THE TREME CHURCH HOLY FAITH TEMPLE BAPTIST
OUR DOCTRINE
DECLARATION OF OUR FAITH
Adopted Articles of Faith: What we believe as fundamental Baptist
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 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 GOD’S head, 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 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 by 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 Scripture
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
law by His personal obedience, and by His death made 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 and
divine perfections, He is in every way qualified to be a suitable,
compassionate, and all-sufficient Savior.
V. JUSTIFICATION
We
believe the Scriptures teach that the Gospel blessing which Christ
secures to such as believe in Him is justified; that justification
includes pardon of sin, and the promise of eternal life on principles of
righteousness which we have done, but solely through faith in the
Redeemer’s blood; by virtue of which His perfect righteousness is freely
imputed to us of GOD; that it brings us into a state of blessed peace
and favor with GOD, and secures every other blessings needful for time
and eternity.
VI. THE FREENESS OF SALVATION
We
believe the Scriptures teach that the blessings of Salvation are made
free to all by the Gospel; that it is the immediately duty of all to
accept them by cordial, pertinent and obedient faith; and that nothing
prevents salvation of the greatest sinner on earth but this own
determined depravity and voluntary rejection of the Gospel, which
rejection involves him in an aggravated condemnation.
VIII. REGENERATION
We
believe the Scriptures teach that in order to be saved, sinners must be
regenerated or born again; that generation consist in giving a holy
disposition to the mind that 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, faith, and
newness of life.
VIII. REPENTANCE AND FAITH
We
believe the Scriptures teach that repentance and faith are sacred
duties; and also undeserved graces, wrought in our souls by the
regenerating Spirit of GOD; whereby being deeply convinced of our guilt,
danger, and helplessness 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 Savior.
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 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 for 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 is the foundation of Christian
assurance; and that to ascertain it with regard to ourselves demands and
deserves the utmost diligence.
X. SANTIFACATION
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 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 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 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
of 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. BAPTISIM 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, Son, and Holy Ghost;
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
church relation; and to the Lord’s Supper, in which 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 for religious
purposes, by abstaining from all secular labor and sinful recreations,
by the devout observance of all means of grace, both private and public,
and by preparation for the rest that remain 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 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 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 this world is approaching;
that at the last day Christ will descend from heaven, and raise the
dead from the grave to 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 tat this judgment will fix
forever the final state of men in heaven or hell, on principles of
righteousness.