
Baptists, since their beginnings, repeatedly have composed confessions, which expressed the doctrinal consensus among related churches. In principle, however, Baptists always have insisted that no statement of faith can be considered creedally binding even upon concurring congregations. The purpose of their doctrinal summaries was to explain to other Christians and to the larger society what Baptists believed and practiced. Within and among Baptist churches, statements of faith also provided a standard for instruction, counsel and fellowship.
In continuity with our immediate forefathers and the larger fellowship of Baptists throughout history, we seek to practice and propagate by God's grace the following convictions:
It is trustworthy, sufficient, without error-the supreme authority and guide for all doctrine and conduct. (II Timothy 3:16)
The holy angels are obedient spirits ministering to the heirs of salvation and glorifying God. Certain angels, called demons, Satan being their chief, through deliberate choice revolted and fell from their exalted position. They now tempt individuals to rebel against God. (Psalm 148:1-5; Colossians 1:16; Hebrews 1:6-7; 13-14; Revelation 12:7-9)
As a result, each person is unique, possesses dignity and is worthy of respect. Through the temptation of Satan, Adam chose to disobey God; this brought sin and death to the human race and suffering to all creation. Therefore, everyone is born with a sinful nature and needs to be reconciled to God. (Romans 3:9-18,23; Genesis 1:26-28; Psalm 139:13-17; Genesis 3; Romans 5:12-21; 8:22)
it is offered as a free gift by God to all and must be received personally through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ by the regeneration of the Holy Spirit. As a child of God, the believer is acquitted of all guilt and brought into a new relationship of peace. (Romans 5:1; II Timothy 1:9-10; I Thessalonians 5:23; Galatians 2:20; Colossians 1:27)
Christians are commanded to be baptized upon profession of faith and to unite with a local church for mutual encouragement and growth in discipleship through worship, nurture, service and the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the world. (Acts 2:41-42, 47; Luke 24:45-48; Ephesians 1:22-23; Romans 12:4-5)
Church and state exist by the will of God. Each has distinctive concerns and responsibilities, free from control by the other. (Matthew 22:21; Genesis 1;27; John 8:32; II Corinthians 3:17; Romans 8:21; Acts 5:29)
In a Christ-like spirit, they oppose greed, selfishness and vice; they promote truth, justice and peace; they aide the needy and preserve the dignity of people of all races. (Matthew 5:13-16).
The certain hope of the Christian is that Jesus Christ will return to the earth suddenly, personally and visibly in glory according to His promise. (Titus 2:13, Revelation 1:7; 3:11; John 14:1-3; Ephesians 1:9-10; Revelation 21:1)
We are meant to honor that biological sexual identity because it has its origination in the explicit creative work of God. (Gen. 1:27, Gen 5:1-2)
The biblical expression of this orientation is chastity for the single person and fidelity for the married partner. (Genesis 1:27, 2:24-25, 5:1-2, Hebrews 13:4)
Our creation as man and woman, who are complementary to one another, has significance in revealing aspects of the image of God, and His relationship to humanity. The permanence of the marital bond mirrors God’s faithfulness, just as its monogamy reflects God’s singular devotion to his people and his people’s singular devotion to him. (Genesis 2:18-25; Ephesians 5:31-33
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