Statement of Faith
Adapted from the New Hampshire Confession of Faith 1833
1
The Scriptures
We believe that the 66 books of 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, dogma and opinions should be tried. It is the only infallible, sufficient and authoritative rule of faith and practice for followers of Christ.
4
Of The Fall Of Man
We believe that Man was created in holiness, under the law of his Maker; but by choice 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.
7
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 affectionate, repentant, 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 involves him in condemnation.
10
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 unrestricted work 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.
13
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 genuine 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.
16
Of The Christian Sabbath
We believe that the first day of the week is the Lord’s Day, or Christian Sabbath; celebrating the death and resurrection of Christ; that the day should be especially set aside for believers for sacred religious purposes by the devout observance of all the means of grace, both private and public; namely to gather together for worship by means of preaching and teaching God’s Word, prayer, giving and fellowship and by preparation for that rest that remain for the people of God.
19
Of The World To Come
We believe in the personal, glorious, and bodily return of our Lord Jesus Christ with his holy angels, when he will exercise his role as final Judge, and his kingdom will be consummated.
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.
2
Of The True God
We believe that there is one, and only one, living and true God, an infinite, intelligent Spirit, who is the Maker and Supreme Ruler of heaven and earth; inexpressibly glorious in holiness, and worthy of all possible honor, confidence, and love.We believe in the unity of the Godhead there are three persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit; equal in every divine perfection, and performing distinct but harmonious offices in the great work of redemption.
5
Of The Way Of Salvation
We believe that the salvation of sinners is wholly of grace; and not a result of works. That through the mediatorial offices of the Son of God; who by the appointment of the Father, freely took upon him the nature of man, yet without sin; honored the divine law by his personal obedience, and by his death made a full compensation for our sins; that having risen from the dead he is now enthroned in heaven; and intercedes for his children, He is a compassionate, and an all-sufficient Savior.
8
Of Grace In Regeneration
We believe that, in order to be saved, sinners must be regenerated, or born again; that regeneration is brought through by the power of the Holy Spirit, in connection with divine truth, so as to secure our obedience to the gospel; and that its proper evidence appears in the fruits of repentance, and faith, and newness of life.
11
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. Sanctification is completely the work of the Holy Spirit which is evident outwardly of the changes that take place within the heart and mind of a christian.
14
Of A Gospel Church
We believe that a visible church of Christ is a congregation of baptized believers, and whose lives give evidence of conversion, 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 Pastors (Bishops/Elders/Overseers), and Deacons, whose qualifications, claims, and duties are defined in the Epistles to Timothy and Titus.
17
Of Civil Government
We believe that Civil Government is of Divine appointment, for the interests and good order of human society; and that judges 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.
3
Deity of Jesus Christ
We believe in the deity of our Lord Jesus Christ, his virgin birth, his sinless life, vicarious death on the cross and atonement through his shed blood, his bodily resurrection, his ascension, and he is the only Saviour of mankind and only through him can the sinful man be saved and come to be in a relationship with the one true God until his personal return in power and glory.
6
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.
9
Of Repentance And Faith
We believe that Repentance and Faith are sacred duties, and also inseparable graces, shaped 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 genuine repentance, confession, and supplication for mercy; at the same time wholeheartedly receiving the Lord Jesus Christ as our Prophet, Priest and King, and relying on Him alone as the only and all sufficient Savior.
12
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.
15
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.
18
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.