Statement of Faith

What we believe

We believe the Bible is God's wordOur Statement of Faith defines what we believe as an independent baptist church. The following points outline the beliefs of Faith Baptist Church and are taken directly from our Constitution:

  1. The Bible, our only rule of faith and practice
  2. A regenerate, immersed Church membership
  3. The Autonomy of the local Church
  4. The Priesthood of Believers
  5. Soul liberty
  6. Immersion of Believers and the Lord’s Supper are the only two ordinances
  7. Separation of Church and State
  8. Ecclesiastical and ethical separation

An explanation of each of these points is provided below along with an overview of other key beliefs of our Church.

  1. The Bible, our only rule of faith and practice
    1. The Bible is the Word of God, inerrant, perfect, and preserved from the very words given to holy men of God by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. 2 Peter 1:19-212 Peter 1:19-21
      English: King James Version (1611) - KJV

      19 We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: 20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. 21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. in old time: or, at any time  

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    2. That the King James Bible is the preserved Word of God for the English speaking people, by virtue of a superior base text, and a proper translation method, and that said translation was guided (although not newly inspired) by God.
    3. That the Bible should be read and understood literally except where it plainly indicates a parable, illustration, or analogy.
      1. This begins with the creation account as six literal days, and ends with the warning about adding to or taking away from the very words of God’s prophecy, these both being literal statements.
  2. A regenerate, immersed Church membership
    1. That the church is a local organised body of baptised believers called out of the world and commissioned to preach the Gospel to every Creature.
    2. That the offer of salvation through faith in Christ alone, not by works (Eph 2:8,9Eph 2:8,9
      English: King James Version (1611) - KJV

      8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.  

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      ) is given freely to all men.
    3. That salvation is eternal life (without end) in the presence of God, forever forgiven and without any possibility of being plucked from our Father’s hand.
  3. The Autonomy (and independence) of the local Church
    1. Each local church should be directed only by the written Word of God and not ruled over by any authority other than its head and Lord, Jesus Christ. There can be fellowship with like-minded churches, but not formal association and no hierarchy.
    2. Each local church should be submitted to any and all civil authorities until such authorities direct against God’s written Word. This means we are to obey the local laws and be subject to the authorities God has put in place, except where they contravene the instruction of the Bible. (see also Separation of Church and State)
  4. The Priesthood of Believers
    1. There is no necessity for any man to come to another man to reach God.
      1. In the Old Testament, the office of a priest was to act as a mediator between man and God, by offering sacrifices for the remission of sin. The book of Hebrews explains that this has now been done away with. The sacrifice of Jesus has cleansed those who believe (Heb 10:10Heb 10:10
        English: King James Version (1611) - KJV

        10 By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.  

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        ) and he now acts as our personal mediator in heaven. Heb 8:6Heb 8:6
        English: King James Version (1611) - KJV

        6 But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises. covenant: or, testament  

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    2. Every man has the possibility of approaching God directly. Heb 4:15, 16Heb 4:15, 16
      English: King James Version (1611) - KJV

      15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.  

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    3. Every man has the need to come to God through Jesus Christ only. 1Ti 2:5
  5. Soul liberty
    1. The Bible has much in the way of principle and commandment, but it is up to the individual Christian to obey the Word of God as he is led by the Holy Spirit and by his own conscience. (See Romans 14)
    2. The Local Church does not have the authority to rule and direct any man’s life and choices.
    3. The Pastor does not have the authority to rule and direct any man’s life and choices.
    4. A godly man will seek out the Word of God and godly counsel before making choices, but it is his own responsibility to discern and decide. Each man and woman will be held accountable for these decisions in the day of judgement. 1 Cor 3:131 Cor 3:13
      English: King James Version (1611) - KJV

      13 Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. it shall be: Gr. it is  

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  6. Immersion of Believers and the Lord’s Supper are the only two ordinances
    1. Baptism has no part in salvation but is the answer of a good conscience toward God, for those who are already saved. Upon baptism, after salvation, one is added to the local church. Acts 2:41Acts 2:41
      English: King James Version (1611) - KJV

      41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.  

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      1. Baptism is only by full immersion (picturing the death and resurrection of Christ) and under the authority of the local church. Baptism by sprinkling is not found in the Bible.
    2. The Lord’s Supper is also not part of the work of grace, but is obedience and for the purpose of showing forth the Death and resurrection of Christ, and an opportunity to ensure that unity within our church is maintained. Matt 26:26-28Matt 26:26-28
      English: King James Version (1611) - KJV

      26 And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body. blessed it: many Greek copies have gave thanks 27 And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; 28 For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.  

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      and 1 Cor 11:20-341 Cor 11:20-34
      English: King James Version (1611) - KJV

      20 When ye come together therefore into one place, this is not to eat the Lord's supper. this...: or, ye cannot eat 21 For in eating every one taketh before other his own supper: and one is hungry, and another is drunken. 22 What? have ye not houses to eat and to drink in? or despise ye the church of God, and shame them that have not? What shall I say to you? shall I praise you in this? I praise you not. have not: or, are poor? 23 For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: 24 And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. in...: or, for a remembrance 25 After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. 26 For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come. ye do...: or, shew ye 27 Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. 28 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. 29 For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body. damnation: or, judgment 30 For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep. 31 For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. 32 But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world. 33 Wherefore, my brethren, when ye come together to eat, tarry one for another. 34 And if any man hunger, let him eat at home; that ye come not together unto condemnation. And the rest will I set in order when I come. condemnation: or, judgment  

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      1. It is a memorial, to be done in remembrance. Luke 22:19Luke 22:19
        English: King James Version (1611) - KJV

        19 And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me.  

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      2. The elements are unleavened bread and un-fermented grape juice, and represent the sinless body and blood of Jesus.
      3. As the Lord’s Supper is a local church ordinance, it is to be kept by and within the local church (closed communion).
  7. Separation of Church and State
    1. The Local Church should not as an organisation try to control the government, but should be a godly influence to Government.
    2. The Local Church should not allow itself to be controlled by the state. Adherence to government requirements is a requirement until such requirements are found to be contrary to God’s written Word, then Acts 5:29Acts 5:29
      English: King James Version (1611) - KJV

      29 Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.  

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      should be applied. (see also The Autonomy (and independence) of the local Church)
  8. Ecclesiastical and ethical separation
    1. Any saved man regardless of place or position should aspire to live a sanctified life according to the Word of God.
    2. We are to be in the world, but not of the world. Joh 17:14, 15, 16Joh 17:14, 15, 16
      English: King James Version (1611) - KJV

      14 I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. 15 I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. 16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.  

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    3. Our position on church practice and moral issues should be directed by the Word of God, not influenced by the opinions of the world.
  9. The triune God
    1. That God is one God, the true and almighty Creator of all things, without beginning or end, and without fault or imperfection.
    2. That God is evidenced in three, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, all three being fully God, and yet fully separate and independent.
      1. That the Father is God. Eternal, immutable (unchangable), omniscient (all knowing), and omnipotent (all powerful).
      2. That Jesus Christ is God. That God was manifest in the flesh, died on the cross for the sins of every man, and that He rose again in victory over death and sin. Rom 10:9Rom 10:9
        English: King James Version (1611) - KJV

        9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.  

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        1. It is by His death as a substitution in my place that my sin penalty was paid, enabling me by confessing with my mouth and believing in my heart that Jesus rose from the dead, to inherit eternal life.
      3. That the Holy Spirit is the third person of the Godhead, co-equal and of the same nature.
        1. His work today is to restrain sin and Satan, and as the earnest of God in the hearts of all who are saved.
        2. He also gives gifts and empowers believers, enabling them to serve the Father in such ways that glorify Him.
  10. Officers of the Local Church
    1. Two officers: Pastor (also known as Bishop or Elder), and Deacon
      1. Pastor: The books of Titus and 1 Timothy are the main passages outlining the qualifications and duties of a Pastor.
        1. Whilst Bishop and Elder are legitimate and Biblical names for the position, their modern association is such that Pastor is our preferred nomenclature.
        2. The use of such terms as “Reverend” or “Father” are not appropriate or Biblical in reference to this office.
        3. The term “Priest” is not appropriate, as the New Testament Pastor is not the same office as the Old Testament Priest. A priest is a mediator, and a Pastor is a teacher and protector and guide.
      2. Deacon: A deacon is not found in all biblical references to churches, therefore we find that a deacon is not necessary for a proper church.
        1. Acts 6, whilst not using the name “Deacon”, is seen to be the blueprint for choosing and appointing Deacons.
        2. This passage outlines that a deacon is to assist the Pastor(s) in dealing with the physical requirements of ministering to the people of the local church, with the purpose of allowing the Pastor(s) to concentrate on the spiritual needs.
        3. 1 Timothy 3 includes instruction regarding Deacons.
  11. Creation
    1. That the triune God created all things in six, 24 hour days, and rested on the seventh day. (see Genesis 1 and Genesis 2)
    2. That creation was by the Word of God, and out of no pre-existing material. Genesis 1:1,2Genesis 1:1,2
      English: King James Version (1611) - KJV

      The First Book of Moses, Called Genesis 1 1 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. 2 And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.  

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    3. That there is no gap or recreation stated or implied in Genesis Chapter 1, and that the statement that “everything was very good” of Genesis 1:31Genesis 1:31
      English: King James Version (1611) - KJV

      31 And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day. And the evening...: Heb. And the evening was, and the morning was etc.  

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      indicates that no sin in any form had been present up to and including this time.
  12. The Fall
    1. That at some unrecorded time between the end of creation and the fall of man, Satan lifted his heart in pride and sought to be like the Most High, and to lift his throne above the throne of God. Isa 14:12-14Isa 14:12-14
      English: King James Version (1611) - KJV

      12 How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! O Lucifer: or, O day star 13 For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: 14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.  

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    2. That Satan deceived the Woman, who then offered the fruit to Adam, who willingly took of it in knowledge. Gen 3:6Gen 3:6
      English: King James Version (1611) - KJV

      6 And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat. pleasant: Heb. a desire  

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    3. This was done in the free will of man, and brought sin into God’s physical creation.
  13. Marriage
    1. That according to Genesis chapter 2 Woman was made for man from man. God called Eve the wife of Adam, and in this chapter established His model for marriage.
    2. That model is one man married to one woman for life. This is the only God approved and ordained marriage union. Gen 2:24Gen 2:24
      English: King James Version (1611) - KJV

      24 Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.  

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    3. It is assumed that this union will have fruit of children, if the Lord allows it.
  14. Replacement Theology
    1. That the church does not replace Israel.
    2. That although some of the eternal promises given to Israel are extended to the church, there are some promises given specifically to the nation of Israel which are yet to be fulfilled and which will be fulfilled in and to the Nation of Israel.
    3. God has not cast away His chosen nation, but will use them in a mighty way in the last days. (see Rev 7:4Rev 7:4
      English: King James Version (1611) - KJV

      4 And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel.  

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      as an example)
  15. Calvinism
    1. That the “doctrines of Grace”, also known as Calvinism, are not biblically supportable, and therefore not true doctrine.
    2. Election and predestination are biblical concepts, but those who hold to the “doctrines of grace” redefine their meanings away from the biblical application.
  16. Second Coming of Christ
    1. That the rapture of the saints will be prior to the beginning of the seven year tribulation.
    2. That those who are alive and remain will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord, and that the dead in Christ will rise first. 1 Thes 4:15, 16, 171 Thes 4:15, 16, 17
      English: King James Version (1611) - KJV

      15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. prevent: or, come before, or, anticipate, or, precede 16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.  

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  17. Charismatic movement
    1. Miracles of healing as performed by charismatic churches is not biblical. God can still miraculously heal, but only through prayer and fasting, not through any man today. James 5:13,14James 5:13,14
      English: King James Version (1611) - KJV

      13 Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms. 14 Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:  

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    2. Tongues as performed by the charismatic churches has never been biblical, and is not of God. The Biblical use of tongues refers to different languages (as at the day of Pentecost in Acts 2:6Acts 2:6
      English: King James Version (1611) - KJV

      6 Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language. was...: Gr. voice was made confounded: or, troubled in mind  

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      ) and is vastly different to today’s tongues.
    3. These things are said in God’s Word to cease or fade away when the Word of God was completed. 1 Corinthians 13:81 Corinthians 13:8
      English: King James Version (1611) - KJV

      8 Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. fail: Gr. vanish away  

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This information is provided for clarity and openness about what we believe. If you have specific questions regarding any of the above please contact us for further information.

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