What We Believe
The Godhead (Trinity) We believe in one God who eternally exists in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. These three are coequal in power and glory, sharing the same divine nature, yet distinct in personhood. God is the Creator and Sustainer of all things, perfectly holy, loving, and just. He is worthy of all worship, honor, and obedience. (Genesis 1:1; Deuteronomy 6:4; Matthew 28:19; John 1:1–3; 2 Corinthians 13:14)
The Gospel We believe that the gospel is the good news of God’s sovereign grace in saving sinners through the person and work of Jesus Christ. From eternity past, God purposed to redeem a people for Himself. Though all humanity is fallen in Adam, spiritually dead in sin, and unable to save themselves, God in His mercy sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to accomplish our redemption. Jesus Christ lived a perfectly righteous life in full obedience to God’s law, and on the cross He died as a substitute for sinners, bearing the full wrath of God in their place. His atoning death fully satisfied God’s justice, and His resurrection from the dead secured victory over sin and death. Salvation is applied by the Holy Spirit, who effectually calls, regenerates, and grants repentance and faith to those whom God saves. Justification is by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone, apart from works. All who are united to Christ are forgiven, declared righteous, adopted into God’s family, and will be kept by His power to the end. We believe the gospel is the power of God for salvation and the center of the Christian life. It not only saves us but continually transforms us, producing obedience, holiness, and joy to the glory of God. (John 6:37–44; Romans 3:21–26; Romans 8:29–30; 1 Corinthians 1:18–31; 2 Corinthians 4:3–6; Ephesians 1:3–14; Ephesians 2:1–10; Philippians 1:6; Titus 3:3–7; 1 Peter 2:24)
The Father We believe that God the Father reigns with providential care over His universe, His creatures, and the flow of human history according to His purposes and grace. He is all-powerful, all-knowing, and perfectly loving and just. He desires that all people come to repentance and has graciously provided salvation through His Son. As Father, He lovingly cares for, disciplines, and adopts all who come to Him through Jesus Christ. (Psalm 103:13; Matthew 6:9–10; John 3:16; John 6:37–40; Romans 8:14–17; Ephesians 1:3–6)
Salvation We believe that salvation is by grace alone through faith alone in Jesus Christ alone. All people are sinners by nature and choice and are separated from God. Jesus Christ, fully God and fully man, lived a sinless life, died in our place, and rose again. Through repentance and faith in Him, we are forgiven, declared righteous, and given new life. Salvation is a gift of God, not a result of works, and all true believers are secure in Christ forever, never to lose their salvation. (Isaiah 53:5–6; John 3:16–18; Romans 3:23–24; Romans 5:8; Ephesians 2:8–9; Titus 3:5; John 10:28–29)
Jesus Christ (the Son) We believe that Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God, fully God and fully man. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. He lived a sinless life, perfectly revealing the Father, and fulfilled God’s law. He died on the cross as the substitute for our sins, was buried, and rose bodily from the dead. He ascended into heaven and now reigns as Lord, interceding for believers. He will return personally and visibly in power and glory. (Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:18–23; John 1:14; John 14:6; Romans 5:8; 1 Corinthians 15:3–4; Hebrews 4:14–15; Hebrews 7:25; Acts 1:9–11)
The Holy Spirit We believe that the Holy Spirit is fully God and actively works in the world to glorify Christ. He convicts of sin, righteousness, and judgment, and draws people to salvation. At conversion, He regenerates, indwells, seals, and empowers every believer. The Spirit guides, teaches, and equips believers for godly living and service, producing spiritual fruit and unity within the Church. (John 14:16–17; John 16:8–13; Acts 1:8; Romans 8:9–11; 1 Corinthians 12:4–7; Galatians 5:22–23; Ephesians 1:13–14)
The Church We believe that the Church is the body of Christ, made up of all believers, with Jesus as its head. The local church is a gathered community of baptized believers who worship, grow in the Word, practice the ordinances of baptism and the Lord’s Supper, and live on mission together. The Church exists to glorify God by making disciples and building up one another in love. (Matthew 16:18; Acts 2:41–47; 1 Corinthians 12:12–27; Ephesians 1:22–23; Colossians 1:18; Hebrews 10:24–25)
The Great Commission We believe that Jesus Christ has commanded His followers to make disciples of all nations. Every believer is called to participate in this mission by proclaiming the gospel, baptizing new believers, and teaching them to obey Christ. The Church is sent into the world to be a witness to the saving power of Jesus. (Matthew 28:18–20; Mark 16:15; Acts 1:8; Romans 10:14–15; 2 Corinthians 5:18–20)
The Bible We believe that the Bible is the inspired, inerrant, and authoritative Word of God. It is the final authority for faith and practice, revealing God’s character, His redemptive plan, and His will for our lives. Scripture is trustworthy and sufficient, guiding us in truth and equipping us for every good work. (Psalm 19:7–11; 2 Timothy 3:16–17; 2 Peter 1:20–21; Matthew 5:18; Hebrews 4:12)
Eternity We believe that every person will spend eternity either in heaven or in hell. Those who trust in Jesus Christ will enjoy eternal life in the presence of God, while those who reject Him will face eternal separation from God under His just judgment. Eternity is real, and our response to Christ in this life has eternal consequences. (Matthew 25:31–46; John 5:24; John 14:1–3; Romans 6:23; 2 Thessalonians 1:8–9; Revelation 20:11–15; Revelation 21:1–4)
The Sacraments (Ordinances) We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ has given the Church two ordinances: baptism and the Lord’s Supper. These are outward signs instituted by Christ that visibly proclaim the gospel, strengthen the faith of believers, and mark our life together as His people. While they do not save, they are means of grace that point us to Christ and His finished work. Baptism is the immersion of a believer in water in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. It is an act of obedience that symbolizes our union with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection, and serves as a public declaration of faith in Him. The Lord’s Supper is a symbolic act of obedience in which believers partake of the bread and the cup, remembering the body and blood of Christ given for us. It proclaims His death, nourishes our faith, and calls us to examine ourselves as we await His return. (Matthew 28:19–20; Acts 2:41–42; Romans 6:3–4; 1 Corinthians 10:16–17; 1 Corinthians 11:23–29)
Non-Essentials We believe that unity in the gospel is essential, but there is freedom in non-essential matters. Faithful believers may hold different views on secondary issues while remaining united in Christ. In all things, we seek to pursue truth with humility, extend grace to one another, and maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. While we may not agree on every secondary issue, we are committed to keeping the gospel central, loving one another sincerely, and partnering together for the mission of making disciples. (Romans 14:1–13; 1 Corinthians 8:1–3; Ephesians 4:1–6; Philippians 2:1–4; Colossians 3:12–14)
For more in-depth information on our statement of faith, convictions and standards of Christian living, visit the Baptist Faith & Message 2000. Also, please refer to the Apostle's Creed and Nicene Creed.