OUR BELIEFS

Baptist Fellowship Church Confession of Faith

  • I. OF 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 that is without any mixture of error. We believe that the Bible reveals the principles by which God will judge us; and therefore is, and shall forever remain the true centre of Christian union, and the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds, and opinions should be tried.

    II Tim. 3:16-17; II Tim. 3:15; Proverbs 30:5-6; Romans 2:12; Phil. 3:16; I John 4:1

  • II. OF THE TRUE GOD

    We believe that there is only one living and true God, whose name is JEHOVAH. He is an infinite intelligent Spirit and is the Maker and supreme Ruler of heaven and earth. He is inexpressibly glorious in holiness, and worthy of all possible honour, confidence and love. 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.

    John 4:24; Ps. 83:18; Heb.3:4; Rom. 1:20; Jer.10:10; Ex.15:11; Ps.147:5; Isa.6:3; I Pet.1:15-16; Rev.4:6-8; Mark12:30; Rev.4:11; Matt.10:37; Jer.2:12-13; Matt.28:19; John 15:26; I Cor.12:4-6; I John 5:7; John10:30; John 5:17; John 14:23; John 17:5&10; Acts 5:3-4; I Cor.2:10-11; Phil. 2:5-6; Eph. 2:18; II Cor.13:14; Rev. 1:4-5.

  • III. OF THE FALL OF MAN

    We believe that man was created in holiness, under the law of his Maker, but as a result of his own transgression, fell from that holy and happy state. Consequently, all mankind are now sinners, not by constraint but choice, being by nature utterly void of that holiness required by God’s law, and inclined to evil. In so doing, man is condemned to eternal ruin, being without defence or excuse.

    Gen.1:27; Gen.1:31; Ecc.7:29; Acts 17:26-29; Gen.2:16-17; Gen.3:6-24; Rom. 5:12; Rom.5:15-19; Ps.51:5; Rom.8:7; Isa.53:6; Gen.6:12; Rom.3:9-18; Eph.2:1-3; Rom.1:18,32; Rom.2:1-16; Gal.3:10; Matt. 20:15; Ezek. 18:19-20; Rom.1:20; Rom.3:19; Gal. 3:22.

  • IV. OF THE WAY OF SALVATION

    We believe that the salvation of sinners is wholly of grace; through the Mediatorial offices of the Son of God. Appointed by the Father, He freely took upon Himself our nature, yet without sin and honoured the divine law by his personal obedience. By his death, He made a full atonement for our sins and having risen from the dead, he is now enthroned in heaven. In Him, as Man and God, his sympathies and divine perfection made Him in every way qualified to be a suitable, a compassionate, and an all-sufficient Saviour.

    Eph.2:3, Matt. 18:11, I John4:10, I Cor.3:5-7, Acts 15:11, John 3:16, John1:1-14, Heb. 4:14, Heb. 12-24, Phil. 2:9&14, II Cor. 5:21, Isa. 42:21, Phil. 2:8, Gal. 4:4-5, Rom. 3:21, Isa. 53:4-5, Matt. 20:28, Rom.4:25, Rom. 3:21-26, I John 2:3, I Cor. 15:1-3, Heb.9:13-15, Heb.1:8, Heb. 1:3, Col. 3:1-4, Heb. 7:25, Col. 2:18, Heb. 7:26, Ps. 89:19, Ps.34

  • V. OF JUSTIFICATION

    We believe that the great gospel blessing that Christ secures for those who believe in him is justification, which includes the pardon of sin and the promise of eternal life on principles of righteousness. Justification is bestowed not because of any works of righteousness which we have done, but solely through faith in the Redeemer’s blood. It is by virtue of this faith that His perfect righteousness is freely imputed to us, so that we may be at peace and favour with God, and secured of every other blessing needful for time and eternity.

    John 1:16, Eph.3:8, Acts 13:39, Isa. 53:11-12, Rom5:1-2, Rom. 5:9, Zech. 13;1, Matt. 9:6, Acts 10:43, Rom. 5:17, Titus 3:5-7, I Peter 3:7, I John 2:25, Rom. 5:21, Rom. 4:4-5, Rom. 6:23, Phil. 3:7-9, Rom. 5:19, Rom. 3:24-26, Rom.4:23-25, I John 2:12, Rom. 5:3, Rom. 5:11, I Cor. 1:30-31, Matt. 6:33, I Tim. 4:8

  • VI. OF THE FREENESS OF SALVATION

    We believe that the blessings of salvation are made free to all by the gospel. It is the immediate duty of all to accept them by sincere repentance and obedient faith. Nothing prevents the salvation of the greatest sinner on earth, but his own inherent depravity and voluntary rejection of the gospel. This rejection results in him receiving a greater condemnation.

    Isa. 55:1, Rev. 22:17, Rom. 16:25-26, Mark 1:15, Rom. 1:15-17, John 5:40, Matt.23:37, Rom.9:32, Pro. 1:24, Acts 13:46, John 3:19, Matt. 11:20, Luke 10:27, II Thess. 1:8

  • VII. OF GRACE IN REGENRATION

    We believe that in order to be saved, sinners must be regenerated, or born again. Regeneration involves giving the mind a holy inclination; and 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. The true evidence of regeneration appears in the holy fruits of repentance and faith and newness of life.

    John 3:3, John 3:6-7, I Cor.3:14, Rev.14:3, Rev. 21:27, II Cor. 5;17, Ezek. 36:26, Deu. 30-6, Rom. 2:28-29, Rom.5:5, I John 4:7, John 3:8, John 1:13, James 1:16-18, I Cor. 1:30, Phil. 2:13, I Peter 1:22-25, I John 5:1, Eph. 4:20-24, Col. 3:9-11, Eph. 5:9, Rom. 8:90, Gal. 5:16-23, Eph. 3:14-21, Matt. 3:8-10, Matt.7:20, I John 5:4, 18

  • VIII. OF REPENTANCE & FAITH

    We believe that repentance and faith are sacred duties and also inseparable graces, worked in our souls by the regenerating Spirit of God. Being deeply convinced of our guilt, danger and helplessness, and of the way of salvation by Christ, we turn to God in genuine remorse, confession and pleadings for mercy. At the same time, we wholeheartedly receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our Prophet, Priest and King, and rely on him alone as the only and all-sufficient Saviour.

    Mark 1:15, Acts 11:18, Eph. 2:8, I John 5:1, John 16:8, Acts 2:37-38, Acts 16:30-31 Luke 18:13, Luke 15:18-21, James 4:7-10, II Cor. 7:11, Tim. 10:12-13, Ps.51, Rom. 10:9-11, Acts 3:22-23, Heb. 4:14, Ps.2:6, Heb. 1:8, Heb. 7:25, II Tim. 1:12

  • IX. OF GOD'S PURPOSE OF GRACE

    We believe that election is the eternal purpose of God, according to which he graciously regenerates, sanctifies, and saves sinners. We believe that this is perfectly consistent with the free agency of man, and is also consistent with all the means leading to one’s salvation. This 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 of his free mercy. This doctrine encourages us to exercise our greatest efforts; that election may be ascertained by its effects in all who truly believe the gospel, that it is the foundation of Christian assurance; and that to confirm it within ourselves demands and deserves the utmost diligence.

    II Tim. 1:8-9; Eph. 1:3-14; I Peter 1:1-2; Rom. 11:5-6; John 15;16; I John 4:19; II Thess. 2:13-14; Acts 13:48; John 10:16; Matt. 20:16; Acts 15:14; 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; II Tim.1:9; Rom. 11:32-36; I Cor. 1:26-31; Rom.3:27; Rom. 4:16; Col.3:12; I Cor. 3:5-7; I Cor. 15:10; I Peter 5:10; Acts 1:24; I Thess. 2:13; I Peter 2:9; Luke 18:7; John 15:16; I Thess. 2:12; II Tim. 2:10; I Cor. 9:22; Rom. 8:28-30; John 6:37-40; I Thess 1:4-10; Isa. 42:16; Rom. 11:29; II Peter 1:10-11; Phil. 3:12; Heb. 6:11

  • X. OF SANCTIFICATION

    We believe that sanctification is the process by which according to the will of God, we are made partakers of his holiness. It is a progressive work. It was commenced in regeneration; and 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.

    I Thess. 4:3; I Thess. 5:23; II Cor. 7:1; II Cor. 13:10; Phil. 3:12-16; I John 2:29; Rom. 8:5; Eph. 1:4; Pro. 4:18; II Cor. 3:18; Heb. 6:1; II Peter 1:5-8; John 3:6; Phil. 1:9-11; Eph. 1:13-14; Phil. 2:12-13; Eph. 4:11-12; I Peter 2:2; II Peter 3:18; II Cor. 13:5; Luke 11:35; Luke 9:23; Matt. 26:41; Eph.6:18; Eph.4:30

  • XI. OF THE PERSEVERANCE OF THE SAINTS

    We believe that only those who endure unto the end are real believers: that their persevering attachment to Christ is the grand mark which distinguishes them from those who superficially profess to believe in Him; that a special providence watches over their welfare, and that they are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation.

    John 8:31; I John 2:27-28; I John 3:9; I John 5:18; I John 2:19; John 13:18; Matt. 13:2021; John 6:66-69; Job 17:9; Rom. 8:28; Matt. 6:30-33; Jer. 32:40; Ps.121:3; Ps. 91:11-12; Phil. 1:6; Phil. 2:13; Jude 24:25; Heb.1:14; II Kings 6:16; Heb. 13:5; I John 4:4

  • XII. OF THE HARMONY OF THE LAW AND THE GOSPEL

    We believe that the law of God is the eternal and unchangeable rule of his moral government. It is holy, just and good; and that the inability which the scriptures ascribe to fallen men to fulfil its precepts arises entirely from their love of sin. One great end of the gospel, and of the means of grace through the visible church, is to deliver fallen men through a Mediator, to sincere obedience to the holy law.

    Rom. 3:31; Matt. 5:17; Luke 16:17; Rom. 3:20; Rom. 4:15; Rom. 7:12; Rom.7:7,14-22; Gal.3:21; Ps. 119; Rom.8:7-8; Josh. 24:19; Jer. 13:23; John 6:44; John 5:44; Rom. 8:2-4; Rom. 10:4; I Tim. 1:5; Heb. 8:10; Jude 20&21

  • XIII. OF THE GOSPEL CHURCH

    We believe that a visible church of Christ is a congregation of baptized believers, who are associated by their collective commitment to the faith and fellowship of the gospel. Together, they observe the ordinances of Christ; are governed by his laws; and exercise the gifts, rights, and privileges invested in them by his word. The church’s only scriptural officers are bishops or elders and deacons whose qualifications, claims and duties are defined in the Epistles to Timothy and Titus.

    I Cor. 1:1-3; Matt. 18:17; Acts 5:11; Acts 8:1; Acts 11:21-23; I Cor. 4:17; I Cor. 14:23; III John 9; I Tim. 3:5; Acts 2:41-42; II Cor. 8:5; Acts 2:47; I Cor. 5:12-13; I Cor. 11:2; II Thess. 3:6; Rom. 16:17-20; I Cor.11:23-24; Matt. 18:15-20; I Cor. 5:6; II Cor. 2:17; I Cor. 4:17; Matt. 28:20; John 14:15; John 15:12; I John 14:21; I Thess. 4:2; II John 6; Gal. 6:2; Eph. 4:7; I Cor. 14:12; Phil. 1:1; Acts 14:23; Acts 15:22; I Tim. 3; Titus 1

  • XIV. OF BAPTISM AND THE LORD'S SUPPER

    We believe that the Christian baptism is the immersion of a believer in water, in the name of the Father, and Son, and Holy Ghost. This is to demonstrate in a solemn and beautiful symbol, our faith in the crucified, buried and risen Saviour, and with it, our own death to sin and resurrection to a new life. Baptism is a pre-requisite to the privilege of church membership, and to the Lord’s Supper. The Lord’s Supper is to commemorate the dying love of Christ with the sacred use of bread and wine, and is approached with reverence and a right attitude.

    Acts 8:36-39; Matt. 3:5-6; John 3:22-23; John 4:12; Matt. 28:19-20; Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; Acts 8:12; Acts 16:32-34; Acts 18:8; Acts 10:47-48; Gal.3:26-28; Rom.6:4; Col. 2:12; I Peter 3:20-21; Acts 22:16; Acts 2:41-42; I Cor. 11:26; Matt. 26:26-29; Mark 14:22-25; Luke 22:14-20; I Cor.11:28; I Cor. 5:1-8; I Cor. 10:3-32; I Cor. 11:17-32; John 6:26

  • XV. OF THE CHRISTIAN SABBATH

    We believe that the first day of the week is the Lord's Day or Christian Sabbath; and it is to be dedicated to spiritual pursuits, through rest from daily work and avoidance of sinful indulgences, and by devout observance of all the means of grace, both private and public. These spiritual pursuits also involve anticipation of the future rest promised to the people of God.

    Acts 20:7; Gen. 2:3; Col. 2:16-17; Mark 2:27; John 20:19; I Cor. 16:1-2; Ex. 20:8; Rev. 1:10; Ps. 118:15, 24; Isa. 58:13-14; Isa. 56:2-8; Heb. 10:24-25; Acts 11:26; Acts 13:44; Lev. 19:30; Luke 4:16; Acts 17:2-3; Ps. 26:8; Ps. 87:3; Heb. 4:3-11

  • XVI. OF THE CIVIL GOVERNMENT

    We believe that civil government is of divine appointment, for the interests and good order of human society, and that authorities are to be prayed for, conscientiously honoured, 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 King of the kings of the earth.

    Rom. 13:1-7; Deu. 16:18; II Sam. 23:3; Ex. 18:23; Jer. 30:21; Matt. 22:21; Titus 3:1; I Peter 2:13; I Tim. 2:1-4; Acts 5:29; Matt.28; Dan. 3:15-18; Dan. 6:7-10; Acts 4:18-20; Matt. 23:10; Rom. 14:4; Rev. 19:16; Ps.72:11; Ps.2; Rom. 14:9-13

  • XVII. OF THE RIGHTEOUS AND THE WICKED

    We believe that there is a radical and essential difference between the righteous and the wicked; that only those who through faith are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and sanctified by the Spirit of our God, are truly righteous in his sight; while all who 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.

    Mal. 3:18; Pro. 12:26; Isa. 5:20; Gen. 18:23; Jer. 15:19; Acts 10:34-35; Rom. 6:16; Rom. 1:17; Rom. 7:6; I John 2:29; I John 3:7; Rom. 6:18,22; I Cor. 11:32; Pro. 11:31; I Peter 4:17-18; I John 5:19; Gal. 3:10; John 3:36; Isa. 57:21; Ps. 10:4; Isa. 55:6-7; Pro. 14:32; Luke 16:25; John 8:21-24; Pro. 10:24; Luke 12:4-5; Luke 9:23-26; Ecc. 3:17; Matt. 7:1314

  • XV. OF THE WORLD TO COME

    We believe that the end of the world is approaching; that at the Last Day Christ will descend from heaven, and raise the dead from the grave to final judgement; that a solemn separation will then take place; that the wicked will be adjudged to endless punishment, and the righteous to endless joy; and that this judgment will fix forever the final state of men in heaven or hell, on principles of righteousness.

    I Peter 4:7; I Cor. 7:29-31; Heb. 1:10-12; Matt. 24:35; I John 2:17; Matt. 28:20; Matt. 13:39-40; II Peter 3:3-13; Acts 1:11; Rev. 1:7; Heb. 9:28; Acts 3:21; I Thess 4:13-18; I Thess. 5:1-11; Acts 24:15; I Cor. 15:12-58; Luke 14:14; Dan. 12:2 John 5:28-29; John 6:40; John 11:25-26; II Tim. 1:10; Acts 10:42; Matt. 13:49; Matt. 13:37-43; Matt. 24:3031; Matt. 25:31-46; Rev. 22:11; I Cor. 6:9-10; Mark 9:43-48; II Peter 2:9; Jude7; Phil. 3:19; Rom. 6:23; II Cor. 5:10-11; John 4:36; II Cor. 4:18; Rom. 3:5-6; II Thess. 1:6-12: Heb. 6:1-2; I Cor. 4:5; Acts 17:31; Rom. 2:2-16; Rev.20:11-12; I John 2:28; I John 4:17; II Peter 3:11-12

BAPTIST FELLOWSHIP CHURCH

Confession of Faith

  • I. OF 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 that is without any mixture of error. We believe that the Bible reveals the principles by which God will judge us; and therefore is, and shall forever remain the true centre of Christian union, and the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds, and opinions should be tried.

    II Tim. 3:16-17; II Tim. 3:15; Proverbs 30:5-6; Romans 2:12; Phil. 3:16; I John 4:1

  • II. OF THE TRUE GOD

    We believe that there is only one living and true God, whose name is JEHOVAH. He is an infinite intelligent Spirit and is the Maker and supreme Ruler of heaven and earth. He is inexpressibly glorious in holiness, and worthy of all possible honour, confidence and love. 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.

    John 4:24; Ps. 83:18; Heb.3:4; Rom. 1:20; Jer.10:10; Ex.15:11; Ps.147:5; Isa.6:3; I Pet.1:15-16; Rev.4:6-8; Mark12:30; Rev.4:11; Matt.10:37; Jer.2:12-13; Matt.28:19; John 15:26; I Cor.12:4-6; I John 5:7; John10:30; John 5:17; John 14:23; John 17:5&10; Acts 5:3-4; I Cor.2:10-11; Phil. 2:5-6; Eph. 2:18; II Cor.13:14; Rev. 1:4-5.

  • III. OF THE FALL OF MAN

    We believe that man was created in holiness, under the law of his Maker, but as a result of his own transgression, fell from that holy and happy state. Consequently, all mankind are now sinners, not by constraint but choice, being by nature utterly void of that holiness required by God’s law, and inclined to evil. In so doing, man is condemned to eternal ruin, being without defence or excuse.

    Gen.1:27; Gen.1:31; Ecc.7:29; Acts 17:26-29; Gen.2:16-17; Gen.3:6-24; Rom. 5:12; Rom.5:15-19; Ps.51:5; Rom.8:7; Isa.53:6; Gen.6:12; Rom.3:9-18; Eph.2:1-3; Rom.1:18,32; Rom.2:1-16; Gal.3:10; Matt. 20:15; Ezek. 18:19-20; Rom.1:20; Rom.3:19; Gal. 3:22.

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