Confession of Faith – First Baptist Church of Albion
1. THE SCRIPTURES We believe that the Bible is the inspired Word of God, written by men controlled by the Holy Spirit, (II Timothy 3:16-17; II Pet. 1:19-21; Acts 1:16 Acts 28:25); that it is truth without any admixture of error for its matter, (Psa. 119:160; Psa. 119:105; Psa. 119:130; Luke 24:25-27, John 17:17; Luke 24:44-45; 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 shall be determined, (Psa. 119:89; Prov. 30:56 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). By “The Holy Bible” we mean that collection of sixty-six books, from Genesis to Revelation, which, as originally written, does not 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 inspired and free from error, as no other writings have ever been or ever will be inspired.
2. THE TRUE GOD We believe that there is one, and only one, living and true God, an infinite, intelligent Spirit, that maker and supreme ruler of heaven and earth, (Ex. 20:2-3; Gen. 17:1; I Cor. 8:6 Eph 4:6; John 4:24; Psa. 147:5 Psa. 83:18; Psa. 90:2;Jer10:10); Inexpressibly, glorious in holiness, and worthy of all possible honor, confidence and love, (Ex. 15:11, Rev. 4:11, I Tim. 1:17, Rom. 11:33, Mark 12:30); 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, (Matt. 28:19, John 15:26, I Cor. 12:4-6, I John 5:7, John 10:30, John 17:5, Acts 5:3-4, I Cor. 2:10-11, Phil. 2:5-6, Eph 2:18, II Cor. 13:14).
3. JESUS CHRIST We believe in the eternal deity of Jesus Christ; that by Him all things were made; that He was virgin born; that He died an atoning death; that He arose in physical resurrection; that He ascended to God’s right hand at which place He is our High Priest; that He is coming in the air to receive His own unto Himself in resurrection and rapture; and that He is to return to earth to establish God’s Kingdom among men, (Heb. 1:3; Col 1:19-20; Matt. 28:6-7, I John 2:1; I Thess. 4:13-18; Rev. 19:11, 20:6)
4. THE HOLY SPIRIT We believe that the Holy Spirit is a divine person; equal with God the Father, (John 14:16-17) and God the son, (Matt. 28:19) and of the same nature, (Heb. 9:14; John 14:26; Luke 1;3); that He was active in the creation, (Gen. 1:1-3): that in His relation to the unbelieving world He restrains the Evil one until God’s purpose if fulfilled, (II Thess. 2:7); that He convicts of sin, of judgement, and of righteousness, (John 16:8- 11) that He bears witness to the Truth of the Gospel in preaching and testimony, 2 (John 15:26-27; Acts 5:30-32); that He is the agent in the New Birth, (John 3:5-6); that He seals, baptizes, endues, guides, teaches, witnesses, sanctifies and helps the believer, (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; Gal. 5:22-23; Eph. 5:18-21).
5. SANCTIFICATION We believe that sanctification has a two-fold meaning, that of setting apart of things, days, or persons specifically for God, and that the believer at the time of his regeneration is so set apart by God the Father, (I Cor. 1:30; Heb. 10:10, 14). The progressive work of the Holy Spirit whereby the believer, obedient to the Word of God experiences the power of the indwelling Christ for holiness of life and victory over the old nature, which work will be completed when the believer stands in Christ’s presence, (Col. 1:26-28; John 17:17, I Thess. 5:23; II Cor. 3:18).
6. SATAN We believe that Satan was once holy, and enjoyed heavenly honors; but through pride and ambition to be as the Almighty, fell, (Isa. 14:12-15; Ezek. 28:14-17); and drew after him a host of angels, (Rev. 12:9, Jude 6, Ii Pet. 2:4; Eph. 2:2; John 14:30); that he is now the malignant prince of the power of the air, and the unholy god of this world, (I Thess. 3:5; Matt. 4:1-3). We hold him to be man’s great tempter, (I Pet. 5:8); the enemy of God and His Christ, (Zech. 1:3, I John 3;8; Matt. 13:25, 37-39; Luke 22:3-4); the accuser of the saints, (rev. 12:10); the author of all false religions, the chief power back of the present apostacy, (II Cor. 11:13-15; Mark 13:21-22); the Lord of the anti-Christ, (I John 4:3; II John 7; I John 2:22); and the author of all powers of darkness, (Rev. 13:13-14; Ii Thess. 2:8-11); destined to final defeat at the hands of God’s Son, (Rev. 19:11, 16,20; Rev. 12:7-9; Rev. 20:1-3); and to the judgment of an eternal justice in hell, a place prepared for him and his angels, ( Rev. 20:10; Matt. 25:41).
7. CREATION We believe in the Genesis account of creation, and that is it is to be accepted literally, and not allegorically or figuratively, (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) that man was created directly in God’s own image and after His own likeness, (Gen. 1:26- 27, I Cor. 11:7); that man’s creation was not a matter of evolution or evolutionary change of species, or development through interminable periods of time form lower to higher forms, (Gen. 2:7, Gen. 2:21-23); that all animal and vegetable life was made directly, and God’s established law was they should bring forth only “after their kind” (Gen. 1:11; Gen. 1;24)
8. THE FALL OF MAN We believe that man was created in innocence under the law of his Maker, (Gen. 3:1- 6,24); but by voluntary transgression fell from his sinless and happy state, (Rom. 5:12; Rom. 5:19); in consequence of which, all mankind are now sinners, not by constraint, but of choice, (Rom. 3:10-19; Eph. 2:1-3; Rom. 1:18; Ezek. 18:19-20); and 3 therefore under just condemnation without defense or excuse, (Rom. 1:32; Rom. 1:20; Rom. 1:28; Gal. 3:22).
9. THE VIRGIN BIRTH We believe that Jesus Christ was begotten of the Holy Ghost in a miraculous manner, (Gen. 3:15); born of Mary, a virgin, as no other man was ever born or can ever be born of woman, (Isa. 7:14: Matt. 1:18-25: Luke 1:35; Mark 1:1; John 1:14; Psa. 2:7; Gal. 4:4), and that He is both the Son of God and God, the Son, (I John 5:20; I Cor. 15:47).
10. THE ATONEMENT FOR SIN We believe that the salvation of sinners is wholly by grace, (Eph. 2:8, Acts 15:11; Rom. 3:24) through the meditational 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, (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); 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.(John 10:18, Phil. 2:8, Gal. 1:4, I Pet. 2:24, I Pet. 3:18, Isa. 53:11; Heb. 12:2); that having risen from the dead, He is now enthroned in heaven, and sympathies with divine perfection. He is every way qualified to be a suitable, a compassionate and an all-sufficient Savior, (I Cor. 15:20, Isa. 53:12, Heb. 9:12-15, Heb. 7:25, I John 2:2).
11. GRACE IN THE NEW CREATION We believe that in order to be saved, sinners must be born again, (John 3:3); that the new birth is a new creation in Christ Jesus, (II Cor. 5:17): that it is instantaneous and not a process, (Luke 5:27; John 5:1; John 3:6-7; Acts 2:41; Acts 16:30-33); 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, (II Pet. 1:4; Rom. 6:23; Eph. 2:1; II Cor. 5:19; Col. 2:13). 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, (John 3:8; John 1:12-13); that its proper evidence appears in the holy fruits of repentance and faith and newness of life, (Gal. 5:22; Eph. 5:9).
12. THE FREENESS OF SALVATION We believe in God’s electing grace, (I Thess. 1:4; Col. 3:12; I Pet. 1:2; Titus 1;1; Rom. 8:29-30); that the blessings of salvation are made free to all through the gospel, (Matt. 11:28; Isa. 55:1; Rev. 22:17; Rom. 10:13; John 6:37); that it is the immediate duty of all to accept them by a cordial, penitent and obedient faith, (Isa. 55:6; Acts 2:38); and that nothing prevents the salvation of the greatest sinner on earth but his own inherent depravity and voluntary rejection of the gospel, (Isa. 55:7; John 3:15- 16; I Tim. 1:15; I Cor. 15:10; Eph. 2:4-5; John 5:40); which rejection involves him in an aggravated condemnation, (John 3:18; John 3:36).
13. 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, (Acts 13:39; Isa. 53:11; Zech. 13:1; Rom. 8:1; Rom. 5:9; Rom. 5:1); 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, (Tit. 3:5-7; Rom. 1:17; Hab. 2:4; Gal. 3:11; Rom. 4:1-8; Heb. 10:38).
14. REPENTANCE AND FAITH We believe that Repentance and Faith are solemn obligations, (Acts 20:20); and also inseparable graces, (Mark 1:15); wrought in our souls by the quickening Spirit of God, (Acts 2:27-38); 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, confessions and supplication for mercy, (Luke 18:13; Rom. 10:13; Psa. 51:1-4; Psa. 51:7; Isa. 55:6-7); at the same time heartily receiving the Lord Jesus Christ and openly confessing Him as our only and all-sufficient Savior, (Luke 12:8, Rom. 10:9-11).
15. THE CHURCH We believe that a church of Christ is a congregation of baptized believers associated by a covenant of faith and fellowship of the gospel, (Acts 2:41-42); observing the ordinances of Christ. (Acts 2:42; I Cor. 11:2); governed by His laws, (Eph. 1:22-23); and exercising the gifts, rights and privileges invested in them by His Word, (Eph. 4:11; I Cor. 12:4, 8-11); that its scripturally designated qualifications, claims and duties are clearly defined in the Scriptures, (Acts 14:23; Acts 6:5-6; Acts 15:23; Acts 20:17-28; I Tim. 3:1-7; I Tim. 3:8-13); in the great commission: First to make individual and instruct, as He has commanded. We do not believe in the reversal of this order, (Matt. 28:19-20); we hold that the local church has the absolute right of self government, free from the interference of any hierarchy of individuals or organizations; through the Holy Spirit, ( Col. 1:18; Eph. 5:23-24: I Pet. 5:1-4); 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 measure and method of its cooperation, (Acts 15:22; Jude 3-4; II Cor. 8:23-24; I Cor. 16:1; Mal. 3:10; Lev. 27:32; I Cor. 16:2); on all matters of membership, of polity, of government, of discipline, of benevolence, the will of the local church is final, (I Cor. 6:1-3; I Cor. 5:11-13).
16. BAPTISM AND THE LORD’S SUPPER We believe that Christian Baptism is the believer’s immersion in water, (Acts 8:36- 39; Matt. 3:6; John 3:23; Rom. 6:4-5; Matt. 3:16); into the name of the father the Son, and the Holy Ghost, (Matt 28:19); 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, (Rom. 6:3-5; Col. 2:12); that in scriptural order it (baptism) preceded the privileges of church membership and is the public recognition of the Lordship of Jesus Christ, (Acts 2:41-42; Matt. 28:19-20). The Lord’s Supper is a memorial service in which the elements of bread and wine remind us of the love of 5 God in Christ Jesus. “Who spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all” that this ordinance is to be observed in anticipation of His coming and preceded always by solemn self-examination, (I Cor. 11:23-28; Rom. 8:32).
17. THE PERSEVERANCE OF THE SAINTS We believe that such only are real believers as endure unto the end, (John 8:31-32; Col. 1:21, 23); that their persevering attachment to Christ is the grand mark which distinguishes them from superficial professors, (I John 2:19; Matt. 13:19-20); that a special Providence watches over their welfare, (Rom. 8:28; Matt 6:30; Psa. 121:3; Heb. 1:14); and that they are kept by the power of God through faith unto eternal salvation, I Pet. 1:5; Phil. 1;6; John 10:28; John 10;29; John 16:8; Rom. 8:35-39).
18. THE RIGHTEOUS AND THE WICKED We believe that there is a radical and essential difference between the righteous and the wicked, (Mal. 3:18; Gen. 18:23; Rom. 6:17-18; Prov. 11:31; I Pet. 4:18); 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, (Rom. 1:17; I Cor. 15:22; Acts 10:34-35; I John 2:29; I John 3:7; Rom. 6:16); while all such as continue in impenitence and unbelief are in His sight wicked, and under the curse, (Rom. 6:16; I John 5:19; Gal. 3:10; Rom. 7:6; Rom. 6:23); and this distinction hold among men both in and after death, in the everlasting felicity of the saved and the everlasting conscious suffering of the lost, (Prov. 14:32; Luke 16:25; Matt. 25:34,41; John 8:21; Luke 9:26; John 12;25; Matt. 7:13-14).
19. CIVIL GOVERNMENT We believe that civil government is of divine appointment, for the interests and good order of human society, (Rom. 13:17; II Sam. 23:3; Ex. 18:21-22); that magistrates are to be prayed for, conscientiously honored and obeyed, (Acts 23:5; Matt. 22:21; Tit. 3:1; I Pet. 2:13-14; I Pet. 2:17); except only in things opposed to the will of our Lord Jesus Christ, (Acts 5:29; Acts 4:19-20; Dan. 3:17-18); Who is the only Lord of the conscience, and the coming Prince of the kings of the earth, (Matt. 10:28; Matt. 23: 10; Rev. 10:6; Phil. 2:10-11; Psa. 72:11).
20. HUMAN SEXUALITY We believe that God has commanded that no intimate sexual activity be engaged in outside of marriage between one naturally-born man and one naturally-born woman. We believe that any form of homosexuality, lesbianism, bisexuality, bestiality, incest, fornication, adultery, and pornography are sinful perversions of God’s gift of sex. We believe that God disapproves of and forbids any attempt to alter one’s gender by surgery or appearance. (Gen 2:24; Gen 19:5,13; Gen 26:8-9; Lev 18:1-30; Rom 1:26- 29; 1 Cor 5:1; 6:9; 1 Thess 4:1-8; Heb 13:4) We believe that the only Scriptural marriage is the joining of one naturally-born man and one naturally- born woman for life (Gen 2:24; Rom 7:2; 1 Cor 7:10; Eph. 5:22-23).
21. THE RESURRECTION, RETURN OF CHRIST AND RELATED EVENTS We believe in and accept the sacred Scriptures upon these subjects at their face and full value: 6 a. The Bodily Resurrection: Matt. 28:6-7; Luke 24:39; John 20:27; I Cor. 15:4; Mark 16:6; Luke 24:2, 4-6. b. The Ascension: Acts 1:9; Acts 1:11; Luke 24:51; Mark 16:19; Rev. 3:21; Heb. 8:1; Heb. 12:2. c. The High Priesthood: Heb. 8:6; I Tim. 2:5; I John 2:1; Heb. 2:17; Heb. 5:9-10. d. The Second Coming: John 14:3; Acts 1:11; I Thess. 4:16; Matt. 24:27; Matt. 25:13; Jas. 5:8; Matt. 24:42; Heb. 9:28. e. The Resurrection of the Righteous Dead: I Thess. 4:16; I Cor. 15:42-44; I Cor. 15:52. f. The Change of the Living in Christ: I Cor. 15:51-53; I Thess. 4:17; Phil. 3:20-21. g. On the Throne of David: Luke 1:32; Isa. 9:6-7; Acts 2:29-30 h. His Reign on Earth: I Cor. 15:25; Isa. 32:1; Isa. 11:4-5; Psa. 72:8; Rev. 20:1-4; Rev. 20:6.
22. MISSIONS We believe the command to give the gospel to the world is clear and unmistakable and this commission was given to the churches, (Matt. 28:18-20; Mark 16:15; John 20:21; Rom. 10:13-15).