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ARTICLES OF FAITH

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    I. THE SCRIPTURES

    We believe that 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, and opinions shall be tried.

    II. THE TRUE GOD

    We believe the Scriptures teach that there is one, and only one, living and true
    God, an infinite, intelligent Spirit, whose name is Jehovah, the Maker and
    Supreme Ruler of heaven and earth; inexpressibly glorious in holiness, and
    worthy of all possible honor confidence and love; that in the unity of the Godhead
    there are three persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost; equal in every
    divine perfection, and executing distinct but harmonious offices in the great work
    of redemption.

    III. THE FALL OF MAN

    We believe the Scriptures teach that Man was created in holiness, under the law
    of his Maker; but by voluntary transgressions 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.

    IV. THE WAY OF SALVATION

    We believe that the Scriptures teach that the salvation of sinners is wholly of
    grace; through the mediatorial offices of the Son of God; who by the appointment
    of the Father, freely took upon him our nature, yet without sin; honored the divine
    law by his personal obedience, and by his death made a full atonement for our
    sins; that having risen from the dead, he is now enthroned in heaven; and uniting
    in his wonderful person the tenderest sympathies with divine perfections, he is in
    every way qualified to be a suitable, a compassionate, and an all-sufficient
    Saviour.

    V. JUSTIFICATION

    We believe the Scriptures teach 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.

    VI. THE FREENESS OF SALVATION

    We believe that the Scriptures teach 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 cordial,
    penitent and obedient faith; and that nothing prevents the salvation of the
    greatest sinner on earth, but his own determined depravity and voluntary
    rejection of the Gospel; which rejection involves him in an aggravated
    condemnation.

    VII. REGENERATION

    We believe that the Scriptures teach that in order to be saved, sinners must be
    regenerated, or born again; that regeneration consists in giving a holy disposition
    to the mind that it is effected in a manner above our comprehension by the power
    of the Holy Spirit in connection with divine truth, so as to secure our voluntary
    obedience to the Gospel; and that its proper evidence appears in the holy fruits
    of repentance and faith, and newness of life.

    VIII. REPENTANCE AND FAITH

    We believe the Scriptures teach that repentance and faith are sacred duties, and
    also inseparable graces, wrought 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 unfeigned contrition, confession,
    and supplication for mercy; at the same time heartily receiving the Lord Jesus
    Christ as our prophet, priest and king, and relying on him alone as the only and
    all-sufficient Saviour.

    IX. GOD'S PURPOSE OF GRACE

    We believe the Scriptures teach that election is the eternal purpose of God,
    according to which he graciously regenerates, sanctifies and saves sinners; that
    being perfectly consistent with the free agency 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.

    X. SANCTIFICATION

    We believe the Scriptures teach 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.

    XI. PERSEVERANCE OF SAINTS

    We believe the Scriptures teach that such only are real believers as endure to
    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.

    XII. THE LAW AND GOSPEL

    We believe the Scriptures teach 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,
    arise entirely from their love of sin; to deliver them from which, and to restore
    them through a Mediator to unfeigned 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.

    XIII. A GOSPEL CHURCH

    We believe the Scriptures teach that a visible church of Christ is a congregation
    of baptized believers, 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 Bishops or Pastors, and Deacons whose Qualifications,
    claims and duties are defined in the Epistles to Timothy and Titus.

    XIV. BAPTISM AND THE LORD'S SUPPER

    We believe the Scriptures teach 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 Saviour, with its effect, in our death to sin and resurrection to a new life;
    that it is prerequisite 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.

    XV. THE CHRISTIAN SABBATH

    We believe the Scriptures teach that the first day of the week is the Lord's Day,
    or Christian Sabbath, and is to be kept sacred to religious purposes, by
    abstaining from all secular labor and sinful recreations, by the devout observance
    of all the means of grace, both private and public, and by preparation for that rest
    that remaineth for the people of God.

    XVI. CIVIL GOVERNMENT

    We believe the Scriptures teach that civil government is of divine appointment,
    for the interest and good order of human society; and that magistrates 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.

    XVII. RIGHTEOUS AND WICKED

    We believe the Scriptures teach 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.

    XVIII. THE WORLD TO COME

    We believe the Scriptures teach that the end of the world is approaching; that at
    the last day, Christ will descend from heaven, and raise the dead from the grave
    for final retribution; that 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.

 

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