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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.
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