1
The Bible
We use only the Bible as our guide to direct us both in church and in life.
Our church operations, functions, and individual lifestyles all proceed from the Scriptures and the authority vested therein.
2
Jesus
We believe that the Creator [God] sent a Savior [Jesus] to save sinful people.
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We believe that Jesus is the Savior of the world: Jesus’ work of salvation is the gospel message.
3
The Gospel
This is the message about how Jesus died for the sins of all mankind, was buried, and rose again on the third day.
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Whoever trusts in Jesus’ work of salvation
(the Gospel) is eternally forgiven and saved.
4
Baptism
Baptism is by immersion
and is only intended for believers/disciples.
(Salvation is God’s gift
by grace through faith
in Christ Jesus.)
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Those who are members of the church are both saved and baptized—that is, believing and obedient.
(Salvation and baptism are required in order to become a member of First Baptist Church.)
5
Individual Responsibility
Everyone will stand before God in judgment. Individual responsibility teaches: “Each person will give an account for himself in God’s judgment.”
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Each person must begin a personal relationship with God through faith in Christ Jesus.
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Each person must learn to be guided by God and personally live according to His commandments. The pastor/shepherd serves as an example.
6
Priesthood of the Believer
No man (pastor, preist, etc.) or church can forgive sins
on God's behalf. Pastors, priests, and the church are not lord. They do not control the lives of the congregation.
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God alone forgives sins.
Christ is the only mediator between God and man.
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Each believer can approach God through the power of Christ. They need no pastor, priest, or church to mediate their relationship with God. Christ alone is sufficient.
7
Church Association
First Baptist Church (FBC)
is an indipendent, Christian church.
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Charismatic Movement
FBC is not affiliated with
the Charismatic movement.
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State Church (State Religion)
FBC is not affiliated
with the state church.
8
Two Church Offices
First: “Pastor,” who is called “Shepherd,” “Bishop,” and “Example of the flock” in the Bible.
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Second: Deacon. We say two because only these two offices have qualifications for their work and life specifically outlined in the Bible.
9
Autonomy of the Local Church
The church is autonomous under the lordship of God. It is subject to the Word of God as preserved in the Bible.
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The members of each autonomous church form leadership to oversee it's function.
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No individual, other church, or organization has authority to govern the local church. Furthermore, it (the local, autonomous church) does not govern any other church.
10
Two Ordinances
Baptism and the Lord’s Supper:
They are not performed to grant participants God’s grace for salvation. Rather, they are acts of fellowship and obedience only for believers.
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Baptism and the Lord’s Supper are “acts of righteousness” (i.e., "acts of obedience"). Acts of righteousness are works intended for those who are already righteous through faith in Jesus Christ (i.e., believers).
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Acts of righteousness do not make a person righteous; rather, they are works in which those who are already made righteous—and only they—may participate.
11
Separation of Church and State (SCS)
SCS argues that here should be autonomous churches in every country, but not a “national church” or “state religion.”
SCS means that the church does not control the state. Moreover, the state does not control the church or the religious lives of its members.
SCS ensures that state leaders are free to belong to any given church and free to express their faith.
SCS also ensures that church members may run for government office. We believe the state should not govern the religious life of the people, but should guarantee religious freedom for all citizens.
SCS should never be interpreted as "Separation of Faith and State" or "Separation of Christianity and State." Moral states incorporate Christianity and its principles; moral states encourage faith-driven citizens. Immoral states remove all aspects of Christianity from government and discourage its practice among the general populace.