We believe that God created humanity in His own image, and as a result, every person, regardless of development, age, ethnicity, mental capacity, or sex, has inherent and equal worth. God created humanity wonderfully and immutably male and female as the crowning jewel of His creation and designed the two sexes with complementary gifts and roles for human flourishing. God ordained the family as the foundational institution of human society and designed marriage as a lifelong covenantal union between a man and a woman to signify the union between Christ and His Church. Therefore, marriage must be honored and all its benefits, sexual and otherwise, reserved only for those in a proper marriage covenant.

Genesis 1:26–30; 2:5, 7, 18–22, 24; 9:6; Exodus 21:16; Psalm 1; 8:3–6; 139:14; Matthew 19:4–6; 19:10–12; Mark 2:19–20; Mark 10:6–9; 12:25; Romans 1:26-27; 1 Corinthians 7:1–9, 25–35, 38–40; Colossians 1:16; Ephesians 5:25–32; 1 Timothy 1:10; Hebrews 13:4; Revelation 7:17; 19:7–9; 2 Corinthians 11:2; Isaiah 54:5; Revelation 21:9–10

We believe that humanity was created free from sin, but voluntarily rebelled against their Creator, was deceived by a real and determined adversary, the devil or Satan, and fell from that holy and happy state. Having inherited a wholly corrupt nature, all human beings are now sinners, not by constraint but choice, and are utterly void of that holiness required by the law of God and positively inclined to evil. Therefore, apart from grace, all are under just condemnation to eternal ruin, without defense or excuse.

Genesis 1:27; 31; 2:16–17; 3:1–24; 6:5, 12; 8:21; Psalm 51:5; Ecclesiastes 7:29; Isaiah 53:6; Ezekiel 18:19–20; Matthew 20:15; Acts 17:26–29; Romans 1:18–32; 2:1–16; 3:9–18; 5:12; Galatians 3:10, 22; Ephesians 2:1–3; Colossians 1:21; 1 Corinthians 6:9-10

We believe that election is the eternal purpose of God, according to which he graciously saves sinners, not because of any foreseen merit in them, but solely 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, comprehending all the means in connection with the end. It is a most glorious display of God's sovereign goodness. It utterly excludes boasting and promotes humility, love, prayer, praise, and trust in God. It encourages the use of means in the highest degree in the preaching of the gospel, and it is the foundation of Christian assurance.

Exodus 33:18–19; Deuteronomy 7:7–8; Jeremiah 31:3; Luke 10:22; John 1:12–13; 6:37–44; 10:16; 15:16; Acts 2:22–23; 4:27–28; 13:48; 15:14; 16:14; Romans 3:27; 4:16; 8:28–9:24; 11:5–6; 11:28–36; 1 Corinthians 1:26–31; 3:5–7; 9:22; 15:10; Galatians 1:15–16; Ephesians 1:1–2:10; Philippians 1:6; 3:12; Colossians 3:12; 1 Thessalonians 1:4–10; 2:12; 2 Thessalonians 2:13–14; 2 Timothy 1:8–9; 2:10; Titus 3:4-7; Hebrews 6:11; 1 Peter 1:1–2, 2:9, 5:10; 2 Peter 1:10–11; 1 John 4:19; Revelation 13:8

We believe that the salvation of sinners is only by God’s grace through the work of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, Messiah, and Mediator of the new covenant between God and humanity. By the appointment of God the Father, He freely took on our nature, yet without sin. He is truly God and truly man, having existed in eternity yet conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of a virgin in history. He honored the divine law by his personal obedience, and by his death on the cross made a full atonement for our sins, bearing the wrath of God in our place. He rose from the dead and is now enthroned in heaven, where He intercedes for His people. Uniting in His wonderful person the tenderest sympathies with divine perfections, he is every way qualified to be a suitable, compassionate, and all-sufficient Savior.

Isaiah 53:4–5; 55:1; Jeremiah 31:31–34; Matthew 4:17; 11:28-30, 20:28; Mark 1:15; Luke 19:10; John 1:1–14; 3:16–21; 5:40; 6:29; Acts 15:11; Romans 3:21-26, 4:25; 1 Corinthians 15:1-3; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Galatians 4:4-5; 1 Timothy 2:5; Hebrews 4:14, 9:11–21, 12:24; 1 John 4:10

We believe that salvation is offered freely to all in the gospel and that it is the immediate responsibility of all people to accept the gospel by a humble, penitent, and obedient faith. There is nothing that prevents the salvation of the greatest sinner on earth, but his own inherent depravity and voluntary rejection of the gospel, which results in his just condemnation.

Isaiah 55:1; Matthew 11:20, 28-30, 23:37; Mark 1:15; Luke 24:46-47; John 3:16-21, 5:40; Romans 1:15-17, 9:32, 16:25-27; II Thessalonians 1:8; Revelation 22:17

We believe that in order to be saved, sinners must be regenerated, or born again. Regeneration is a merciful gift from God that is accomplished through the preaching of the gospel. It is effected in a manner above our comprehension by the Holy Spirit, and it consists of God enlightening the sinner’s eyes to truth, changing the heart, and giving a holy disposition to the mind. This inward change secures our voluntary obedience to the gospel, and its proper evidence appears in the holy fruits of repentance, faith, and newness of life.

Jeremiah 31:31–34; Ezekiel 36:25–27; John 1:12–13; 3:3–7; Acts 10:44; 2 Corinthians 4:6, 5:17–21; Galatians 5:22–23; Ephesians 2:1–5; Colossians 2:13; Titus 3:5; James 1:17–18; 1 Peter 1:3; 1 John 2:29; 3:9–10; 4:7; 5:1–4, 18

We believe that repentance and faith are sacred duties and also inseparable graces, 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 wholeheartedly receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our only and all-sufficient Lord and Savior.

Isaiah 55:1–7; Matthew 11:28–30; Mark 1:15; Luke 15:18–21; 24:46–47; John 1:12; 3:16; 6:37; 7:37; 16:8; Acts 2:37–38; 3:19–23; 11:18; 16:30–31; 17:30; 20:21; Romans 2:4; 10:9–13, 17; 2 Corinthians 7:9–10; Ephesians 2:8–10; 2 Timothy 1:12; Hebrews 4:14; 6:1; 7:25; James 4:7-10; 1 John 5:1

We believe that justification is the great gospel blessing in which Christ declares righteous all who repent and believe in him. He forgives our sins, removes our guilt, reconciles us to God, and grants us eternal life. Justification 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. Whereas our sins are imputed to Christ on the cross, His perfect righteousness is credited to us by faith alone. Justification brings us into peace and favor with God and secures every spiritual blessing for time and eternity.

Psalm 103:12; Isaiah 53:11–12; Matthew 9:6; John 1:16; Acts 10:43; Romans 3:20–28; 4:1–5:21; 6:23; 8:30–34; 2 Corinthians 5:17–21; Galatians 2:15–17; 3:24; Philippians 3:7–9; Titus 3:5–7; 1 Peter 3:18; 1 John 2:12, 25

We believe that sanctification is the process by which, according to the will of God, we are made partakers of his holiness. It is a progressive transformation that begins with regeneration and is carried on in the hearts of believers by the presence and power of the Holy Spirit in the ordinary means of grace. While it is a gift of grace, sanctification requires believers to actively pursue holiness through appointed means, especially the Word of God, prayer, the ordinances, and meaningful engagement with the local church.

John 17:17; Romans 6:5–6, 11–19; 1 Corinthians 1:2; 6:11; 2 Corinthians 3:18; 7:1; Galatians 2:20; 5:16–24; Ephesians 4:20–24; Philippians 3:13–14; Colossians 3:5–10; 1 Thessalonians 2:10, 4:3, 5:23; Titus 2:11-14; 3:5; Hebrews 4:14; 10:24–25; 12:1, 14; 1 Peter 1:15; 1 John 3:9; Jude 20–21; Revelation 3:19

We believe that all genuine believers endure to the end. Their persevering repentance and faith in Christ are the grand marks that distinguish them from superficial professors. A special providence watches over their souls, and they are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation. 

Matthew 5:13; 24:13; John 6:38–40; 8:31; 10:27–29; 15:6; Romans 8:30; 11:22; 1 Corinthians 9:27; 10:12; 15:1; Ephesians 1:13–14; 4:30; Philippians 1:6; Colossians 1:22–23; 1 Timothy 4:1; 2 Timothy 2:12; Hebrews 1:14; 3:12–14; 4:11; 6:12; 9:15; 1 Peter 1:4–5; 2 Peter 1:10; 1 John 2:19; 2 John 1:9; Jude 21, 24–25; Revelation 2–3; 14:12; 21:7

We believe that the law of God is holy, just, and good. While the ceremonial law is fulfilled in the work of Christ and therefore nullified, the eternal and unchangeable rule of God’s moral government is to be obeyed by all. No one is justified by works of the law, but to restore us to obedience is one great end of the gospel of grace, the Spirit of Christ enabling the will of man to freely and cheerfully do the will of God.

Ezekiel 36:27; Matthew 5:17; Luke 16:16-17; Romans 2:14-15, 3:20, 31, 6:12-14; 7:7-22, 8:2-4, 7-8, 10:4, 13:8-10; 1 Corinthians 5:7; Galatians 3:10-12, 21-22; Colossians 2:14-17; Hebrews 8:10, 10:1; James 2:8-12; 1 Peter 3:8-13

We believe the church of Christ is made visible in local congregations of baptized believers, voluntarily bound together by covenant in the faith and fellowship of the gospel. It is marked by the right preaching of the gospel, the proper administration of the ordinances, and the power of the Holy Spirit, and it is governed by the Word of God. With Christ as its Head, its only scriptural offices are Elder and Deacon. Elders are qualified men called to shepherd the church as pastors. Deacons are gifted and humble servants of the church. The congregation is responsible for receiving members, defending doctrine, installing and submitting to its leaders, carrying out discipline, and fulfilling the mission of making disciples.

Matthew 5:16; 16:13–19; 18:15–20; 28:18–20; John 13:34–35; 17:20–24; Acts 2:41–47; 5:14; 6:1–6; 11:26; 14:23; 20:28; Romans 16:1; 1 Corinthians 1:2; 5:1–13; 11:25–26; 1 Corinthians 14:1–40; 2 Corinthians 2:6–8; Ephesians 3:10; 4:1–2; 4:11–12; 5:22–23; 1 Timothy 2:12; 3:1–13; 3:15; 4:13; 5:17; 5:20; Titus 1:5–9; Hebrews 10:19–25; 13:7; 13:17; 1 Peter 5:1–5; Revelation 5:9

We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ commanded two gospel ordinances to be observed by the church, Believer's Baptism and the Lord's Supper. Christian baptism is the immersion of a believer in water, in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, showing one’s repentance and faith in the crucified, buried, and risen Savior. It further symbolizes our death to sin and resurrection to new life through the work of Christ and is a prerequisite to church membership and the Lord’s Supper. Likewise, we believe the Lord’s Supper is a symbolic act of obedience in which the members of the church commemorate together the atoning death of Christ, their communion with Him, and their communion with each other. The ordinances belong to the gathered church, making the church visible on earth.

Matthew 3:13–17; 26:26–29; 28:18–20; Acts 2:38–42; 8:36–38; 16:32–33; 20:7; Romans 6:4; 1 Corinthians 10:14-22, 11:17–34; Galatians 3:27; Colossians 2:11–12; 1 Peter 3:20–21

We believe that Sunday is the Lord's Day or Christian Sabbath, commemorating the resurrection of Christ from the dead and pointing to the rest that awaits the people of God, and that it is to be kept holy to religious purposes. Unless providentially hindered, the church is to gather for worship on the Lord's Day, abstaining from unnecessary labor and recreations that would prevent the exercises of worship both public and private.

Genesis 2:3; Exodus 20:8; Leviticus 19:30; Psalms 118:24; Isaiah 56:2-8, 58:13–14; Matthew 12:1–8; Mark 2:27; Luke 4:16; Acts 11:26, 13:44, 17:2-3, 20:7; 1 Corinthians 16:1–2; Colossians 2:16–17; Hebrews 4:3–11; 10:24–25; Revelation 1:10

We believe God alone is Lord of the conscience and has designed it to be free from the doctrines and commandments of men that are contrary to the Bible or not contained in it. We also believe God appointed civil government for the benefit and good order of human society. Christians should pray for, honor, and obey public officials except in things opposed to the will of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is the King above all kings on earth.

Genesis 9:5–6; Deuteronomy 16:18; 2 Samuel 23:3–4; Matthew 15:9; Mark 12:13–17; Luke 12:13–15; Acts 4:18-20, 5:29; Romans 13:1–7, 14:4-13; Galatians 5:13; Colossians 2:20-23; 1 Timothy 2:1–3; Titus 3:1; James 4:12; 1 Peter 2:13–17; Revelation 19:16

We believe that only those who are justified through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and sanctified by the Holy Spirit are truly righteous in God’s sight and that all others are wicked in His sight and under His wrath. While the body returns to dust after death, the soul lives on with the righteous departing to the presence of the Lord and the wicked consigned to hell until the day of judgment. At the Last Day, Christ will descend from heaven and raise the dead from the grave to final judgment. A solemn separation will then take place. The wicked will be judged to endless punishment in the lake of fire, and the righteous to endless joy in the new heavens and new earth. This judgment will fix the final state of all people forever to the glory of the most holy and merciful God.

Daniel 12:2; Matthew 13:36–50; 24:31–46; 25:31–46; Mark 9:43–48; Luke 14:14; John 3:36; 4:36; 5:28–29; 6:40; 11:23–27; Acts 1:11; 3:21; 10:42; 17:31; 1 Corinthians 15:51-57; 2 Corinthians 5:8-9; Philippians 1:19-23, 3:20-21; 1 Thessalonians 4:13–5:11; 2 Thessalonians 1:5–12; Revelation 20:1–22:21