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We
believe 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 without any mixture 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 the Scriptures teach that there is one, and only
one, living and true God, an infinite, intelligent
Spirit, whose name is Jehovah, 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.
We
believe the Scriptures teach that Man was created in
holiness, under the law of his Maker; but by voluntary
transgressions fell from that holy and happy state; in
consequence of which all mankind are now sinners, not by
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
to eternal ruin, without defense or excuse.
We
believe the Scriptures teach 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;
We
believe the Scriptures teach 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; that it is bestowed, not in consideration
of any works of righteousness which we have done, but
solely through faith in the Redeemer's blood;
We
believe the Scriptures teach 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 cordial,
penitent and obedient faith; and that nothing prevents
the salvation of the greatest sinner on earth, but his
own determined depravity and voluntary rejection of the
Gospel; which rejection involves him in an aggravated
condemnation.
We
believe the Scriptures teach that in order to be saved,
sinners must be regenerated, or born again; that
regeneration consists in giving a holy disposition to
the mind that it 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; and that its proper
evidence appears in the holy fruits of repentance and
faith, and newness of life.
We
believe the Scriptures teach that repentance and faith
are sacred duties, and also inseparable graces, wrought
in our souls by the regenerating Spirit of God; whereby
being deeply convinced of our guilt, danger and
helplessness and of the way of salvation by Christ, we
turn to God with unfeigned contrition, and supplication
for mercy; at the same time heartily receiving the Lord
Jesus Christ as our prophet, priest and king, and
relying on him alone as the only and all-sufficient
Saviour.
We
believe the Scriptures teach 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 man, it
comprehends all the means in connection with the end;
that it is a most glorious display of God's sovereign
goodness, being infinitely free, wise, holy and
unchangeable;
10. SANCTIFICATION.
We
believe the Scriptures teach that Sanctification is the
process by which, according to the will of God, we are
made partakers of his holiness; that it is a progressive
work; that it is begun in regeneration; and that 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.
11. PERSEVERANCE OF SAINTS.
We
believe the Scriptures teach that such only are real
believers as endure to the end; that their persevering
attachment to Christ is the grand mark which
distinguishes them from superficial professors; that a
special Providence watches over their welfare; and they
are kept by the power of God through faith unto
salvation.
12. THE LAW AND GOSPEL.
We
believe the Scriptures teach 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
its precepts, arise 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 one
great end of the Gospel, and of the Means of Grace
connected with the establishment of the visible church.
13. A GOSPEL CHURCH.
We
believe the Scriptures teach that a 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 the gifts, rights, and
privileges invested in them by His Word; that its only
scriptural officers are Bishops or Pastors, and Deacons
who Qualifications, claims and duties are defined in the
Epistles to Timothy and Titus.
14. BAPTISM AND THE LORD'S SUPPER.
We
believe the Scriptures teach that Christian baptism is
the immersion in water of a believer, into the name of
the Father, and Son, and Holy Ghost; to show forth in a
solemn and beautiful emblem, our faith in the
crucified, buried, and risen Saviour, with its effect,
in our death to sin and resurrection to a new life; that
it is prerequisite to the privileges of a church
relation; and to the Lord's Supper, in which the members
of the church, by the sacred use of bread and wine, are
to commemorate together the dying love of Christ;
preceded always by solemn self-examination.
15. THE CHRISTIAN SABBATH.
We
believe the Scriptures teach that the first day of the
week is the Lord's Day, or Christian Sabbath, and is to
be kept sacred to religious purposes, by abstaining from
all secular labor and sinful recreations, by the devout
observance of all the means of grace both private and
public, and by preparation for that rest that remaineth
for the people of God.
16. CIVIL GOVERNMENT.
We
believe the Scriptures teach civil government is of
divine appointment, for the interest and good order of
human society; and that magistrates are to be prayed
for, conscientiously honored 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 Prince of the
Kings of the earth.
17. RIGHTEOUS AND WICKED.
We
believe the Scriptures teach that there is a radical and
essential difference between the righteous and the
wicked; that such only as through faith are justified in
the name of the Lord Jesus, and sanctified by the Spirit
of our God, are truly righteous in his esteem; while all
such as 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.
18. THE WORLD TO COME.
We
believe the Scriptures teach 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
for final retribution; that a solemn separation will
then take place; that the wicked will be adjudged to
endless punishment, and the righteous t endless joy; and
that this judgment will fix forever the final state of
men in heaven or hell, on principles of righteousness.
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