by his Creator, but by voluntary transgression fell from that blessed condition. As a result, sin entered into all of humanity. Now, man lacks the holiness required by God’s law and is given over to fulfilling the desires of the world, the devil, and his own sinful nature.
Therefore, mankind is without excuse or defense and stands justly condemned before God.
(Genesis 3:1–6,24; Romans 5:12,19; Romans 3:10–19; Ephesians 2:1,3; Romans 1:18; Ezekiel 18:19–20; Romans 1:32,20,28; Galatians 3:22)
We believe that the salvation of sinners is wholly of grace and is accomplished through the mediating work of the Son of God. Appointed by the Father, He willingly took upon Himself our nature—yet without sin—and by His perfect obedience gave glory to God's law. Through His death, He made a full and substitutionary atonement for our sins.
His death was not merely that of a martyr setting an example, but the voluntary sacrifice of the Righteous One in the place of the unrighteous, bearing our sins in His own body. He rose bodily from the dead and is now enthroned in heaven. In His wonderful person are combined the most tender sympathy and the absolute perfection of deity, qualifying Him in every way to be a compassionate and all-sufficient Savior.
(Ephesians 2:8; Acts 15:11; Romans 3:24; John 3:16; Matthew 18:11; Philippians 2:7; Hebrews 2:14; Isaiah 53:4–7; Romans 3:25; 1 John 4:10; 1 Corinthians 15:3; 2 Corinthians 5:21; John 10:18; Philippians 2:8; Galatians 1:4; 1 Peter 2:24, 3:18; Isaiah 53:11; Hebrews 12:2; 1 Corinthians 15:20; Isaiah 53:12; Hebrews 9:12–15; Hebrews 7:25; 1 John 2:2)
We believe that for a sinner to be saved, they must be born again. Regeneration is a new creation in Christ Jesus. It is not a gradual process but a momentary act. Through this new birth, those who were spiritually dead in sin and guilt are made partakers of God's divine nature and receive eternal life, which is God's free gift.
This new creation is brought about by the absolute and unilateral power of the Holy Spirit working alongside the truth of God—not by human intellect, moral effort, or will. As a result, the person is enabled to willingly obey the Gospel. The evidence of regeneration is seen in holy fruits such as repentance, faith, and a transformed life.
(John 3:3; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Luke 5:27; 1 John 5:1; John 3:6–7; Acts 2:41; 2 Peter 1:4; Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:1; 2 Corinthians 5:19; Colossians 2:13; John 1:12–13; Galatians 5:22; Ephesians 5:9)
We believe in the gracious doctrine of God's election. The blessings of salvation are freely offered to all through the gospel; therefore, every person is responsible to respond with sincere repentance and obedient faith. The reason someone fails to receive salvation is not because they are the worst sinner, but because of their natural depravity and their deliberate rejection of the gospel.
To reject the gospel is to remain under dreadful condemnation.
(1 Thessalonians 1:4; Colossians 3:12; 1 Peter 1:2; Titus 1:1; Romans 8:29–30; Matthew 11:28; Isaiah 55:1; Revelation 22:17; Romans 10:13; John 6:37; Isaiah 55:6; Acts 2:38; Isaiah 55:7; John 3:15–16; 1 Timothy 1:15; 1 Corinthians 15:10; Ephesians 2:4–5; John 5:40; John 3:18, 36)
We believe that justification—promised to those who believe in Christ—is a great blessing. It consists of the forgiveness of sins and the gift of eternal life, granted on the basis of righteousness. Justification is not given because of any good works we have done, but solely through faith in the blood of the Redeemer. His righteousness is credited to us.
(Acts 13:39; Isaiah 53:11; Zechariah 13:1; Romans 8:1; Romans 5:9; Romans 5:1; Titus 3:5–7; Romans 1:17; Habakkuk 2:4; Galatians 3:11; Romans 4:1–8; Hebrews 10:38)
We believe that repentance and faith are solemn duties, as well as inseparable graces, wrought in our souls by the life-giving Holy Spirit. Through them, we come to a deep awareness of our guilt, danger, and helplessness, and of the way of salvation through Christ. With genuine sorrow, confession, and plea for mercy, we turn to God. At the same time, we receive the Lord Jesus Christ wholeheartedly and openly confess Him as our only and all-sufficient Savior.
(Acts 20:21; Mark 1:15; Acts 2:37–38; Luke 18:13; Romans 10:13; Psalm 51:1–4,7; Isaiah 55:6–7; Luke 12:8; Romans 10:9–11)
We believe that only those who endure to the end are true believers. Persevering in faithful obedience to Christ is a distinguishing mark that separates genuine Christians from mere professors. God, by His special providence, watches over the well-being of such believers. In this way, they are kept by the power of God through faith, and brought to eternal salvation.
(John 8:31–32; Colossians 1:21–23; 1 John 2:19; Matthew 13:19–21; Romans 8:28; Psalm 121:3; Hebrews 1:14; 1 Peter 1:5; Philippians 1:6; John 10:28–29; Romans 8:35–39)
We believe that a church is a congregation of baptized believers, united by a covenant of faith and fellowship in the gospel.
This church is the vessel and fortress of God’s eternal grace. It observes the ordinances of Christ, is governed by His laws, and exercises the gifts, rights, and privileges granted to it by His Word. The only scriptural offices are that of pastor (also called elder or bishop) and deacon—both of which are clearly defined in the Bible in terms of their qualifications and duties.
We believe the true mission of the church is found in the Great Commission:
To make individual disciples,
To build up the church,
To teach all things as Christ has commanded. We do not believe this divine order should be reversed.
We affirm that each local church has the absolute right of self-government, free from interference by any person or organization, religious hierarchy, or ecclesiastical authority. Christ is the sole Head of the church, governing through the Holy Spirit.
While cooperating with other true churches for the advancement of the faith and the gospel is scriptural and beneficial, each local church alone has the right to determine the scope and method of such cooperation. The will of the local church is final in all matters of membership, discipline, policy, giving, and charitable work.
(Acts 2:41–42; 1 Corinthians 11:2; Ephesians 1:22–23; Ephesians 4:11; 1 Corinthians 12:4, 8–11; Acts 14:23; Acts 6:5–6; Acts 15:23; Acts 20:17–28; 1 Timothy 3:1–13; Matthew 28:19–20; Colossians 1:18; Ephesians 5:23–24; 1 Peter 5:1–4; Acts 15:22; Jude 3–4; 2 Corinthians 8:23–24; 1 Corinthians 16:1; Malachi 3:10; Leviticus 27:32; 1 Corinthians 16:2; 1 Corinthians 6:1–3; 1 Corinthians 5:11–13)
We believe that baptism is the full immersion of a believer in water, conducted in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and carried out under the authority of the local church. It is a solemn and beautiful symbol of our faith in the crucified, buried, and risen Savior—representing our death to sin and resurrection to new life. It is also a prerequisite for enjoying the privileges of church membership and partaking in the Lord’s Supper.
In the Lord’s Supper, church members should always examine themselves beforehand, and reverently partake of the bread and the fruit of the vine. In doing so, they remember together the love of Christ, shown through His death.
(Acts 8:36–39; Matthew 3:6, 16; John 3:23; Romans 6:3–5; Colossians 2:12; Acts 2:41–42; Matthew 28:19–20; 1 Corinthians 11:23–28)
We believe that the command to preach the gospel to all the world is clear and unmistakable. This command has been given to each local church.
(Matthew 28:18–20; Mark 16:15; John 20:21; Acts 1:8; Romans 10:13–15)
We believe that giving is a grace from God and one of the foundations of the Christian faith. Tithing—giving a tenth—was practiced over four hundred years before the Law was given. It was included in the Law and affirmed by the Lord Jesus. In the New Testament era, believers are instructed to bring their giving into the treasury of the local church.
📖 (2 Corinthians 8:7; 1 Corinthians 16:2; Hebrews 2:3; Matthew 23:23; Leviticus 27:30; Malachi 3:10; Acts 4:34, 35, 37)
We believe that civil government is ordained by God for the benefit and order of human society. Therefore, we are to pray for those in authority and obey them with sincerity. However, when their commands are contrary to the will of our Lord Jesus Christ, we must obey God rather than men. Christ alone is Lord of the conscience and will one day return as the Ruler of the kings of the earth.
(Romans 13:7; 2 Samuel 23:3; Exodus 18:21–22; Acts 23:5; Matthew 22:21; Titus 3:1; 1 Peter 2:13–14,17; Acts 4:19–20; Daniel 3:17–18; Matthew 10:28; Matthew 23:10; Revelation 10:6; Philippians 2:10–11; Psalm 72:11)
We believe that there is a fundamental and essential distinction between the righteous and the wicked. In God’s eyes, only those who have been justified by faith in the name of Jesus and sanctified by the Holy Spirit are truly righteous. On the other hand, all who remain unrepentant and unbelieving are seen before God as wicked and under His curse.
This distinction among people continues both in death and after death: the saved will enter into everlasting joy, while the lost will experience conscious and eternal suffering.
(Malachi 3:18; Genesis 18:23; Romans 6:17–18; Proverbs 11:31; 1 Peter 4:18; Romans 1:17; 1 Corinthians 15:22; Acts 10:34–35; 1 John 2:29; Romans 6:16; 1 John 5:19; Galatians 3:10; Romans 7:6, 6:23; Proverbs 14:32; Luke 16:25; Matthew 25:34; John 8:21; Luke 9:26; John 12:25; Matthew 7:13–14)
We believe that Christ Himself will return personally, bodily, and visibly. At that time, the dead in Christ will rise first, and the living saints will be instantly changed into glorified bodies at the sound of the last trumpet. Christ will then restore the throne of His father David and reign in righteousness over the world for a thousand years, until all His enemies are placed under His feet.
(John 14:3; Acts 1:11; 1 Thessalonians 4:16; Matthew 24:27, 42; Hebrews 9:28; 1 Corinthians 15:42–44, 51–53; 1 Thessalonians 4:17; Philippians 3:20–21; Luke 1:32; 1 Corinthians 15:25; Isaiah 11:4–5; Psalm 72:8; Revelation 20:1–6)