Who We Are
Evangelism, Discipleship, Hospitality
In this ever changing world, at Oakhurst Baptist Church we believe God has given us eternal truths found in Jesus Christ and the Holy Scriptures.
OUR STORY
From the time of the Apostles to today, Christians have laid out doctrine in brief, definitive statements. Our Statement of Faith summarizes essential Christian beliefs, shows unity in Christ, and guards the church from error.
Our statement of faith is a revised version of the New Hampshire Confession of Faith from 1853. In summary, we hold to an evangelical Christianity, believer’s baptism, and a congregational governance of the church. All who have become members of Oakhurst Baptist Church have affirmed this statement of faith, and by God’s grace are seeking to demonstrate their belief in these truths through their lives. Additionally, we are in friendly cooperation with the Southern Baptist Convention and support the Baptist Faith and Message 2000.
Statement of Faith
Our Story
Oakhurst Baptist Church has a rich and long history of faithful ministry to the community.
1936
An organized gathering of believers met together on Monroe Road in the home of Mr. and Mrs. A.R. Threatt on September 27th. Oakhurst Baptist Church was formally constituted as a church on November 1st of the same year with twenty-two charter members and eighty-nine people present.
1939-1941
The first auditorium on the corner of Monroe and Eaton was built and then occupied on March 19th.
The first education building was constructed and occupied on February 2nd, 1941.
1955 - 1962
The present sanctuary was constructed and used for its first service on February 12th.
The present education building was erected.
2015
Oakhurst Baptist Church reconstituted as a church of 45 members merging a church-planting core team of 20 with 25 already existing members to partner together in the replanting of OBC.
We believe that the Holy Bible is the Word of God, written by men inspired by the Holy Spirit, and reveals without error the only way of salvation, the principles by which God will judge the world, and all truths necessary for us to live for His glory. It will remain to the end of time the supreme standard and final authority by which all matters of life and doctrine are to be tested.
We believe that there is only one true and living God. He is the eternal, infinite Creator and supreme Ruler of heaven and earth. He is merciful, just, and loving and governs all things according to His sovereign will for His glory. He is perfect in holiness, and worthy of all possible honor, trust, and love. He exists eternally within one Godhead as three distinct persons – the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Each is fully God and equal in every divine attribute and perfection, while executing distinct but harmonious offices in the work of creation and redemption.
We believe that man and woman were created in the image of God for fellowship with Him, but that through the voluntary disobedience of our first parents, Adam and Eve, humanity fell from this exalted state into sin and that all their descendants inherit this corruption. As a result, all human beings are sinners, not by constraint but by choice; being by nature utterly devoid of the holiness required by God and completely inclined to evil. Therefore, human beings, apart from divine grace, are unable to turn to God and are under just condemnation to eternal punishment, without defense or excuse.
We believe that the salvation of sinners is by the grace of God alone through the work of Jesus Christ, the Messiah, the Savior of the world. He is fully God and fully man. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of a virgin, and lived a sinless life in perfect obedience to the Father. He taught the way of God’s kingdom, worked miracles, was crucified, died and rose from the dead. In His death on the cross, He made full atonement for our sins, bearing in our place the wrath of God against our sin, thereby reconciling us to God and making possible our adoption into the family of God.
We believe that justification is the free gift by which those who believe in Christ are declared righteous. It includes the pardon of sin, and the promise of eternal life on the basis of Christ’s shed blood and His righteousness imputed to us. It is given freely by God, not in consideration of any works of righteousness which we have done, but solely through faith in the atoning work of Christ. It brings us into peace and favor with God, and secures every spiritual blessing for time and eternity.
We believe that justification is the free gift by which those who believe in Christ are declared righteous. It includes the pardon of sin, and the promise of eternal life on the basis of Christ’s shed blood and His righteousness imputed to us. It is given freely by God, not in consideration of any works of righteousness which we have done, but solely through faith in the atoning work of Christ. It brings us into peace and favor with God, and secures every spiritual blessing for time and eternity.
We believe that in order to be saved, sinners must be regenerated, or born again. Regeneration consists in God giving a new heart and a holy disposition to the mind, and it is effected by the power of the Holy Spirit in a manner beyond human comprehension. This inward change secures our voluntary obedience to the gospel, and its proper evidence appears in the holy fruits of repentance, faith, and sanctification.
We believe that repentance and faith are sacred duties, brought about in our souls by the Holy Spirit in regeneration, whereby being deeply convinced of our guilt, danger and helplessness, and of the way of salvation by Christ, we turn to God with sincere remorse, confession and supplication for mercy. At the same time, we heartily receive the Lord Jesus Christ as the only and all-sufficient Savior and thereafter look to Him as our Prophet, Priest and King.
We believe that it was the gracious purpose of God from all eternity to choose some people to be regenerated and saved, not on account of any foreseen merit in them, but only because of His sovereign good pleasure. God’s infinitely free, wise, holy and unchangeable purpose in salvation is perfectly consistent with the free agency of man, and is a most glorious display of God’s sovereign mercy. It utterly excludes boasting and promotes humility, gratitude, praise, love, trust in God, and active imitation of his free mercy, and is the foundation of Christian assurance.
We believe that in order to be saved, sinners must be regenerated, or born again. Regeneration consists in God giving a new heart and a holy disposition to the mind, and it is effected by the power of the Holy Spirit in a manner beyond human comprehension. This inward change secures our voluntary obedience to the gospel, and its proper evidence appears in the holy fruits of repentance, faith, and sanctification.
We believe that the only genuine believers are those who endure to the end. Their persevering attachment to Christ is the grand mark which distinguishes them from superficial professors. A special providence watches over their welfare and they are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation.
We believe that there is one true, invisible church, which is the communion of God’s people drawn from every tribe, people, language and nation throughout the ages. It is made visible in the local church, which is marked by the right preaching of God’s word and the right administration of the ordinances of baptism and the Lord’s Supper. The local church is governed by the word of God, and its offices are those of Elder and Deacon, the qualifications, claims, and duties of which are defined most clearly in the Epistles to Timothy and Titus. The mission of the church is to display God’s glory to the world by preaching the gospel and making disciples.
We believe that Christian baptism is the immersion in water of a believer, in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and that it publicly displays our faith in the crucified, buried, and risen Savior. It symbolizes, in a solemn and beautiful manner, our death to sin and resurrection to new life and is a response to the command of Christ. We believe the Lord’s Supper is the communal commemoration by believers, through the sacred use of bread and wine, of the redeeming love of Christ in His death at Calvary. It is a response to the command of Christ, and is to be preceded always by solemn self-examination.
We believe that civil government has been divinely appointed for the benefit and good order of human society, and that public officials are to be prayed for, honored and conscientiously 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.
We believe that only those who through faith have been justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and sanctified by the Spirit of God are truly righteous in His sight, and that all others are under His wrath. At the last day Christ will descend in glory from heaven, will raise the dead from the grave, and will bring both the living and the dead into final judgment. We believe that a solemn separation will then take place; that the wicked will be judged and sentenced to endless conscious punishment; that the righteous will enter into endless joy; and that this judgment will forever fix the final state of men in heaven or hell, on principles of righteousness. Those belonging to Christ will have eternal life in the new heavens and the new earth, and will dwell forever with God in righteousness, peace and joy to the glory of God.
We believe that God has ordained the family as the foundational institution of society. Families are composed of persons related to one another by marriage, blood, or adoption. We believe that marriage is the uniting of one man and one woman before God in covenant commitment for a lifetime. Husband and wife are both made in God’s image and have equal value before God; while at the same time possessing distinct roles in the marriage. The husband is to gently lead and sacrificially love his wife as Christ loved the church, and the wife is to graciously submit herself to her husband as the church willingly submits to Christ.
We believe that children bear the image of God from the moment of conception, and are a blessing and inheritance from the Lord. Parents are to patiently lead their children in the ways of Christ by intentional instruction, gracious discipline, and consistent example based on biblical truth. Children are to honor and obey their parents for the glory of God and their ultimate good.
We believe that it was the gracious purpose of God from all eternity to choose some people to be regenerated and saved, not on account of any foreseen merit in them, but only because of His sovereign good pleasure. God’s infinitely free, wise, holy and unchangeable purpose in salvation is perfectly consistent with the free agency of man, and is a most glorious display of God’s sovereign mercy. It utterly excludes boasting and promotes humility, gratitude, praise, love, trust in God, and active imitation of his free mercy, and is the foundation of Christian assurance.
We believe that in order to be saved, sinners must be regenerated, or born again. Regeneration consists in God giving a new heart and a holy disposition to the mind, and it is effected by the power of the Holy Spirit in a manner beyond human comprehension. This inward change secures our voluntary obedience to the gospel, and its proper evidence appears in the holy fruits of repentance, faith, and sanctification.
We believe that the only genuine believers are those who endure to the end. Their persevering attachment to Christ is the grand mark which distinguishes them from superficial professors. A special providence watches over their welfare and they are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation.
We believe that there is one true, invisible church, which is the communion of God’s people drawn from every tribe, people, language and nation throughout the ages. It is made visible in the local church, which is marked by the right preaching of God’s word and the right administration of the ordinances of baptism and the Lord’s Supper. The local church is governed by the word of God, and its offices are those of Elder and Deacon, the qualifications, claims, and duties of which are defined most clearly in the Epistles to Timothy and Titus. The mission of the church is to display God’s glory to the world by preaching the gospel and making disciples.
We believe that Christian baptism is the immersion in water of a believer, in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and that it publicly displays our faith in the crucified, buried, and risen Savior. It symbolizes, in a solemn and beautiful manner, our death to sin and resurrection to new life and is a response to the command of Christ. We believe the Lord’s Supper is the communal commemoration by believers, through the sacred use of bread and wine, of the redeeming love of Christ in His death at Calvary. It is a response to the command of Christ, and is to be preceded always by solemn self-examination.
We believe that civil government has been divinely appointed for the benefit and good order of human society, and that public officials are to be prayed for, honored and conscientiously 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.
We believe that only those who through faith have been justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and sanctified by the Spirit of God are truly righteous in His sight, and that all others are under His wrath. At the last day Christ will descend in glory from heaven, will raise the dead from the grave, and will bring both the living and the dead into final judgment. We believe that a solemn separation will then take place; that the wicked will be judged and sentenced to endless conscious punishment; that the righteous will enter into endless joy; and that this judgment will forever fix the final state of men in heaven or hell, on principles of righteousness. Those belonging to Christ will have eternal life in the new heavens and the new earth, and will dwell forever with God in righteousness, peace and joy to the glory of God.
We believe that God has ordained the family as the foundational institution of society. Families are composed of persons related to one another by marriage, blood, or adoption. We believe that marriage is the uniting of one man and one woman before God in covenant commitment for a lifetime. Husband and wife are both made in God’s image and have equal value before God; while at the same time possessing distinct roles in the marriage. The husband is to gently lead and sacrificially love his wife as Christ loved the church, and the wife is to graciously submit herself to her husband as the church willingly submits to Christ.
We believe that children bear the image of God from the moment of conception, and are a blessing and inheritance from the Lord. Parents are to patiently lead their children in the ways of Christ by intentional instruction, gracious discipline, and consistent example based on biblical truth. Children are to honor and obey their parents for the glory of God and their ultimate good.
We believe that the Holy Bible is the Word of God, written by men inspired by the Holy Spirit, and reveals without error the only way of salvation, the principles by which God will judge the world, and all truths necessary for us to live for His glory. It will remain to the end of time the supreme standard and final authority by which all matters of life and doctrine are to be tested.
We believe that there is only one true and living God. He is the eternal, infinite Creator and supreme Ruler of heaven and earth. He is merciful, just, and loving and governs all things according to His sovereign will for His glory. He is perfect in holiness, and worthy of all possible honor, trust, and love. He exists eternally within one Godhead as three distinct persons – the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Each is fully God and equal in every divine attribute and perfection, while executing distinct but harmonious offices in the work of creation and redemption.
We believe that man and woman were created in the image of God for fellowship with Him, but that through the voluntary disobedience of our first parents, Adam and Eve, humanity fell from this exalted state into sin and that all their descendants inherit this corruption. As a result, all human beings are sinners, not by constraint but by choice; being by nature utterly devoid of the holiness required by God and completely inclined to evil. Therefore, human beings, apart from divine grace, are unable to turn to God and are under just condemnation to eternal punishment, without defense or excuse.
We believe that the salvation of sinners is by the grace of God alone through the work of Jesus Christ, the Messiah, the Savior of the world. He is fully God and fully man. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of a virgin, and lived a sinless life in perfect obedience to the Father. He taught the way of God’s kingdom, worked miracles, was crucified, died and rose from the dead. In His death on the cross, He made full atonement for our sins, bearing in our place the wrath of God against our sin, thereby reconciling us to God and making possible our adoption into the family of God.
We believe that justification is the free gift by which those who believe in Christ are declared righteous. It includes the pardon of sin, and the promise of eternal life on the basis of Christ’s shed blood and His righteousness imputed to us. It is given freely by God, not in consideration of any works of righteousness which we have done, but solely through faith in the atoning work of Christ. It brings us into peace and favor with God, and secures every spiritual blessing for time and eternity.
We believe that justification is the free gift by which those who believe in Christ are declared righteous. It includes the pardon of sin, and the promise of eternal life on the basis of Christ’s shed blood and His righteousness imputed to us. It is given freely by God, not in consideration of any works of righteousness which we have done, but solely through faith in the atoning work of Christ. It brings us into peace and favor with God, and secures every spiritual blessing for time and eternity.
We believe that in order to be saved, sinners must be regenerated, or born again. Regeneration consists in God giving a new heart and a holy disposition to the mind, and it is effected by the power of the Holy Spirit in a manner beyond human comprehension. This inward change secures our voluntary obedience to the gospel, and its proper evidence appears in the holy fruits of repentance, faith, and sanctification.
We believe that repentance and faith are sacred duties, brought about in our souls by the Holy Spirit in regeneration, whereby being deeply convinced of our guilt, danger and helplessness, and of the way of salvation by Christ, we turn to God with sincere remorse, confession and supplication for mercy. At the same time, we heartily receive the Lord Jesus Christ as the only and all-sufficient Savior and thereafter look to Him as our Prophet, Priest and King.
We will work and pray for the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace with one another.
We will walk together in Christian love, exercising an affectionate care for and watchfulness over one another; praying for one another; faithfully encouraging, warning, rebuking, and admonishing one another as occasion may require; being slow to take offense; and being ready always for reconciliation, and mindful of the command of our Savior to seek it without delay.
John 13:34-35
2 Tim. 2:15
1 Cor. 5:1-2
Heb. 3:12-14We will regularly assemble together to worship God and build each other up in Christ.
Heb. 10:23-25
We will seek to bring up those under our care in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, and by a pure and loving example will seek the salvation of our family and friends.
Titus 2:1-6
Deut. 6:4-7We will rejoice in each other’s happiness and work with tenderness and sympathy to help carry each other’s burdens and sorrows.
Rom. 12:15
Gal. 6:2
James 2:14-17We will seek, by God’s grace, to live carefully in the world, denying ungodliness and worldly passions, and remembering that, as we have been buried with Him in baptism and raised again to newness of life, so we now have a special obligation to lead a new and holy life.
Eph. 5:15-21
Titus 2:12
1 Pt. 1:14-16, 2:11-12We will work together to maintain a faithful evangelical ministry in this church, by supporting and upholding the preaching of the Bible, the right administration of believer’s baptism and the Lord’s Supper, and when necessary by the exercise of church discipline.
Mt. 18:15-20
Acts 2:38
1 Cor. 5:9-13, 11:26
2 Tim. 4:2We will contribute cheerfully and regularly to the support of the ministry, the expenses of the church, and the spread of the Gospel to all nations.
2 Cor. 9:7
Gal. 6:10
James 1:27
1 Jn. 3:17-18We will, when moving from this place, 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.
Heb. 10:23-25
OBC Church Covenant
We have, by God’s grace, been brought to repent and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and to love Him with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength. Having been baptized upon our profession of faith, in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, we do now, in dependence upon His Spirit, solemnly and joyfully make this covenant with each other.
We will work and pray for the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace with one another.
Eph. 4:1-3
We will walk together in Christian love, exercising an affectionate care for and watchfulness over one another; praying for one another; faithfully encouraging, warning, rebuking, and admonishing one another as occasion may require; being slow to take offense; and being ready always for reconciliation, and mindful of the command of our Savior to seek it without delay.
John 13:34-35・2 Tim. 2:15・1 Cor. 5:1-2・Heb. 3:12-14
We will regularly assemble together to worship God and build each other up in Christ.
Heb. 10:23-25
We will seek to bring up those under our care in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, and by a pure and loving example will seek the salvation of our family and friends.
Titus 2:1-6・Deut. 6:4-7
We will rejoice in each other’s happiness and work with tenderness and sympathy to help carry each other’s burdens and sorrows.
Rom. 12:15・Gal. 6:2・James 2:14-17
We will seek, by God’s grace, to live carefully in the world, denying ungodliness and worldly passions, and remembering that, as we have been buried with Him in baptism and raised again to newness of life, so we now have a special obligation to lead a new and holy life.
Eph. 5:15-21・Titus 2:12・1 Pt. 1:14-16 & 2:11-12
We will work together to maintain a faithful evangelical ministry in this church, by supporting and upholding the preaching of the Bible, the right administration of believer’s baptism and the Lord’s Supper, and when necessary by the exercise of church discipline.
Mt. 18:15-20・Acts 2:38・1 Cor. 5:9-13 & 11:26・2 Tim. 4:2
We will contribute cheerfully and regularly to the support of the ministry, the expenses of the church, and the spread of the Gospel to all nations.
2 Cor. 9:7・Gal. 6:10・James 1:27・1 Jn. 3:17-18
We will, when moving from this place, 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.
Heb. 10:23-25
May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all. Amen.
At our church, we believe that church membership is an important responsibility. Our church covenant is an expression of the commitments we make towards one another as members of this local church, to care for and build up our fellow members. Each member of our church has committed to carrying out these promises in their lives, and as you read the promises written below, we hope you get a glimpse of our care for one another.
Church Covenant
At our church, we believe that church membership is an important responsibility. Our church covenant is an expression of the commitments we make towards one another as members of this local church, to care for and build up our fellow members. Each member of our church has committed to carrying out these promises in their lives, and as you read the promises written below, we hope you get a glimpse of our care for one another.
Church Covenant
OBC Church Covenant
We have, by God’s grace, been brought to repent and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and to love Him with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength. Having been baptized upon our profession of faith, in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, we do now, in dependence upon His Spirit, solemnly and joyfully make this covenant with each other.
We will work and pray for the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace with one another.
Eph. 4:1-3
We will walk together in Christian love, exercising an affectionate care for and watchfulness over one another; praying for one another; faithfully encouraging, warning, rebuking, and admonishing one another as occasion may require; being slow to take offense; and being ready always for reconciliation, and mindful of the command of our Savior to seek it without delay.
John 13:34-35・2 Tim. 2:15・1 Cor. 5:1-2・Heb. 3:12-14
We will regularly assemble together to worship God and build each other up in Christ.
Heb. 10:23-25
We will seek to bring up those under our care in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, and by a pure and loving example will seek the salvation of our family and friends.
Titus 2:1-6・Deut. 6:4-7
We will rejoice in each other’s happiness and work with tenderness and sympathy to help carry each other’s burdens and sorrows.
Rom. 12:15・Gal. 6:2・James 2:14-17
We will seek, by God’s grace, to live carefully in the world, denying ungodliness and worldly passions, and remembering that, as we have been buried with Him in baptism and raised again to newness of life, so we now have a special obligation to lead a new and holy life.
Eph. 5:15-21・Titus 2:12・1 Pt. 1:14-16 & 2:11-12
We will work together to maintain a faithful evangelical ministry in this church, by supporting and upholding the preaching of the Bible, the right administration of believer’s baptism and the Lord’s Supper, and when necessary by the exercise of church discipline.
Mt. 18:15-20・Acts 2:38・1 Cor. 5:9-13 & 11:26・2 Tim. 4:2
We will contribute cheerfully and regularly to the support of the ministry, the expenses of the church, and the spread of the Gospel to all nations.
2 Cor. 9:7・Gal. 6:10・James 1:27・1 Jn. 3:17-18
We will, when moving from this place, 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.
Heb. 10:23-25
May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all. Amen.
Contact Us
More About Us
From the time of the Apostles to today, Christians have laid out doctrine in brief, definitive statements. Our Statement of Faith summarizes essential Christian beliefs, shows unity in Christ, and guards the church from error.
Our statement of faith is a revised version of the New Hampshire Confession of Faith from 1853. In summary, we hold to an evangelical Christianity, believer’s baptism, and a congregational governance of the church. All who have become members of Oakhurst Baptist Church have affirmed this statement of faith, and by God’s grace are seeking to demonstrate their belief in these truths through their lives. Additionally, we are in friendly cooperation with the Southern Baptist Convention and support the Baptist Faith and Message 2000.
Statement of Faith
Statement of Faith
We believe that the Holy Bible is the Word of God, written by men inspired by the Holy Spirit, and reveals without error the only way of salvation, the principles by which God will judge the world, and all truths necessary for us to live for His glory. It will remain to the end of time the supreme standard and final authority by which all matters of life and doctrine are to be tested.
We believe that there is only one true and living God. He is the eternal, infinite Creator and supreme Ruler of heaven and earth. He is merciful, just, and loving and governs all things according to His sovereign will for His glory. He is perfect in holiness, and worthy of all possible honor, trust, and love. He exists eternally within one Godhead as three distinct persons – the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Each is fully God and equal in every divine attribute and perfection, while executing distinct but harmonious offices in the work of creation and redemption.
We believe that man and woman were created in the image of God for fellowship with Him, but that through the voluntary disobedience of our first parents, Adam and Eve, humanity fell from this exalted state into sin and that all their descendants inherit this corruption. As a result, all human beings are sinners, not by constraint but by choice; being by nature utterly devoid of the holiness required by God and completely inclined to evil. Therefore, human beings, apart from divine grace, are unable to turn to God and are under just condemnation to eternal punishment, without defense or excuse.
We believe that the salvation of sinners is by the grace of God alone through the work of Jesus Christ, the Messiah, the Savior of the world. He is fully God and fully man. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of a virgin, and lived a sinless life in perfect obedience to the Father. He taught the way of God’s kingdom, worked miracles, was crucified, died and rose from the dead. In His death on the cross, He made full atonement for our sins, bearing in our place the wrath of God against our sin, thereby reconciling us to God and making possible our adoption into the family of God.
We believe that justification is the free gift by which those who believe in Christ are declared righteous. It includes the pardon of sin, and the promise of eternal life on the basis of Christ’s shed blood and His righteousness imputed to us. It is given freely by God, not in consideration of any works of righteousness which we have done, but solely through faith in the atoning work of Christ. It brings us into peace and favor with God, and secures every spiritual blessing for time and eternity.
We believe that justification is the free gift by which those who believe in Christ are declared righteous. It includes the pardon of sin, and the promise of eternal life on the basis of Christ’s shed blood and His righteousness imputed to us. It is given freely by God, not in consideration of any works of righteousness which we have done, but solely through faith in the atoning work of Christ. It brings us into peace and favor with God, and secures every spiritual blessing for time and eternity.
We believe that in order to be saved, sinners must be regenerated, or born again. Regeneration consists in God giving a new heart and a holy disposition to the mind, and it is effected by the power of the Holy Spirit in a manner beyond human comprehension. This inward change secures our voluntary obedience to the gospel, and its proper evidence appears in the holy fruits of repentance, faith, and sanctification.
We believe that repentance and faith are sacred duties, brought about in our souls by the Holy Spirit in regeneration, whereby being deeply convinced of our guilt, danger and helplessness, and of the way of salvation by Christ, we turn to God with sincere remorse, confession and supplication for mercy. At the same time, we heartily receive the Lord Jesus Christ as the only and all-sufficient Savior and thereafter look to Him as our Prophet, Priest and King.
We believe that it was the gracious purpose of God from all eternity to choose some people to be regenerated and saved, not on account of any foreseen merit in them, but only because of His sovereign good pleasure. God’s infinitely free, wise, holy and unchangeable purpose in salvation is perfectly consistent with the free agency of man, and is a most glorious display of God’s sovereign mercy. It utterly excludes boasting and promotes humility, gratitude, praise, love, trust in God, and active imitation of his free mercy, and is the foundation of Christian assurance.
We believe that in order to be saved, sinners must be regenerated, or born again. Regeneration consists in God giving a new heart and a holy disposition to the mind, and it is effected by the power of the Holy Spirit in a manner beyond human comprehension. This inward change secures our voluntary obedience to the gospel, and its proper evidence appears in the holy fruits of repentance, faith, and sanctification.
We believe that the only genuine believers are those who endure to the end. Their persevering attachment to Christ is the grand mark which distinguishes them from superficial professors. A special providence watches over their welfare and they are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation.
We believe that there is one true, invisible church, which is the communion of God’s people drawn from every tribe, people, language and nation throughout the ages. It is made visible in the local church, which is marked by the right preaching of God’s word and the right administration of the ordinances of baptism and the Lord’s Supper. The local church is governed by the word of God, and its offices are those of Elder and Deacon, the qualifications, claims, and duties of which are defined most clearly in the Epistles to Timothy and Titus. The mission of the church is to display God’s glory to the world by preaching the gospel and making disciples.
We believe that Christian baptism is the immersion in water of a believer, in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and that it publicly displays our faith in the crucified, buried, and risen Savior. It symbolizes, in a solemn and beautiful manner, our death to sin and resurrection to new life and is a response to the command of Christ. We believe the Lord’s Supper is the communal commemoration by believers, through the sacred use of bread and wine, of the redeeming love of Christ in His death at Calvary. It is a response to the command of Christ, and is to be preceded always by solemn self-examination.
We believe that civil government has been divinely appointed for the benefit and good order of human society, and that public officials are to be prayed for, honored and conscientiously 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.
We believe that only those who through faith have been justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and sanctified by the Spirit of God are truly righteous in His sight, and that all others are under His wrath. At the last day Christ will descend in glory from heaven, will raise the dead from the grave, and will bring both the living and the dead into final judgment. We believe that a solemn separation will then take place; that the wicked will be judged and sentenced to endless conscious punishment; that the righteous will enter into endless joy; and that this judgment will forever fix the final state of men in heaven or hell, on principles of righteousness. Those belonging to Christ will have eternal life in the new heavens and the new earth, and will dwell forever with God in righteousness, peace and joy to the glory of God.
We believe that God has ordained the family as the foundational institution of society. Families are composed of persons related to one another by marriage, blood, or adoption. We believe that marriage is the uniting of one man and one woman before God in covenant commitment for a lifetime. Husband and wife are both made in God’s image and have equal value before God; while at the same time possessing distinct roles in the marriage. The husband is to gently lead and sacrificially love his wife as Christ loved the church, and the wife is to graciously submit herself to her husband as the church willingly submits to Christ.
We believe that children bear the image of God from the moment of conception, and are a blessing and inheritance from the Lord. Parents are to patiently lead their children in the ways of Christ by intentional instruction, gracious discipline, and consistent example based on biblical truth. Children are to honor and obey their parents for the glory of God and their ultimate good.