Springfield Reformed Baptist Church represents its Lord and head the Lord Jesus Christ; by preaching redeeming grace and teaching the word of Truth. The Church's basis of Faith is the 1689 Baptist Confession of Faith. The members hold and adhere to the following summary statement of our belief.
We affirm the Baptist Confession of Faith
The fullest expression of what we believe the Bible teaches is found in the historic Baptist Confession of Faith of 1689. It is a confession in line with the orthodox teaching of the Baptist Church throughout history. We do not hold this Confession of Faith as equal to or above scriptures, but as an accurate expression of doctrine taught in the word of God. As such, it is a great help in our faith, both as an assistance in controversy and as an instrument of edification and instruction. We believe that the biblical faith is inherently doctrinal, and we are therefore confessional in our convictions.
Pastor Charles Haddon Spurgeon, said of this confession of faith,
“This ancient document is the most excellent epitome of the things most surely believed among us. It is not issued as an authoritative rule or code of faith, whereby you may be fettered, but as a means of edification in righteousness. It is an excellent, though not inspired, expression of the teaching of those Holy Scriptures by which all confessions are to be measured. We hold to the humbling truths of God's sovereign grace in the salvation of lost sinners. Salvation is through Christ alone and by faith alone. Here the younger members of our church will have a body of divinity in small compass, and by means of the Scriptural proofs, will be ready to give a reason for the hope that is in them. Be not ashamed of your faith; remember it is the ancient gospel of martyrs, confessors, reformers and saints. Above all, it is the truth of God, against which the gates of Hell cannot prevail. Let your lives adorn your faith; let your example adorn your creed. Above all, live in Christ Jesus, and walk in Him, giving credence to no teaching but that which is manifestly approved of Him, and owned by the Holy Spirit. Cleave fast to the Word of God which is here mapped out for you"
A Summary of Our Confession of Faith
The Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments were given by inspiration of God. They are the infallible, authoritative, and all-sufficient rule of all saving knowledge, faith, and obedience. All Scripture is (in its original autographs) the very Word of God, and it is therefore without error and utterly reliable with regard to fact and teaching. It has been graciously preserved with particular care and providence for our benefit today. The Scriptures are to be neither added to nor subtracted from.
B. SOVEREIGNTY OF GOD
There is but one God, the Creator, Maker, Sustainer, and Ruler of all things, having in and of Himself all perfections and being infinite in them all. To Him all people owe the highest love, reverence, and obedience.
God is completely sovereign, in control of absolutely everything at all times. There is not a single molecule floating about in the universe that is outside of His sovereign will and purpose. Everything that happens is either caused or allowed by Him for His own perfect purposes.
God almighty is absolutely sovereign in all things, specifically in predestination, justification, sanctification, creation, providence, salvation and glorification (Romans 8:28-30; 11:33-36).
Everything that comes to pass in time was predestinated by God in eternity and is brought to pass by God in providence for the salvation of his elect (Romans 8:28-30; Ephesians 1:11).
C. THE TRINITY
There are three persons in the Godhead: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three are one God, the same in essence, equal in power and glory.
D. CREATION
God created all things from nothing. Adam and Eve were the first humans; they were created by God after His own image in perfect righteousness. The account of creation in Genesis 1 and 2 is historical, not mystical; hense evolution is a theory contrary to a scriptural understanding of creation.
E. PROVIDENCE
God from eternity decreed all things that come to pass, and He perpetually governs all creatures and events. We affirm the absolute sovereignty of God. However, God is in no way the author or approver of sin, nor does His sovereignty in any way diminish or violate the responsiblity of men.
F. THE FALL OF MAN
Our first parents, Adam and Eve, by their disobedience, lost the righteousness in which they were created and became corrupt. The guilt of Adam's first sin is imputed to all men, who, being his descendants, are born in a sinful state and condition called original sin. From this corrupt nature, all transgressions proceed because all men are wholly inclined to all evil continually and are opposed to all that is spiritually good in the sight of God. This is often referred to as man's total depravity. Thus while man is unable of himself to repent of sin and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, he is completely responsible to do so. This is by no means to deny that a vast amount of virtue prevails through the common grace of God; yet man is unregenerate and essentially alienated from his Creator.
G. THE MEDIATOR
Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God, is the divinely appointed Mediator between God and man. Having taken to Himself a human nature, while maintaining His sinlessness, He perfectly fulfilled the law, suffered, and died upon the cross for the salvation of sinners. He was buried, rose again the third day, and ascended to the Father, at whose right hand He ever lives to make intercession for His people. He is the only Mediator, Prophet, Priest, and King of the Church, and the Sovereign and Lord of the universe.
We hold firmly to the glorious doctrines of grace as laid out clearly in Scripture. It is in this way that God saves sinners by His sovereign grace which results in God receiving all the glory for their being saved. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. (Ephesians 2:8,9.)
Salvation is by grace alone through faith alone in Christ and His finished work of redemption alone. It is not by the free will or good works or religion of man. We are directly opposed to all will-worship, works based, self righteous and legalistic religious church practices.
We believe in the total depravity of all men by sin; the personal, eternal election of God unto salvation; the particular redemption of the elect by Christ’s blood; the irresistible grace of the Holy Spirit in effectual calling; and the final perseverance of the saints in faith and holiness.
God in His Sovereignty chose some of Adam’s fallen race to eternal life in Christ before the world began (Ephesians 1:3-6; 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14).
The Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, died for and redeemed those elect sinners chosen to salvation in eternity and called to life and faith in Him in time (Hebrews 9:12; Revelation 5:9).
God the Holy Spirit regenerates and calls every chosen, redeemed sinner to life and faith in Christ by the irresistible power of his grace through the preaching of the gospel (Romans 1:16-17; 10:13-17; 1 Corinthians 1:21-23; James 1:18; 1 Peter 23-25).
Every sinner born again by God’s free, sovereign, irresistible grace is kept in life and faith in Christ by that same grace unto eternal glory, being sealed in Christ by the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13-14).
All who are born of God, being redeemed by Christ, are forever and entirely free from the law (Romans 6:14-15; 7:4; 10:4).
Our doctrine is the gospel of salvation by God’s free and sovereign grace through the merits of Christ, our crucified, risen, exalted Lord and King, who gives eternal life to whom he will. “Salvation is of the Lord” (Jonah 2:9). “So then, it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that showeth mercy” (Romans 9:16).
We reject such human devices such as ‘altar calls’ or any other suggestion that we may choose God or choose to be saved.
I. ELECTION
Election is God's eternal choice of some persons to eternal life - not because of foreseen merit or faith in them, but because of His mercy in Christ. Those who have been predestined to be saved are in due time called, justified, sanctified, and glorified.
J. EFFECTUAL CALLING AND REGENERATION
By His Holy Spirit and through His Word, God calls us into fellowship with His Son Jesus Christ. By this divine work, He enlightens our minds, recreates us in and to newness of life, and renews our wills and affections by the Holy Spirit.
K. REPENTANCE
Repentance is a saving grace. The repentant person is convicted of the evil of his sin by the Holy Spirit. Repentance involves a humbling of oneself, self-abhorrence, exhibition of godly sorrow for and hatred of sin, and a purpose to walk before God so as to please Him in all things. Repentance is to continue through the whole course of the believer's life.
L. FAITH
Faith is a saving grace. By faith, we receive and rest upon Jesus Christ alone for salvation as He is freely offered to us in the gospel. Faith is also a grace by which we believe the Word of God to be true and seek to apply its teachings to ourselves.
M. JUSTIFICATION
Justification is an act of God's free grace whereby He pardons our sins and accounts us righteous in His sight. Justification is based not on anything we have done but only on Christ's righteousness as imputed to us and received by faith alone. Thus justification is a declarative and forensic act of imputed righteouness, not a process wherein we acquire righteousness before God due to our own sanctification. Justification is by faith in Christ's work alone, not faith in Christ's work plus something the believer does. By no means is justification conferred in baptism.
N. ADOPTION
For the sake of His only Son, Jesus Christ, God has been pleased to make all justified persons sharers in the grace of adoption. Adoption is the means by which believers are numbered with, and enjoy the liberties and privileges of, the children of God.
O. SANCTIFICATION
Those who are united to Jesus Christ are, by regeneration, renewed in their whole nature after the image of God, and are set apart by God to share in His holiness. This is definitive sanctification. Because of the remaining effects of the former corrupt nature, there is also a progressive aspect to sanctification whereby the Holy Spirit, by virtue of indwelling the believer, promotes true holiness of life. Sin's power over the believer is broken, the evil desires to which sin gives birth are increasingly weakened, and the Christian more and more lives according to the Word of God. This is holiness without which no man will see the Lord.
P. PERSEVERANCE
Those whom God has accepted in the Beloved, effectually called and sanctified by His Spirit, and to whom He has given the precious faith of His elect, can neither totally nor finally fall from the state of grace. On the contrary, they will certainly persevere in the state of grace to the end of their lives and thus be eternally saved. This outcome is certain because God will never repent of having called them and made gifts to them. Furthermore, God continues to work in His chosen ones faith, repentance, love, joy, hope, and all the graces of the Holy Spirit that lead to immortality. Many storms and floods may arise and beat against the elect, but they will never be removed from the foundation and rock that they stand upon by faith. Nevertheless, through unbelief, temptations, allurements of the world, and indwelling sin, the sight of God's love may be temporarily hidden from them and they may fall into dreadful sins. God, however, is still the same and they shall surely be kept by the power of God unto salvation. They will enjoy their purchased possession, because they have been engraved upon the palm of His hand, and because their names have been written in the Book of Life from all eternity.
Q. THE CHURCH
The Lord Jesus Christ is the Head of the Church, which is composed of God's elect in every age. According to His commandment, Christians are to gather in local churches. To each local church He has given authority and responsibility for administering order, discipline, and worship. The officers of a church are elders and deacons. The church administers the public means of grace, which is the spiritual food that God has provided whereby Christians mature. The means of grace whereby Christ communicates to us the benefits of redemption are His ordinances, especially the proclamation and explanation of the Word of God, the administration of baptism and the Lord's Supper, and prayer.
R. BAPTISM
Baptism is an ordinance of Jesus Christ obligatory for every believer. The proper mode of baptism is by immersion in water in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. It is a symbol of the believer's union with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection. It signifies the washing away of sins and is a prerequisite to church membership.
S. THE LORD'S SUPPER
The Lord's Supper is an ordinance of Jesus Christ and is to be observed by His church until He returns. It is to be administered with the elements of bread and the fruit of the vine. It is in no sense a re-sacrifice of Christ. Its purpose is to commemorate Christ's death, confirm the everlasting covenant in Christ's blood, and strengthen union with Christ in His love as well as union and communion with other believers. Unforgiveness between members and unconfessed sin should be dealt with before coming to the Lord's table.
T. EVANGELISM AND MISSIONS
It is the duty of every church and every Christian to extend the gospel to all men everywhere. As faith comes by hearing the Word of God, we are to seek by all methods sanctioned in Scripture to persuade men to seek Jesus Christ and His salvation.
U. THE LAW OF GOD
God has commanded us to love him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength and to love our neighbors as ourselves. This is the summary of God's Law (Luke 10:25-27). The Ten Commandments (as given to Moses in Ex. 20:1-21) especially articulate the moral law of God. This moral law, which is expressed in the precepts of Scripture as a whole, provides the Christian with a guide for life. We affirm the perpetuity of the moral law, including the continuing validity of the Fourth Commandment. A man is not justified by the works of the Law, but only through faith in Christ Jesus (Ga. 2:16); even so, we reject antinomianism or any other teaching which claims that God's moral laws are not binding upon believers today (Matt. 5:17-19). The Old Testament ceremonial laws, having been fulfilled in Jesus Christ, do not bind the consciences of believers today. Principles embodied in Old Testament civil laws are timeless, but their specific applications were to the covenanted nation of Israel.
V. WORSHIP
The light of nature shows that there is a God, who has lordship and sovereignty over all; is just, good and does good unto all; and is therefore to be feared, loved, praised, called upon, trusted in, and served, with all the heart and all the soul, and with all one's might. However, the acceptable way of worshipping the true God is instituted by Himself and so limited by His own revealed will that He may not be worshipped according to the imaginations and devices of men, nor the suggestions of Satan, under any visible representations, or any other way not prescribed in the Holy Scriptures.
W. THE STATE
Civil government is ordained of God. It is the duty of Christians to obey those who have rule over them in all matters consistent with the teaching of Scripture. Christians are also to pray for their rulers.
X. THE RETURN OF CHRIST
We believe in the single, personal, visible, and bodily return of our Lord Jesus Christ in glory at the last day to raise all men from the dead for the final and general judgment. This will be immediately followed by the creation of the new heavens and the new earth. The wicked shall then go into everlasting punishment in hell and the righteous into life eternal in heaven, which is the eternal state.
Y. RESURRECTION
The bodies of men after death return to dust but their spirits return immediately to God - the righteous to rest with Him, the wicked to be reserved under darkness until the judgment. The bodies of all the dead, both just and unjust, will be raised.
Z. THE JUDGMENT
God has appointed a day in which He will judge the world by Jesus Christ, when everyone shall receive according to his deed. The wicked will go into everlasting punishment in Hell with the devil and his angels. The righteous, with glorified bodies, will live and reign with Christ forever.
However, we live in a day of doctrinal vagueness and confusion, so we need to be clear about what we believe the Bible teaches. We have a written Baptist Confession of Faith that clearly states what the Scriptures teach. We do not hold this Confession of Faith as equal to or above Scriptures, but as an accurate expression of the system of doctrine taught in Scriptures. As such, it is a great help in our faith, both as an assistance in controversy and as an instrument of edification and instruction.
One particular doctrine we believe is that God is absolutely sovereign over all things. We believe salvation is accomplished by the sovereign work of God, who planned, initiates, and executes His plan of redemption without failure or contingency. Salvation is of the Lord. The Bible teaches that man, because of sin, stands guilty and condemned before God's Law; he has a corrupt heart and is alienated from God; and, worst of all, he can do nothing to save himself from God's wrath or to reconcile him with God.
The good news of the Gospel is that God alone has undertaken to do all that is necessary to deliver man from his awful condition. The Triune God plans, accomplishes and applies redemption. God the Father unconditionally elects, Jesus Christ, the Son of God, redeems by His atoning death, and the Holy Spirit effectually calls and enables sinners to come to Christ. Salvation, from beginning to end, is 'of the Lord' (Jonah 2:9), therefore God receives all of the glory. Man receives none.
The only true gospel is that which gives all glory to God alone, as is taught in the scriptures. The gospel of God's grace, put simply, teaches that every aspect of man's salvation can be traced back to God's divine and initiating work of grace in the life of sinners. In grace God chose us, foreknew us, elected us, predestined us, called us, justified us, sanctified us, and will glorify us! Ephesians 1:4-6 says, "According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved."
Grace originated in the person of God the Father, was manifested and exercised in the person and work of Jesus Christ, and is extended and applied to us by the work of the Holy Spirit! Grace is extended to people who are altogether unworthy to experience it. Grace is unmerited favor. It cannot be bought, earned, or won by man or woman in any way!
Ultimately, the gospel of God's grace reminds us that the work of salvation is a work that is designed to direct all glory to God and Him alone. The end of grace is that He might be known and glorified for the wonder, the wisdom, the beauty, and the utter attractiveness of His grace!
Faith Alone (Sola Fide) Justification is by grace alone through faith alone because of Christ alone. In justification Christ's righteousness is imputed to us as the only possible satisfaction of God's perfect justice. Our justification does not rest on any merit to be found in us, nor upon the grounds of an infusion of Christ's righteousness in us, nor that an institution claiming to be a church that denies or condemns sola fide can be recognized as a legitimate church.
Christ Alone (Solus Christus) Our salvation is accomplished by the mediatorial work of the historical Christ alone. His sinless life and substitutionary atonement alone are sufficient for our justification and reconciliation to the Father. It is denied that the gospel is preached if Christ's substitutionary work is not declared and faith in Christ and his work is not solicited.
Grace Alone (Sola Gratia) In salvation we are rescued from God's wrath by his grace alone. It is the supernatural work of the Holy Spirit that brings us to Christ by releasing us from our bondage to sin and raising us from spiritual death to spiritual life. It is denied that salvation is in any sense a human work. Human methods, techniques or strategies by themselves cannot accomplish this transformation. Faith is not produced by our unregenerated human nature.
Glory to God Alone (Soli Deo Gloria) It is affirmed that because salvation is of God and has been accomplished by God, it is for God's glory and that we must glorify him always. We must live our entire lives before the face of God, under the authority of God and for his glory alone. It is denied that we can properly glorify God if our worship is confused with entertainment, if we neglect either Law or Gospel in our preaching, or if self-improvement, self-esteem or self- fulfillment are allowed to become alternatives to the gospel.
Election is God's eternal choice of some persons to eternal life - not because of foreseen merit or faith in them, but because of His mercy in Christ. Those who have been predestined to be saved are in due time called, justified, sanctified, and glorified.
J. EFFECTUAL CALLING AND REGENERATION
By His Holy Spirit and through His Word, God calls us into fellowship with His Son Jesus Christ. By this divine work, He enlightens our minds, recreates us in and to newness of life, and renews our wills and affections by the Holy Spirit.
K. REPENTANCE
Repentance is a saving grace. The repentant person is convicted of the evil of his sin by the Holy Spirit. Repentance involves a humbling of oneself, self-abhorrence, exhibition of godly sorrow for and hatred of sin, and a purpose to walk before God so as to please Him in all things. Repentance is to continue through the whole course of the believer's life.
L. FAITH
Faith is a saving grace. By faith, we receive and rest upon Jesus Christ alone for salvation as He is freely offered to us in the gospel. Faith is also a grace by which we believe the Word of God to be true and seek to apply its teachings to ourselves.
M. JUSTIFICATION
Justification is an act of God's free grace whereby He pardons our sins and accounts us righteous in His sight. Justification is based not on anything we have done but only on Christ's righteousness as imputed to us and received by faith alone. Thus justification is a declarative and forensic act of imputed righteouness, not a process wherein we acquire righteousness before God due to our own sanctification. Justification is by faith in Christ's work alone, not faith in Christ's work plus something the believer does. By no means is justification conferred in baptism.
N. ADOPTION
For the sake of His only Son, Jesus Christ, God has been pleased to make all justified persons sharers in the grace of adoption. Adoption is the means by which believers are numbered with, and enjoy the liberties and privileges of, the children of God.
O. SANCTIFICATION
Those who are united to Jesus Christ are, by regeneration, renewed in their whole nature after the image of God, and are set apart by God to share in His holiness. This is definitive sanctification. Because of the remaining effects of the former corrupt nature, there is also a progressive aspect to sanctification whereby the Holy Spirit, by virtue of indwelling the believer, promotes true holiness of life. Sin's power over the believer is broken, the evil desires to which sin gives birth are increasingly weakened, and the Christian more and more lives according to the Word of God. This is holiness without which no man will see the Lord.
P. PERSEVERANCE
Those whom God has accepted in the Beloved, effectually called and sanctified by His Spirit, and to whom He has given the precious faith of His elect, can neither totally nor finally fall from the state of grace. On the contrary, they will certainly persevere in the state of grace to the end of their lives and thus be eternally saved. This outcome is certain because God will never repent of having called them and made gifts to them. Furthermore, God continues to work in His chosen ones faith, repentance, love, joy, hope, and all the graces of the Holy Spirit that lead to immortality. Many storms and floods may arise and beat against the elect, but they will never be removed from the foundation and rock that they stand upon by faith. Nevertheless, through unbelief, temptations, allurements of the world, and indwelling sin, the sight of God's love may be temporarily hidden from them and they may fall into dreadful sins. God, however, is still the same and they shall surely be kept by the power of God unto salvation. They will enjoy their purchased possession, because they have been engraved upon the palm of His hand, and because their names have been written in the Book of Life from all eternity.
Q. THE CHURCH
The Lord Jesus Christ is the Head of the Church, which is composed of God's elect in every age. According to His commandment, Christians are to gather in local churches. To each local church He has given authority and responsibility for administering order, discipline, and worship. The officers of a church are elders and deacons. The church administers the public means of grace, which is the spiritual food that God has provided whereby Christians mature. The means of grace whereby Christ communicates to us the benefits of redemption are His ordinances, especially the proclamation and explanation of the Word of God, the administration of baptism and the Lord's Supper, and prayer.
R. BAPTISM
Baptism is an ordinance of Jesus Christ obligatory for every believer. The proper mode of baptism is by immersion in water in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. It is a symbol of the believer's union with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection. It signifies the washing away of sins and is a prerequisite to church membership.
S. THE LORD'S SUPPER
The Lord's Supper is an ordinance of Jesus Christ and is to be observed by His church until He returns. It is to be administered with the elements of bread and the fruit of the vine. It is in no sense a re-sacrifice of Christ. Its purpose is to commemorate Christ's death, confirm the everlasting covenant in Christ's blood, and strengthen union with Christ in His love as well as union and communion with other believers. Unforgiveness between members and unconfessed sin should be dealt with before coming to the Lord's table.
T. EVANGELISM AND MISSIONS
It is the duty of every church and every Christian to extend the gospel to all men everywhere. As faith comes by hearing the Word of God, we are to seek by all methods sanctioned in Scripture to persuade men to seek Jesus Christ and His salvation.
U. THE LAW OF GOD
God has commanded us to love him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength and to love our neighbors as ourselves. This is the summary of God's Law (Luke 10:25-27). The Ten Commandments (as given to Moses in Ex. 20:1-21) especially articulate the moral law of God. This moral law, which is expressed in the precepts of Scripture as a whole, provides the Christian with a guide for life. We affirm the perpetuity of the moral law, including the continuing validity of the Fourth Commandment. A man is not justified by the works of the Law, but only through faith in Christ Jesus (Ga. 2:16); even so, we reject antinomianism or any other teaching which claims that God's moral laws are not binding upon believers today (Matt. 5:17-19). The Old Testament ceremonial laws, having been fulfilled in Jesus Christ, do not bind the consciences of believers today. Principles embodied in Old Testament civil laws are timeless, but their specific applications were to the covenanted nation of Israel.
V. WORSHIP
The light of nature shows that there is a God, who has lordship and sovereignty over all; is just, good and does good unto all; and is therefore to be feared, loved, praised, called upon, trusted in, and served, with all the heart and all the soul, and with all one's might. However, the acceptable way of worshipping the true God is instituted by Himself and so limited by His own revealed will that He may not be worshipped according to the imaginations and devices of men, nor the suggestions of Satan, under any visible representations, or any other way not prescribed in the Holy Scriptures.
W. THE STATE
Civil government is ordained of God. It is the duty of Christians to obey those who have rule over them in all matters consistent with the teaching of Scripture. Christians are also to pray for their rulers.
X. THE RETURN OF CHRIST
We believe in the single, personal, visible, and bodily return of our Lord Jesus Christ in glory at the last day to raise all men from the dead for the final and general judgment. This will be immediately followed by the creation of the new heavens and the new earth. The wicked shall then go into everlasting punishment in hell and the righteous into life eternal in heaven, which is the eternal state.
Y. RESURRECTION
The bodies of men after death return to dust but their spirits return immediately to God - the righteous to rest with Him, the wicked to be reserved under darkness until the judgment. The bodies of all the dead, both just and unjust, will be raised.
Z. THE JUDGMENT
God has appointed a day in which He will judge the world by Jesus Christ, when everyone shall receive according to his deed. The wicked will go into everlasting punishment in Hell with the devil and his angels. The righteous, with glorified bodies, will live and reign with Christ forever.
We affirm Sovereign Grace
The Bible tells us what we are to believe about God and what duty He requires of us. It is God's complete and final revelation to us; therefore, we must not add to it or subtract from it. We believe that the Bible is sufficient to 'thoroughly equip' us for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:17) We believe that the Bible (the revelation given to us through the apostles and the prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone) is the foundation of the church that has already been laid. The church's foundation is complete and sufficient. Therefore, special revelation in the form of visions, dreams, tongues, or prophecies have ceased.
However, we live in a day of doctrinal vagueness and confusion, so we need to be clear about what we believe the Bible teaches. We have a written Baptist Confession of Faith that clearly states what the Scriptures teach. We do not hold this Confession of Faith as equal to or above Scriptures, but as an accurate expression of the system of doctrine taught in Scriptures. As such, it is a great help in our faith, both as an assistance in controversy and as an instrument of edification and instruction.
One particular doctrine we believe is that God is absolutely sovereign over all things. We believe salvation is accomplished by the sovereign work of God, who planned, initiates, and executes His plan of redemption without failure or contingency. Salvation is of the Lord. The Bible teaches that man, because of sin, stands guilty and condemned before God's Law; he has a corrupt heart and is alienated from God; and, worst of all, he can do nothing to save himself from God's wrath or to reconcile him with God.
The good news of the Gospel is that God alone has undertaken to do all that is necessary to deliver man from his awful condition. The Triune God plans, accomplishes and applies redemption. God the Father unconditionally elects, Jesus Christ, the Son of God, redeems by His atoning death, and the Holy Spirit effectually calls and enables sinners to come to Christ. Salvation, from beginning to end, is 'of the Lord' (Jonah 2:9), therefore God receives all of the glory. Man receives none.
The only true gospel is that which gives all glory to God alone, as is taught in the scriptures. The gospel of God's grace, put simply, teaches that every aspect of man's salvation can be traced back to God's divine and initiating work of grace in the life of sinners. In grace God chose us, foreknew us, elected us, predestined us, called us, justified us, sanctified us, and will glorify us! Ephesians 1:4-6 says, "According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved."
Grace originated in the person of God the Father, was manifested and exercised in the person and work of Jesus Christ, and is extended and applied to us by the work of the Holy Spirit! Grace is extended to people who are altogether unworthy to experience it. Grace is unmerited favor. It cannot be bought, earned, or won by man or woman in any way!
Ultimately, the gospel of God's grace reminds us that the work of salvation is a work that is designed to direct all glory to God and Him alone. The end of grace is that He might be known and glorified for the wonder, the wisdom, the beauty, and the utter attractiveness of His grace!
The Sovereign Grace of the Gospel of Jesus Christ preached in the Holy Spirit is necessary to glorify God. The purpose of God in saving sinners through Jesus Christ is to glorify Himself.
We affirm the Five Solas
Scripture Alone (Sola Scriptura) The inerrant Scripture (the Bible) is the sole source of written divine revelation, which alone can bind the conscience. The Bible alone teaches all that is necessary for our salvation from sin and is the standard by which all Christian behavior must be measured. It is denied that any creed, council or individual may bind a Christian's conscience, that the Holy Spirit speaks independently of or contrary to what is set forth in the Bible, or that personal spiritual experience can ever be a vehicle of revelation.
Scripture Alone (Sola Scriptura) The inerrant Scripture (the Bible) is the sole source of written divine revelation, which alone can bind the conscience. The Bible alone teaches all that is necessary for our salvation from sin and is the standard by which all Christian behavior must be measured. It is denied that any creed, council or individual may bind a Christian's conscience, that the Holy Spirit speaks independently of or contrary to what is set forth in the Bible, or that personal spiritual experience can ever be a vehicle of revelation.
Faith Alone (Sola Fide) Justification is by grace alone through faith alone because of Christ alone. In justification Christ's righteousness is imputed to us as the only possible satisfaction of God's perfect justice. Our justification does not rest on any merit to be found in us, nor upon the grounds of an infusion of Christ's righteousness in us, nor that an institution claiming to be a church that denies or condemns sola fide can be recognized as a legitimate church.
Christ Alone (Solus Christus) Our salvation is accomplished by the mediatorial work of the historical Christ alone. His sinless life and substitutionary atonement alone are sufficient for our justification and reconciliation to the Father. It is denied that the gospel is preached if Christ's substitutionary work is not declared and faith in Christ and his work is not solicited.
Grace Alone (Sola Gratia) In salvation we are rescued from God's wrath by his grace alone. It is the supernatural work of the Holy Spirit that brings us to Christ by releasing us from our bondage to sin and raising us from spiritual death to spiritual life. It is denied that salvation is in any sense a human work. Human methods, techniques or strategies by themselves cannot accomplish this transformation. Faith is not produced by our unregenerated human nature.
Glory to God Alone (Soli Deo Gloria) It is affirmed that because salvation is of God and has been accomplished by God, it is for God's glory and that we must glorify him always. We must live our entire lives before the face of God, under the authority of God and for his glory alone. It is denied that we can properly glorify God if our worship is confused with entertainment, if we neglect either Law or Gospel in our preaching, or if self-improvement, self-esteem or self- fulfillment are allowed to become alternatives to the gospel.
Ephesians 3:21, "Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen."
We affirm the Doctrines of Grace
The Doctrines of Grace are a systematic expression of the faith once delivered to the saints. Specifically, an expression of that portion of the faith which relates to God’s gracious work in redeeming fallen men from the condemnation of sin. The Doctrines of Grace are not a creedal statement. They are not an addition or a substitute for the systematic, doctrinal, expositional teaching of the entire counsel of God’s holy word.
By affirming the Sovereignty of God, we accept the Bible’s teaching that God is the Creator, Sustainer, Redeemer and Disposer of all that is. His Sovereignty is universal and absolute over all his creatures. He is subject to none. He is influenced by none. He does as he pleases, only as he pleases, and always as he pleases. None can frustrate him. None can resist him. None can change him. None can stop him. None can hinder him. God sits upon the throne of universal dominion, decreeing all things, directing all things, ruling all things, and working all things with infinite holiness, goodness and wisdom after the counsel of his own will for his glory and for the good of his elect.
1. Total Depravity
- The Scriptures clearly teach that the effects of sin have extended to all parts of our being, rendering us incapable of spiritual understanding and love towards God. Despite the heading of this first article, it does not indicate that all people are as wicked as they could possibly be in all areas of belief and practice. However, sin has so fully and deeply affected our lives that, spiritually speaking, we are in a totally hopeless condition, unable to do anything to get ourselves out of this fallen state.
Our natural spiritual incapacity prevents us from being able to respond by our own strength to the call of the gospel message, yet this does not remove our guilt. We choose to follow the natural inclinations of our depraved hearts because when left to ourselves that is all we want to do.
Scripture references: Ephesians 4:18; 1 Corinthians 2:14; Romans 1:30; John 15:25; Luke 19:14; John 5:40; Isaiah 5:20; Titus 1:15; Deuteronomy 32:18; Hebrews 2:1; John 12:39; John 6:44,65; John 3:18.- 2. Unconditional Election
- God has shown us in his Word that from eternity past he has elected some sinners to be saved from the condemnation that is justly deserved by all, purely on account of his gracious mercy and love, not because of any foreseen merits in those sinners. Because of the fact of total depravity, salvation must originate with God, and we read in the Bible that it is God's sovereign will alone that has determined the recipients of that salvation.
This doctrine does not render God unjust, for all are guilty and all deserve to suffer God's judgement. Rather, it emphasises the grace of God by the fact that he has chosen some for salvation.
Scripture references: Psalm 65:4; 2 Thessalonians 2:13; Romans 9:11; Ephesians 1:4,5,9,11; Romans 11:5; Romans 9:15,23; Psalm 103:11; 1 Peter 1:2-3; 1 Thessalonians 5:9; Jonah 2:9.- 3. Particular Redemption (or Limited Atonement)
- Put simply, Christ died only to save the elect, securing with absolute certainty their salvation. This is not to teach that there is anything lacking in the power of God, perhaps suggesting that he is not able to save all men. Rather, God's Word indicates that it was the Father's intention that his Son was to suffer and die only for his chosen people, atoning for their sins alone. Christ's atonement was limited only in extent, not in power, according to the sovereign will of God.
In the Bible we read that the Lord's servant (Jesus) would see the results of his work (his atoning sacrifice) and "be satisfied" (Isaiah 53:11). But also, Jesus stated plainly that there are many who are heading for eternal destruction (Matthew 7:13). We can only reconcile these two statements if we understand that Christ died only for a limited number of people - for God's elect.
Scripture references: Acts 20:28; John 3:14+15; Galatians 1:4-5; Revelation 13:8; John 6:38-39; John 17:9,10,24; John 10:11; 1 Peter 2:21; Romans 5:8-10; 1 Thessalonians 1:10; Romans 8:33-34; Luke 1:68; Revelation 5:9; Isaiah 53:11.- 4. Irresistible Grace
- When the gospel is preached, an invitation is issued by the Lord to all people to come to him for salvation. However, as the first article clearly states, the natural state of all people renders them incapable of responding to this invitation, except to reject it. So when God calls an elect sinner to repentance and faith in Christ Jesus, he does so by sending his Holy Spirit to work a great change in that sinner's heart, enabling them to see their sin and their need of a saviour and leading them to put their faith in Christ alone for salvation. The Lord, by his Spirit, irresistibly draws his elect to himself, raising them to spiritual life and making them willing to trust in Jesus.
Scripture references: Matthew 11:28-30; John 6:37; Matthew 23:37; John 5:40; Ephesians 1:12,19; Ezekiel 11:19-20; Psalm 110:3; 2 Thessalonians 1:11. - 5. Perseverance of the Saints
- Once God has saved elect sinners, he continues to keep and preserve them by his power and grace and will never let them go. Thus, they persevere to the end and can never be lost. If God did not do this, we would inevitably turn back again to the world, because of the sin that is around us and within us. Thus God enables his children to continue in faith and obedience throughout their earthly lives, then to pass into God's presence forever.
- This doctrine is not to be taken as a license to go on sinning, as if the believer is free to act in any way he chooses now that he is eternally secure in Christ Jesus. The true believer will show signs of a growing desire for holiness and an increasing loathing of sin. The one who attempts to use the grace of God as an excuse for sinful living is in all probability not a true believer, for where there is spiritual life, the fruit of the Spirit will become evident.
Scripture references: 1 Peter 1:5; James 4:6; Philippians 1:6,19; John 6:39; John 10:28-29; Romans 8:38-39; Romans 8:8; Galatians 5:13-26.
"But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they." - Acts 15:11
The Solemn Church Covenant of 1689
"We who desire to walk together in the fear of the Lord, do, through the assistance of His Holy Spirit, profess our deep and serious humiliation for all our transgressions.
And we do solemnly, in the presence of God and of each other, in the sense of our own unworthiness, give up ourselves to the Lord in a church state, according to the apostolic constitution, that He may be our God, and we may be His people, through the everlasting covenant of His free grace, in which alone we hope to be accepted by Him, through His blessed Son Jesus Christ, whom we take to be our High Priest, to justify and sanctify us, and our Prophet to teach us; and to be subject to Him as our Law-giver, and the King of Saints; and to conform to all His holy laws and ordinances, for our growth, establishment, and consolation; that we may be as a holy spouse unto Him, and serve Him in our generation, and wait for His second appearance, as our glorious Bridegroom.
Being fully satisfied in the way of church-communion, and the truth of grace in some good measure upon one another's spirits, we do solemnly join ourselves together in a holy union and fellowship, humbly submitting to the discipline of the Gospel, and all holy duties required of a people in such a spiritual relation.
1. We do promise and engage to walk in all holiness, godliness, humility, and brotherly love, as much as in us lieth to render our communion delightful to God, comfortable to ourselves, and lovely to the rest of the Lord's people.
2. We do promise to watch over each other's conversations, and not to suffer sin upon one another, so far as God shall discover it to us, or any of us; and to stir up one another to love and good works; to warn, rebuke, and admonish one another with meekness, according to the rules left to us of Christ in that behalf.
3. We do promise in a special manner to pray for one another, and for the glory and increase of this church, and for the presence of God in it, and the pouring forth of His Spirit on it, and His protection over it to His glory.
4. We do promise to bear one another's burdens, to cleave to one another, and to have a fellow-feeling with one another, in all conditions both outward and inward, as God in His providence shall cast any of us into.
5. We do promise to bear with one another's weaknesses, failings, and infirmities, with much tenderness, not discovering them to any without the Church, nor any within, unless according to Christ's rule, and the order of the Gospel provided in that case.
6. We do promise to strive together for the truth of the Gospel and purity of God's ways and ordinances, to avoid causes, and causers of division, endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. [Ephesians 4:3].
7. We do promise to meet together on Lord's-days, and at other times, as the Lord shall give us opportunities, to serve and glorify God in the way of His worship, to edify one another, and to contrive the good of His church.
8. We do promise according to our ability (or as God shall bless us with the good things of this world) to communicate to our pastor or minister, God having ordained that they that preach the Gospel should live of the Gospel. (And now can anything lay a greater obligation upon the conscience than this covenant, what then is the sin of such who violate it?)
These and all other Gospel duties we humbly submit unto, promising and purposing to perform, not in our own strength, being conscious of our own weakness, but in the power and strength of the blessed God, Whose we are, and Whom we desire to serve. To Whom be glory now and for evermore. Amen."