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| Faith Baptist Church Connecting People with God, Others and Service |
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| Faith Baptist Church 311 Jackson Drive Covington, Va. 24426 540-962-6335 |
| Articles of Faith |
| Faith Baptist Church |
| Covington, Virginia |
OF THE SCRIPTURES
We believe that the Holy Bible was written by men supernaturally inspired; that it has truth without any
admixture of error for its matter; and therefore is, and shall remain to the end of the age, the only
complete and final revelation of the will of God to man; the true center of Christian union and the
supreme standard by which all human conduct and opinions should be tried.By "The Holy Bible" we
mean that collection of sixty-six books, from Genesis to Revelation, which, as originally written does not
only contain and convey the Word of God but IS the very Word of God.
By "Inspiration" we mean that the books of the Bible were written by holy men of old, as they were moved
by the Holy Spirit, in such a definite way that their writings were supernaturally and verbally inspired and
free from error, as no other writings have ever or ever will be inspired.
admixture of error for its matter; and therefore is, and shall remain to the end of the age, the only
complete and final revelation of the will of God to man; the true center of Christian union and the
supreme standard by which all human conduct and opinions should be tried.By "The Holy Bible" we
mean that collection of sixty-six books, from Genesis to Revelation, which, as originally written does not
only contain and convey the Word of God but IS the very Word of God.
By "Inspiration" we mean that the books of the Bible were written by holy men of old, as they were moved
by the Holy Spirit, in such a definite way that their writings were supernaturally and verbally inspired and
free from error, as no other writings have ever or ever will be inspired.
THE TRUE GOD
We believe that there is one, and only one, living and true God, an infinite intelligent Spirit, 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.
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.
THE HOLY SPIRIT
We believe that the Holy Spirit is a divine person, equal with God the Father and God the Son and of the same nature, that He was active in the Creation, and in
His relation to the unbelieving world He restrains the evil one until God ’s purpose is fulfilled; that He convicts of sin, of judgement and of righteousness; that He
bears witness to the Truth of the Gospel in preaching and testimony; that He is the agent in the New Birth; that He seals, endues, guides, teaches, witnesses,
sanctifies and helps the believer.
His relation to the unbelieving world He restrains the evil one until God ’s purpose is fulfilled; that He convicts of sin, of judgement and of righteousness; that He
bears witness to the Truth of the Gospel in preaching and testimony; that He is the agent in the New Birth; that He seals, endues, guides, teaches, witnesses,
sanctifies and helps the believer.
OF THE DEVIL OR SATAN
We believe that Satan was once holy, and enjoyed heavenly honors; but through pride and ambition to be as the Almighty, fell and drew after him a host of
angels; that he is now the malignant prince of the power of the air, and the unholy god of this world. We hold him to be man ’s great tempter, the enemy of God
and His Christ, the accuser of the saints, the author of all false religions, the chief power back of the present apostasy; the lord of the Antichrist, and the author
of all the powers of darkness – destined however to final defeat at the hands on God ’s Son, and the judgement of an eternal justice in hell, a place prepared for
him and his angels.
angels; that he is now the malignant prince of the power of the air, and the unholy god of this world. We hold him to be man ’s great tempter, the enemy of God
and His Christ, the accuser of the saints, the author of all false religions, the chief power back of the present apostasy; the lord of the Antichrist, and the author
of all the powers of darkness – destined however to final defeat at the hands on God ’s Son, and the judgement of an eternal justice in hell, a place prepared for
him and his angels.
OF THE CREATION
We believe in the Genesis account of creation, and that it is to be accepted literally, and not allegorically of figuratively; that man was created directly in God ’s
own image and after His own likeness; that man ’s creation was not a matter of evolution or evolutionary change of species, or developments through
interminable periods of time from lower to higher forms; that all animals and vegetable life were made directly, and God ’s established law was that they should
bring forth only "after their kind." We believe that Genesis 1:1 is the record on the heavens and the earth being brought into existence in a basic form on the first
day of the Creation Week; that this work plus the work of bringing light into the existence constitute, not two works of God widely separated by millions or billions
of years, but, the two works of God on Day One of Creation Week; that each of the six days, plus the seventh day of rest, in Creation Week was, not an age, but,
a day such as each day in the command of God to work six days and to rest one day.
own image and after His own likeness; that man ’s creation was not a matter of evolution or evolutionary change of species, or developments through
interminable periods of time from lower to higher forms; that all animals and vegetable life were made directly, and God ’s established law was that they should
bring forth only "after their kind." We believe that Genesis 1:1 is the record on the heavens and the earth being brought into existence in a basic form on the first
day of the Creation Week; that this work plus the work of bringing light into the existence constitute, not two works of God widely separated by millions or billions
of years, but, the two works of God on Day One of Creation Week; that each of the six days, plus the seventh day of rest, in Creation Week was, not an age, but,
a day such as each day in the command of God to work six days and to rest one day.
OF THE FALL OF MAN
We believe in God's electing grace; 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
cordial, penitent 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 rejection involves him in an aggravated condemnation.
cordial, penitent 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 rejection involves him in an aggravated condemnation.
| OF THE FREENESS OF SALVATION |
OF JUSTIFICATION
We believe that in order to be saved, sinners must be born again; that the new birth is a new creation in Jesus Christ; that it is instantaneous and not a process;
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; that the new
creation is brought about in a manner above our comprehension, not by culture, not by character, nor by the will of man, but wholly and solely by the power of the
Holy Spirit in connection with divine truth, so as to secure our voluntary obedience to the Gospel; that its proper evidence appears in the holy fruits of repentance
and faith and newness of life.
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; that the new
creation is brought about in a manner above our comprehension, not by culture, not by character, nor by the will of man, but wholly and solely by the power of the
Holy Spirit in connection with divine truth, so as to secure our voluntary obedience to the Gospel; that its proper evidence appears in the holy fruits of repentance
and faith and newness of life.
We believe that the great Gospel which Christ secures to such as believe in Him is justification; that justification includes the Pardon of sin, and the gift of eternal
life on principles of righteousness; that it is bestowed not in consideration of any works or righteousness which we have done; but solely through faith in the
Redeemer's blood, His righteousness is imputed unto us.
life on principles of righteousness; that it is bestowed not in consideration of any works or righteousness which we have done; but solely through faith in the
Redeemer's blood, His righteousness is imputed unto us.
OF GRACE IN THE NEW CREATION
OF REPENTANCE AND FAITH
We believe 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 and vicarious atonement for our sins; that
His atonement consisted 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, Christ the Lord, bearing our sins in His own body on the tree; that, 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 every way qualified to be a suitable, a compassionate and an all-sufficient Savior.
upon Him our nature, yet without sin, honored the divine law by His personal obedience, and by His death made a full and vicarious atonement for our sins; that
His atonement consisted 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, Christ the Lord, bearing our sins in His own body on the tree; that, 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 every way qualified to be a suitable, a compassionate and an all-sufficient Savior.
We believe that repentance and faith are solemn obligations; and also inseparable graces, wrought in our souls by the quickening Spirit of God; thereby, being
deeply convicted 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 and openly confessing Him as our only and all-sufficient Savior.
deeply convicted 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 and openly confessing Him as our only and all-sufficient Savior.
OF THE ATONEMENT FOR SIN
OF THE CHURCH
We 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 ever be born
of woman, and He is both the Son of God, and God the Son.
of woman, and He is both the Son of God, and God the Son.
We believe that a church of Christ is a congregation of baptized believers associated by a covenant of 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 officers of ordination are pastors
or elders and deacons, whose qualifications, claims and duties are clearly defined in the Scriptures; we believe the true mission of the church is found in the
Great Commission: First, to make individual disciples; Second, to build up the Church; Third, to teach and instruct as He commanded. We do not believe in the
reversal of this order; we hold that the local church has the absolute right of self government, free from the interference of any hierarchy of individuals or
organizations; and that the one and only superintendent is Christ through the Holy Spirit; that it is Scriptural For with each other in contending for the faith and for
the furtherance of the Gospel; that every church is the sole and only judge of the measure and method of its cooperation; on all matters of membership, of
policy, of government, of discipline, of benevolence, the will of the local church is final.
ordinances of Christ; governed by His laws; and exercising the gifts, rights, and privileges invested in them by His Word; that its officers of ordination are pastors
or elders and deacons, whose qualifications, claims and duties are clearly defined in the Scriptures; we believe the true mission of the church is found in the
Great Commission: First, to make individual disciples; Second, to build up the Church; Third, to teach and instruct as He commanded. We do not believe in the
reversal of this order; we hold that the local church has the absolute right of self government, free from the interference of any hierarchy of individuals or
organizations; and that the one and only superintendent is Christ through the Holy Spirit; that it is Scriptural For with each other in contending for the faith and for
the furtherance of the Gospel; that every church is the sole and only judge of the measure and method of its cooperation; on all matters of membership, of
policy, of government, of discipline, of benevolence, the will of the local church is final.
OF THE VIRGIN BIRTH
OF BAPTISM AND THE LORD'S SUPPER
We believe that man was created in innocence under the law of his Maker, but by voluntary transgression fell from his sinless and happy state, in consequence of
which, all mankind are now sinners, not by constraint, but by choice; and therefore under just condemnation without defense or excuse.
which, all mankind are now sinners, not by constraint, but by choice; and therefore under just condemnation without defense or excuse.
We believe that Christian baptism is the immersion in water of a believer; in the name of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, with the authority of the
local church, 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 prerequisite to the privileges of a church relation to the Lord's Supper; in which the members of the church by the sacred use of bread and
the fruit of the vine are to commemorate together the dying love of Christ, preceded always by solemn self-examination.
local church, 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 prerequisite to the privileges of a church relation to the Lord's Supper; in which the members of the church by the sacred use of bread and
the fruit of the vine are to commemorate together the dying love of Christ, preceded always by solemn self-examination.
OF THE PERSEVERANCE OF THE 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 that they are kept by the power of God through faith unto eternal salvation.
superficial professors, that a special Providence watches over their welfare; and that they are kept by the power of God through faith unto eternal salvation.
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, in the everlasting felicity of the saved and the everlasting conscious
sufferings of the lost.
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, in the everlasting felicity of the saved and the everlasting conscious
sufferings of the lost.
OF CIVIL GOVERNMENT
We believe that civil government is of divine appointment, for the interests and good order of human society; 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 coming
Prince of the kings of earth.
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 coming
Prince of the kings of earth.
| OF THE RESURRECTION AND RETURN OF CHRIST AND RELATED EVENTS |
We believe in and accept the sacred Scriptures upon these subjects at their face and full value. Of the resurrection, we believe that Christ arose bodily "the third
day according to the Scriptures;" that He ascended "to the right hand of the throne of God;" that He alone is our "merciful and faithful high priest in things
pertaining to God;" "That this same Jesus which is taken up from you into heaven shall so come in like manner as ye have seem Him go into heaven"-bodily,
personally and visibly; that the "dead in Christ shall rise first;" that the living saints "shall be changed in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump;"
"that the Lord God shall give unto Him the throne of His Father David;" and that "Christ shall reign a thousand years in righteousness until he hath put all
enemies under His feet."
We believe that, seven years before Christ returns to set feet on the earth and to rule one thousand years over all the peoples of the earth, He will appear in the
clouds in the air; "the dead in Christ shall rise;" that "we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air;"
that the rise and rule of the Anti-Christ, and terrible judgments of God, shall come to pass during the seven year period of time between the appearing of Christ in
the air to call out His saints, living and dead, and His return to earth to rule over all peoples for one thousand years.
day according to the Scriptures;" that He ascended "to the right hand of the throne of God;" that He alone is our "merciful and faithful high priest in things
pertaining to God;" "That this same Jesus which is taken up from you into heaven shall so come in like manner as ye have seem Him go into heaven"-bodily,
personally and visibly; that the "dead in Christ shall rise first;" that the living saints "shall be changed in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump;"
"that the Lord God shall give unto Him the throne of His Father David;" and that "Christ shall reign a thousand years in righteousness until he hath put all
enemies under His feet."
We believe that, seven years before Christ returns to set feet on the earth and to rule one thousand years over all the peoples of the earth, He will appear in the
clouds in the air; "the dead in Christ shall rise;" that "we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air;"
that the rise and rule of the Anti-Christ, and terrible judgments of God, shall come to pass during the seven year period of time between the appearing of Christ in
the air to call out His saints, living and dead, and His return to earth to rule over all peoples for one thousand years.
OF MISSIONS
We believe that the command to give the Gospel to the world is clear and unmistakable and this commission was given to the churches.
OF THE GRACE OF GIVING
We believe that God's method of financing His earthly work of spreading the Gospel to all nations; the care of the churches and the support of the ministry is by
the tithes and offerings of His people. That it is to be given to the Lord through His church or storehouse to be distributed as directed by the leadership of the
Spirit as the need arises. The time to tithe is upon the first day of the week. That everyone is accountable to the Lord for one-tenth of his income and that tithing
was instituted long before the law was ever given and was practiced by the early church.
the tithes and offerings of His people. That it is to be given to the Lord through His church or storehouse to be distributed as directed by the leadership of the
Spirit as the need arises. The time to tithe is upon the first day of the week. That everyone is accountable to the Lord for one-tenth of his income and that tithing
was instituted long before the law was ever given and was practiced by the early church.
