|
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 should be tried.
II. 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 but harmonious
offices in the great work of redemption.
III. Of The Fall Of Man
We believe that 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
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. 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 he 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.
V. Of Justification
We believe 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. 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.
VII. 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.
VIII. 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.
IX. 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
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. 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.
XI. Of The Perseverance Of Saints
We believe that such only are real believers as
endure unto 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. Of The Harmony Of The Law And The Gospel
We believe 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, arises 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. 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.
XIV. Of Baptism And The Lord's Supper
We believe 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 pre-requisite
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. Of The Christian Sabbath
We believe 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 preparation for that
rest that remaineth for the people of God.
XVI. Of Civil Government
We believe that Civil Government is of Divine
appointment, for the interests 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. Of The Righteous And The Wicked
We believe 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. Of The World To Come
We believe 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 to 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.
|
