Statement
of Faith
I. The Scriptures
We believe that 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 centre of Christian union, and
the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds, and opinions
should be tried.
II.
Of The True God
We
believe 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 honour, 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.
III.
Of The Fall Of Man
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 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 defence or excuse.
IV.
Of The Way Of Salvation
We
believe that the salvation of sinners is wholly of grace; through the
mediatory offices of the Son of God; who by the appointment of the
Father, freely took upon him our nature, yet without sin; honoured 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 absolute tender sympathies with
divine perfections, he is every way qualified to be a suitable, a
compassionate, and an all-sufficient Savoir.
V.
Of Justification
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;
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;
by virtue of which faith His perfect righteousness is freely imputed to
us of God; that it brings us into a state of most blessed peace and
favour with God, and secures every other blessing needful for time and
eternity.
VI.
Of The Freeness Of Salvation
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, penitent, 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.
VII.
Of Grace In Regeneration
We
believe 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.
VIII.
Of Repentance And Faith
We
believe 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, confession, 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 Savior.
IX.
Of God's Purpose Of Grace
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 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; that it utterly excludes boasting, and promotes
humility, love, prayer, praise, trust in God, and active imitation of
his free mercy; that it encourages the use of means in the highest
degree; that it may be ascertained by its effects 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.
X.
Of Sanctification
We
believe 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.
XI.
Of The Perseverance Of Saints
We
believe that such only are real believers as endure unto 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.
XII.
Of The Harmony Of The Law And The Gospel
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 fulfil its
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 one great end of the Gospel, and of the Means of Grace
connected with the establishment of the visible church.
XIII.
Of A Gospel Church
We
believe that a visible church of Christ is a congregation of 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 Pastors, and Deacons, whose
qualifications, claims, and duties are defined in the Epistles to
Timothy and Titus.
XIV.
Of Baptism And The Lord's Supper
We
believe 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 Savoir, with its effect, in our death to sin and resurrection to
a new life; that it is pre-requisite 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.
XV.
Of The Christian Sabbath
We
believe 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 labour and sinful recreations; by the devout observance
of all the means of grace, both private and public; and by preparation
for that rest that remains for the people of God.
XVI.
Of Civil Government
We
believe that Civil Government is of Divine appointment, for the
interests and good order of human society; and that magistrates are to
be prayed for, conscientiously honoured, 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.
XVII.
Of The Righteous And The Wicked
We
believe 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.
XVIII.
Of The World To Come
We
believe 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 to
final retribution; that a solemn separation will then take place; that
the wicked will be adjudged to endless punishment, and the righteous to
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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