We believe that the Holy Bible was written by men divinely inspired, and is a perfect treasure of heavenly instructions; that it has God for its author, salvation for its end, and truth without any measure of error for its matter, that it reveals the principles by which God will judge us; and therefore is, and shall remain to the end of the world the true center of Christian union, and the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds, and opinions shall be tried.
We believe that there is one, and only one, living and true God, and infinite, intelligent Spirit, whose name is JEHOVAH, the maker and Supreme Ruler of heaven and earth; inexpressively glorious in holiness and worthy of all possible honor, confidence, and love that in the unity of 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.
We believe that man was created in holiness, under the law of his Maker; but by voluntary transgression fell from that holy and happy state. In consequence of which all mankind are now sinners, not be constraint, but choice; being by nature utterly void of that holiness required by the law of God, positively inclined to evil; and therefore, under just condemnation of eternal ruin, without defense or excuse.
We believe that the salvation of sinners is wholly of grace, through the mediatorial offices of the Son of God; who by the appointment of the Father, freely took upon Him our nature, yet without sin; honored the divine law by His personal obedience, and by His death made a full atonement for our sins, that having risen from the dead, He is now enthroned in heaven and uniting in His wonderful person the tenderest sympathetic with divine perfections, he is every way qualified to be a suitable, compassionate and all-sufficient Savior.
We believe that the great gospel blessing which Christ secures to such as believe in Him is justification; that justification includes the pardon of sin, and the promise of eternal life on principles of righteousness freely imputed to us of God, that it brings us into a state of most blessed peace and favor, and secures every other blessing needful for time and eternity.
We believe that the blessings of salvation are made free to all by the gospel; that it is the immediate duty of all to accept them by a cordial, patient, and obedient faith; and that nothing prevents the salvation of the greatest sinner on earth but his own inherent depravity and voluntary rejection of the gospel, which rejection involves him in an aggravated condemnation.
We believe that, in order to be saved, sinners must be regenerated or born again; that regeneration consists of giving a holy disposition to the mind, that it is affected in a manner above our comprehension by the power of the Holy Spirit in connection with the divine truth, so as evidence appears in the holy fruits of repentance and faith and newness of life.
We believe that repentance and faith are sacred duties, and also inseparable graces, wrought by the regenerating grace of God; whereby, being deeply convinced of our guilt, danger, helplessness and of the way of salvation by Christ, we turn to God with unfeigned contribution, confession and supplication for mercy; at the same time heartily receiving the Lord Jesus Christ as our Prophet, Priest, and King, relying on him alone as the only and all-sufficient Savior.
We believe that election is the eternal purpose of God, according to which he graciously regenerates, sanctifies, and saves sinners, that being perfectly consistent with the free agency of men, it comprehends all the means in connection with the end; that it is a most glorious display of God’s sovereign goodness, being infinity free, wise, holy and promotes humility, love, prayer, praise, trust in God and active imitation of His free mercy; that encourages the use of means in the highest degree; that it may be ascertained by its effect in all who truly believe the gospel; that it is the foundation of Christian assurance; and that to ascertain it with regard to ourselves demands and deserves the utmost diligence.
We believe that Sanctification is the process by which, according to the will of God, we are made partakers of His holiness; that is a progressive work; that it begins in regeneration; and that it is carried on in the hearts of the believers by the presence and power of the Holy Spirit, the Sealer and Comforter, and in the continual use of appointed and power of the Holy Spirit, the Sealer and Comforter, and in the continual use of appointed means, especially the Word of God, self-examination, self-denial, watchfulness, and prayer.
We believe that such only are believers as endure into the end; that their persevering attachment to Christ is the grand mark that distinguishes them for the superficial professors; that a special Providence watches over their welfare, and they are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation.
We believe that the law of God is the eternal and unchangeable rule of His moral government; that it is holy, just, and good, and that the inability which the Scriptures ascribe to fallen men to fulfill the precepts arises entirely from their love of sin; to deliver them from which, and to restore them through a mediator to unfeigned obedience to the holy law, is on great end of the gospel, and of the means of grace connected with the establishments of the visible church.
We believe that the visible church of Christ is a congregation of baptized believers, associated by covenant in the faith and fellowship of the gospel; observing the ordinances of Christ; governed by His laws, and exercising gifts, rights, and privileges invested in them by His work; that it’s only scriptural officers are Bishops, or Pastors, and Deacons, whose qualifications, claim, and duties are defined in the epistles to Timothy and Titus.
We believe that Christian baptism is the immersion in the water of the believer, into the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost; to show forth, in a solemn and beautiful emblem, our faith in the crucified, buried, and risen Savior, with it’s effect in our death to sin and the resurrection to a new life; that is a prerequisite to the privileges of a church relation; and to the Lord’s Supper; in which Christians who have examined their own relationships to the Lord and to their brother, by the sacred use of bread and wine are to commemorate together the dying love of Christ, preceded always by solemn examination.