DOCTRINAL DISTINCTIVES
DOCTRINAL DISTINCTIVES
Note: Our Statement of Faith sets forth our beliefs in greater detail, as does the London Baptist Confession of 1689, with which we are in substantial agreement. We hold that both of these documents are subordinate to Scripture and amendable.
We proclaim the gospel that we are saved by God’s grace alone through faith alone in the finished work of Christ alone. We believe sinners are fully and finally justified the moment they believe in Christ and no additional obedience is required to maintain that justification. (Romans 3:21-26; Ephesians 2:8-9)
We acknowledge the supreme authority of Holy Scripture. We believe the Bible, as it was composed in the original Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek, to be the only inspired, inerrant, infallible, and authoritative Word of God.
We also believe that the Scriptures are sufficient, in that they provide everything necessary for life and godliness. The answers to human spiritual needs are contained in the Scriptures, not worldly philosophies or psychologies. (II Timothy 3:16-17)
God is sovereign in salvation. He has chosen us before the foundation of the world, solely based upon His grace (Ephesians 1:4, 11). Christ came into the world to save those whom the Father has chosen and given to the Son (John 10:11, 27-29; 17:6; Galatians 2:20; Ephesians 5:25). We, by nature, were totally depraved and would never have sought Him if He had not irresistibly drawn us to Himself (Romans 3:10-11; 8:7-8; John 6:37, 44).
We also believe that people are completely responsible for the choices they make. The gospel is freely offered to all (Matthew 11:28-30), and whoever believes on the Lord Jesus Christ shall be saved (Acts 16:30-33; Romans 10:9-13).
The relationship between God’s sovereignty and human responsibility is a mystery to finite creatures. Both of these truths are taught by the Scriptures, and we wholeheartedly embrace them both.
Baptism is a sign and seal of our union with Christ in his death, burial, and resurrection, and is only appropriately performed on someone who has made a personal profession of faith in Christ (Romans 6:3-4). Full immersion is the preferred method, consistent with the New Testament practice (Mark 1:10-11; Acts 8:36-40).