Statement of Faith

I. Of the Scriptures, or Holy Bible

I believe that the Holy Bible was written by men that were supernaturally inspired. The Scriptures are the truth without any admixture of error for their matter. They are, and shall remain to the end of the age, the only complete and final revelation of the will of God to man. The Holy Bible is the true center of Christian union. The Scriptures are the only standard by which all human creeds, conducts and opinions are to be presently judged, and will be judged at the day of the LORD. I hold that the Scriptures consist of 66 Books making one Holy Bible. Moreover, that the King James Version of the Bible is the word of God for the English-speaking people.

(Psalm 119:89; Psalm 138:2; II Timothy 3:16-17; Revelation 22:18-19; John 17:17; John 3:32-34; II Peter 1:20-21; I Peter 1:10-12; Zechariah 1:1; Psalm 19:7-11; Exodus 20:3-17; Psalm 1:2; John 12:48; Psalm 12:6-7; Isaiah 8:20).

II. Of the One and Only True God

I believe that there is one, and only one, living and true God. The one true God is the LORD God as He has revealed Himself in the Scriptures. The LORD God is a self-existent, infinite, intelligent Spirit, the maker and supreme ruler of heaven and earth. As such, and by virtue of this fact, all things and persons in every place and time, both spiritual and physical are His property. He is present in all places at all times, which is from everlasting to everlasting, and nothing is or can be hid from His knowledge. The LORD God is infinite in knowledge, wisdom and understanding, and in power and presence. The LORD God is glorious in His infinite righteousness and holiness, and men and angels do owe Him all possible honor, confidence and love.

In the unity of the Godhead there are three persons, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost. These three persons are fully equal in all respects, being one in will, intent and purpose. The persons of the Godhead are all self-existent, infinite in all respects, and are all God. All were equally present and active in the creation of the heavens and the earth, and all are active in the redemption the LORD God has provided for and offers to all men everywhere at all times while this earth exists. In the great work of redemption the persons of the Godhead each voluntarily assumed offices for the purpose of effecting the reconciliation of man to Himself. These offices are called the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, and by this God is both just and the justifier of all who believe in Christ Jesus, who is God the Son.

(I Kings 18:36:39; John 4:24; Isaiah 40:25-28; Psalm 147:5; Isaiah 44:6-8; Isaiah 46:5-13; Jeremiah 10:10-16; Job 36:5-14; John 5:37-39; Luke 24:27; Jeremiah 9:23-24; Job 38:1-13; Isaiah 41:21-24; Psalm 139:1-16; Job 34:16-25; Daniel 4:34-35; Psalm 90:1-4; Numbers 23:16-20; Job 34:10-15; Mark 12:28-33; Exodus 20:1-6; Romans 1:18-23; Revelation 4:8-11; I John 5:7; Matthew 28:19-20; II Corinthians 13:14; Genesis 1:26-27; Genesis 3:22-23; Habakkuk 1:12-13; Philippians 2:5-11; John 1:1-3; Revelation 19:11-16; Hebrews 1:5-9; Colossians 2:8-9; John 14:25-26; John 16:7-15; I Corinthians 12:4-6; Romans 3:21-26; I Timothy 2:1-4; Ezekiel 33:11; Exodus 34:5-7; I Timothy 1:17).

III. Of the Lord Jesus Christ

I believe The Lord Jesus Christ is the Word fulfilling the office of the Son, and is the appointed Lamb of God. The Word is the second Person of the Godhead and is the Creator and Sustainer of all creation. The Word, when He took the office of the Son, did not lose His equality with the Father, but made Himself subject to the authority of the Father. In so doing He became the only begotten Son of God and the Lamb of God. This was done in order to effect the redemption of man, and is utterly necessary for our salvation. The Lord Jesus Christ is thus the only Saviour of man, and there exists no other means of salvation; no other means of reconciliation with God.

The fulfilling of the office of the Son in no way diminished the righteousness of the Word, neither did it reduce His power in any way. Rather, the Word voluntarily restrained His power so that He would be subject to the limitations of a physical body. In so doing, He would be like us in almost every way. The exception is that He was without the nature to sin, being not wholly a descendent of Adam as he had no earthly father, but born of a virgin. Nonetheless, the Lord Jesus Christ is fully man having the same flesh as any one else born on this earth: and that He was, and is Almighty God from eternity past, thus intrinsically righteous. He is of the same nature and character of the Father and the Holy Ghost, meaning that he had and has, the same will, intent and purpose as the Father and the Holy Ghost. It is by the Lord Jesus Christ that we can more fully understand the character and nature of the LORD God as the Lord Jesus Christ is the fullness of the Godhead bodily, or in the flesh.

Although the salvation of man is the most visible task the Word fulfills in accomplishing the office of the Son, it is only one of many. Specifically, the Lord Jesus Christ is the Judge of all men, and having lived on this earth as we live, but without sin, He is fully qualified to judge each and every person. Additionally, it is He that will present the face of God for wrath against those who are confined to the present hell and the future Lake of Fire for willful disobedience to the commandment of God.

(John 1:1-2; I John 5:7; John 8:57-58; John 10:27-30; Psalm 2:7; Hebrews 5:5; Hebrews 1:5-6; Hebrews 1:1-4; Isaiah 48:16; Genesis 3:14-15; Philippians 2:5-8; Galatians 4:3-5; Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:18-23; Micah 5:2; John 1:29; I Corinthians 5:7-8; Exodus 12:3-10; Job 19:23-27; Acts 3:18-24; Colossians 1:12-17; John 10:17-18; Acts 17:30-31; I Timothy 2:5-6; Acts 4:8-12; Colossians 2:8-9; Hebrews 4:14-15; Hebrews 2:14-17; Revelation 5:4-6; John 5:26-27; John 5:22-23; Revelation 19:11-13; Revelation 20:11-12; Psalm 139:7-8; Revelation 14:9-11)

IV. Of the Holy Ghost

I believe that the Holy Ghost is a divine person, fully equal with the Father and the Word and is of the same nature, will and intent. The Holy Ghost is infinite in power, presence and in knowledge and is from everlasting to everlasting. The Holy Ghost was present and active in the creation and is the agent in the new birth. His continuing relationship with the unbelievers in this world is to convict them of sin, of the righteousness of God, and of judgement. In His work he restrains the power and influence of the Devil until the time appointed by the LORD God for the Antichrist to rule upon the earth. He bears witness to the truth of the Gospel when it is preached and testimony of it is given.

His particular relationship with the born-again child of God begins at salvation, at which point He changes the nature of the soul by the new birth and seals them for all eternity. He indwells the child of God, and works to constantly guide the believer into the truth of the Scriptures. Upon believer’s baptism by proper authority, He endues the child of God with particular abilities for use in the New Testament church. He works in the life of the believer to help them and continually sanctify them so that they grow in knowledge and the love of Christ to the end that they become more conformed to the image of the Saviour.

(John 14:16-17; Isaiah 48:16; I John 5:7; Acts 5:1-4; Luke 1:35; Genesis 1:1-3; Genesis 6:1-3; II Thessalonians 2:7; John 16:8-11; John 15:26-27; Acts 5:30-32; Mark 12:35-37; Hebrews 3:7-9; John 3:5-8; Romans 8:5-9; Luke 24:49; Acts 1:7-8; I Corinthians 12:3-11; Luke 3:16-17; John 1:33; Acts 11:16; Acts 19:1-7; Romans 8:14-17; Ephesians 1:13-14; Romans 8:26-27; II Timothy 1:8-14; II Thessalonians 2:13-14; I Peter 1:2; John 14:26; I Corinthians 2:9-14).

V. Of the Devil, or Satan

I believe that Satan is a spiritual person who was at one time known as the angel Lucifer. He was created righteous and holy, perfect in all his ways to hold one of the highest positions in heaven: as one of the covering cherubs of the throne of God. Being created with great intelligence, wisdom, beauty and ability in music, he became full of pride, lost his righteousness, and attempted to overthrow the throne of God. In his rebellion he deceived a third of the host of heaven into following him. As a result of his rebellion, he lost his position in heaven and was cast out. Now, he is known as the Devil, the dragon, the prince of the power of the air, and the god of this world.

Though he holds no position in heaven and is utterly evil and malignant, he retains his intelligence, power, wisdom and abilities, but cannot act beyond the limits the LORD God sets upon him. Through his abilities he was able to deceive Eve and cause Adam to fall, thus by conquest, gained dominion over this world. Through the time of earth’s history he has sought to destroy all that the LORD God has done upon this earth, and has held man in bondage through fear of death. His administration of this world is marked by wars, famine, chaos, pestilence and destruction. He continuously suggests to man that there exists another way of righteousness, and by this creates false religions to play on man’s nature to rebel so that man will not turn to the Lord Jesus Christ and be reconciled unto God. Through his dominion of this world, he influences governments, societies and individuals to the end of keeping man occupied with this life and unwilling to consider his destiny. His use of the truth is ever and always a front and vehicle for a lie so that anyone heeding the truth he tells will be ensnared in the lie and is thus destroyed. He relentlessly attacks those who follow Christ and lays accusation against them before the throne of God. He has set himself to utterly destroy the people of God when he has full and total control over this world.

Though he is head of an army of fallen angels, or devils, and has kinship with everyone who hates the LORD God, he has already been defeated by the Lord Jesus Christ at Calvary. His time of existence outside the Lake of Fire is limited and set by the decree of God. His power will reach its zenith during the Great Tribulation, but will continue only for a short time and he will then be confined to the bottomless pit for one thousand years. Upon his release at the end of Christ’s one thousand year reign on the earth, he will be allowed to gather an army of those who, in their heart and soul, hate the Lord Jesus Christ and His rule over them. Nevertheless, his destruction, and the destruction of his army will be instantaneous by fire, and he and all who have followed him will be cast into the Lake of Fire to be tormented forever.

(Isaiah 14:12-20; Ezekiel 28:11-17; Revelation 12:3-4; Revelation 12:7-9; Luke 10:17-18; Jude 6; Matthew 25:41; Genesis 3:1-5; Revelation 6:1-8; Matthew 4:1-11; Job 1:6-11; Job 2:1-7; I Chronicles 21:1-3; I Corinthians 5:3-5; I Timothy 1:18-20; Deuteronomy 32:16-17; John 8:44; Ephesians 2:1-3; II Timothy 2:25-26; Luke 22:3-4; I Peter 5:8; Jude 9; I Thessalonians 3:5; II Corinthians 11:13-15; II Thessalonians 2:3-10; Mark 13:21-22; I John 4:3; Matthew 13:37-42; I John 3:8; Hebrews 2:14-15; Revelation 12:10; Daniel 7:19-26; Revelation 20:1-3; Revelation 20:7-10).

VI. Of the Creation

I believe in the Genesis account of creation, and that it is to be accepted literally, and not allegorically or figuratively; that man was created directly in God's own image and after his own likeness. I hold that all of creation was not, and is not a matter of evolution or evolutionary change of species, or development through interminable periods of time from lower to higher forms; that all animal and vegetable life was made directly, and God's established law was and is, that they should bring forth only "after their kind." Moreover, that the earth is approximately 6000 years old, and that the creation of the entire physical universe occurred in six, twenty-four hour days, and that on the seventh day the LORD rested.

(Isaiah 45:18; Genesis 1:1; Acts 4:24; Colossians 1:16-17; Hebrews 11:3; John 1:3-4; Revelation 10:5-6; Romans 1:20; Acts 17:23-26; Jeremiah 10:12; Nehemiah 9:6; Genesis 1:24-27; Genesis 2:21-23; Genesis 1:11-12; Genesis 1:24-25; Exodus 20:11; Genesis 2:1-3).

VII. Of the Fall of Man

I believe that man was created in innocence under the law of his Maker. That the LORD God created man in a righteous state. That Adam's righteousness was finite, and thus required the LORD's guidance. However, Adam voluntarily chose to transgress the command of God, and in so doing, fell from his sinless and happy state. Thus, all men, being the descendants of Adam, are born with a nature to sin, and so exercise that propensity by choice at the first opportunity. Therefore, all men are sinners, not by constraint, but by our own choosing; and therefore under just condemnation without excuse.

(Genesis 2:16-17; Genesis 3:1-6, Genesis 3:22-24; Romans 5:19; Romans 5:12-14; Psalm 14:1-3; Psalm 53:1-3; Romans 3:10-19; Romans 1:18-19; Romans 1:20-21, Romans 1:28-32; Ephesians 2:1-3; Galatians 3:21-22; Ezekiel 18:19-20).

VIII. Of the Virgin Birth

I believe that Jesus Christ was begotten of the Holy Ghost in a miraculous manner; born of Mary, a virgin, as no other man was ever born or can be born of woman, and that He is both the Son of God, and God the Son.

(Genesis 3:16; Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:18-25; Luke 1:35; Mark 1:1; John 1:14; Psalm 2:7; Galatians 4:4; I John 5:20; I Corinthians 15:47).

IX. Of the Atonement for Sin

I believe that the salvation of sinners is wholly of grace, though the mediatorial offices of the Son of God. The Lord Jesus Christ, by the appointment of the Father, freely took upon Himself our nature, yet without sin. He honored the divine law by His personal obedience, and by His death made a full and vicarious atonement for our sins. His atonement was not in setting us an example by His death as a martyr, but was the voluntary substitution of Himself in the sinner's place, the just dying for the unjust, the Lord Jesus Christ bearing our sins in His own body on the tree. And, having risen from the dead, He is now enthroned in heaven and uniting in His wonderful person the tenderest sympathies with divine perfection. He is in every way qualified to be a suitable, compassionate and all-sufficient Saviour.

(Ephesians 2:8-9; Acts 15:11; Romans 3:21-26; I Timothy 2:5-6; John 3:16-17; Matthew 18:11; Philippians 2:5-8; Hebrews 2:14-15; Isaiah 53:4-7; Romans 3:25; I John 4:10; I Corinthians 15:3; II Corinthians 5:21; John 10:17-18; Galatians 1:3-4; I Peter 2:24; 3:18; Isaiah 53:10-11; I Corinthians 15:20; Hebrews 12:2; Hebrews 1:1-3; Hebrews 9:11-15; Isaiah 53:12; Hebrews 7:25; I John 2:1-2).

X. Of Grace in the New Creation

I believe that in order to be saved, sinners must be born again. This work of God is not by coercion, but by a person's voluntary obedience to the gospel upon conviction of the Holy Ghost. This event is called the new birth and begets a new creature in Christ Jesus. Moreover, that it is instantaneous and not a process and that in the new birth the one dead in trespasses and in sins is made a partaker of the divine nature and receives eternal life, the free gift of God. This new creature is brought about in a manner above our comprehension, not by the will of man, but wholly and solely by the power of the Holy Ghost in connection with divine truth. Proper evidence of the new birth appears in the holy fruits of repentance and faith and newness of life.

(John 3:3; II Corinthians 5:17; I John 5:1; I John 3:6-7; Acts 2:41; 16:30-33; II Peter 1:4; Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:1; II Corinthians 5:19; Colossians 2:13; John 3:8; 1:12-13; Galatians 5:22; Ephesians 5:9).

XI. Of the Freeness of Salvation

I believe in the election of God's grace. Through this grace, salvation and its blessings are made free to all by the gospel. It is the incumbent and immediate duty of all to accept salvation by a cordial, penitent and obedient faith. There is nothing to prevent the salvation of the greatest sinner on earth but his own inherent depravity and voluntary rejection of the gospel. It is this rejection of the gospel which will involve him in an aggravated condemnation.

(Romans 11:5-6; I Thessalonians 1:4; Colossians 3:12; I Peter 1:2; Titus 1:1-2; Ecclesiastics 12:13-14; Mark 1:14-15; Acts 17:29-31; I Timothy 2:3-4; Romans 8:20-30; Matthew 11:28-30; Isaiah 55:1-3; Isaiah 55:5-6; Job 33:23-30; Revelation 22:17; John 3:15-16; I Timothy 1:12-15; I Corinthians 15:10; Ephesians 2:4-7; John 5:39-40; John 3:18-19; John 3:36).

XII. Of Justification

I believe that no man may stand before the LORD God, except that they are justified in His sight. Justification means that one's righteousness is equal to the righteousness of the LORD God, so that in all things one is as righteous as God. This justification is not possible, nor is it found in anyone or anything except the Lord Jesus Christ, and that by His work of atonement on the cross and subsequent resurrection. Justification is granted to all, who in repentance and faith, place their full trust and confidence in the Lord Jesus Christ and His shed blood. For one to be justified means that their sin has been pardoned, they are imputed with the righteousness of God and are granted eternal life in Christ Jesus, being born again of the Holy Ghost. All who refuse justification in Christ and determine that their work and merit are sufficient for justification will not be able to stand before the LORD in judgement and are rightly and properly condemned to everlasting torment.

(Job 25; Psalm 143:1-2; Job 40:6-8; Isaiah 43:8-11; Isaiah 45:22-25; Isaiah 53:10-12; Matthew 12:34-37; Romans 3:19-26; Romans 4:23-5:2; Romans 5:18; Titus 3:5-7; II Corinthians 5:20-21; Luke 18:9-14; Psalm 1:4-6; Isaiah 41:21-24; James 2:8-11).

XIII. Of Faith and Repentance

I believe that Faith and Repentance are granted by the grace of God, and are solemn obligations and requirements for salvation. Without faith, it is impossible to understand the truth of the word of God, or to come to God in any meaningful manner. By the instrument of faith one understands their position before the LORD God as a sinner under condemnation. Through faith, one also comes to the understanding of who the Lord Jesus Christ is, and the atonement for sin and gift of eternal life He offers. Through faith one understands that there exists no salvation outside of the Lord Jesus Christ and his sacrifice on the cross. By the grace and forbearance of God the sinner is granted repentance to be exercised unto salvation by turning away from their rebellion against God, and unbelief in His word; and turning to Christ with a desire to be reconciled to God, no longer in rebellion against His word. True faith and repentance are accompanied by the sure knowledge of one's guilt before God, danger of eternal judgement, and powerlessness to change their destiny without the Lord Jesus Christ. Whereupon one turns to God with unfeigned contrition, confession and supplication for mercy, totally trusting in the Lord Jesus Christ and His finished work on the cross at Calvary.

(Hebrews 11:6; Romans 10:17; Hebrews 11:1-3; Isaiah 1:18; John 4:10; Hebrews 4:1-2; Romans 4:13-17; II Peter 3:9; Acts 17:29-31; Luke 13:2-5; Matthew 3:7-10; Matthew 9:12-13; Luke 24:45-47; Acts 20:18-21; Mark 1:14-15; Acts 2:37-38; Acts 11:16-18; Hebrews 6:1-2; II Timothy 2:24-26; II Corinthians 7:9-10).

XIV. Of the Church

I believe that the church the Lord Jesus Christ established on this earth is a type or kind that consists of a local body of baptized believers bound together by covenant between each and every individual and the Lord Jesus Christ for the spread of the gospel and the maintenance of the doctrine of the Scriptures. As such, each and every local congregation is the New Testament church, and is the body of Christ for that locale. The church is not, and does not consist of all believers everywhere, neither does it consist of all the churches collectively or universally. The New Testament church has only one head, which is the Lord Jesus Christ Himself. Through the agency of the Holy Ghost, each and every one of the Lord's churches are administered independently.

I believe the formation of the New Testament church was accomplished by the Lord Jesus Christ Himself. The final act of its formation was its purchase on the cross by the shedding of His own blood. The New Testament church was commissioned by Christ Himself before His bodily ascension into heaven, and was empowered to perform that commission on the day of Pentecost. The commission of the New Testament church is to go unto all the world teaching and preaching to everyone that they should repent and believe the gospel, and upon repentance and obedience to the gospel, those have believed are to be baptized and taught so that they may grow in proper Scriptural doctrine for the use of the Lord in His church.

The New Testament church has only two ordained offices, which are the offices of Pastor and Deacon. The qualifications for those offices are clearly defined in Scripture and admit no substitution.

I believe it is permissible for New Testament churches to cooperate with each other in contending for the faith, the support of missionaries, and the care of widows and orphans, however they may not subvert the administration of the Holy Ghost by forming associations and boards for sending of missionaries, determination of church governance and practices, and teaching and training of church members. In all cases, every church is the authority that determines the extent and method of their cooperation with other churches, as they are led and administered by the Holy Ghost. In no case may the New Testament church join with earthly institutions or those who are not of like faith and order, regardless of the purpose. The bride of Christ is to remain chaste and pure from the world and unscriptural associations and entanglements.

I believe the true New Testament church is missionary in its endeavor, independent in form and substance, local and visible. The New Testament church exists to maintain the truth of the word of God, further the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ, and bring glory to God.

(I Timothy 3:14-15; Luke 6:12-16; Matthew 16:15-19; Acts 1:15-20; Matthew 28:16-20; Acts 1:1-8; Acts 2:1-12; Galatians 1:1-5; Hebrews 3:4-6; Romans 16:3-5; Revelation 10:10-11; Acts 20:28; Acts 2:37-41; Ephesians 5:29-30; Colossians 1:18-24; Ephesians 4:7-16; I Corinthians 12:12-28; Ephesians 5:23-27; II Corinthians 11:1-4; Acts 13:1-4; Acts 14:23; Acts 6:5-6; I Timothy 3:1-7; I Timothy 3:8-13; I Peter 5:1-4; I Corinthians 16:1-3; Philippians 4:15-17; I Corinthians 11:2; Jude 3-4; I Corinthians 6:1-3; I Corinthians 5:11-13; John 3:27-31; Revelation 1:12-20; Ephesians 3:20-21).

XV. Of Baptism

I believe that proper New Testament baptism solely consists of immersing the believer fully in water; and that this is done in the name of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, by the authority of the local church. As such, it is an ordinance of the local church that cannot be set aside, or taken lightly. The purpose of this is to show forth a solemn and beautiful emblem of faith in the crucified, buried and risen Saviour. Though it is not effectual for salvation, it is an outward demonstration of the inward effect of salvation in our death to sin and resurrection to a new life in Christ Jesus. Furthermore, believer's Baptism is a prerequisite to the privileges of a church relationship and the ability to partake of the Lord's Supper.

(Acts 8:36-39; Matthew 3:1-6; John 3:22-23; Romans 6:3-6; Matthew 3:13-17; Matthew 28:18-20; Colossians 2:10-12; Acts 2:40-42; Acts 18:24-26; Acts 19:1-7).

XVI. Of the Lord's Supper

I believe the Lord's Supper is the second of the two ordinances of the local church, in which the members of the church, by the sacred use of unleavened bread and the unfermented blood of the grape (wine), commemorate together the death of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. The Lord's Supper is not open to anyone who is not a member of that particular local church, and is always to be preceded by a solemn self-examination. As is demonstrated in Scripture, failure to hold this ordinance properly severely affects the church's relationship with the Lord.

(Matthew 26:26-30; Luke 22:13-20; Acts 2:40-42; I Corinthians 11:23-34).

XVII. Of Missions

I believe that the sending forth of missionaries is an imperative set forth by the Lord Jesus Christ that cannot be set aside or ignored by the true New Testament church. The Lord's churches are not at liberty to determine whether they will have missions, but are plainly commanded to send forth those individuals who are called of the Holy Ghost to preach the gospel to every person and establish New Testament churches. Moreover, the Lord's churches are not at liberty to determine the field of calling or duration of any particular mission by any means other than the clear leading of the Holy Ghost, which will be fully consistent with the Scripture. I believe the Lord set the pattern for evangelism, and for teaching of the Scripture to the end of establishing local, visible, unaffiliated New Testament churches that are fully grounded in Scripture. I believe the purpose and goal of this work is the salvation of the souls of men and their growth in Christ, that they may carry the gospel of Christ to others.

(Romans 10:12-15; Mark 1:14-15; Mark 2:1-2; Mark 10:1; Luke 20:1-2; Matthew 28:16-20; Mark 16:15-16; Luke 24:45-48; John 17:17-19; Acts 1:8; Acts 8:4-5; Acts 8:14-17; Acts 8:26-35; Acts 11:19-26; Acts 13:1-4; Acts 14:21-27; Acts 15:35-36; Acts 16:6-12).

XVIII. Of the Preservation of the Saints

I believe the born-again believer is eternally secure in Christ, and reject the false doctrines of Calvinism and Arminism. The Scripture is plain that the believer's security is not based upon any works of righteousness the believer does, or could do, nor is it based upon being preselected or predestined for salvation. Rather, it is based solely upon the work of the Lord Jesus Christ within the covenant established between the Father, the Word and the Holy Ghost. The Lord God, through the work of the Lord Jesus Christ, established the means whereby the believer is sealed for all eternity in Christ Jesus.

I believe the born-again believer is indeed born-again in the soul, which is changed from having the nature of Adam to having a new nature, which is of Christ. This new nature is brought about by the death of the old nature and a rebirth with a totally new nature, having the righteousness of Christ which cannot fail. In this new man, the seed of Christ remains and cannot sin, even as Christ cannot sin. Moreover, the born-again believer is purchased by the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ shed on Calvary. The provision for the purchase of the believer occurred when the Lord Jesus Christ paid the debt that everyone owes the LORD God for the transgression of the commandment of God. This purchase of the sinner is effected when the sinner, in faith and repentance, places full trust and confidence in the Lord Jesus Christ and His atoning work on the cross. When this purchase is effected, the believer is adopted by the LORD God and is predestined to be conformed to the image of Christ, which will be accomplished at the resurrection of the just.

(Hebrews 1:1-4; Isaiah 48:16; John 5:22-23; John 5:36-38; I Timothy 2:3-6; II Peter 3:8-9; Daniel 6:16-17; II Corinthians 1:20-22; Ephesians 4:30; Galatians 3:6-14; Galatians 2:14-21; Titus 3:3-7; Romans 3:21-26; John 3:1-7; John 5:24-25; Ephesians 2:1-10; Romans 6:1-11; Ephesians 1:3-14; I Corinthians 6:19-20; Ezekiel 18:4; I John 3:9; I John 5:1-5; Romans 8:29-39).

XIX. Of Liberty of the Conscience

I believe that liberty of the conscience, which is the liberty of the soul to freely choose what one will believe and accept, is essential for the individual to be accountable before God for the choices that are made and actions that are taken. I believe that the LORD God, in creating men and angels with a free will, bestowed upon us liberty of the conscience, and it is His desire that it be no other way. Howsoever, it is also the LORD's express will that all men be reconciled to Him through Christ Jesus so that the original design of man is fulfilled, in that man is able to freely fellowship with the LORD God, which is not possible in man’s unregenerate state. In making the capacity to freely choose possible, the LORD God has provided in His word both the commandments He has given as our Creator, and explanation of the consequences of the choices we, as individuals, may make.

As such, it is not proper or permissible that anyone coerce, force, or attempt to force another to believe anything. This is particularly true concerning the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. A person must freely choose, being fully persuaded in their heart and soul, to repent and believe the Gospel. This freedom to choose holds true in all service to the LORD. One must freely choose to serve the LORD, just as one must freely choose to bring tithes and offerings. Anything less than this free choice will not be, and is not accepted of the LORD, as it comes of a heart improperly motivated. Thus, it is required in all a person may do pertaining to the LORD, from salvation and throughout all service, that it be done of a genuine and sincere love for the LORD God for it to be accepted.

In all cases, the individual must and will bear the express consequences for the choices made, as all choices the individual may make are solely the responsibility of that person, even if it appears the choice were made under duress.

(Isaiah 1:18; Proverbs 3:31-32; Leviticus 1:1-3; II Corinthians 9:7; Genesis 4:6-7; Deuteronomy 30:15-20; Joshua 24:15; Romans 4:16-21; II Kings 17:13-15; Proverbs 1:20-30; Jeremiah 6:16; Ezekiel 33:10-11; II Peter 3:9; Ezekiel 18:1-4; Ezekiel 18:20; Matthew 23:37-38; Acts 7:51-53; Hebrews 9:27; Galatians 5:13-14; I Peter 5:5-7; Isaiah 56:1-7; Revelation 22:12-17).

XX. Of the Grace Of Giving

I believe that tithes and offerings are ordained of God for the provision of the ministry and spread of the gospel. The giving of tithes and offerings is not, nor has ever been for the establishment of righteousness, rather it demonstrates the individual's recognition of the provision the LORD God has made for our very existence, and is an acknowledgment that all things belong to God. As such, the tithe is a basic form of worship that all believers ought to partake of. Scripturally, the tithe is a set proportion that the individual must give for it to be properly regarded as a tithe. The tithe is set at a tenth of all. Though offerings are similar to tithes, they are not set as to the proportion of an individual's increase. Rather, the offering can be of any amount, or type that is Scripturally acceptable to the LORD God. Nevertheless, in all cases, both tithes and offerings must be freely given to be acceptable to, and accepted of the LORD God. In this, the grace the Lord has bestowed upon the individual in salvation, ought to be reflected in the joy of giving unto the LORD.

(Genesis 14:18-20; Hebrews 7:1-6; Hebrews 10:1-6; II Corinthians 8:3-7; I Corinthians 16:2; Deuteronomy 14:22-23; Numbers 18:23-26; Matthew 23:23; II Chronicles 31:2-6; Leviticus 27:30; Malachi 3:10; Genesis 4:3-5; Exodus 25:1-8; Leviticus 1:1-3; Ephesians 5:1-2; Romans 12:1-2; II Corinthians 9:5-11).

XXI. Of the Righteous and the Wicked

I believe that the true distinction and difference between the righteous and the wicked exists in the soul of the individual. The determining factor between those who are righteous and those who are wicked is whether they have the nature of Christ, or the nature of Adam, in the inner man. This distinction ought to be visible in outward appearance and action, but outward appearance and behavior are not the standard by which the LORD God determines who is and is not justified in His sight. It is only when outward appearance and behavior are motivated by the righteousness of the soul, that the LORD God honors those things done in the flesh.

I believe only those who are born again in Christ Jesus are accounted righteous, as they are imputed with the righteousness of God in the soul. This change that occurs in the inner man does not in any way change the nature of the flesh, which remains in Adam. However, with this change, the inner man is given the power to rule over the flesh, so that the things done in the flesh can actually be accepted by the Lord, as they have a proper motivation. Those who are righteous, though they can never return to being in Adam, must account for failing to rule over the flesh when the Lord judges His people. The hallmarks of one who is righteous are the overall focus and purpose of their life, their sincere desire for service to the Lord, a desire not to partake of wickedness, and an abiding desire for their home in heaven. Nevertheless, it is possible for one in Christ to fail to grow, and suffer the loss of repentance and continuing chastisement of the LORD God. In every case, the eternal destiny of the righteous is the everlasting kingdom of God.

I believe the wicked have no part nor lot in Christ, and do not desire the things of God, except on their own terms. They are in Adam both in the soul and in the flesh. As such, they desire the things of this world and the honor of men rather than of God. Since they remain in Adam, their hearts are deceitful and desperately wicked, so that they choose to make their works equal to the righteousness of God. In so doing, they have cleansed the outside of the cup, but refuse to submit to the gospel so that the inside of the cup may be made clean, thus avoiding the true righteousness that comes from being born again in Christ Jesus. Due to this, the wicked can appear to be anything from a minister of righteousness, to the most utterly vile creature, totally devoid of any redeeming quality. Though righteousness is attained only through obedience to the gospel of Christ, we are born with the nature of wickedness, and will remain with that nature without having to take any other action. Thus, the wicked will remain wicked unless they choose to repent and believe the gospel. Therefore, the everlasting destiny of the wicked is eternal torment both in the flesh and soul in the Lake of Fire for disobedience to the commandment of God.

(Mark 7:18-23; Romans 4:1-8; Romans 5:17-21; Matthew 5:20; I Samuel 16:6-7; Matthew 7:13-14; John 7:21-24; Romans 8:1-9; Romans 6:8-14; I Corinthians 9:24-27; James 2:14-18; Romans 1:16-17; Romans 7:14-25; Ephesians 5:3-7; Galatians 5:19-25; II Peter 1:5-9; Hebrews 12:4-9; II Peter 2:4-10; Psalm 10:2-11; Psalm 36:1-4; Proverbs 5:1-6; II Thessalonians 2:7-12; Romans 2:3-11; Romans 1:18-32; Matthew 23:25-28; II Corinthians 11:12-15; Jeremiah 17:9-10; Romans 10:1-4; Jude 10-15).

XXII. Of Government

I believe governments are ordained of God as a result of man's wicked, sinful and rebellious nature. Government is necessary for the good order and beneficial interest of all mankind. A government reflects the society it governs as it is the LORD God that raises up the leadership of a nation for either the blessing, or judgement of that nation. I believe government is authorized by God to judge those under it, even to bring the penalty of death upon they that shed the blood of others without cause. As such, those in authority are to be prayed for that they may make right and proper decisions.

(Romans 13:1-7; John 19:10-11; Exodus 9:13-16; Isaiah 44:24-28; 45:1-3; Daniel 4:34-37; Acts 17:24-28; Genesis 9:4-6; Exodus 21:12-17; Acts 25:9-11; I Timothy 2:1-4; I Peter 2:13-17; Matthew 10:28).

XXIII. Of Christian Citizenship

I believe that the citizenship of the born-again believer is in the kingdom of God. This kingdom is not an earthly kingdom, rather it is a spiritual kingdom that is greater than any and all nations, states and governmental authorities of this world. Indeed, all authorities are less than the authority of kingdom of God. As such, the believers only responsibility is to the kingdom of God. In this, the LORD God has commanded the believer to be obedient to the laws of the earthly authorities and to serve them to the extent that it is not contrary to their service to the LORD. Since all earthly authorities are raised up and empowered by the LORD God, it is the believer’s responsibility to uphold that authority and be loyal to it within the limits of the Scripture. The believer’s service as a citizen is defined and set by the Scripture and the specific call of God. The child of God is to be ever mindful that all earthly nations and authorities are strictly temporal, and will cease to exist when the Kingdom of Christ is established.

(Ephesians 2:11-21; Hebrews 11:13-16; Psalm 2; Matthew 25:31-33; Daniel 4:34-37; Daniel 1:11-21; Daniel 3:13-18; Daniel 6:6-10; Acts 22:23-29; Acts 25:9-11; Acts 4:15-20; Acts 5:26-29; Job 34:17-18; Proverbs 24:21-22; Romans 13:1-7; I Timothy 2:1-4; I Peter 2:13-18).

XXIV. Of the Resurrection

I believe that the Lord Jesus Christ was bodily resurrected on the third day as the Scriptures plainly state. That this resurrection was not only for our justification, but also as the firstfruits of the resurrection to come; in which the body of the believer will be changed from sinful flesh to a sinless body so that the believer will be righteous as Christ is righteous, and be forever sealed in that righteousness. I believe that upon Christ's return prior to the Great Tribulation, those who are dead in Christ will rise first, then those who are alive in Christ will be caught up, having their bodies changed in an instant to be like unto Christ's glorious body, to be forever with the Lord.

I believe that the wicked will also be resurrected at the last resurrection so that they may stand before the Lord Jesus Christ in judgement, not for their destiny, but so they may assuredly know that they are justly condemned to the Lake of Fire for all eternity. In this resurrection, their souls will be called out of Hell and united with their bodies called out of the grave to stand in condemnation in the court of the Lord at the great white throne of judgement.

(Matthew 28:5-10; Luke 24:3-7; Luke 24:36-39; John 20:26-28; Romans 4:23-25; Matthew 27:50-53; I Corinthians 15:20-23; I Corinthians 15:3-6; Acts 1:9-11; Luke 24:51; Mark 16:19; John 14:3; Matthew 25:13; I Thessalonians 4:13-17; I Corinthians 15:42-44; I Corinthians 15:51-53; Philippians 3:20-21; Daniel 12:1-3; John 5:28-29; John 5:21-23; John 12:48; John 3:17-18; Revelation 20:12-15).

XXV. Of the Return of Christ and Related Events

I believe in the imminent and personal return of the Lord Jesus Christ to resurrect those that sleep in Christ and catch up, or rapture His church and those that are alive in Christ. This event immediately precedes the time of Jacob's trouble called the Great Tribulation, in which Israel will be called again to witness to the world of the salvation that is in Christ, and in Him alone. This witness is accompanied at different times by an angel preaching the everlasting gospel and two chosen witnesses. During this time the world will experience the judgement and wrath of God for its rejection of Him. Moreover, the restraining influence of the Holy Ghost upon evil will be absent and wickedness will abound. During this time Satan will have free rule and reign on the earth. This period lasts seven years and culminates with the destruction of the Beast and the False Prophet by the Lord Jesus Christ who comes with an army from heaven to establish His Kingdom upon the earth.

I believe the kingdom of the Lord Jesus Christ will last for one thousand years on this present earth, in which Satan will be bound and unable to influence anyone. This period of time is marked by peace, and the only righteous government the world has ever known. During this time the people of this earth will experience direct rule by the Lord Jesus Christ Himself. However, this period will culminate with the release of the Devil from the bottomless pit for a short season. This release of Satan will prove that in their hearts, the vast majority of individuals on the earth reject the rule of Christ over them as they willingly join Satan in an army that is the sand of the seashore for number. Nonetheless, this army will be consumed by fire from heaven. Then this earth and heaven will be burned up; whereupon those who have died without accepting the Lord Jesus Christ as Savior will be resurrected and judged before the great white throne and be cast into the lake of fire. The final event we are given is the creation of the new heavens and new earth in which there is no unrighteousness and the tabernacle of God is with men for all eternity.

(Daniel 12:1-4; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17; Matthew 24:27; Matthew 25:13; James 5:8; Matthew 24:42; I Corinthians 15:51-53; (Matthew 24:32-39; II Thessalonians 2:1-12; (Jeremiah 30:7-9; (Revelation 6:12-17; Revelation 7:1-4; Revelation 11:3-6; Revelation 14:6-7; Revelation 13:1-8; Jude 14-15; Revelation 20:1-6; Isaiah 9:6-7; Isaiah 11:1-9; Revelation 20:7-10; II Peter 3:10-12; Revelation 20:11-15; II Peter 3:13; Isaiah 65:17-19; Isaiah 66:22-24; Revelation 21:1-5).