THE HOLY 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, creeds 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 God, 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 been or ever will be
inspired.
We believe the translation for the English-speakers is the King James Version. It is the Bible
we use from our pulpit and in our classes.
II Tim. 3:16-17; II Pet. 1:19-21; Acts 1:16; Acts 28:25; Psa. 119:160; Psa. 119:105; Psa. 119:130;
Luke24:25-27; John 17:17; Luke 24:44-45; Psa. 119:89; Prov. 30:5-6; Rom. 3:4; I Pet. 1:23;
Rev. 22:19; John 12:48; Isa. 8:20; Eph. 6:17; Rom. 15:4; Luke 16:31; Psa. 19:7-11; John
5:45-47; John 5:39.
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; that in His relation to the
unbelieving world He restrain the Evil one until God’s purpose is fulfilled; that He convicts of
sin, of judgment 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.
John 14:16-17; Matt. 28:19; Heb. 9:14; John 14:26; Luke 1:35; Gen. 1:1-3; II Thess. 2:7; John
16:8-11; John 15:26-27; Acts 5:30-32; John 3:5-6; Eph. 1:13-14; Matt. 3:11; Mark 1:8; Luke
3:16; John 1:33; Acts 11:16; Luke 24:49; John 16:13; John 14:26; Rom. 8:14; Rom. 8:16; II
Thess. 2:13; I Pet. 1:2; Rom. 8:26-27.
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 anti-Christ and
the Author of all the powers of darkness – destined, however, to final defeat at the hands of
God’s own Son, and to the judgment of an eternal justice in hell, a place prepared for him and
his angels.
Isa. 14:12-17; Eze. 28:14-17; Rev. 12:9; Jude 6; II Pet. 2:4; Eph. 2:2; John 14:30; I Thess. 3:5;
Matt. 4:1-3; I Pet. 5:8; Zech. 3:1; I John 3:8; Matt. 13:25; 13:39; Luke 22:3-4; Rev. 12:10; II
Cor. 11:13-15; Mark 13:21-22; I John 4:3; II John 7; I John 2:22; Rev. 13:13-14; II Thess.
2:8-11; Rev. 19:11,16,20; Rev. 12:7-9; Rev. 20:1-3; Rev. 20:10; Matt. 25:41.
THE CREATION
We believe in the Genesis account of the 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; that man’s creation was 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 they should
bring forth only after their kind.
Gen. 1:1; Ex. 20:11; Acts 4:24; Col. 1:16-17; Heb. 11:3; John 1:3; Rev. 10:6; Rom. 1:20; Acts
17:23-26; Jer. 10:12; Neh. 9:6; Gen. 1:26-27; Gen. 2:21-23; Gen. 1:11; 1:24.
THE FALL OF MAN
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 of choice; and therefore under just condemnation without
defense or excuse.
Gen. 3:1-6,24; Rom. 5:12; Rom. 5:19; Rom. 3:10-19; Eph. 2:1,3; Rom. 1:18; Eze. 18:19-20;
Rom. 1:32; Rom. 1:20; Rom. 1:28; Gal. 3:22.
THE VIRGIN BIRTH
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 that He is
both the Son of God, and God the Son.
Gen. 3:15; Isa. 7:14; Matt. 1:18-25; Luke 1:35; Mark 1:1; John 1:14; Psa. 2:7; Gal. 4:4; I John
5:20; I Cor. 15:47.
THE ATONEMENT FOR SIN
We believe that the salvation of sinners is wholly of grace; through the mediatorial offices of
the Son of God, who by appointment of the Father, freely took upon Him our nature, yet
without sin, honored the divine law by His person, 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 own
perfection, He is every way qualified to be a suitable, a compassionate and all-sufficient Savior.
Eph. 2:8; Acts 15:11; Rom. 3.24; John 3:16; Matt. 18:11, Phil. 2:7; Heb. 2:14; Isa. 53:4-7; Rom.
3:25; I John 4:10; I Cor. 15:3; II Cor. 5:21; John 10:18; Phil. 2:8; Gal. 1:4; I Pet. 2:24; Isa.
53:11; Heb. 12:2; I Cor. 15:20; I Pet. 3:18; Isa. 53:12; Heb. 9:12-15; Heb. 7:25; I John 2:2.
GRACE
We believe that in order to be saved, sinners must be born again; that the new birth is a new
creation in Christ Jesus; 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 the divine truth, so as to secure our
voluntary obedience to the gospel; that it’s proper evidence appears in the holy fruits of
repentance and faith and newness of life.
John 3:3; II Cor. 5:17; I John 5:1; John 3:6,7; Acts 2:41; II Pet. 1:4; Rom. 6:23; Eph. 2:11; II
Cor. 5:19; Col. 2:13; John 1:12-13; Gal. 5:22; Eph. 5:9.
THE FREENESS OF SALVATION
We believe in God’s exceeding 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 not prevent the salvation of the greatest sinner on the earth, but his own inherent
depravity and voluntary rejection of the gospel; which rejection involves him in an aggravated
condemnation.
I Thess. 1:4; Col. 3:12; I Pet. 1:2; Titus 1:1; Rom. 8:29-30; Matt. 11:28; Isa. 55:1; Rev. 22:17;
Rom. 10:13; John 6:37; Isa. 55:6; Acts 2:38; Isa. 55:7; John 3:15-16; I Tim. 1:15; I Cor. 15:10;
Eph. 2:4-5; John 5:40; John 3:18; John 3:36.
JUSTIFICATION
We believe 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 gift 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, His
righteousness is imputed unto us.
Acts 13:39; Isa. 53:11; Zech. 13:1; Rom. 8:1; Rom. 5:9; Rom. 5:1; Tit. 3:5-7; Rom. 1:17; Hab.
2:4; Gal. 3:11; Rom. 4:1-8; Heb.10:38.
REPENTANCE AND FAITH
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
Saviour.
Acts 20:21; Mark 1:15; Acts 2:37-38; Luke 18:13; Rom. 10:13; Psa. 51:1-4; Psa. 51:7; Isa. 55:6-7;
Luke 12:8; Rom. 10:9-11.
THE LOCAL, VISIBLE NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH
We believe that a church of Christ is a local and visible congregation of baptized believers
associated by a covenant of faith and fellowship of the gospel; observing the ordinances of
Christ; governed by His laws; exercising the gifts, rights and privileges invested in them by His
Word; that it’s officers of ordination are pastors (Elders, Bishops) 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 has 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
true churches to cooperate 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.
Acts 2:41; Acts 2:42; I Cor. 11:2; Eph. 1:23; Eph. 4:11; I Cor. 12:4, 8-11; Acts 6:5-6; Acts 15:23;
Acts 20:17-28; I Tim. 3:1-7; I Tim. 3:8-12; Matt. 28:19-20; Col. 1:18; Eph. 5:23-24; I Pet. 5:1-4;
Acts 15:23; Judges 3:4; II Cor. 8:23; I Cor. 16:1; Mal. 3:10; Lev. 27:32; I Cor. 6:1-3; I Cor. 5:11-13.
BAPTISM AND THE LORD'S SUPPER
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 Saviour, with it’s
effect in our death to sin and resurrection to a new life, that it is a pre-requisite 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 the fruit of the vine are to commemorate together the dying
love of Christ; preceded always by solemn self-examination.
Acts 8:36-39; Matt. 3:6; John 3:23; Rom. 6:4-5; Matt. 3:16; Matt. 28:19; Rom. 6:3-5; Col. 2:12;
Acts 2:41; Matt. 28:19-20; I Cor. 11:23-28.
THE PERSEVERANCE OF THE SAINTS (ONCE SAVED, ALWAYS SAVED)
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.
John 8:31-32; Col. 1:21-23; I John 2:19; Matt. 13:19-21; Rom. 8:28; Matt. 6:20; Psa. 121:3;
Heb. 1:14; I Pet. 1:5; Phil. 1:6; John 10:28; John 10:29; John 15:8; Rom. 8:35-39.
THE RIGHTEOUS AND THE WICKED
We believe that there is a radical and essential difference between the righteous and the
wicked; that such only 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 sickened, 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 suffering of the lost.
Mal. 3:18; Gen. 18:23; Rom. 6:17-18; Prov. 11:31; I Pet. 4:18; Rom. 1:17; I Cor. 15:22; Acts
10:34; I John 2:29; I John 3:7; Rom. 6:16; I John 5:19; Gal. 3:10; Rom. 7:6; Rom. 6:23; Prov.
14:32; Luke 16:25; Matt. 25:34, 41; John 8:21; Luke 9:26; John 12:25; Matt. 7:13-14.
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 the earth.
Rom. 13:7; II Sam. 23:3; Ex. 18:21-22; Acts 23:5; Matt. 22:21; Tit. 3:1; I Pet. 2:13-14; I Pet.
2:17; Acts 4:19-20; Dan. 3:17-18: Matt. 10:28; Matt. 23:10; Rev. 10:6; Phil. 2:10-11; Psa. 72:11.
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 rose 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 seen Him go into
heaven (bodily and personally); that the dead in Christ shall rise first; that the living saints
shall all be changed in that 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.
Matt. 28:6-7; Luke 24:39; John 20:27; I Cor. 15:4; Mark 16:6; Luke 24:2, 4-6; Acts 1:9,11; Luke
24:51; Mark 16:19; Rev. 3:21; Heb. 8:1; Heb. 12:2; Heb. 8:6; I Tim. 2:5; I John 2:1; Heb. 2:17;
Heb. 5:9-10; John 14:3; Acts 1:11; I Thess. 4:16; Matt. 24:27; Matt. 24:42; Heb. 9:28; I Thess.
4:17; Phil. 3:20-21; Luke 1:32; Isa. 9:6, 7; I Cor. 15:25; Isa. 2:2-4; Isa. 11:4-5; Psa. 72:8; Rev.
20:1-4; Rev. 20:6.
MISSIONS
The command to give the gospel to the world is clear and unmistakable, and the Commission
was given to the churches.
- Matthew 28:18-20, And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me
in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of
the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things
whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the
world. Amen.
- Mark 16:15, And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every
creature.
- John 20:21, As my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.
- Acts 1:8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall
be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the
uttermost part of the earth.
- Romans 10:13-15, For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How
then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in
him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how
shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them
that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!
THE GRACE OF GIVING
Scriptural giving is one of the fundamentals of the Faith.
- II Corinthians 8:7, Therefore, as ye abound in everything, in faith, and utterance, and
knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also.
We are commanded to bring our gifts into the storehouse (common treasury of the church)
upon the first day of the week.
- I Corinthians 16:2, Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as
God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.
Under Grace we give, and do not pay, the tithe Abraham gave (the tenth of the spoils,
Hebrews 7:2,4), and this was four hundred years before the law, and is confirmed in the New
Testament; Jesus said concerning the tithe, These ought ye to have done, Matthew 23:23.
We are commanded to bring the tithe into a common treasury of the church.
- Leviticus 27:30, The tithe is the Lord’s.
- Malachi 3:10, Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine
house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the
windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to
receive it.
In the New Testament, it was the common treasury of the church.
- Acts 4:34-35, 37, And brought the prices of the things that were sold, And laid them down at
the apostle’s feet…Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles feet.