The Scriptures
We believe that the Holy Bible: (a) was inspired by God; (b) written by men controlled by the Holy Spirit; (c) that it is truth without any admixture of error for its matter; and therefore, is, and shall remain to the end of the age, the only complete and final revelation of the will of God to man; the true center of Christian unity and the supreme standard by which all human c
onduct, creeds and opinions should be tried. The King James Version is the bible that is our basis for faith and conduct and is the bible that will be used in all of the public services. Explanatory Definitions: By “THE HOLY BIBLE” we mean that collection of sixty-six books from Genesis through Revelation, which, as originally written, does not contain and convey the word of God, but IS the very word of God; By “INSPIRED” we mean that the books of the Bible were written by holy men of old, as they were moved by the Holy Spirit, in such a definite way that their writings were moved by the Holy Spirit, and were supernaturally inspired and free from error, as no other writings have ever been or ever will be inspired. Biblical References: II Tim. 3:16-17; II Pet. 1:19-21; Acts 1:16; 28:25; Psalms 19:7-11; 119:89, 105, 130,160; Luke 16:31; 24:25-27, 44-45; John 5:39, 45-47; 12:48; 17:17; Proverbs 30:5-6; Romans 3:4; 15:4; I Pet. 1:23; Rev. 22:19; Isaiah 8:20; Eph. 6:17
2. The True God
We believe that there is one, and only one, living and true God, an infinite, intelligent Spirit, the maker and supreme ruler of heaven and earth; inexpressibly glorious in holiness, and worthy of all possible honor, confidence and love; that in the unity of the 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. Biblical References: Ex. 15:11; 20:2-3; Gen. 17:1; 1 Cor. 2:10-11; 8:6; 12:4-6; Eph. 2:18; 4:6; John 4:24;10:30; 15:26; 17:5; Psalms 83:18; 90:2; 147:5; Jer. 10:10; Rev. 4:11; I Tim. 1:17; Romans 11:33; Mark 12:30; Matt. 28:19; I John 5:7; Acts 5:3-4; Phil. 2:5-6; II Cor. 13:14
3. The Lord Jesus Christ
We believe that, as provided and proposed by God and as pre-announced in the prophecies of the Scriptures, the eternal Son of God came into this world that He might manifest God to men, fulfill prophecy and become the Redeemer; that He was begotten of the Holy Spirit in a miraculous manner, born of Mary, a virgin, as no other man was ever born or can be born of woman; that He received a human body and a sinless human nature; and that He is both the eternal Son of God and God the Son—perfect God and perfect Man. Biblical References: Gen. 3:15; Isaiah 7:14; Matt. 1:18-25; Luke 1:35; John 1:14
We believe in the essential, absolute, eternal Deity, and the real and proper, but perfect and sinless, humanity of our Lord Jesus Christ; that Christ is the eternal Son of God, and God the Son, the Second Person of the Trinity, being co-equal, co-eternal and of the same essence as God the Father; and that He united in one person undiminished deity and perfect, sinless humanity. We believe that our Lord Jesus Christ rose from the dead on the third day in the same body, though glorified, and that His resurrection body is the pattern of that body which ultimately will be given to all believers. We believe that in departing from the earth in His resurrection body, Christ ascended into Heaven as our great High Priest, and will come again in like manner. (Heb. 4:15)
We believe that He now sits in Heaven at the right hand of God the Father as our great High Priest, interceding for His own; that He became Head over all things to the Church, which is His body; and that, in this ministry He ceases not to intercede and advocate for the saved. Biblical References: Matt. 28:6-7; Mark 16:6; Luke 24:2-6, 39; John 20: 27; Acts 1:9-11; I Cor. 15:4; I Tim. 2:5; Heb. 2:17; 5:9-10; 7:25; 8:6; 12:2; I John 2:1; Rev. 3:21
4. The Holy Spirit
We believe that the Holy Spirit is a divine person, equal with God the Father and God the Son and of the same nature; that He was active in the creation; that in His relation to the unbelieving world He restrains the evil one until God’s purpose is fulfilled; that He convicts of sin, of judgment and of righteousness; that He bears witness to the Truth of the Gospel in preaching and testimony; that He is the agent of the New Birth; that He seals, endues, guides, teaches, witnesses, sanctifies and helps the believer; and that the fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness and temperance) is the evidence of His indwelling rather than the speaking in tongues and other spectacular demonstrations. Biblical References: John 14:16-17; Matt. 28:19; Heb. 9:14; John 14:26; Luke 1:35; Gen. 1:1-3; II Thes. 2:7;John 16:8-11; John 15:26-27; Acts 5:30-32; John 3:5-6; Eph. 1:13-14; Matt. 3:11; Mark 1:8; Luke 3:16;24:49; John 1:33; 16:13; 14:26; Romans 8:14; Gal. 5:22-23; Eph. 5:18-21; II Thes. 2:13
5. The Devil or Satan
We believe that Satan was once holy and enjoyed heavenly honors, but through pride and ambition to be as the Almighty, fell and drew after him a host of angels; that he is now the malignant prince of the power of the air and the unholy god of this world. We believe him to be man’s great tempter, the enemy of God and His Christ, the accuser of the saints, the author of all false religions, the chief power back of the present apostasy; the lord of the anti-Christ, and the author of all powers of darkness-destined, however, to final defeat at the hands of God’s Son, and to the judgment of an eternal justice in the lake of fire, a place prepared for him and his angels. Biblical References: Isaiah 14:12-15; Ezek. 28:14-17; Rev. 12:9; Jude 6; Eph. 2:2; I Thes. 3:5; Matt. 4:1-3; I Pet. 5:8; Matt. 13:25, 37-39; Luke 22:3-4; Rev. 12:10; II Cor. 11:13-15; I John 2:22, 4:3; II John 7; Rev. 13:13-14; II Thes. 2:8-11; Rev. 19:11, 16, 20; 20:1-3; Rev. 20:10; Matt. 25:41
6. The Creation
We believe in the Genesis account of creation; that it is to be accepted literally, not allegorically or figuratively; that man was created directly in God’s own image and after his own likeness; that man’s creation was not a matter of evolution or evolutionary change of species, or development through interminable periods of time from lower to higher forms; that all animal and vegetable life was made directly, and God’s established law was that they should bring forth only “after their kind.”
Biblical References: Gen. 1:1; Ex. 20:11; Acts 4:24; Col. 1:16-17; Heb. 11:3; John 1:3; Rev. 10:6; Romans 1:20; Acts 17:23-26; Jer. 10:12; Neh. 9:6; Gen. 1:11, 24, 26-27; 2:21-23
7. The Fall of Man
We believe that man was created in innocence (in the image and likeness of God) under the law of his Maker, but by voluntary transgression, Adam fell from his sinless and happy state and all men sinned in him. As a result, all men are totally depraved, are partakers of Adam’s fallen nature, are sinners by nature and by conduct and therefore are under just condemnation without defense or excuse. Biblical References: Gen. 3:1-6; Romans 1:18, 32; 3:10-19; 5:12, 19
8. Salvation
We believe that the salvation of sinners is divinely initiated and wholly of grace through the mediatorial office of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, Who, by the appointment of the Father, voluntarily took upon Himself our nature, yet without sin, and honored the divine law by His personal obedience, thus qualifying Himself to be our Saviour; that by the shedding of His blood in His death He fully satisfied the just demands of a holy and righteous God regarding sin; that His sacrifice consisted not in setting us an example by His death as a martyr, but was a voluntary substitution of Himself in the sinner’s place, the Just dying for the unjust, Christ the Lord bearing our sins in His own body on the tree; that having risen from the dead He is now enthroned in Heaven, and uniting in His wonderful person the most tender sympathies with divine perfection, He is in every way qualified to be a suitable, compassionate and all-sufficient Saviour. We believe that faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is the only condition of salvation. An integral part of saving faith is repentance, which is a change of mind and purpose toward God prompted by the Holy Spirit. Biblical References: Romans 10:9, 10; Jonah 2:9; Eph. 2:8; Acts 15:11; Romans 3:24, 25; John 3:16; Matt. 18:11; Phil. 2:7-8; Heb. 2:14-17; Isaiah 53:4-7; I John 4:10; I Cor. 15:3; II Cor. 5:17, 21; I Pet. 2:24
9. Grace and the New Birth
We believe that in order to be saved, sinners must be born again; that the new birth is a new creation in Christ Jesus; that it is instantaneous and not a process; that in the new birth the one dead in trespasses and sins is made a partaker of the divine nature and receives eternal life, the free gift of God; that the new creation is brought about by our sovereign God in a manner above our comprehension, solely by the power of the Holy Spirit in connection with divine truth, so as to secure our voluntary obedience to the gospel; that its proper evidence appears in the holy fruits of repentance, faith and newness of life. Biblical References: John 3:3; II Cor. 5:17; I John 5:1; Acts 16:20-33; II Pet. 1:4; Romans 6:23; Eph. 2:1, 5;Col. 2:13; John 3:8
10. Justification
We believe justification is that judicial act of God whereby He declares the believer righteous upon the basis of the imputed righteousness of Christ; that it is bestowed solely through faith in the Redeemer’s shed blood, not in consideration of any work of righteousness which we have done. Biblical References: Romans 3:24; 4:5; 5:1, 9; Gal. 2:16; Phil .3:9.
11. Sanctification
We believe that sanctification is the divine setting apart of the believer unto God accomplished in a threefold manner; first, by an eternal act of God, based upon redemption in Christ, establishing the believer in a position of holiness at the moment he trusts the Saviour; second, by a continuing process in the saint as the Holy Spirit applies the Word of God to the life; third, by the final accomplishment of this process at the Lord’s return. Biblical References: Heb. 10:10-14; 3:1; John 17:17; II Cor. 3:18; I Cor. 1:30; Eph. 5:25-27; I Thes. 4:3, 4;5:23, 24; I John 3:2; Jude 24, 25; Rev. 22:11
12. The Security of the Saints
We believe that all who are truly born again are eternally kept by God the Father for Jesus Christ. Biblical References: Phil. 1:6; John 5:24; 10:28, 29; Rom. 8:35-39; I John 5:13; Jude 1
13. The Church
We believe in the unity of all true believers in the Church, which is the Body of Christ. It was established on the Day of Pentecost and will continue until the Rapture and includes both Jews and Gentiles. All who are part of this Church have been added through the baptism of the Holy Spirit. It is also the Bride identified in the Revelation of Jesus Christ. Biblical References: Acts 15:13-18; I Cor. 12:12-13; Eph. 1:22-23; 3:1-6; 4:11; 5:23; Col. 1:18; Rev. 19:7-8;22:17
We believe that the local Church is a congregation of immersed believers, associated by covenant of faith and fellowship in the Gospel; observing the ordinances of Christ (Baptism and the Lord’s Table); governed by His laws, and exercising the gifts, rights and privileges invested in them by His Word; that its called or given officers are Pastor (also called Bishop or Elder) and Deacons whose qualifications, claims and duties are clearly defined in the Scriptures. We believe that the true mission of the Church is the faithful witnessing of Christ to all men as we have opportunity. We believe that the local Church has the absolute right of self-government, free from the interference of any hierarchy of individuals or organizations, that the one and only superintendent is Christ through the Holy Spirit; that it is Scriptural for true Churches to cooperate with each other in contending for the faith and for the furtherance of the Gospel; that each local Church is the sole judge of the measure of its cooperation; that on all matters of membership, of policy, of government, of benevolence (charity), the will of the local Church is final. We believe that the local Church is God’s plan for accomplishing His commission in this age. We believe, therefore, that all other Christian institutions and agencies should have as their objective the aid and strengthening of the local Church. We believe that it is the responsibility of each local Church to have no fellowship with those organizations involved in apostasy (falling away from the truth); to have no fellowship with those organizations that are disobedient or are walking disorderly. Biblical References: Acts 2:41-42, 20:17-28; I Cor. 5:1-13; 11:2; II Cor. 6:14-18; II Thes. 3:6, 14; I Tim. 3:1-13; 6:3-5; Titus 3:10; I Thes. 1:9-10; Rom. 16:17; II John 9-11
14. Two Ordinances: Baptism and the Lord’s Supper (Communion Service)
We believe that Christian baptism is the single immersion of a believer in water to show forth in a solemn and beautiful emblem our identification with the crucified, buried and risen Saviour, through Whom we died to sin and rose to a new life; that baptism is to be performed under the authority of the local Church; that it is evidence of obedience to God’s Word and is prerequisite to the privileges of Church membership. We believe that the Lord’s Supper is the commemoration of His death “till He come”, and should always be preceded by solemn self-examination. We believe that the Biblical order of the ordinances is first, baptism, then the Lord’s Supper, and that participants in the Lord’s Supper should be immersed believers and a member of a New Testament Church. Biblical References: Acts 8:36-39; John 3:23; Romans 6:3-5; Matt. 3:16; Col. 2:12; I Cor. 10:16, I Cor. 11:20-28; Matt. 28:18-20; Acts 2:41-42
15. Civil Government
We believe that civil government is divinely appointed for the interests and good order of human society; that magistrates are to be prayed for, conscientiously honored and obeyed; except in those things opposed to the will of our Lord Jesus Christ Who is the only Lord of the conscience and the coming King of Kings. Biblical References: Romans 13:1-7; II Sam. 23:3; Ex. 18:21-22; Acts 23:5; Matt. 22:21; Acts 5:29; 4:19-20;Dan. 3:17-18
16. Israel
We believe in the sovereign selection of Israel as God’s eternal covenant people, that she is now dispersed because of her disobedience and rejection of Christ, and that she will be regathered in the Holy Land and after the completion of the Church. The believing remnant shall be saved as a nation at the second advent of Christ. Biblical References: Gen. 13:14-17; Romans 11:1-32; Ezek. 37
17. Rapture and Subsequent Events
We believe in the pretribulational return of Christ, an event which can occur at any moment, and at that moment the dead in Christ shall be raised in glorified bodies. The living in Christ shall be given glorified bodies without tasting death, and all shall be caught up to meet the Lord in the air before the seven years of the Tribulation. Biblical References: I Thes. 4:13-18; I Cor. 15:42-44, 51-54; Phil. 3:20-21; Rev. 3:10
We believe that the seven-year Tribulation, which follows the Rapture of the Church, will be culminated by the revelation of Christ in power and great glory to sit upon the throne of David and to establish the millennial kingdom. Biblical References: Dan. 9:25-27; Matt. 24:29-31; Luke 1:30-33; Isaiah 9:6-7; 11:1-9; Acts 2:29-30; Rev. 20:1-4, 6
18. 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 are justified by faith in our Lord Jesus Christ and sanctified by the Spirit of our God are truly righteous in His esteem; while all such continue in non-repentance and unbelief are in His sight wicked and under the curse of sin through Adam; and that this distinction holds among men both in and after death, in the everlasting felicity (joy) of the saved and the everlasting conscious suffering of the lost in the “lake of fire”. Biblical References: Romans 5:12; Mal. 3:18; Gen. 18:23; Romans 6:17-18; I John 5:19; Romans 7:6; 6:23;Proverbs 14:32; Luke 16:25; Matt. 25:34-41; John 8:21; Rev. 20:14-15
19. While we identify as “Independent Fundamental Baptist Christians” insofar as to help identify to others our doctrine and church structure we do not derive our theology from any one or group holding to that same title, apart from the bible. We are neither Armenian nor Calvinist nor are we Covenant or dispensationalist, nor are we etc. While these frameworks and identities are good and have a place as tools in helping understand the broad concepts thru out the bible one need only read the bible in context to see that many of these groups when taken to their extreme conclusions lead to biblical error and can distract from the practicality of the gospel. We therefore believe that we should not be drawn into these groups as identities over which to argue who is right but to give them their proper place as simple research tools in which we try to understand the majesty, greatness and mysteries of God’s Word. We furthermore acknowledge that many teachings of men have been developed to profit man and not God and his people. Therefore we endeavor to rely on those structures and bible doctrines derived directly from the context of scripture and not those theologies developed externally. Furthermore, we endeavor to edify with our doctrine. Lastly, we acknowledge that the Bible itself should determine our theological framing through the natural flow of scripture and not on that of rearranging verses and passage to our liking in order to fit our conclusions. Doctrine: Hebrews 13:9 ; Proverbs 4:2 ; Isaiah 28:9 ; Jeremiah 10:8 ; Matthew 7:28-29 ; Matthew 15:9; Matthew 16:12; Mark 1:27; Mark 4:2; John 7:16; Acts 2:42; Acts 5:28; Romans 6:17; Ephesians 4:11-16; Colossians 2:20-23; 1 Timothy 1:8-11;
False doctrine will: Matthew 23:13-30; Mark 2:16; Mark 7:5; Luke 5:21; Matthew 7:15; Matthew 24:11; 2 Peter 2:1; 1 John 4:1; Romans 16:17-18; 2 Peter 3:16
True doctrine is: Deuteronomy 32:2-3 ; Job 6:30; 1 Corinthians 14:33 ; 1 Corinthians 14:26; 2 Timothy 2:15; 2 Timothy 3:16 ; Luke 24:27; Acts 17:11; Isaiah 28:10; Nehemiah 8:8
20. Marriage and Sexuality. The Christian marriage relationship is a picture of Christ and his Church becoming one. Therefore we seek to honour it in the same manor. We also believe Sexual Activity is reserved for the Marriage relationship. We believe that any form of homosexuality, lesbianism, bisexuality, be******ty, in**st, fornication, adultery, and po*******hy are sinful perversions of God’s marital order which is to be only one man and one woman (as determined by their genetics) for life. Bible References: Genesis 2:24; Genesis 19:5,13; Genesis 26:8-9; Leviticus 18:1-30; Romans 1:26-29; Romans 7:2; 1Corinthians 5:1, 6:9; 1Corinthians 7:10; Ephesians 5:22-23; 1Thessalonians 4:1-8; Hebrews 13:4
We believe that men and women are spiritually equal in position before God, but in church and marriage God has ordained distinct and separate spiritual functions. The husband is to be the leader of the home and men are to be the leaders (pastors and deacons) of the church. Accordingly, only men are eligible for ordination by the church. Bible References: Galatians 3:28; Colossians 3:18; 1Timothy 2:8-15; 3:4-5,12
Any person actively seeking, living in, or identifying with an “alternative” sexual lifestyle with a person outside of Christen marriage cannot be a member of this local church. Anyone seeking a leadership position in this church not assigned to their gender or not qualified by God cannot be in that position.
21. Local Church Membership. We believe joining a local body of believers in membership is the third most important action of a Christian can take; after Salvation and Baptism. Its purpose is: to show other believers that they are in good standing in the faith, to conform the believer to the Spirit and mind of Christ, and to equip them to do the ministerial work of Christ on earth; particularly that of the Great Commission. Bible References: Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 1:6-8; 2:40-47; 16:5; Philippians 1:27
We believe the Christian that does not join, attend, or participate in a local church body is out of the will of Christ because he cannot adequately fulfill the commands given to them alone. Christ tells the Christian to submit one to another and not to forsake the gathering together. Joining a Church in membership is the individual Christian’s declaration to other believers that they are submitted to the Body of Christ in faith. Bible References: John 15:1-11; Hebrews 10:19-25; 1 Peter 5:5
In this local church we believe church membership is voluntary and on an at will basis of both the individual and the local body. Those wishing to join in membership do so by Statement of Faith; declaring their desire and willingness to submit to the church body as we all submit to Christ in faith. The church will only accept individuals who have been properly Saved, Baptized, and not under another N.T. church’s discipline. Membership of every member is conditional insofar as they continue in the common faith of Christ and consistently come together with the body. Members can only be joined or dismissed from membership by a majority vote of the gathered church body. Bible References: 1 Corinthians 5:4-5; 1 Corinthians 12:13-27
Church leadership roles can only be held by biblically qualified members, abiding by the articles of faith, in good standing and by continued consent of the membership. Their job is to lead, oversee, and direct the church in its duties before Christ. The membership should be willing to follow them only so far as they lead in the shared faith of this church. Bible References: Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 5:2; 1 Thessalonians 5:12; 1 Timothy 5:17; Hebrews 13:7; 13:17; 1 Peter 5:1-4
If members have an issue with another member, or person in Christ (or this local church in general), they resolve not to sue them but to resolve the issue in accord to Matthew 18:15-22 and 1 Corinthians 6:1-8. If a nonmember causes trouble or disruption for this church body church leadership reserves the right to keep them out of the services and activities of the church. Bible References:1 Corinthians 5:1-13; 1 Timothy 5:17-22; Titus 3:10-11; Philippians 2:14
The duty of every member is to edify the body and encourage it to do the work of Christ. The member does this in several ways. Firstly, by resolving to not walk after the flesh but to walk in the Spirit and to encourage other members to do the same. Secondly, by ordering their own personal lives in such a way as to be able to help the church body and fellow members as needs arise. Thirdly, by finding, developing, and using their God given gifts, ministry, and roles in the church. Fourthly by participating in the Great Commission corporately with the church and personally in your own daily life. (Ideally the members are encouraged to give a voluntary tithe of their Time, Talents, and Treasure.) Bible References:Luke 14:23; Romans 12:6-8; 14:19; 15:5; 1 Corinthians 12:4-7; Ephesians 4:11-16; Galatians 5:13-26; 6:1-2, 10; Philippians 2:2-3, 7; 1 Timothy 5:1-3; Titus 2:1-8; 1 Pet. 4:10ff; 2 Peter 1:4-11
Church membership also entitles every member to the resources of this church as directed by the leadership and as body will allow. No resource of this church is to be used for any non biblical purpose. Bible References: Acts 2:44; Acts 4:32-35
22. Holidays. We believe that the Christian is not required to keep, observe, or celebrate any day but can, if they wish. For the Christian everyday is Holy unto the Lord. As a church we choose to use any special day, wither secular or religious, as an opportunity to emphasize and promote Christ in all things and to provide alternatives to any non Christian holiday or tradition as we are able. Bible References: Psalm 96:2; Romans 14:5-6; Colossians 2:15-17; Acts 10:15; 2 Kings 18:4; Matthew 12:5; Titus 1:13-15
23. Christian Stewardship. We believe Christians are not their own but belong wholly to God. We believe everything we have is not our own but given to us to use for God’s divine purposes. As such God has commissioned us to be stewards of the things we have been given in service to Jesus Christ. We believe as stewards we will be either rewarded or chastised depending on how well we use the resources given to our care and management; both individually and nationally. By extension, together as a church, we believe we are to act together similar as a faithful wife does in managing her husband’s household. Bible References:Deuteronomy 8:17-18; Psalm 24:1; Proverbs 31:10-31; Matthew 25:14-46; Luke 12:22-48; Romans 12:1; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20; Colossians 3:23-24;
We believe Christian Stewardship is similar in management but not the same as O.T. types of Stewardship. People as a whole have been given a stewardship over the Earth and its resources through Adam, Israel was given stewardship over the Oracles and laws of God and to model and protect it as a nation, and Christians were given stewardship over the Grace of God and come together as the body of Christ to dispense it to the world in the form of the Great commission. We believe Christian Stewardship is similar in management but not the same as O.T. Bible References:Genesis 2:15; Acts 7:38; Romans 3:1-2; 2 Corinthians 5:18-20; Hebrews 5:12; 1 Peter 4:7-11
We believe the Holy Ghost gives resources individually to each believer to faithfully manage. God has given the Christian liberty in how to use those resources. In this management the Christian’s primary duty is to first properly manage and maintain their own household first, secondly to help manage and maintain the body of Christ. Then, as they are able to propagate the Gospel with their properly managed and maintained resources. Bible References:Luke 19:13; Romans 12:13; 1 Corinthians 4:1-5; 1 Corinthians 7:17; 1 Corinthians 7:22-24; 2 Corinthians 5:18-20; 2 Corinthians 9-10; Ephesians 6:5-8
We believe tithes and offerings are part of the proper management of our individual resources for maintaining the tools and people needed to properly propagate the Great Commission as a church body. Particularly in the areas of time talent and treasures. The O.T. Israelite was obligated as a nation to give tithes and offerings to maintain the temple and the Levitical priesthood in order to maintain God’s blessing on their land. However, the Christian is under no such obligation to give but recognizes the practical principles from the OT model and uses the tithe and offerings a biblical model for their own free will giving to the work of Christ and the ministry. The tithe from our resources being the necessary minimum to continue and maintain the work and commission of Christ to which God has called us and the offering to be to advance the cause as we are able, without harming the necessary functions of the household. Bible References: O.T. freewill tithe: Genesis 14:18-20; Genesis 28:20-22; National tithe: Leviticus 27:30-34; Numbers 18:21-32; Deuteronomy 12:5-7, v17-19; Deuteronomy 14:22-29; Deuteronomy 26:12-19; 1 Samuel 8:15-18; Nehemiah 10:38-39; Malachi 3:8-12; Matthew 23:23; Matthew 5:22-24; Luke 11:42; Luke 18:12; Priesthood Transition to Jesus and Christians with the tithe: Hebrews 7; 1 Peter 2:5; Revelation 1:4-6; Jewish/Israelite Christians still held to their national offerings: Acts 24:17-18; Christian tithe offerings: Romans 15:15-17; 1 Corinthians 9:1-23; 2 Corinthians 9; (Acts 2:44-47; Acts 4:32-35; Acts 11:28-30)
24. Repentance and Faith
We believe Repentance and Faith are obligations, and inseparable graces, wrought in our souls by the quickening Spirit of God; thereby, we acknowledging our guilt, danger and helplessness, and of the way of salvation from sin and death by Christ, we turn to God in unfeigned contrition, confession and supplication for mercy; and at the same time heartily receiving the Lord Jesus Christ and openly confessing Him as our only and all-sufficient Savior. Bible References: Psalm 51:1-4,7; Isaiah 55:6-7; Mark 1:15; Luke 12:8; 18:13; Acts 2:37-38; 20:21; Romans 10:9-11,13
“Repentance”: We believe “Repentance towards God” is received by returning to a humble state before God in the knowledge we sinned and deserve the punishment declared and are willing to do what is required to make it right again. Repentance is a requirement of God for mercy and grace before and after receiving the quickening. God resist all pride but rewards every humble person with grace. True repentance starts with an inward change of heart and mind that will manifest in an outward change. Not necessarily of works or deeds but primarily by reliance on Christ. We believe “Repentance towards God” is received by returning to a humble state before God in the knowledge we sinned and deserve the punishment declared and are willing to do what is required to make it right again. A broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise. Psalms 51:17. Re=to do again; penitence=state of being penitent; regret; contrition; repentance; penitent=feeling or expressing sorrow for sin or wrongdoing and disposed to atonement and amendment; repentant; contrite. Contrite=showing sincere remorse. Filled with a sense of guilt and the desire for atonement; penitent: a contrite sinner. Each instance of “repent” or “repentance” in scripture is framed by: 1. A rebellion and pride 2. A declaration of judgement and call to repent. 3. Repentant turn from pride and rebellion to a state of contrite humility. 4. A granting of mercy and the giving of Grace to restore and keep the humbled. 5. Rejection of the non-repentant. Faith: We believe “faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ” is received when we Realize the penalty God has for rebellion cannot in any way be paid by us but God made a way by Christ to pay every obligation, so we Accept His payment, and Rely on Him to keep us. Obligations: The requirement to do something. (The binding power of a vow, promise, oath or contract, or of law, civil, political or moral, independent of a promise; that which constitutes legal or moral duty, and renders a person liable to coercion and punishment for neglecting it. The laws and commands of God impose on us an obligation to love him supremely, and our neighbor as ourselves. Every citizen is under an obligation to obey the laws of the state. Moral obligation binds men without promise or contract. Web1828)
Grace: A special favor given to the humble sinner to be heard of God, even though Judgement has been declared. Quicken: to make alive again. Primarily, to make alive; to vivify; to revive or resuscitate, as from death or an inanimate state. Romans 4:17. 2. To make alive in a spiritual sense; to communicate a principle of grace to. You hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins. Ephesians 2:1. 3. To hasten; to accelerate; as, to quicken motion, speed or flight. 4. To sharpen; to give keener perception to; to stimulate; to incite; as, to quicken the appetite or taste; to quicken desires. 5. To revive; to cheer; to reinvigorate; to refresh by new supplies of comfort or grace. Psalms 119:25. Web1828)
Thereby: By the Spirit of God we receive the ability to repent, believe, and call out for salvation from our corrupted state. It is not of our own ability but that of the Spirt of God working in us when we hear the Gospel of our salvation. Heartily: From the heart; with all heart; in sincerity; really. With zeal; actively; vigorously. 2. Eagerly; freely;)
only and all-sufficient: Not trusting in self, works, or anything or anyone else to save and that Christ Saves so completely that nothing else is ever needed again. Conclusion: In regards to “repentance and faith” we see these truths. 1. Humility is the state which God commands all men to be in before him (Isaiah 57:15, Psalms 51:17, 1 Peter 5:5). 2. God created all upright but all departed from him, causing spiritual death (Ecclesiastes 7:29, Romans 3:12; 7:9). 3. Call to repent is for all to return to God so He can restore their life by quickening Spirit of Christ (1Peter 2:23-25). 4. To hear this call all must receive it with humility. (Proverbs 29:1, Hebrews 12:17, Proverbs 11:6, James 1:21) 5. God will not save the proud and rebellious even if they demand Him to. (Proverbs 1, Jeremiah 3:10, Titus 1:16) 6. God will only hear those who are humbly submitting to Him. The rest he Rejects. (1 Samuel 15:23, 2 Kings 17:7-23)
