ARTICLES OF FAITH
1. The Triune God
There is one eternally existent, infinite God, Sovereign of the universe; that He only is God, creative and
administrative, holy in nature, attributes, and purpose; that He, as God, is Triune in essential being, revealed as Father,
Son, and Holy Spirit.
(Genesis 1; Leviticus 19:2; Deuteronomy 6:4-5; Isaiah 5:16; 6:1-7; 40:18-31; Matthew 3:16-17; 28:19-20;
John 14:6-27; 1 Corinthians 8:6; II Corinthians 13:14; Galatians 4:4-6; Ephesians 2:13-18)
2. Jesus Christ
Jesus Christ, the Second Person of the Triune Godhead, was eternally one with the Father;
that He became incarnate by the Holy Spirit and was born of the Virgin Mary, so that two whole and perfect natures, that is
to say the Godhead and manhood, are thus united in one Person very God and very man, the God-man.
Jesus Christ died for our sins, and He truly arose from the dead and took again His body, together with all things
pertaining to the perfection of man's nature, wherewith He ascended into heaven and is there engaged in intercession for us.
(Matthew 1:20-25; 16:15-16; Luke 1:26-35; John 1:1-18; Acts 2:22-36; Romans 8:3, 32-34; Galatians 4:4-5;
Philippians 2:5-11; Colossians 1:12-22; 1 Timothy 6:14-16; Hebrews 1:1-5; 7:22-28; 9:24-28; 1 John 1:1-3; 4:2-3, 15)
3. The Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit, the Third Person of the Triune Godhead, is ever present and efficiently
active in and with the Church of Christ, convincing the world of sin, regenerating those who repent and believe, sanctifying
believers, and guiding into all truth as it is in Jesus.
(John 7:39; 14:15-18, 26; 16:7-15; Acts 2:33; 15:8-9; Romans 8:1-27; Galatians 3:1-14; 4:6; Ephesians
3:14-21; 1 Thessalonians 4:7-8; II Thessalonians 2:13; 1 Peter 1:2; 1 John 3:24; 4:13)
4. The Holy Scriptures
The divine inspiration of the Holy Scriptures is the concept by which we understand the
66 books of the Old and New Testaments to be completely "God-breathed." The Bible inerrantly reveals the will of God
concerning us in all things necessary to our salvation, so that whatever is not contained therein is not to be included as
an article of faith. The Bible was divinely inspired and inerrant in the original autographs and there is nothing therein
that was not placed there by the Holy Spirit's inspiration. The Bible does not just merely contain the Word of God - it is
the Word of God. The Bible was verbally inspired by the Spirit as He worked through the various human agents involved with
writing down the books of the Bible.
(Luke 24:44-47; John 10:35; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4; II Timothy 3:15-17; 1 Peter 1:10-12; II Peter
1:20-21)
5. Sin - Original and Personal
It is understood that sin came into the world through the disobedience of our first parents,
and death by sin. Sin is of two kinds: original sin or depravity, and actual or personal sin.
Original sin, or depravity, is that corruption of the nature of all the offspring of Adam by
reason of which everyone is very far gone from original righteousness or the pure state of our first parents at the time of
their creation, is averse to God, is without spiritual life, and inclined to evil, and that continually.
Actual or personal sin is a voluntary violation of a known law of God by a morally responsible
person. It is therefore not to be confused with involuntary and inescapable shortcomings, infirmities, faults, mistakes, failures,
or other deviations from a standard of perfect conduct that are the residual effects of the Fall. However, such innocent effects
do not include attitudes or responses contrary to the spirit of Christ, which may properly be called sins of the spirit.
Personal sin is primarily and essentially a violation of the law of love; and that in relation to Christ sin may be defined
as unbelief. The Bible teaches us that sin is lawlessness, which is essentially falling short of God's standard.
Personal imperfections are not called "sin" in the Bible. Sin must be identified as disobedience against God and His ways
- a rebellion of the human heart against the heart of God.
It is also understood that all people have sinned and, as a result, fall short
of God's glory. There is no one who is naturally righteous and good, no one naturally seeks God or His goodness. Sin places
us at enmity with God and all people are in this position until they come to Christ for redemption from the natural sinful
condition.
(Original sin: Genesis 3; 6:5; Job 15:14; Psalm 51:5; Jeremiah 17:9-10; Mark
7:21-23; Romans 1:18-25; 5:12-14; 7:1-8:9; 1 Corinthians 3:1-4; Galatians 5:16-25; 1 John 1:7-8)
(Personal sin: Matthew 22:36-40 {with 1 John 3:4}; John 8:34-36; 16:8-9; Romans 3:23; 6:15-23; 8:18-24;
14:23; 1 John 1:9-2:4; 3:7-10)
6. Atonement
Jesus Christ, by His sufferings, by the shedding of His own blood, and by His sacrificial
death on the Cross, made a full atonement for all human sin, and that this Atonement is the only ground of salvation, and
that it is sufficient for every individual of Adam's race. The Atonement is graciously effective for the salvation of the rebellious
and for the children in innocency but is effective for the salvation of those who reach the age of responsibility only when
they repent and believe.
(Isaiah 53:5-6, 11; Mark 10:45; Luke 24:46-48; John 1:29; 3:14-17; Acts 4:10-12; Romans 3:21-26; 4:17-25;
5:6-21; 1 Corinthians 6:20; II Corinthians 5:14-21; Galatians 1:3-4; 3:13-14; Colossians 1:19-23; 1 Timothy 2:3-6; Titus
2:11-14; Hebrews 2:9; 9:11-14; 13:12; 1 Peter 1:18-21; 2:19-25; 1 John 2:1-2)
7. Grace
The human race's creation in Godlikeness included ability to choose between right and wrong,
and that thus human beings were made morally responsible; that through the fall of Adam they became depraved so that they
cannot now turn and prepare themselves by their own natural strength and works to faith and calling upon God. But it
is also understood from Scripture that the grace of God through Jesus Christ is freely bestowed upon all people, enabling
all who will to turn from sin to righteousness, believe on Jesus Christ for pardon and cleansing from sin, and follow good
works pleasing and acceptable in His sight.
Therefore, it is by God's grace that we are saved and reconciled unto Him for all eternity.
It is this same grace that enables us to live the Christian life and do the good works to which we are called in Christ Jesus.
Works do not save us, but they do come as part of the salvation we receive in our Lord. Such works are a result of our salvation,
not the cause of it.
(Romans 5:17-21; Ephesians 2:5-8; II Thessalonians 2:16; Titus 2:11)
8. Repentance
Repentance, which is a sincere and thorough change of the mind in regard to sin, involving
a sense of personal guilt and a voluntary turning away from sin, is demanded of all who have by act or purpose become sinners
against God. The Spirit of God gives to all who will repent the gracious help of penitence of heart and hope of mercy, that
they may believe unto pardon and spiritual life.
(II Chronicles 7:14; Psalms 32:5-6; 51:1-17; Isaiah 55:6-7; Jeremiah 3:12-14; Ezekiel 18:30-32; 33:14-16;
Mark 1:14-15; Luke 3:1-14; 13:1-5; 18:9-14; Acts 2:38; 3:19; 5:31; 17:30-31; 26:16-18; Romans 2:4; II Corinthians 7:8-11;
1 Thessalonians 1:9; II Peter 3:9)
9. Justification, Regeneration and Adoption
Justification is the gracious and judicial act of God by which He grants full pardon of all
guilt and complete release from the penalty of sins committed, and acceptance as righteous, to all who believe on Jesus Christ
and receive Him as Lord and Savior.
Regeneration, or the new birth, is that gracious work of God whereby the moral nature of the
repentant believer is spiritually quickened and given a distinctively spiritual life, capable of faith, love, and obedience.
Adoption is that gracious act of God by which the justified and regenerated believer is constituted
a son of God.
It is understood from Scripture that justification, regeneration, and adoption are simultaneous
in the experience of seekers after God and are obtained upon the condition of faith, preceded by repentance; and that to this
work and state of grace the Holy Spirit bears witness.
(Luke 18:14; John 1:12-13; 3:3-8; 5:24; Acts 13:39; Romans 1:17; 3:21-26, 28; 4:5-9, 17-25; 5:1, 16-19;
6:4; 7:6; 8:1, 15-17; 1 Corinthians 1:30; 6:11; II Corinthians 5:17-21; Galatians 2:16-21; 3:1-14, 26; 4:4-7; Ephesians
1:6-7; 2:1, 4-5; Philippians 3:3-9; Colossians 2:13; Titus 3:4-7; 1 Peter 1:23; 1 John 1:9; 3:1-2, 9; 4:7; 5:1, 9-13, 18)
10. Santification
Sanctification is that act of God, subsequent to regeneration, by which believers are made
free from the power of original sin, or depravity, and brought into a state of Godly living where personal sin can be overcome.
In this condition, the believer is no longer a slave to sin, but has the power to rise above it. This does not mean that the
believer is now sinless and can never sin again. It simply means that we now have the ability to live for the Lord and, with
His empowerment, follow His ways and do what He commands.
Sanctification is wrought by the power of the Holy Spirit and empowers the believer for life and service.
The Christian must submit to the sanctifiying work of the Spirit, which brings the ability to actually live out the precepts
of Scripture. The Holy Spirit sanctifies in both position and experience. Initial sanctification comes at the moment of the
new birth when the Holy Spirit comes to dwell in the heart. This puts us in a holy position before the Lord, but does not
necessarily bring about a devoted, holy life. There is also the concept of experiencing sanctification as an abiding experience.
This is the type of sanctifying work of the Spirit that brings about the holy life God requires of His children. Since the
Bible speaks of sanctification in both past and present terms it must be understood that we are made holy in both
position and personal experience. In short, sanctification enables us to follow the teachings of Christ and to be His
friends by doing what He commands.
Initial sanctification received at the point of conversion is provided by the blood of Jesus and comes instantaneously
by faith. Abiding sanctification is a continuing work in the heart of the believer by the Holy Spirit. This
particular work of the Spirit begins instantaneously upon our surrender to the Lord's power, but it does not mean that
there is no continued "growth in grace." Receiving personal sanctification from the Holy Spirit moves a Christian
from mere positional holiness in the sight of God to actual holiness in day-to-day living. In personal sanctification
holiness is no longer theoretical, but practical. In this experience holiness is "fleshed out" in practical ways in daily
living as we live out the teachings of Scripture. Without such an experience the Christian is not equipped to be obedient
to the instructions of God's Word. It is the work of God's Spirit to sanctify us through and through and that
this work can mean nothing less than bestowing us with the power and ability to live by the standard of Scripture.
Matthew 5:1-7:29; John 15:1-14; Romans 12:1-15:3; 2 Corinthians 7:1; Ephesians 4:17-5:20; Philippians
1:9-11; 3:12-15; Colossians 2:20-3:17; 1 Thessalonians 3:13; 4:7-8; 5:23; II Timothy 2:19-22; Hebrews 10:19-25; 12:14;
13:20-21; 1 Peter 1:15-16; II Peter 1:1-11; 3:18; Jude 20-21)
11. The Church
The Church is the community that confesses Jesus Christ as Lord, the covenant people of
God made new in Christ, the Body of Christ called together by the Holy Spirit through the Word. The Church is the
collection of redeemed souls no matter where they may be found. This would not include anyone who belongs to other religions,
quasi-Christian groups and cults that deny the main tenets of our faith. We must acknowledge, as being a part of the Church,
all souls who confess Christ as Lord and who live for Him regardless of the denomination with which they affiliate.
God calls the Church to express its life in the unity and fellowship of the Spirit; in worship through the preaching of
the Word, observance of the sacraments, and ministry in His name; by obedience to Christ and mutual accountability.
It is understood that the mission of the Church in the world is to continue the redemptive work of Christ in the power
of the Spirit through holy living, evangelism, discipleship, and service.
The Church is a historical reality, which organizes itself in culturally conditioned forms; exists both as local congregations
and as a universal body; sets apart persons called of God for specific ministries. God calls the Church to live under His
rule in anticipation of the consummation at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
(Exodus 19:3; Jeremiah 31:33; Matthew 8:11; 10:7; 16:13-19, 24; 18:15-20; 28:19-20; John 17:14-26; 20:21-23;
Acts 1:7-8; 2:32-47; 6:1-2; 13:1; 14:23; Romans 2:28-29; 4:16; 10:9-15; 11:13-32; 12:1-8; 15:1-3; 1 Corinthians 3:5-9; 7:17;
11:1, 17-33; 12:3, 12-31; 14:26-40; II Corinthians 5:11-6:1; Galatians 5:6, 13-14; 6:1-5, 15; Ephesians 4:1-17; 5:25-27;
Philippians 2:1-16; 1 Thessalonians 4:1-12; 1 Timothy 4:13; Hebrews 10:19-25; 1 Peter 1:1-2, 13; 2:4-12, 21; 4:1-2, 10-11;
1 John 4:17; Jude 24; Revelation 5:9-10)
12. Baptism
Christian baptism, commanded by our Lord, is a sacrament signifying acceptance of the benefits
of the atonement of Jesus Christ, to be administered to believers and declarative of their faith in Jesus Christ as their
Savior, and full purpose of obedience in holiness and righteousness.
Since baptism is a symbol of the new covenant, young children may be baptized, upon request of parents or guardians
who shall give assurance for them of necessary Christian training.
Baptism may be administered by sprinkling, pouring, or immersion, according to the choice of the applicant, although most
would agree that immersion is the strongest outward sign of the inward grace that the convert has experienced. But in
cases where physical infirmity prevented such action, or denominational traditions have dictated, it is the love of Christ
that dictates acceptance of those as baptized who experienced sprinkling or pouring.
(Matthew 3:1-7; 28:16-20; Acts 2:37-41; 8:35-39; 10:44-48; 16:29-34; 19:1-6; Romans 6:3-4; Galatians 3:26-28;
Colossians 2:12; 1 Peter 3:18-22)
13. The Lord's Supper
The Memorial and Communion Supper instituted by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is essentially
a New Testament sacrament, declarative of His sacrificial death, through the merits of which believers have life and salvation
and promise of all spiritual blessings in Christ. It is distinctively for those who are prepared for reverent appreciation
of its significance, and by it they show forth the Lords death till He comes again. It being the Communion feast, only those
who have faith in Christ and love for the saints should be called to participate therein.
(Matthew 26:26-29; Mark 14:22-25; Luke 22:17-20; John 6:28-58; 1 Corinthians 10:14-21; 11:23-32)
14. Divine Healing
The Biblical doctrine of divine healing must be accepted and it is vital to urge the people
of the Church to seek to offer the prayer of faith for the healing of the sick. God can and does heal through the means
of medical science. it would be unwise to believe otherwise or to take this issue to extremes - it is obvious
that God can and does heal people of sickness, both miraculously and via the healing processes He instituted within the
body. While faith and prayer are of great importance it is also vital to believe in being responsible and unpresumptuous. It
is unwise to endorse the total forsaking of proper medical attention where needed as God has given man the ability to
develop medicine and treatments through which He can work.
(II Kings 5:1-19; Psalm 103:1-5; Matthew 4:23-24; 9:18-35; John 4:46-54; Acts 5:12-16; 9:32-42; 14:8-15;
1 Corinthians 12:4-11; II Corinthians 12:7-10; James 5:13-16)
15. Second Coming of Christ / End Times
The Lord Jesus Christ will come again; that we who are alive at His coming shall not precede
them that are asleep in Christ Jesus; but that, if we are abiding in Him, we shall be caught up with the risen saints to meet
the Lord in the air, so that we shall ever be with the Lord.
In regard to end times prophecy it would be unwise to encourage anyone to go beyond
the scope of Scripture to promote theories and notions of men. It is prudent to avoid attempting to fill in with
human ideas where Scripture is silent. It is vital to the health of the Church to have a balanced view on this subject
and not go to extraordinary extremes on prophecy.
(Matthew 25:31-46; John 14:1-3; Acts 1:9-11; Philippians 3:20-21; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Titus 2:11-14;
Hebrews 9:26-28; II Peter 3:3-15; Revelation 1:7-8; 22:7-20)
16. Resurrection
All true believers will adhear to the doctrine of the resurrection of the dead, that the
bodies both of the just and of the unjust shall be raised to life and united with their spirits-"they that have done good,
unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation."
(Matthew 10:28; Luke 14:14; John 25-26; I Corinthians 15:35-57)
17. Judgment
There will be a future judgment in which every person shall appear before God to be judged
according to his or her deeds in this life.
(Matthew 12:36; Romans 14:10; II Corinthians 5:10; II Peter 2:9)
18. Heaven and Hell
It is understood through Scripture that glorious and everlasting life is assured to all
who savingly believe in, and obediently follow, Jesus Christ our Lord; and that the finally impenitent shall suffer eternally
in hell.
(Luke 10:20; John 14:2-4; Matthew 18:12; Revelation 20:11-15)
