WHAT WE BELIEVE IS IMPORTANT
NEW TESTAMENT BAPTIST CHURCH-BREWSTER, WASHINGTON
Article IV (Doctrines of the Church) The following statement of faith is held by this church as an accurate expression of the teaching of the Holy Scriptures.
1. We believe in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testament as verbally and plenary inspired by God, inerrant in the Authorized King James Version 1611 and of its supreme and final authority in faith and life. 2 Timothy 3:16&17, 2 Peter 1:20, 21
2. We believe in one God eternally existing in three persons, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, equal in every divine perfection and executing distinct, but harmonious offices in the great work of redemption. 1 Peter 1:2
3. We believe that God the Son became incarnate in the person of Jesus Christ, who was begotten by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, and is true God and true man. Matthew 1:18-25, Luke 1:26-38
4. We believe in the Genesis account of creation; that man was created in the image of God, that he sinned and thereby incurred not only physical death, but also that spiritual death which is separation from God, and that all human beings are born with a sinful nature, and in the case of those who reach moral responsibility become sinners in thought, word and deed. Genesis 1:27, Romans 5:12, Ezekiel 18:4, Ephesians 4:18, Romans 3:12, 23
5. We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ was sinless in His life, that He died for our sins according to the Scriptures as a representative and substitutionary sacrifice, and that all who believe in and accept Him are justified on the ground of His shed blood, have their sins pardoned and receive the gift of eternal life. 2 Corinthians 5:21, 1 Corinthians 15:3, John 1:29, Romans 6:23, Colossians 1:14, 1 John 5:12
6. We believe in the resurrection of the crucified body of our Lord, in His ascension into heaven and in His present life is there for us as high priest and advocate. Romans 1:4, Luke 24:39, Acts 1:9, Hebrews 4:14, 1 John 2:1-2
7. We believe in the Blessed Hope of the Lord Jesus Christ’s return for His church (pre-tribulation rapture) as recorded in 1 Thessalonians 4;13, Luke 12:40, Acts 1:11; and His earthly return after seven years to set up His earthly kingdom and rule for 1000 years. Micah 4:1-4, Revelation 20:6, Isaiah 9:6&7, Isaiah 11:1-12, Zechariah 14:9
8. We believe that all who receive by faith the Lord Jesus are “born again” of the Holy Spirit and thereby become children of God. John 1:12, John 3:3-7, Romans 8:16
9. We believe in the bodily resurrection of the just and of the unjust, the everlasting blessedness of the saved, and the everlasting conscious punishment of the lost. Daniel 12:2&3, John 5:24&29, Revelation 20:4-6 & 10-15, 1 John 5:12, 2 Corinthians 5:1
10. We believe in the local church, a living baptized member which Christ is the head and all regenerated & baptized people are members. 1 Corinthians 12:27, Ephesians 1:22, Ephesians 2:19&22, Acts 2:41
11. We believe in the ordinances which Christ has commanded us to observe: baptism by immersion and the Lord’s Table. Baptism is to be done with the authority of the local church and is a prerequisite to the privileges of a church relation and to the Lord’s Supper in which the (members of this church) and by the sacred use of unleavened bread and the fruit of the vine are to commemorate together the dying love of Christ; preceded always by self-examination. Matthew 28:19&20, Acts 8:36-38, Acts 10:47-48, Romans 6:3-5, 1 Corinthians 11:23-31, Matthew 26:26-30
12. We believe that all the blood washed redeemed, once saved always saved, are kept by God’s power and are thus secure in Christ forever. John 6:32-40, John 10:27-30, Romans 8:37, 1 Corinthians 1:4-8, 1 Peter 1:5, John 17:10-12
13. We believe that the business of the church is to preach the Gospel, to build up the members in the faith, to make disciples, to teach and instruct as Christ commanded, and to evangelize the world. Matthew 28:19&20, 2 Timothy 4:2, Colossians 2:6&7
14. We believe that it is required of every Christian to live a holy life, separated from the world. 2 Timothy 2:19, Romans 12:2, 2 Corinthians 6:14-17, John 2:15-17
15. Finally, we believe that Satan is a person, the author of sin and the cause of the fall of man; that he is an open and declared enemy of God and man; and, that he shall be eternally punished in the lake of fire. Job 1:6&7, Isaiah 14:12-17, Matthew 4:2-11, Matthew 25:41, Revelation 20:10
The Bible distinctive which makes us unique are summed up in the word B-A-P-T-I-S-T. B—one must be “born again” to get into God’s heaven. A--Authority of the Word of God; the 66 books of the Bible are verbally and plenarily inspired of God Almighty. P—That each believer is a member of the royal priesthood before the throne of grace. T—that only two ordinances are given to the local New Testament Church, Baptism and the Lord’s Table. I—the independence of the church from the dictates of a denomination; making the assembly dependent on Jesus Christ as the head. S—that Christians should live a separated life from the things of the world as alcohol and tobacco and other worldly influences which would mar our witness, testimony and example in the world, And finally, T—the Spirit controlled life. Each believer should covet the leadership and guidance of the Holy Spirit in his life. That this guidance come through prayer, the study of the Word of God and from regular attendance in a good, Bible believing, soul winning church.
Approved by a vote of the Church on March 18, 2009