The Home Bible Study Library

The Fresh Waters

Articles of Faith
(The Doctrinal Statement of First Baptist Church of Mineral Springs)

Edited By Dr Terry W. Preslar

Copyright (C) 2007. Terry W. Preslar All rights reserved.

“...when thou comest, bring with thee...the books,

but especially the parchments. (2 Tim. 4:13)
Psalms 107:2 S É S Romans 12:1-2
P.O. Box 388 Mineral Springs, N.C. 28108
1(704)843-3858
E-Mail: preslar12@windstream.net
 The Home Bible Study Library
The Fresh Waters Articles of Faith
(The Doctrinal Statement of First Baptist Church of Mineral Springs)
Introductory Preface

While all evangelical Christians hold that the Bible alone is the complete and sufficient guide in matters
of religious faith and practice, yet most denominations have certain doctrinal statements setting forth the
fundamental truths which they understand the Scriptures to teach. Many of these confessions have become
historic. The oldest and briefest of all these statements is the “Apostle’s Creed.” The two American
confessions which have been of particular interest through the years are the Philadelphia Confession and the
New Hampshire Confession..
About confessions of Faith, it has been said that they are “... not issued as an authoritative rule, or code
of faith, whereby you are to be fettered, but as an assistance to you in controversy, a confirmation in faith,
and a means of edification in righteousness. Here the younger members of our church will have a body of
divinity in small compass, and by means of Scriptural proofs, will be ready to give an account for the hope
that is in them.
Be not ashamed of your faith; remember it is the ancient gospel of martyrs, confessors, reformers and
saints. Above all, it is “the truth of God”, against which the gates of Hell cannot prevail.
Let your lives adorn your faith, let your example adorn your creed. Above all live in Christ Jesus, and
walk in Him, giving credence to no teaching but that which is manifestly approved of Him, and owned by
the Holy Spirit. Cleave fast to the Word of God which is here mapped out for you.” (Quotation by C. H.
Spurgeon taken from the preface of the reprint of the 1689 Puritan Confession sponsored by his church)
“A confession of our loyalty to the Bible is not enough. The most radical denials of biblical truth
frequently coexist with a professed regard for the authority and testimony of the Bible. When men use the
very words of the Bible to promote heresy, when the Word of truth is perverted to serve error, nothing less
than a confession of Faith will serve publicly to draw the lines between truth and error...
The church is to ‘hold fast the form of sound words’ (2 Tim. 1:13), to ‘contend earnestly for the faith
which was once delivered to the saints’ (Jude 3), and to ‘stand fast with one spirit, with one soul striving
for the faith of the gospel’ (Phil. 1:27). In the fulfilment of this task, a confession is a useful tool for
discriminating truth from error and for presenting in a small compass the central doctrines of the Bible in
their integrity and due proportions...
Nevertheless, our confessions are not inherently sacrosanct or beyond revision and improvement; and,
of course, church history did not stop in the seventeenth century. We are faced with errors today which those
who drew up the great confessions were not faced with and which they did not explicitly address in the
confessions, but it is a task to be undertaken with extreme caution. ...
A confession is a useful means for the public affirmation and defense of truth...(it) serves as a public
standard of fellowship and discipline...(and it) serves as a concise standard by which to evaluate ministers
of the Word.” (R. P. Martin – in remarks concerning the Westminster Confession of Faith).
“This may be affirmed, that no private Christian would fail to benefit largely from a deliberate and
studious perusal and re-perusal of the Confession of Faith or the express purpose of obtaining a clear and
systematic conception of sacred truth, both as a whole, and with all its parts so arranged as to display their
relative importance, and their mutual bearing upon, and illustration of each other...
A confession of faith is not the very voice of Divine Truth, but the echo of that Truth from souls that
have heard its utterance, felt its power, and are answering to its call.” (W. Hetherington – in remarks
concerning the Westminster Confession of Faith).

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 A Basis for Composing Articles of Faith
(Taken from “The Cambridge Declaration” of the Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals April 20, 1996 –
We hold that this statement is a foundation of any modern statement of Bible Believing Faith)

In the study of Theology, the “Five Solas” are the truths that dictate the position and teachings of those
who believe the Bible Alone (Sola Scriptura) is the standard for doctrine and practice. This system of
teaching states that every aspect of salvation is by God’s Sovereign Grace Alone (Sola Gratia) and
conditioned upon Christ Alone (Solo Christo). It says that Christ’s people freely receive knowledge and rely
upon Christ entirely for their salvation by the gift of Faith Alone (Sola fide (by faith alone), also historically
known as the justification of faith, is a doctrine, held by some, which asserts that it is on the basis of their
faith that believers are forgiven their transgressions of the Law of God, rather than on the basis of good
works which they have done.). The capstone of the Five Solas states that all that happens in this world,
including the salvation of men, the damnation of the wicked, and even the sinfulness of men is predestined
for the Glory of God Alone (Soli Deo Gloria). These affirmations determine the doctrinal and practical
positions of the Bible Believer. They are:
I- Sola Scriptura – Latin meaning “The Scriptures alone.” (the Bible in its 66 book cannon only). The
doctrine of infallible authority. Scripture alone is the infallible and final authority in the Church for
matters of doctrine and practice. To claim this is an affirmation of the inerrant Scripture to be the
sole source of written divine revelation, which alone can bind the conscience. The Bible alone
teaches all that is necessary for our salvation from sin and is the standard by which all Christian
behavior must be measured.
It expresses a denial that any creed, council or individual may bind a Christian’s conscience, that
the Holy Spirit speaks independently of or contrary to what is set forth in the Bible, or that personal
spiritual experience can ever be a vehicle of revelation.
The Bible is the only inspired and authoritative Word of God. This is in opposition to the
teaching of the Roman Catholic Church that scripture is interpreted through Holy Tradition. It
expresses a conviction that scripture is perspicuous and self-interpreting. Catholicism also maintains
that other rules of faith than scripture exist, namely the infallible Councils and the Pope.
Errors in this area will result in the Erosion of Authority. Scripture alone is the inerrant rule of
the church’s life, but the evangelical church today has separated Scripture from its authoritative
function. In practice, the church is guided, far too often, by the culture. Therapeutic technique,
marketing strategies, and the beat of the entertainment world often have far more to say about what
the church wants, how it functions and what it offers, than does the Word of God. Pastors have
neglected their rightful oversight of worship, including the doctrinal content of the music. As biblical
authority has been abandoned in practice, as its truths have faded from Christian consciousness, and
as its doctrines have lost their saliency, the church has been increasingly emptied of its integrity,
moral authority and direction.
Rather than adapting Christian faith to satisfy the felt needs of consumers, we must proclaim the
law as the only measure of true righteousness and the gospel as the only announcement of saving
truth. Biblical truth is indispensable to the church’s understanding, nurture and discipline.
Scripture must take us beyond our perceived needs to our real needs and liberate us from seeing
ourselves through the seductive images, cliches, promises and priorities of mass culture. It is only
in the light of God’s truth that we understand ourselves aright and see God’s provision for our need.
The Bible, therefore, must be taught and preached in the church. Sermons must be expositions of the
Bible and its teachings, not expressions of the preacher’s opinions or the ideas of the age. We must
settle for nothing less than what God has given.
The work of the Holy Spirit in personal experience cannot be disengaged from Scripture. The
Spirit does not speak in ways that are independent of Scripture. Apart from Scripture we would never

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 have known of God’s grace in Christ. The biblical Word, rather than spiritual experience, is the test
of truth.
II- Solus Christus – Latin meaning “of Christ alone.” (Jesus Christ is the only Saviour). The doctrine
of the merit of salvation. Closely related to the doctrine of Solus Christus is the doctrine of
imputation. To claim this is an affirmation that our salvation is accomplished by the mediatorial
work of the historical Christ alone. His sinless life and substitutionary atonement alone are sufficient
for our justification and reconciliation to the Father.
It expresses a denial that the gospel can be preached if Christ’s substitutionary work is not
declared and faith in Christ and his work is not clearly set forth. Jesus Christ is the exclusive
mediator between God and man. Neither Mary, the saints, false gods, nor the sinner himself can
bring salvation.
Errors in this area will result in the Erosion of Christ-Centered Faith. As evangelical faith
becomes secularized, its interests have been blurred with those of the culture. The result is a loss of
absolute values, permissive individualism, and a substitution of wholeness for holiness, recovery for
repentance, intuition for truth, feeling for belief, chance for providence, and immediate gratification
for enduring hope. Christ and his cross have moved from the center of our vision.
III- Sola Gratia – Latin meaning “grace alone.” The reformed doctrine of the basis of salvation. A
reaffirm that in salvation we are rescued from God’s wrath by his grace alone. It is the supernatural
work of the Holy Spirit that brings us to Christ by releasing us from our bondage to sin and raising
us from spiritual death to spiritual life.
It is expressed deny that salvation is in any sense a human work. Human methods, techniques
or strategies by themselves cannot accomplish this transformation. Faith is not produced by our
unregenerated human nature. Salvation comes by grace only, not through any merit on the part of
the sinner. Thus salvation is an unearned gift. This is a response to the Catholic doctrine of merit.
Errors in this area will result in the Erosion of The Gospel. Unwarranted confidence in human
ability is a product of fallen human nature. This false confidence now fills the evangelical world;
from the self-esteem gospel, to the health and wealth gospel, from those who have transformed the
gospel into a product to be sold and sinners into consumers who want to buy, to others who treat
Christian faith as being true simply because it works. This silences the doctrine of justification
regardless of the official commitments of our churches.
God’s grace in Christ is not merely necessary but is the sole efficient cause of salvation. We
confess that human beings are born spiritually dead and are incapable even of cooperating with
regenerating grace.
IV- Sola Fide – Latin meaning “faith alone.” The Biblical doctrine of the means of salvation. To claim
this is an affirmation that justification is by grace alone through faith alone because of Christ alone.
In justification Christ’s righteousness is imputed to us as the only possible satisfaction of God’s
perfect justice.
This is a denial that justification rests on any merit to be found in us, or upon the grounds of an
imputation of Christ’s righteousness in us. Salvation comes through faith only, not works. This is
the means of grace. The doctrine is that salvation comes by grace through faith and that even this
faith is not of the sinner’s doing, but is itself the result of grace. Saving faith, however, will always
be accompanied by good works. This doctrine is in opposition to the Catholic formula that salvation
comes by faith plus works.
Errors in this area will result in the Erosion of True Evangelism. Justification is by grace alone
through faith alone because of Christ alone. This is the article by which the church stands or falls.
Today this article is often ignored, distorted or sometimes even denied by leaders, scholars and
pastors who claim to be evangelical. Although fallen human nature has always recoiled from
recognizing its need for Christ’s imputed righteousness, modernity greatly fuels the fires of this
discontent with the biblical Gospel. We have allowed this discontent to dictate the nature of our

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 ministry and what it is we are preaching.
Many in the church growth movement believe that sociological understanding of those in the pew
is as important to the success of the gospel as is the biblical truth which is proclaimed. As a result,
theological convictions are frequently divorced from the work of the ministry. The marketing
orientation in many churches takes this even further, erasing the distinction between the biblical
Word and the world, robbing Christ’s cross of its offense, and reducing Christian faith to the
principles and methods which bring success to secular corporations.
While the theology of the cross may be believed, these movements are actually emptying it of
its meaning. There is no gospel except that of Christ’s substitution in our place whereby God
imputed to him our sin and imputed to us his righteousness. Because he bore our judgment, we now
walk in his grace as those who are forever pardoned, accepted and adopted as God’s children. There
is no basis for our acceptance before God except in Christ’s saving work, not in our patriotism,
churchly devotion or moral decency. The gospel declares what God has done for us in Christ. It is
not about what we can do to reach him.
V- Soli Deo Gloria – Latin meaning “For God’s Glory alone.” This is an affirmation that because
salvation is of God and has been accomplished by God, it is for God’s glory and that we must glorify
him always. We must live our entire lives before the face of God, under the authority of God and for
his glory alone.
To claim this is a denial that we can properly glorify God if our worship if it is confused with
entertainment, if we neglect either Law or Gospel in our preaching, or if self-improvement,
self-esteem or self-fulfillment are allowed to become alternatives to the Gospel.
All the glory is God’s, since he did all the work, not only the atonement on the Cross, but even
granting the faith which allows men to be saved by that atonement. Each aspect of salvation is a gift
from God, and thus all praise is his, not man’s. The reformers believed that human beings (such as
the Catholic saints and popes) and their organizations (the Church) were not worthy of the glory that
was bestowed on them.
Errors in this area will result in the Erosion of God-Centered Worship. Wherever in the church
biblical authority has been lost, Christ has been displaced, the gospel has been distorted, or faith has
been perverted, it has always been for one reason: our interests have displaced God’s and we are
doing his work in our way. The loss of God’s centrality in the life of today’s church is common and
lamentable. It is this loss that allows us to transform worship into entertainment, gospel preaching
into marketing, believing into technique, being good into feeling good about ourselves, and
faithfulness into being successful. As a result, God, Christ and the Bible have come to mean too little
to us and rest too inconsequentially upon us.
God does not exist to satisfy human ambitions, cravings, the appetite for consumption, or our
own private spiritual interests. We must focus on God in our worship, rather than the satisfaction of
our personal needs. God is sovereign in worship; we are not. Our concern must be for God’s
kingdom, not our own empires, popularity or success.

In recent years, the Five Solas have been consciously imitated by Christian Fundamentalists in the “five
fundamentals.” [Five basics or Fundamentals of the faith are related to this verse and all who teach or hold
to these five fundamentals are said to be Fundamentalist. These five basics are : #1) The Bible is absolutely
true. (2 Tim.3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:21); #2) Jesus, The Christ, was born of a virgin. (Matt.1:23; Isa. 7:14); #3)
Jesus died in our place. (1 Peter 2:24; Rom.5:8; John 3:16); #4) Jesus rose from the dead. (John 20:25-29;
1 Cor.15:14-19); #5) Jesus will return. (Acts 1:11; 1 John 3:3; 1 Thes.1:9-10)]. The “Five Solas” are a
summation of the doctrines of the Grace of God.

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 The Limitations of Any Dogmatic Theology

There could be many limitations in Dogmatic Theology. A short list might name six items that put
restrictions on the use of dogmatics. I will list these with a few comments.
1. The finite-ness of the human mind – (Job 11:7; Rom. 11:33) We as finite beings cannot fully
understand an infinite Being [God] or His infinite message. This is the reason the Lord has given us
the Holy Spirit to illuminate and lead us into the truths of the message.
2. The imperfect state of science – Science and revelation come from the same creative hand [God], so
must coincide. If the two contradict it must result from the improper understanding of science. This
has been proven over and over in history. Man has had a misunderstanding of the scientific evidence
so assumes that the Scripture is in error. This is backwards to the one that believes the Bible to be
true. We would assume that the scientific evidence is in error.
3. The inadequacy of human language – (1 Cor. 2:13; 2 Cor. 3:5-6; 12:4) God revealed to man, and
man placed those thoughts into writing. These writings were correct. The problem comes when man
reads those writings and misunderstands what he has read. Language is imprecise, so we must be
very careful in our study.
4. “The incompleteness of our knowledge of the Scriptures – (Psa. 119:18; Luke 24:32, 45) We cannot
know the entirety of the Scriptures, thus we cannot really have a complete knowledge of the
Scriptures. As we learn from the Word, we add that information to what we already know. If the new
information conflicts with previous knowledge, then we must evaluate our understanding of the new
and the old and determine how the two fit together.
5. The silence of the written revelation – (Deut. 29.29; Luke 13:23-24; John 13:7; 1 Cor. 2:9). Many
things might come to mind to support this thought. The little information concerning Mary the
mother of Jesus; the origin of evil; the state of the dead; etc. We would like more information, yet
the Lord did not choose to reveal it to us.
6. The lack of spiritual discernment caused by sin – Some great strides in theology were made after the
reformation because the people were truly seeking after God and His righteousness. If you wonder
why churches in America are dead and complacent take a look at the pastors of the Churches of
America. There may be a relationship.

Statement of Purpose

We Owe a Lot to the many that have stood with us in the Gospel. We believe that this modern day has
left the heart of Old Fashioned Religion behind in an effort to move into this generation and therefore
Revival is at its lowest ebb. It was for this very reason that First Baptist Church of Mineral Springs, NC was
organized. In Order to See Revival in the Land again we have rolled back the calender to an early day and
you have our promise to:
I- Have Preaching Like That Of Fifty Years Ago That Will Shake The Foundations Of Worldiness And
Bring Conviction To The Lost World. (Rom.1:16 “For I am not ashamed...”)
II- Have Old Fashioned Singing That Thrills The Hearts Of The Saints And Brings Shouts Of
AMEN! – Praise The LORD! – Glory! And The Loud Explosive Shout Of Joy That Is Seen When
GOD Moves In The Camp. (Eph.5:18-19 “...singing to yourselves in psalms and hymes and spiritual
songs..”)
III- Have Heart Felt Testimonies That Prove That GOD Does Bless In This Day And Revival Is
Possible Among GOD’S People If We Will Pay The Price. (II Chron.7:14 “If my people..”)
IV- Have Prayer That Has Roots In The Far Past And Reaches To The Next Generation With A
Lasting Restoration Of Spiritual Victory Over The Errors of this Backslidden Hour. (Joel 2:25 “I will

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 restore to you the years...”)
V- Leave Our Children Some Heritage Of The Old Fashioned Religion That Was The Hallmark Of
The Past Generations (Job 24:2 “Some remove the Landmarks...”) America was built upon and the
American Culture has been a product of the Values of Faith in GOD and a firm conviction that
GOD raised up America in order to provide a place for Worship and service in the Power of GOD.
There is no more wonderful sight than to see the church house filled and many of the saints rejoicing
while sinners get saved at the “Morner’s Altar”. With GOD’S help and your faithfulness we can see this
continue. Please Pray For Revival In FBCMS...!!!

A Short History of First Baptist of Mineral Springs, NC

This congregation of Believers meets together to carry out the practice of New Testament church; Local
in our witness, Heavenly in our vision, and Worldwide in our mission toward a lost world. There have been
a few Baptists efforts in the Mineral Springs Community that did not continue to be organized into a church.
In the Spring (April) of the year of 1975 Pastor Terry W. Preslar felt the need to start a church in this town,
that would reach this area and extend to the regions beyond through local church missions and prayer.
Meeting in his home (in Waxhaw with an eye toward Mineral Springs), then in a store building rented from
Mr. L.P. Moser, on the street (Hwy 75) near the “stop light”, and now at its present location on Doster Road,
Mineral Springs, North Carolina, this church serves our LORD with joy.
In August, 1975 the Church was organized and set in order on the third Sunday afternoon at 2:00 PM.
Pastor Bobby Leonard, from Monroe, preached the charge to the new church and the Montgomery Family
sang. The “Mineral Springs Baptist Mission” was renamed “First Baptist Church” because it was the first
Baptist effort that had lasted long enough to be organized into a church. The Secrest Grove Baptist Church
of Monroe sponsored the new church with prayer and helped to pay the rent on the building for the first year.
The Shining Light Baptist Church donated some pews to help the new church and many others helped the
young church and pastor as the Lord blessed the work.
There are many memories that have been enjoyed through these years. There have been Revivals,
Evangelistic Meetings, Mission Conferences and Fellowship Rallies held in almost every year following the
organization of the church. We have seen many converts and God has blessed the work continually even
though there have been a few sad times. The thought that is most blessed is the hope of HIS soon return for
those whom HE finds watching. Therefore we labor under HIS “Great Commission” in Matt.28:19-20.
This congregation is an independent, Baptist Church with a New Testament order. Baptist churches are
all autonomous and are not a people of covenants nor creeds. This manner of expression is not the manner
used by the historical relatives of the Baptists. Baptist are New Testament Believers and therefore the New
Testament is the document of authority. Upon the New Testament we rest all other covenants. Having started
in this way and intending to follow this path until we see HIM we continue.

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 The Church Covenant

Baptist are not a people of covenants nor creeds. This manner of expression is not the manner used by
the historical relatives of the Baptists S Baptist are New Testament Believers and therefore the New
Testament is the document of authority. However, there have been a few statements of faith and a few
resolutions that have caught the pulse of Baptist. It seems that the following lines may be agreed to by the
lovers of the Truth and it is thought that Baptist might approve.
Predicate – Having received the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord, relying wholly upon His finished
work for salvation, and upon a profession of personal faith in Christ Jesus, having been baptized in the
name of the Father. and of the Son. and of the Holy Spirit.
Covenant in General – We do now, in the presence of God, angels, and this assembly, most solemnly and
joyfully enter into Covenant with one another, that we will walk together in newness of life, with
brotherly love, to His glory, as our common Lord. We do, therefore, in His strength, particularly engage:
In the Assembly – That we will not forsake the assembling of ourselves together, at such times and places
as the church may appoint, for instruction. prayer. business or evangelizing; that we will strive to
promote the prosperity and spirituality of the church, and to sustain its worship, ordinances, discipline
and doctrine and that when we remove from this place we will, as soon as possible, unite with some
other church where we can carry out the spirit of this Covenant and the principles of God’s Word.
Mutual Care – That we will exercise a mutual care, as members, one of another, to promote the growth of
the whole body in Christian knowledge, holiness and comfort, in all the will of God; that we will
remember each other in prayer; that we will aid each other in sickness and distress; that we will
frequently exhort, and if occasion requires, admonish one another (according to Matt. 18:15-17), in the
spirit of meekness, considering ourselves, lest we also be tempted.
Contributions - That we will cheerfully, and according to our ability, regularly contribute of our means for
the relief of the poor, for the expense of the Church, for the maintenance of a faithful gospel ministry
among us, and for the spread of the gospel throughout all the world.
Alone and at Home - That we not omit private and family devotions, nor allow ourselves to permit the too
common neglect of the great duty of training our children and others under our care, in the nature and
admonition of the Lord, with a view to the service of Christ and the enjoyment of heaven.
Before the World - That we will walk circumspectly before the world; that we will refrain from such of its
games, amusements and fashions as are foes to spiritual mindedness; that we will be temperate in all
things and cautious, especially being on our guard to abstain from the use or of intoxicants and other
deleterious drugs or substances; that we will be just in our dealings, faithful in our engagements and
exemplary in our deportment; that we will avoid all tattling, backbiting and excessive anger, in order that
we may win souls, remembering that God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love,
and of a sound mind.
Invocation - And the God of Peace, who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus Christ that great
shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting Covenant, make us perfect in every good
work to do His will, working in us that which is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ to whom
be glory forever and ever. Amen.

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 The Fresh Waters Articles of Faith
(The Doctrinal Statement)
“To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word,
it is because there is no light in them.” (Isa. 8:20)
Some Doctrinal Positions
We have little or no doctrinal similarity to either of the Neo-Evangelical, Non-Denominational,
Inter-Denominational or modern Charismatic Movements – to which we hold no malice; but because of
Biblical convictions, we must remain separated. This separatist position is not always understood but still
remains protected by the Word of GOD and is required by an honest believer. We regret that space will not
allow more elaboration on these statements. We will be glad to address any questions with more printed
documentation or with a verbal response. We believe that any doctrinal statement would be only dogma
(“Man-Made”) without a faithful and clear position on the Bible as a foundation for the statement. In the
next few lines is contained a summation of our convictions upon the Word of GOD. After this position on
the Bible is set down, it is hoped to list the following subjects with Scripture texts that reflect our
understanding of these vital matters:

The True GOD (Ex. 15:11; Psa. 83:18; John 4:24)
The Fall of Man (Ezek. 18:10-20; Rom. 5:19)
The Way Of Salvation (John 3:16; Eph. 2:8)
Justification Through Faith (John 1:16; Eph. 3:8)
The Freeness Of Salvation (Isa. 55:1; Rev. 22:17)
Grace In Regeneration (2 Cor. 5:17; 1 John 5:1)
Repentance By Faith (Mark 1:15; Acts 11:18)
GOD’S Purpose Of Grace (I Thes. 1:4-10; 2 Tim.
1:8-9)
Sanctification By Truth (Rom. 8:5; Phil. 2:12-13)
The Perseverance Of Saints (Rom. 8:28; Phil. 1:6)
Harmony Of Law And Gospel (Rom. 3:31; 7:12;
8:2-4)
A Gospel Church (Matt. 28:20; Acts 2:41-42)
The Christian Sabbath (Psa. 118:15; Acts 20:7;
Heb. 10:24-25)
Civil Government (Matt. 22:21; Rom. 13:1-7)
The Eternal State of The Righteous and The
Wicked (Mal. 3:18; I John 5:19; Prov. 14:32)
The World To Come (Matt. 13:49; 25:31-46; 1
Peter 4:7)

Not hoping to press any individual dogma upon the reader, it is believed that there are several essentials
of Faith needed in order to fellowship between us under Truth. These points of Faith are not negotiable and
are predicated upon the Word of GOD. There can be only one truth and it is believed that this truth is
revealed to the race through the Bible. Therefore there can be no other position to take...we can but stand
here by HIS Grace and make no other claim. Therefore this statement is entered as the “Articles of Faith”as
follows:
Statement In General – There are many essential pre-suppositions upon which the churches must hold
common and must defend from the pulpit and classroom podium, without apology. Preaching and
teaching will be within this general statement that encompasses, in general, the particular articles that
follow.
We believe that as the Bible is the Word of God, that Jesus Christ is the Saviour of the world, and
that He will come again to establish a kingdom that shall never be destroyed (Dan. 2:44). Those
who are born again (John 3:3-5) will have eternal life and rule as kings and priest with Christ
forever. All that follows is believed to be Providentially provided in order to bring about the
eternal will of God. (“The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count
slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should
come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9).
We believe that the Holy Bible not only contains the Word of God but is the Infallible Word of God,

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 that the Bible is the Sixty Six Books from Genesis – The Revelation.
We believe that the books of the Bible were written by holy men as they were so moved by the Holy
Spirit in such a way that they were both verbally and supernaturally inspired and free from all
error. 2 Tim. 3:16 “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for
reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” (Job 32:8; Heb. 1:1; 1 Peter 1:11; 2
Peter 1:20-21; 3:2).

Statement One – Of The Scripture – These are the Old and the New Testaments; they were written by
holy men, inspired by the Holy Spirit, (2 Peter 1:18-21; 2 Tim. 3:16-17) and are God’s revealed word
to man. They are a sufficient and infallible rule and guide to salvation and all Christian worship and
service.(Exodus 4:15; Psa. 32:8; Hebrews 1:1-2). Since the Bible is the Word of God, it is without
error in all matters upon which it speaks, whether history, geography, matters relating to science or
any other subject.
We believe that in the world of constant change and compromise of Biblical values and morals, there
is a need to be specific as to the term “Bible” used in our considerations throughout this
Statement of Faith.
We believe the Scriptures are infallible and inerrant (God-breathed). (John 10:35; Matt. 5:17-18.)
The Bible is without error and trustworthy in all its teachings, including cosmogony, geology,
astronomy, anthropology, history, chronology, etc., as well as in matters of faith and practice.
Being the very Word of God, it is God’s final revelation and our absolute authority for all matters
of safe faith and practice. The sixty-six books of the Old (39) and New (27) Testaments are the
complete and divine revelation of God to man. The Scriptures shall be interpreted according to
their normal grammatical-historical meaning.
We believe the study of Scripture is the only way to know the will, ways and works of God and we
can know these by study” (2 Tim. 2:15).
We believe in the final authority, infallibility, verbal inspiration of the whole Bible as the Word of
God and that the Bible is the all-sufficient rule of “Practice and Faith” (Psa. 119:140, 160; 2 Tim.
3:16-17). And that it is preserved for us in English with the King James Version of the Bible
(AV 1611) (Psa. 12:6-7) These truths are accepted in whole with the support of Scripture. (Psa.
119:9).
We believe that God, through the Holy Spirit, only preserved one Bible, for English speaking peoples
and not many different “versions” of His Word and this “one” Bible, specifically being the Holy
Bible which was translated and printed from the original manuscripts known as the Textus
Receptus, and was then translated into the English language commonly known as the Authorized
King James Bible of 1611. (This is not to be confused with the New King James Version which
does not hold true to the original manuscripts and translation methods as well as the doctrines
and convictions found in the Authorized King James Bible of 1611.)
Any and all reference henceforth in this Statement of Faith will therefore refer to the AV
1611, the KJV, King James Bible. (2 Tim. 3:16-17 and 2 Peter 1:20-21). Therefore the King
James Bible (1611 Authorized King James Version) shall be the only Bible translation used by
this Church and its ministries.

Statement Two – Of God the Father – There is one living and true God, revealed in nature as the
Creator, Preserver, and Righteous Governor of the universe; and in the Scriptures as Father, Son, and
Holy Ghost; yet as one God, infinitely wise and good, whom all intelligent creatures are supremely
to love, adore, and obey.
We believe that there is one God, eternally existent in three Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,
equal in divine perfection. (Job 22:21; 1 John 5:7-8).

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Statement Three – Of God the Son – Christ is God manifest in the flesh; in His divine nature truly God,
in His human nature truly man. The only mediator between God and men, once crucified, He is now
risen and glorified, and is our ever present Saviour and Lord.
We believe the Eternal SON of GOD became incarnate in the LORD JESUS CHRIST. (John 1:1,
14).
We believe in the personal and imminent second coming of Christ. (John 14:3; 1 Thes. 4:16).
We believe in the virgin birth and sinless humanity of Jesus Christ, the last Adam” (Matt. 1:18-20;
1 Cor. 15:45; 2 Cor. 5:21; 1 Peter 2:22); the deity of Jesus Christ (John 10:30; John 1:1, 14; 2
Cor. 5:19); the suffering and death of Jesus Christ was substitutionary for all mankind and is
efficacious only to those who believe” (Isa. 53:6; Heb.2:9; 1 Peter 2:24; 1 Peter 3:18; 2 Peter 3:9;
1 John 2:2) and the premillennial, personal, bodily return of Christ as the crowning event of the
Gentile age. This event will include the resurrection of the righteous to eternal heaven, and the
Millennium will be followed by the resurrection of the unrighteous unto eternal punishment in
the lake of fire and that the righteous shall enter into the heavenly age. (John 14:1-6; 1 Thes.
4:13-18; 2 Thes. 2:8; Rev. 19; 20:4-6; 20:11-15; 21:8).

Statement Four – Of God the Holy Spirit (Ghost) –The third Person of the Godhead. His personality
is proved (1) from the fact that the attributes of personality, as intelligence and volition, are ascribed
to him (John 14:17, 26; 15:26; 1 Cor. 2:10-11; 12:11). He reproves, helps, glorifies, intercedes (John
16:7-13; Rom. 8:26). (2) He executes the offices peculiar only to a person. The very nature of these
offices involves personal distinction (Luke 12:12; Acts 5:32; 15:28; 16:6; 28:25; 1 Cor. 2:13; Heb.
2:4; 3:7; 2 Peter 1:21). His divinity is established (1) from the fact that the names of God are
ascribed to him (Ex. 17:7; Psa. 95:7; comp. Heb. 3:7-11); and (2) that divine attributes are also
ascribed to him, omnipresence (Psa. 139:7; Eph. 2:17-18; 1 Cor. 12:13); omniscience (1 Cor. 2:10-
11); omnipotence (Luke 1:35; Rom. 8:11); eternity (Heb. 9:4). (3) Creation is ascribed to him (Gen.
1:2; Job 26:13; Psa. 104:30), and the working of miracles (Matt. 12:28; 1 Cor. 12:9-11). (4) Worship
is required and ascribed to him. (Isa. 6:3; Acts 28:25; Rom. 9:1; Rev. 1:4; Matt. 28:19).
We believe the Holy Spirit is the divine Administrator for Jesus Christ in His churches. (Luke 24:49;
John 14:16-17; Acts 1:4-5, 8; 2:1-4).
We believe in the present ministry of the Holy Spirit, by whose indwelling the Christian is enabled
to live a godly life. (Rom. 5:1-5).

Statement Five – Of Man – Man is the creation of God. It is man alone who reflects God. The first man,
Adam, was made in God’s image (Gen. 1:26, 27), and placed in the Garden of Eden for the purpose
of enjoying the fellowship of the Lord and fulfilling the purpose of God’s creation. He was told to
“Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish
of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.”
(Gen. 1:28). When Adam and Eve sinned, all of humanity fell with them (Rom. 5:12-21). Adam
represented all humanity: “In Adam all die...” (1 Cor. 15:22). Since this is the condition of man in
his natural state, salvation is then impossible for us to achieve (Matt. 19:26). That is why we need
the free gift of salvation (Rom. 6:23) given by God to Christians through faith in Jesus’ sacrifice on
the cross.
We believe man, in the first Adam, was created in the image and likeness of GOD but voluntarily
fell from his sinless (Innocent) state, the result being that all mankind are sinners. (Gen. 1:26;
Gen. 3:6-24; Ezek. 16:22; Rom. 5:12, 19).
We believe that, for the salvation of lost and sinful man, regeneration by the Holy Spirit is absolutely
essential. (John 3:7).
We believe that by reason of Christ’s victory over sin and of His indwelling Spirit, all of the saved

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 may and should experience deliverance from the power of sin by obedience to Rom. 6:11; but
we deny that man’s nature of sin is ever eradicated during this life (Rom. 6:6-14; 8:37; 2 Cor.
2:14; 10:2-5; Gal. 5:16-25).

Statement Six – Of God’s Purpose of Grace – The Grace of God is the meat of the message for the
New Testament Preacher. If he preaches any other message, he perverts the office to which the
Father has called Preachers. I desire to magnify that message in the ears of the hearers as I preach
any sermon. We can talk of the grand themes of the modern pulpit if you like; but there is none that
is as grand as Grace. I am willing to allow all other subjects to falter in order to raise Grace to the
top of the list of my focused visions. There can be no better phrase to describe God’s care for the
race than “Grand Grace.” Grace that goes to the root of the need of fallen man and provides the need
there. (Ex. 36:26). Grace that is only by Faith. (Eph. 2:8-9). Grace that requires nothing from the
sinner. (Rom. 5:6).
The Grace of God is the prime element of Bible Salvation. There is no other salvation taught in
the Bible. Men, women, boys and girls are all saved by Grace through Faith and not of works. If
works were effective to save, men could boast of redemption. Redemption is only for the Glory and
Honor of God and if He can not have the Glory, I say, He is not involved in that experience. The
temporal religions of our day are depots of profane, perishable, temporal salvation. He surely offers
a salvation that is Eternal. (Heb. 9:12 “Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own
blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.”).
We believe that the blessings of salvation are made free to all by the gospel; (Isa. 55:1; Rev. 22:17;
Luke 14:17) that it is the immediate duty of all to accept them by a cordial, penitent, and
obedient faith; (Rom. 16:26; Mark 1:15; Rom. 1:15-17) and that nothing prevents the salvation
of the greatest sinner on earth but his own inherent depravity and voluntary rejection of the
gospel; (John 5:40; Matt. 23:37; Rom. 9:32; Prov. 1:24; Acts 13:46) which rejection involves
him in an aggravated condemnation. (John 3:19; Matt. 11:20; Luke 19:27; 2 Thess. 1:8).
We believe that Election is the eternal purpose of God, according to which he graciously regenerates,
sanctifies, and saves sinners; (2 Tim. 1:8-9; Eph. 1:3-14; 1 Pet. 1:1-2; Rom. 11:5-6; John 15:15;
1 John 4:19; Hos. 12:9) that being perfectly consistent with the free agency of man, it
comprehends all the means in connection with the end; (2 Thes. 2:13-14; Acts 13:48; John
10:16; Matt. 20:16; Acts 15:14) that it is a most glorious display of God’s sovereign goodness,
being infinitely free, wise, holy, and unchangeable; (Ex. 33:18-19; Matt. 20:15; Eph. 1:11; Rom.
9:23-24: Jer. 31:3; Rom. 11:28-29; James 1:17-18; 2 Tim. 1:9; Rom. 11:32-36) that it utterly
excludes boasting, and promotes humility, love, prayer, praise, trust in God, and active imitation
of his free mercy; (1 Cor. 4:7; 1:26-31; Rom. 3:27; 4:16; Col. 3:12; 1 Cor. 3:5-7; 15:10; 1 Peter
5:10; Acts 1:24; 1 Thes. 2:13; 1 Peter 2:9; Luke 18:7; John 15:16; Eph. 1:16; 1 Thes. 2:12) that
it encourages the use of means in the highest degree; (2 Tim. 2:10; 1 Cor. 9:22; Rom. 8:28-30;
John 6:37-40; 2 Peter 1:10) that it may be ascertained by its effects in all who truly believe the
gospel; (1 Thes. 1:4-10) that it is the foundation of Christian assurance; (Rom. 8:28-30; Isa.
42:16; Rom. 11:29) and that to ascertain it with regard to ourselves demands and deserves the
utmost diligence. (2 Peter 1:10-11; Phil. 3:12; Heb. 6:11).

Statement Seven – Of the Last Things – Eschatological subjects include the Resurrection, the Rapture,
the Tribulation, the Millennium, the Binding of Satan, the Two witnesses, the Final Judgment,
Armageddon, and The New Heavens and the New Earth. In the New Testament, eschatological
chapters include Matt. 24, Mark 13, Luke 17, and 2 Thes. 2. In one form or another most of the
books of the Bible deal with end times subjects. But some that are more prominently eschatological
are Daniel, Ezekiel, Isaiah, Joel, Zechariah, Matthew, Mark, Luke, 2 Thessalonians, and of course

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 Revelation.
We believe in the resurrection of both the saved and the lost; they that are saved unto the resurrection
of life in the everlasting, conscious blessedness of the redeemed in Heaven, and they that are lost
unto the resurrection of damnation to the everlasting, conscious punishment of the unregenerate
in Hell. (Psa. 9:17; Isa. 14:15; Dan. 12:2; Matt. 28:1-7; Luke 16:23; John 11:25; Acts 1:9-11; 1
Cor. 15:42-58; 1 Thes. 4:13-18; Rev. 20:14).
We believe in the Second Coming of Christ. The rapture of the Church and the second coming of
Christ will be pre-millennial. He will come first to receive the Church unto Himself (1 Thes.
4:13-18; Phil. 3:20-21) and then come to receive His Millennial Kingdom, over which He will
reign (Zec. 14:4, 9; Acts 1:10-11; Rev. 19:11-16; 20:44). Because of the nature of the Body of
Christ, the resurrection and rapture of the Church, which is His Body, will take place before the
Great Tribulation (Jer. 30:7; Matt. 24:15-31) at His appearing in the air (1 Thes. 4:13-18; Phil.
3:20, 21; Titus 2:13, 14; 1 Cor. 15:51-53). The resurrection of the other saved dead will occur
after the Tribulation (Rev. 20:4-6).
We believe that Scripture nowhere extends the hope of salvation to the unsaved dead but instead
reveals that they will ever continue to exist in a state of conscious suffering (Luke 16:23-28; Rev.
14:11; 20:14, 15; Col. 3:6; Rom. l :21-32; John 3:36; Phil.3:19; 2 Thes. 1:9). The teachings of
Universalism, of probation after death, of annihilation of the unsaved dead, and of the
unconscious state of the dead, saved or unsaved (Luke 16:23-28; Phil 1:23; 2 Cor. 5:6-8), are
opposed by us as being thoroughly unscriptural and dangerous doctrines.
We believe that the Scriptures interpreted in their natural, literal sense reveal divinely determined
dispensations or rules of life which define man’s responsibilities in successive ages. These
dispensations are not ways of salvation, but rather are divinely ordered stewardships by which
God directs man according to His purpose. Three of these dispensations, being the law, the
church, and the kingdom, are the subjects of detailed revelation in Scripture. (Gen. 1:18, 1 Cor.
9:17, 2 Cor. 3:9-18, Gal. 3:13-25, Eph. 1:10 and 3:2-10, Col. 1:24-25, 27, and Rev. 20:2-6).

Statement Eight – Of Creation – The act of God whereby He brought all things into existence.
(Gen.1:1; John 1:1-4). God is the creator, (Heb. 11:3) we are the creatures. The creator/creature
distinction must be maintained to properly remain in humble relationship with God. We are not God,
cannot create, nor can we help ourselves do good in order to be saved. Only God is God. Only He
can create. And, only He has the ability to save man. (Acts 4:12)
We believe in the Genesis account of Creation and reject the humanistic teaching of the theory of
evolution in whole or in part” (Gen. Ch. 1-2).
We believe that creation extends to the physical world and that reality known by observation,
experience and the Special Revelation of the Word of God. The “creation” includes everything
that exists except God himself. This includes material as well as immaterial things and time. The
areas of interest are:
1. Of the World. God created the world, and all things that it contains, for His own pleasure and
glory and the enjoyment of His creatures. (Rev. 4:11; Isa. 43:7; 1 Tim. 6:17)
2. Of the Angels. The angels were created by God (Col. 1:16) to glorify Him (Rev. 7:11) and
obey His commandments. (Psa. 103:20) Those who have kept their first estate He employs
in ministering blessings to the heirs of salvation (Heb. 1:14; Jude 6) and in executing His
judgments upon the world. (2 Sam. 24:16; Rev. 16:1)
3. Of Man. God created man, consisting of a material body and a thinking, rational soul. (Gen.
2:7) He was made in the image of God, to glorify his Maker. (Gen. 1:27; 1 Cor. 6:20).

Statement Nine – Of Satan and Angels – Angles are a rank of created, heavenly beings; created for

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 God’s service, worship and glory. Apparently all angels were good at that time. “Satan” is one of the
several names for the devil. He appears in the Old Testament as an individual angel, subordinate to
God. Gradually, Satan became the source of all evil, responsible for leading man into sin, and thus
the tempter opposed to God.
We believe That the Doctrine of Angels can be found in the O.T. (Psa. 104:4), in the N.T. (Acts
5:17-20) and in Christ’s teaching. (Matt. 18:10).
We believe that God created an innumerable company of sinless, spiritual beings known as angels;
that one, “Lucifer, son of the morning”–the highest in rank–sinned through pride, thereby
becoming Satan; that a great company of the angels followed him in his moral fall, some of
whom became demons and are active as his agents and associates in the prosecution of his
unholy purposes, while others who fell are “reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto
the judgment of the great day.” (Isa. 14:12-17; Ezek. 28:11-19; 1 Tim. 3:6; 2 Peter 2:4; Jude 6).
We believe that Satan is a fallen angel, the archenemy of God and man, the unholy god of this world,
and that his destiny is the eternal lake of fire” (Isa. 14:12-15; Ezek. 28:11-19; Matt. 25:41; 2 Cor.
4:4; Eph.6:10-17; Rev. 20:10).
We believe that Satan is a fallen angel, the arch-enemy of God and man, the unholy god of this
world, and that his destiny is the eternal lake of fire. (Isa. 14:12-15; Ezek. 28:11-19; Matt. 25:41;
2 Cor. 4:4; Eph.6:10-17; Rev. 20:10).

Statement Ten – Of Salvation – Salvation is the deliverance from sin. In Christianity, particularly, it
means deliverance from temporal dangers and enemies. (Ex. 3:10; 1 Sam.14:45). Deliverance
from a state of sin and misery, into a state of union with CHRIST, in which we are justified by HIS
Blood, adopted into His family, sanctified by HIS SPIRIT, and comforted by HIS presence; - a
deliverance from spiritual danger and distress, to a comfortable and quiet condition. (Rom.1:16).
Eternal happiness, in which men shall be freed from the judgement of God and shall enjoy the most
perfect and lasting fellowship with GOD. (1 Peter 1:9; Heb.1:14).
We believe that, for the salvation of lost and sinful man, regeneration by the Holy Spirit is absolutely
essential. (“I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. Luke 13:5; John
3:7).
We believe that the depraved sinner is saved wholly by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, and the
requisites to regeneration are repentance toward God and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ (Luke
13:3-5; John 3:16-18; Acts 20:21; Rom. 6:23; Eph. 2:8-9), and that the Holy Spirit calls and
convicts sinners, regenerates, seals, secures, and indwells every believer. (John 3:6; John 16:8-9;
Rom. 8:9-11, 29-30; 1 Cor. 6:19-20; Eph. 4:30; Titus 3:5).
We believe that all who trust Jesus Christ for salvation are eternally secure in Him and shall not
perish. (John 3:36; John 5:24; John 10:27-30; Rom. 8:35-39; Heb. 10:39; 1 Peter 1:5).
We believe that God deals with believers as His children, that He chastises the disobedient, and that
He rewards the obedient. (Matt. 16:27; Matt. 25:14-23; John 1:12; Heb. 12:5-11; 2 John 8; Rev.
22:12).
We believe that nowhere does Scripture extend the hope of salvation to the unsaved dead but instead
reveals that they will ever continue to exist in a state of conscious suffering (Luke 16:23-28; Rev.
14:11; 20:14, 15; Col. 3:6; Rom. l :21-32; John 3:36; Phil.3:19; 2 Thess. 1:9). The teachings of
Universalism, of probation after death (any second chance), of annihilation of the unsaved dead
(as the JWs teach), and of the unconscious state of the dead (soul-sleep), saved or unsaved (Luke
16:23-28; Phil 1:23; 2 Cor. 5:6-8), are opposed by us as being thoroughly unscriptural and
dangerous doctrines.

Statement Eleven – Of the Church – The church is a local, independent assembly of baptized believers

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 who have banded together for the purpose of evangelism, discipleship, and fellowship, and that every
Christian should commit himself to such a local church and serve the Lord through that church
(Matt. 16:18; 28:18-20; Eph. 3:20-21). The word Church, as used in the New Testament, means a
called-out or assembled body of people. It has three applications:
1. The visible or local church (The Earthly Place - The Bricks and Mortar - The Building) (1
Cor. 1:2; Gal. 1:2; 1 Tim. 3:15). Such a church exists where two or three are thus gathered
(Matt. 18:20).
2. The Membership of the church general (The Enlisted People - The Activist Membership -
The Body), both saved and lost who have joined in membership with others, likewise, to
make up the roster of the standing church militant.
3. The true Church (The Eternal Population - The Ageless Mystery - The Bride); that
company of people being gathered by the Holy Spirit into one Body, of which Christ is the
Head (1 Cor. 12:12-13; Eph. 1:22-23).
We believe that Jesus Christ alone is the head of the church and that all Christian churches should
be free to worship without interference from the government or religious leaders. (Eph. 1:22).
We believe that Jesus Christ established His church during His ministry on earth and that it is always
a local, visible assembly of scripturally baptized believers in covenant relationship to carry out
the Commission of the Lord Jesus Christ. Each church is an independent, self-governing body,
and no other ecclesiastical body may exercise authority over it. We believe that He promised the
perpetuity of His churches. (Matt. 4:18-22; 16:18; Mark 1:14-20; John 1:35-51; Eph. 3:21).
We believe that there are two pictorial ordinances in the Lord’s churches: Baptism and the Lord’s
Supper. Scriptural baptism is the immersion of believers in water, administered by the authority
of a New Testament church. The Lord’s Supper is a memorial ordinance, restricted to those
determined by each local church observing the ordinance. (Matt. 28:19, 20; Acts 8:12, 38; Rom.
6:4; 1 Cor. 5:11-13; 11:1-2, 17-20, 26).

Statement Twelve – Of Associations, Fellowships, and Committees – Each church is autonomous and
must govern itself with this in mind. Associations, Fellowships, and the Committees thereof, are
instruments of local church polity and are at the pleasure of its member church bodies.
We affirm the autonomy of the local church. Each church is free to determine its own church life
and to set its own course under the headship of Jesus. It may enter into alliance with other churches
as it chooses, so long as those other churches are willing and these larger bodies do not threaten the
autonomy of th local church.
We believe that Baptist churches, while independent, should not practice isolation. Therefore we
form fellowships with one another at several levels of organization. It is to be remembered,
however, that these fellowships are voluntary, both at the beginning and in their continuation.
The local church remains at liberty, self-governing and autonomous.
We believe that all associations, fellowships, and committees are, and properly should be, servants
of, and under control of the local churches. (Matt. 20:25-28).

Statement Thirteen – Of Evangelism – The work of spreading the message of the Gospel of Jesus
Christ among men is called “evangelism.” The term “evangelist” means “a messenger of good
tidings.” Some men are divinely chosen and gifted as evangelists. This does not mean that the work
of evangelism is limited to evangelists. Evangelism is the work of all Christians. The responsibility
to evangelize was laid upon every believer. Pastors are to evangelize as a part of their work; so are
teachers, deacons, and all the saints.
We believe that the call to Evangelism is a need in our churches and we support that conviction of
the church’s servants according to Eph. 4:11 as gifts to the churches.

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 We believe it is true that one man may have more than one of the gifts mentioned in Eph. 4. While
it is true that some men are called exclusively to evangelism who could never fit into the
pastorate, and some are called to be pastors who do not have the gift of an evangelist, history
demonstrates that the gifts of evangelist, pastor, and teacher have often rested upon the same
individuals.
We believe in the practice of witnessing for Christ. The faithful word of the saved is offered as the
sacrifice of our lips, before God, toward the sinning world. (Matt. 4:19; Mark 1:17; 2 Cor. 5:20)
We believe that the preaching of the Gospel from the Word of God is the means used by the Holy
Ghost to reach and regenerate lost sinners for redemption. We must return to this practice as a
response to the “great commission” or our churches will die of attrition. (Matt. 28:19-20).
We believe the mission and commission of the Church, which is His Body, is to proclaim the
message of reconciliation (2 Cor. 5:14-21) and to declare the Gospel of God’s Grace (Matt.
28:10-2). In this, we should follow the Apostle Paul (1 Cor. 4:16; 11:1; Phil. 3:17; 1 Tim. 1:11-
16). That distinctive message which the Apostle of the Gentiles (Rom.11:13;15:16) calls “my
gospel” (Rom. 2:16; 16:25) is also called the “gospel of the grace of God” (Acts 20:24). We, like
Paul, must preach the entire Word of God in the light of this Gospel (2 Tim. 4:2; Gal. 1 :8, 9) and
strive to reach those in the regions beyond where Christ is not yet named (Rom. 15:20; 2 Cor.
10:16).
We believe that the Father saves: anybody He chooses to save (John 6:37), all that call on Him (Rom.
10:13; Joel 2:23; Acts 2:21), and those for whom the saints pray. (Psa. 119:53, 136, 158; Jer.
13:17; 14:17; Matt. 23:37; Mark 8:12; Acts 20:31; Phil. 3:18). This may be illustrated by the
analysis of the facts:
I- Jesus called on sinners to be saved (Mark 1:15; Luke 13:3-5)
II- Peter called on sinners to be saved (Acts 2:37-41)
III- Paul called on sinners to be saved (Acts 16:30-32; 20:21; 26:20).
IV. Paul prayed for sinners:
A) Paul’s Profession about sinners. ( Rom. 9:3)
B) Paul’s Prayer for sinners. (Rom. 10:1)
C) Paul’s Provocation of sinners. (Rom. 11:14).

Statement Fourteen – Of the Human Family – God has ordained the family as the foundational
institution of human society. It is composed of persons related to one another by marriage, blood,
or adoption. (Gen. 1:26-28; 2:15-25; 3:1-20).
We believe that Marriage is the uniting of one man and one woman in covenant commitment for a
lifetime. It is God's unique gift to reveal the union between Christ and His church and to provide
for the man and the woman in marriage the framework for intimate companionship, the channel
of sexual expression according to biblical standards, and the means for procreation of the human
race.
We believe that the husband and wife are of equal worth before God, since both are created in God's
image. The marriage relationship models the way God relates to His people. A husband is to love
his wife as Christ loved the church. He has the God-given responsibility to provide for, to
protect, and to lead his family. A wife is to submit herself graciously to the servant leadership
of her husband even as the church willingly submits to the headship of Christ. She, being in the
image of God as is her husband and thus equal to him, has the God-given responsibility to
respect her husband and to serve as his helper in managing the household and nurturing the next
generation.
We believe that God has commanded that no intimate sexual activity be engaged in outside of a
marriage between one man and one woman. We believe that any form of Sodomy, which

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 includes homosexuality, lesbianism, bisexuality, bestiality, and incest, along with any form of
fornication, adultery and other pornography are sinful perversions of God’s gift of sex as stated
;plainly in God’s Word. (Gen. 2:24; 19:5; 19:13; 26:8-9; Lev. 18:1-30 Rom. 1:26-29, 1 Cor. 5:1;
6:9; 1 Thes. 4:1-8; Heb. 13:4)
We believe that Children, from the moment of conception, are a blessing and heritage from the Lord.
Parents are to demonstrate to their children God's pattern for marriage. Parents are to teach their
children spiritual and moral values and to lead them, through consistent lifestyle example and
loving discipline, to make choices based on biblical truth. Children are to honor and obey their
parents.
We believe that children, as the heritage of the Lord, have been given to parents and parents are
responsible to rear their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, and that God requires
parents and the Church to diligently teach their children the Word of God and to provide them
a Christ-centered education consistent in all respects with the beliefs and teachings of our faith
(Deut, 6:6-25; Prov. 19:27; 22:6; Eph. 6:4).

Statement Fifteen – Of Human Conscience and Responsibility – God alone is Lord of the conscience,
and He has left it free from the doctrines and commandments of men, which are in anything contrary
to His word, or not contained in it. Because civil government is ordained by God, Christians must
be subject to all its laws which do not violate the Law of God, not only to avoid punishment, but also
for conscience sake. (James 4:12; Rom. 14:4; Acts 4:19, 29; 1 Cor. 7:23, Matt. 15:5; Col. 2:10-23).
The believer’s conscience is the grantor of religious, moral and Spiritual responsibility. (Acts 24:16;
Rom. 9:1; 2 Cor. 1:12; 1 Tim. 1:5, 19; 1 Peter 3:21). As to responsibility; many thing might be
noted; but these few are obvious:
We believe the Scriptures teach us to give tithes and offerings from our income and resources into
the Lord’s treasury in the local church and that all of us have a responsibility before God to be
faithful every week in our stewardship (Mal. 3:8-10; Matt. 23:23; 1 Cor. 16:1).
We believe that Christians should be separated unto God and separated from the world and that all
believers are called into a life of personal separation from all worldly and sinful practices (James
4:4; Rom. 12:1-2; 2 Cor; 6:14-18).
We believe a Christian should seek to live a life that is clean, holy, and above reproach. He should
exhibit both attitude and actions so as to be of good report. Practices which are questionable or
which may cause another person to stumble or which may mar the testimony of Christ should
be avoided altogether. Therefore personal standards of demeanor and deportment are expected
(Eph. 2:10; 4:1; 5:1-4; Phil 1:27; 3:14-21; 4:8-9).
We believe, as Jesus Christ is our only advocate (1 Tim. 2:5), and as he commands us to ask of the
Father in his name (John 14:13), and as it is not lawful for us to pray except in accordance with
the model God has taught us by his Word, “...that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;”
(Luke 18:1). (See also: Isa. 55:6; Matt. 7:7; Phil. 4:6)
We believe that Sunday, the first day of the week, is the Lord’s Day and that believers are
admonished to meet on the first day of the week. It is therefore a sacred and special day. It should
be a day of worship of the Lord and service to Him as well as a day of respite and rest from the
ordinary routines of life (John 20:1, 19, 26; 1 Cor. 16:2; Heb. 10:25).
We believe that Christians are prohibited from bringing civil lawsuits against other Christians or the
church to resolve personal disputes. We believe the church possesses all the resources necessary
to resolve personal disputes between members. We do believe, however, that a Christian may
seek compensation for injuries from another Christian’s insurance company as long as the claim
is pursued without malice or slander.(1 Cor. 6:1-8 and Eph. 4:31-32).

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Statement Sixteen – Civil Government – Protestants have never accepted the principle of separation of
church and state. In Europe, Protestant churches are “state” churches and supported to some degree by
government imposed taxes. In Germany, the state church is Lutheran and in England, the Anglican
church, France, the Roman Catholic Church, etc. Baptist have always practiced a clear separation of
church and state. No historical record has shown that Baptists have been anything but nationally patriotic
but have held a true position as to the separation of church and state.
We believe that God has ordained and created all authority consisting of three (3) basic institutions:
1) The Home, 2) The Church, and 3) The State. Every person is subject to these authorities, but
all (including the authorities themselves) are answerable to God and governed by His Word. God
has given each institution specific Biblical responsibilities with the understanding that no
institution has the right to infringe upon the other. The home, the church, and the state are equal
and sovereign in their Biblically assigned spheres of responsibility under God according to Rom.
13:1-7, Eph. 5:22-24, Heb. 13:17, and 1 Peter 2:13-14.
We believe in freedom of worship without interference from the government and affirm our belief
in civil obedience, unless the laws and regulations of civil government run contrary to the Holy
Scriptures (Rom. 13:1-7; 1 Peter 2:13-15).

Statement Seventeen – Authority of this Statement of Faith – In some groups, statements of belief have
the same authority as Scripture. We call this creedalism. Baptists also make statements of belief, but all
of them are revisable in light of Scripture. The Bible is the final word.
Because of this distinction, we are generally more comfortable with the word "confession." Still, we
are "creedal" in the sense that we believe certain things, express those beliefs and order our institutions
accordingly. There have always been Baptist limits. And within these limits, there have always been
Baptist preferences.
This Statement of Faith does not exhaust the extent of our faith. The Bible itself is the sole and final
source of all that we believe. We do believe, however, that the foregoing Statement of Faith accurately
represents the teaching of the Bible, and therefore, is binding upon all honest readers.
We believe that these points of Faith are not negotiable and are predicated upon the Word of GOD.
There can be only one truth and we believe this truth is revealed to the race through the Bible.
Therefore there can be no other position to take...we stand here by HIS Grace and make no other
claim.
We believe that “Hyper...” anything can deter the correct balance needed to communicate the Gospel
and we therefore resist these extreme positions.
We believe that many systems of doctrine have been tried in the almost 2,000 years of church history.
There are almost as many systems as there are years since CHRIST started that first church in
Matt.16:18. There are some things that matter and there have always been some who thought it
was important to uphold these things and practice a true life. These people are few but it is the
Father’s good pleasure to give them the kingdom.

Standing Resolutions
Every church body is experiencing tension, and we are no exception. Of course, tension can be healthy.
It serves to clarify beliefs. But tension also has a down side. It can generate misleading statements and create
confusion in the local church. We know that some may be struggling to sort out truth from fiction.
Because this is so, we offer you these simple position statements which reflect the application of the
basic doctrines stated in the articles above. We hope that they will prove helpful to you. The positions of the
Fresh Waters Articles of Faith, not specifically stated or explained in the Statements of Faith, shall be
included as standing resolutions. This is a list of general beliefs that are related to the doctrinal position
presented in the Fresh Waters Articles of Faith (above), but are more particularly geared towards addressing

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matters that are found questionable in society, at large, and must be addressed.
Resolution 1. Against Pluralism, or universal acceptance of all religions. – We strongly stand against
the concept that Christianity is merely “one path to God.” Rather, we believe that Christianity is the
only true “religion”. (Ex. 20:3; Psa. 86:10; Acts 4:12). As an example of this “Pluralism,” Islam is
thought to be religiously equal with Gospel efforts. Islam is aggressively critical of western social
anarchy and increasingly vocal on behalf of Islamic law, it meets with little resistance from so-called
church leaders and will stop at nothing to assert its claims. We stand against Islamic teaching and
its efforts to “evangelize” the world.
Resolution 2. Against Roman Catholicism. – We stand against the doctrines and dogmas of Roman
Catholicism, and against the false ecumenism being promoted within the church between Protestants
and Catholics. We believe that, due to Rome’s denials of Sola Scriptura (the Bible in its 66 book
cannon only), Sola Fide (that Faith that saves and keeps is a gift of God only and not earned through
works), Sola Gratia (Saved by Grace only), and Solus Christos (Jesus Christ is the only Saviour),
they are not a true Christian church.
Despite its large-scale losses among both priests and people, and repeated child-abuse scandals,
it nevertheless continues to infiltrate as many political, educational, commercial and media spheres
as possible, longing for a new European ‘Holy Roman Empire’ on which it can stamp its image. We
take our stand against Roman Catholicism and its efforts to cast a darkness of Gospel truth upon
the world.
Resolution 3. Against Homosexuality. – We do not affirm homosexuality as a Biblically mandated or
acceptable lifestyle and do not view an unrepentant homosexual (that is to say, one who has not
denounced and moved away from his previous lifestyle) as worthy of church membership.
Consequently, we strongly denounce homosexual clergy. (Rom. 1:27; 1 Tim. 3:2). We affirm God's
plan for marriage and sexual intimacy – one man, and one woman, for life. Homosexuality is not a
"valid alternative lifestyle." The Bible condemns it as sin. It is not, however, unforgivable sin. The
same redemption available to all sinners is available to homosexuals. They, too, may become new
creations in Christ. Each Church, in particular, must take action to impose this conviction and we
encourage the churches to do so and thus, stand against the Homosexual agenda.
Resolution 4. Against Abortion and Euthanasia. – We are firmly against the murder of unborn babies
under any circumstances or the euthanasia (“mercy killing”) of the old or disabled. God’s people
must take a stand on the sanctity of life as set forth in the word of God. (Ex. 20:13; Jer. 1:5).
Procreation is a gift from God, a precious trust reserved for marriage. At the moment of conception,
a new being enters the universe, a human being, a being created in God's image. This human being
deserves our protection, whatever the circumstances of conception or the degradation of life’s
condition. We are against the “Pro-Choice” agenda and make no apology for this position.
Resolution 5. Concerning the Modern Charismatic Renewal – We reject the “Modern Charismatic
Renewal.”A rejection of the old line standards and Holiness that marked the Pentecostalism of the
past. The word “Pentecostal” means: 1) the position that the church started on the Day of Pentecost
(But to answer this claim please see Matt. 16:18), 2) A figurative commitment to the Pentecostal
“Fire” (Soul-winning is the true result of this kind of fire - Psa. 51:12-13), 3) An order of church
government that is much like Baptist but with the “Elder and Bishop” system of Methodism. Neo-
Pentecostalism has forsaken this for the loose morals and empty message of compromise in order
to gain bigger crowds and mass appeal. (Examples are many Tel-evangelist). This position is taken
by many who see only the “fleshly” side of religion and enjoy an excuse to be ignorant of the burden
for lost souls, missions and the reality of the daily walk. (The so called “Prosperity Gospel,” Faith
Healing, Tongues and several other objects that take away those involved, into “another gospel .”
We are in favor of Spiritual renewal in our churches. (Revival consist of this). We are against the
false expression and display of selfish, fleshly and un-Scriptural practices common to the
“Modern Charismatic” movement.

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Resolution 6. In Regard to the “Brownsville Revival” or “Toronto Blessing” (The So-called
“Laughing Revivals”) – While we are against charismatic renewal per se, for they hold to the
doctrine that violates Biblical standards of interpretation, we, further, do NOT affirm the practice
of “slaying in the Spirit”, making animal noises, or any other extra-Biblical and chaotic
“manifestations” . Furthermore, we do not believe them to be true moves of the Spirit or recognize
them as having any Biblical precedent. (1Cor. 14:33). We are against the demonstration of this
behavior and will not promote it by those ministering in our churches.
Resolution 7. Against Baptismal Regeneration. – We completely disagree with the doctrine of
baptismal regeneration (that baptism is necessary for salvation, or the action of baptizing, in and of
itself, bestows saving grace). (Rom. 3:28; Eph. 2:8-9; 1Cor. 1:17). We take the position that
Baptism in water is symbolic and oppose sacramental Baptism of infants or adults who are not
already believers. This is called “Believer’s Baptism.”
Resolution 8. To Answer Rising Antagonism Against the Baptist Denominational Position. –
Recently, there has seemed to be a sort of mini-campaign against the name “Baptist” springing up
amongst many who report an intention to continue in the Baptistic tradition but take action to avoid
the name. This gives a false impression and connects these churches to the unruly and negative
element of those who do not wish to be bound to any loyalty. (Isa. 8:20). We take offence with those
who have rejected the historic Baptist heritage and the rich, blood bought legacy that has been
left to us as Baptist.
Resolution 9. To Answer Resent Attacks upon Historic Christianity Through the “Jesus Society,”
“The Bible Codes,” and the Fiction Books like “The Da Vinci Codes.” – Of late (05-13-06), the
“post-modern” world view is seeking to redefine Christian values, teaching and practice. To
accomplish this the attack has used the forgotten false teachings of the Gnostic cult. These teachings
are entirely out of sync with the Biblical world view of Historical Christianity. We take an opposing
view of this caustic attacks lodged by “post-modernism” and make no apology for our counter-
attack of Biblical preaching that is provided to combat the onslaught (Rom. 1:16; 1 Cor. 1:18-21).

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“Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of
God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” (1 Thes. 5:17-18)

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 About the Electronic Text of this
Christian Bible Study Document
This electronic version of this portion of “The Christian Bible Study
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