Beliefs

For Churches: What We Believe

Luther and Martha SmithPapua New Guinea
Doctrinal Summary Statement

The Holy Bible

God’s Word is what it says it is. God is its author, salvation its purpose and truth its matter. It is inherent, infallible, and verbally inspired. It is fully complete with the 66 books from Genesis to Revelation. It is preserved. The King James Version of the Bible is God’s Word preserved in English, for the English-speaking peoples of the world. We use it exclusively in all English contexts of ministry.
2Tim 3:16-17, 1Pet 1:23-25, 2Pet 1:19-21, Matt 5:18, Psalm 12:6-7; 119:160, Proverbs 30:5-6, Rev 22:18-19

The True God

There is only one true and living God from Whom all good things come. He alone created the physical world in six literal days. He alone created the spiritual world. He inhabits eternity and rules the ages. He is infinite, unchangeable, holy, and self-existent. Though One, He has revealed Himself equally, distinctly, and simultaneously as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Genesis 1 & 2, Deut 6:4, Is 45:5-12; 57:15, Matt 3:16-17; 28:19, John 4:24; 10:30

Sin

Rebellion against God’s laws brought about sin in man and angel. Satan and others fell from their original position. Man was created in perfect innocence but by voluntarily choice became a sinner. Now all Adam’s race inherits a sin nature as well as choosing to sin individually. All who either have not heard of God’s payment for sin or who willfully reject Jesus as Savior, are already condemned to the lake of fire for eternity. Christians are to separate from sin, confessing and forsaking it.
Gen 3, Is 14:12-15, Pr 28:13, Ez 28:14-15, John 3:18, Rom 5:12, 1Jn 1:9

Salvation

As was planned, God sent Jesus to be the Virgin-born Savior of the world. His blood alone atones for sin. Only Jesus saves. This salvation is offered wholly of grace through faith to all who will believe. The death, burial and victorious resurrection to the Father’s right hand is the glorious good news or gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ to be preached for all men everywhere. Is 45:22, Matt 1:18-25, John 3, Acts 4:12, Rom 10:13, 1Cor 15:3-8, Eph 2:4-9,1Tim 2:3-6, Heb 7:25; 9:12 & 22, 1John 2:2

The Church

Jesus began the church, His church, upon the foundation of Himself the Rock of Ages. He also built on the preaching of His forerunner, John the Baptist. They preached a message of repentance. The church began with that original calling out of a baptized band of believers, the 12 disciples or apostles. It was dependent upon them knowing Who Jesus was, the Christ. It was empowered at Pentecost. It was financed by tithes and offerings.

Likewise today, a local, independent, fundamental, Bible-believing Baptist church is following that pattern. It is a congregation of biblically immersed believers following Christ’s ordinances, commands and great commission. It starts from another church. Its members have voluntarily joined together for worship, fellowship, service, giving of the Lord’s Supper, baptism, and the preaching of His Word until He comes.
Matt 3 & 4, 16:16-18, 18:17, 28:18-20, Acts 1 & 2, Rev 2 & 3

Spiritual Gifts

The Holy Spirit now comes to reside in the believer at the time of salvation. He regenerates, sanctifies and seals unto the day of redemption. As allowed, He fills with power for service as evidenced by the fruit of the Spirit. Spiritual abilities or gifts are given at the time of salvation.

Miraculous or apostolic gifts, the ability to heal, tongues, interpretation and prophetic foretelling were in the transition of the early church before the New Testament was completed. They have ceased. God does heal many times and so we pray, but there are no apostles today. Extra biblical prophecy today, through whatever means, is false. The Bible is complete. End times will bring lying signs and wonders.
Acts, Rom 12:6-8, 1Cor 12-14, Eph 1:13-14; 4:7-13 & 30, 1Pet 4:10-11, 2Thes 2:9, Rev 13:12-15

The Last Days

Christ’s coming is imminent. There will be a pre-tribulation rapture of all the saved to meet Him in the air. The Judgment Seat of Christ will take place in heaven. Then after the 7 year Tribulation on earth, there will be a pre-millennial return of Christ with His saints, to the earth, for a literal one thousand year reign. The Great White Throne judgment time will come with all unsaved to be resurrected and judged. There will be a new heaven and a new earth. “Even so, come, Lord Jesus.”
Luke 19:11-27, 1Cor 15:50-58, 1Thes 1:10; 4:13-5:11, Revelations 19-22

These things we believe.