
Our Beliefs
The big picture: The Baptist Faith and Message (1963) is a foundational document outlining the theological convictions of our church and other similar Baptist congregations. It serves as a guide for churches and agencies, offering a consensus of beliefs without being a rigid, unchangeable creed. Below you can read a summary of the these beliefs, a simplified version, or you can read the full text of this document along with hundreds of supporting scriptures.
Why it matters: This statement clarifies key doctrines, emphasizing that while Baptists value individual freedom in faith, they also share definite core beliefs.
-
The Bible is divinely inspired, without error, and the ultimate standard for Christian life and beliefs. Jesus Christ is the central interpreter of Scripture.
-
There is one true God who reveals Himself as Father, Son (Jesus Christ), and Holy Spirit, each distinct but sharing the same divine nature.
God the Father oversees the universe with loving care.
God the Son (Jesus), the eternal Son, became human, died for sin, rose again, and will return to judge the world.
God the Holy Spirit inspired the Bible, helps people understand truth, convicts of sin, brings new life, and empowers believers.
-
Humans were created in God's image but chose to disobey Him, bringing sin into the world. People are born with a sinful nature and need God's grace for salvation.
-
Salvation involves the redemption of the whole person, freely offered to all who accept Jesus. It includes:
Regeneration: A "new birth" through the Holy Spirit, involving repentance (turning from sin) and faith (trusting in Jesus).
Sanctification: A process of growth toward spiritual perfection through the Holy Spirit's power.
Glorification: The final, blessed state of the redeemed.
-
God's redemptive plan is to regenerate, sanctify, and glorify sinners. True believers will endure to the end and are kept by God's power.
-
A local church is a self-governing group of baptized believers, observing two ordinances (baptism and the Lord's Supper) and committed to spreading the gospel globally. The Bible mentions two special roles of service in the church: pastors and deacons.
The Bible also describes the church as the body of Christ, including all followers of Jesus through all the ages.
-
Baptist churches observe two symbolic practices called “ordinances” that remind believers of Jesus’ love and our new life in him.
Baptism: Immersion in water, symbolizing faith in Christ's death, burial, and resurrection, and a new life in Him. It's a prerequisite for church membership and the Lord's Supper.
The Lord's Supper: A symbolic act where church members remember Christ's death and anticipate His return.
-
The first day of the week is for worship and spiritual devotion, commemorating Christ's resurrection.
-
God's reign extends over the universe and over those who acknowledge Jesus as Lord. Christians should work and pray for God’s kingdom to come on earth as in heaven, with its full realization awaiting Christ's return.
-
God will bring the world to an end. Jesus will return visibly, the dead will be raised, and all will be judged. The unredeemed (unsaved) will face everlasting punishment, while the redeemed (saved) will dwell with God in Heaven.
-
It's the duty of every Christian and church to make disciples of all nations, driven by a love for others born from their own new birth in Christ.
-
Christian education is vital, emphasizing a balance between academic freedom and responsibility, always within the framework of Christ's pre-eminence and Scripture's authority.
-
God is the source of all blessings. Christians are debtors to the world, holding the gospel in trust, and are obligated to use their time, talents, and possessions for God's glory and to help others, contributing cheerfully and liberally to Christ's cause.
-
Christians form associations and conventions to cooperate for God's Kingdom. These are voluntary and advisory, designed to direct energies effectively. Cooperation with other Christian denominations is good when it doesn't compromise loyalty to Christ.
-
Christians must strive to make Christ's will supreme in their lives and society. Societal improvement is rooted in individual salvation. Christians should oppose greed and vice, care for the vulnerable, and seek to bring righteousness, truth, and love to all society’s structures.
-
Christians should seek peace and work to end war, believing the gospel of Christ is the true remedy for human conflict and that His law of love should be applied in all human affairs.
-
God alone is Lord of the conscience. Church and state should be separate, with the state protecting religious freedom for all, without favoritism. Christians should obey civil government unless it contradicts God's revealed will. The church uses spiritual means, not civil power. The state has no right to impose penalties or taxes for religious reasons. A free church in a free state is the ideal.
Can You Make It Simpler?
Of course! Making complex ideas easier to understand is a big part of our commitment to being a church for all ages and every stage of your spiritual journey.
The Baptist Faith and Message (1963) is a statement of what Baptists believe. It's a way for them to share their understanding of Christian faith with others. Here are the main ideas:
- The Bible is God's Word: The Bible was written by people guided by God and is completely true, without any mistakes. It's the most important guide for how Christians should live and what they should believe. Jesus is the key to understanding the Bible.
- One God in Three Persons: There is only one true God. This one God shows Himself to us as the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit. They are all fully God but have different roles.
- God the Father: He is in charge of everything in the universe and loves and cares for everyone.
- God the Son (Jesus): Jesus is God's eternal Son. He came to earth as a human, lived a perfect life, died on the cross to save people from their sins, and came back to life. He is now in heaven and will return one day.
- God the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit is God and helps people understand the Bible. He helps people turn from sin, become new in Christ, and guides them to live a good life.
- People and Sin: God made people in His own image, which means we are special to Him. People chose to sin, and because of this, everyone is born with a tendency to sin. Only God's grace can bring people back to Him.
- Salvation (Being Saved): Salvation means being made whole by God. It's a free gift to anyone who believes in Jesus.
- New Birth: This is when a person's heart is changed by the Holy Spirit, and they become new in Christ. It involves turning away from sin and trusting in Jesus.
- Becoming More Like Jesus: As believers, people are set apart for God's purposes and grow to be more like Jesus with the Holy Spirit's help.
- In the End: The final part of salvation is when believers will be with God forever in heaven.
- God's Plan: God has a good purpose to make people new and bring them to glory. Those whom God accepts will remain with Him until the end.
- The Church: A New Testament church is a group of baptized believers who have promised to follow Jesus' teachings and share the gospel with others. Churches are independent and led by pastors and deacons.
- Baptism and Lord's Supper:
- Baptism: This is when a believer is fully dipped in water to show their faith in Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection. It's a step before becoming a church member and taking part in the Lord's Supper.
- Lord's Supper: This is a symbolic meal where church members eat bread and drink from the cup to remember Jesus' death and look forward to His return.
- The Lord's Day: Sunday is a special day to remember Jesus' resurrection and should be a day for worship and spiritual focus, avoiding worldly entertainment and work, except for necessities.
- God's Kingdom: God's Kingdom is His rule over the universe and over those who choose to follow Him. Christians should pray and work for God's will to be done on earth. The full Kingdom will come when Jesus returns.
- Future Events: God will bring the world to an end in His own time. Jesus will return, the dead will be raised, and everyone will be judged. Those who are not saved will go to hell, and those who are saved will live forever with God in heaven.
- Sharing the Good News: Every Christian and church has a duty to share the good news of Jesus with all people. This comes from a love for others that is born from being made new by God's Spirit.
- Education: Christian education is important for believers, balancing learning with respect for Jesus and the Bible's authority.
- Giving: Everything we have comes from God, and Christians should use their time, talents, and money to glorify God and help others. They should give cheerfully and regularly to support God's work.
- Working Together: Christians should work together to spread God's Kingdom. These groups are voluntary and don't have authority over individual churches. Baptists can cooperate with other Christian groups if it's for a good cause and doesn't compromise their loyalty to Christ.
- Christians in Society: Christians should try to make Christ's will supreme in their lives and in society. They should oppose greed and vice, and help those in need. They should also work to bring fairness, truth, and love to all parts of society.
- Peace and War: Christians should seek peace and work to end war. The solution to conflict is following Jesus' teachings of love.
- Religious Freedom: People should be free to follow their conscience in religious matters. Church and state should be separate, and the government should protect religious freedom without favoring any one group. Christians should obey the government unless it goes against God's will. The church should not use government power to do its work. The state has no right to impose penalties or taxes for religious reasons.
Baptist Faith and Message
REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON BAPTIST FAITH AND MESSAGE
"Since the report of the Committee on Statement of Baptist Faith and Message was adopted in 1925, there have been various statements from time to time which have been made, but no overall statement which might be helpful at this time as suggested in Section 2 of that report, or introductory statement which might be used as an interpretation of the 1925 Statement.
"We recommend, therefore, that the president of this Convention be requested to call a meeting of the men now serving as presidents of the various state Conventions that would qualify as a member of the Southern Baptist Convention committee under Bylaw 18 to present to the Convention in Kansas City some similar statement which shall serve as information to the churches, and which may serve as guidelines to the various agencies of the Southern Baptist Convention. It is understood that any group or individuals may approach this committee to be of service. The expenses of this committee shall be borne by the Convention Operating Budget."
Your committee thus constituted begs leave to present its report as follows:
Throughout its work your committee has been conscious of the contribution made by the statement of "The Baptist Faith And Message" adopted by the Southern Baptist Convention in 1925. It quotes with approval its affirmation that "Christianity is supernatural in its origin and history. We repudiate every theory of religion which denies the supernatural elements in our faith."
Furthermore, it concurs in the introductory "statement of the historic Baptist conception of the nature and function of confessions of faith in our religious and denominational life." It is, therefore, quoted in full as part of this report to the Convention.
(1) That they constitute a consensus of opinion of some Baptist body, large or small, for the general instruction and guidance of our own people and others concerning those articles of the Christian faith which are most surely held among us. They are not intended to add anything to the simple conditions of salvation revealed in the New Testament, viz., repentance towards God and faith in Jesus Christ as Saviour and Lord.
(2) That we do not regard them as complete statements of our faith, having any quality of finality or infallibility. As in the past so in the future Baptists should hold themselves free to revise their statements of faith as may seem to them wise and expedient at any time.
(3) That any group of Baptists, large or small have the inherent right to draw up for themselves and publish to the world a confession of their faith whenever they may think it advisable to do so.
(4) That the sole authority for faith and practice among Baptists is the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments. Confessions are only guides in interpretation, having no authority over the conscience.
(5) That they are statements of religious convictions, drawn from the Scriptures, and are not to be used to hamper freedom of thought or investigation in other realms of life."
The 1925 Statement recommended "the New Hampshire Confession of Faith, revised at certain points, and with some additional articles growing out of certain needs ..." Your present committee has adopted the same pattern. It has sought to build upon the structure of the 1925 Statement, keeping in mind the "certain needs" of our generation. At times it has reproduced sections of the Statement without change. In other instances it has substituted words for clarity or added sentences for emphasis. At certain points it has combined articles, with minor changes in wording, to endeavor to relate certain doctrines to each other. In still others e.g., "God" and "Salvation" it has sought to bring together certain truths contained throughout the 1925 Statement in order to relate them more clearly and concisely. In no case has it sought to delete from or to add to the basic contents of the 1925 Statement.
Baptists are a people who profess a living faith. This faith is rooted and grounded in Jesus Christ who is "the same yesterday, and to-day, and for ever." Therefore, the sole authority for faith and practice among Baptists is Jesus Christ whose will is revealed in the Holy Scriptures.
A living faith must experience a growing understanding of truth and must be continually interpreted and related to the needs of each new generation. Throughout their history Baptist bodies, both large and small, have issued statements of faith which comprise a consensus of their beliefs. Such statements have never been regarded as complete, infallible statements of faith, nor as official creeds carrying mandatory authority. Thus this generation of Southern Baptists is in historic succession of intent and purpose as it endeavors to state for its time and theological climate those articles of the Christian faith which are most surely held among us.
Baptists emphasize the soul's competency before God, freedom in religion, and the priesthood of the believer. However, this emphasis should not be interpreted to mean that there is an absence of certain definite doctrines that Baptists believe, cherish, and with which they have been and are now closely identified.
It is the purpose of this statement of faith and message to set forth certain teachings which we believe.
The 1963 Baptist Faith and Message Committee: Herschel H. Hobbs, Chairman; Howard M. Reaves, Editor; J. Packwood; C.Z. Holland; W.B. Timberlake; C.V. Koons; Malcolm B. Knight; Dick H. Hail, Jr.; Charles R. Walker; Walter R. Davis; Garth Pybas; V.C. Kruschwitz; Luther B. Hall; Robert Woodward; Douglas Hudgins; Paul Weber, Jr.; R.A. Long; Nane Starnes; C. Hoge Hockensmith; Hugh R. Bumpas; David G. Anderson; E. Warren Rust; James H. Landes; R.P. Downey.
I. THE SCRIPTURES
The Holy Bible was written by men divinely inspired and is the record of God's revelation of Himself to man. It is a perfect treasure of divine instruction. It has God for its author, salvation for its end, and truth, without any mixture of error, for its matter. It reveals the principles by which God judges us; and therefore is, and will remain to the end of the world, the true center of Christian union, and the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds, and religious opinions should be tried. The criterion by which the Bible is to be interpreted is Jesus Christ.
Exodus 24:4; Deuteronomy 4:1-2; Deuteronomy 17:19; Joshua 8:34
Psalms 19:7-10; Psalms 119:11; Psalms 119:89; Psalms 119:105; Psalms 119:140
Isaiah 34:16; Isaiah 40:8; Jeremiah 15:16; Jeremiah 36:1-32
Matthew 5:17-18; Matthew 22:29; Luke 21:33; Luke 24:44-46
John 5:39; John 16:13-15; John 17:17; Acts 2:16; Acts 17:11
Romans 15:4; Romans 16:25-26; 2 Timothy 3:15-17
Hebrews 1:1-2; Hebrews 4:12; 1 Peter 1:25; 2 Peter 1:19-21
II. GOD
There is one and only one living and true God. He is an intelligent, spiritual, and personal Being, the Creator, Redeemer, Preserver, and Ruler of the universe. God is infinite in holiness and all other perfections. To Him we owe the highest love, reverence, and obedience.
The eternal God reveals Himself to us as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, with distinct personal attributes, but without division of nature, essence, or being.
A. God the Father
God as Father reigns with providential care over His universe, His creatures, and the flow of the stream of human history according to the purposes of His grace. He is all powerful, all loving, and all wise. God is Father in truth to those who become children of God through faith in Jesus Christ. He is fatherly in His attitude toward all men.
Genesis 1:1; Genesis 2:7; Exodus 3:14; Exodus 6:2-3; Exodus 15:11; Exodus 20:1
Leviticus 22:2; Deuteronomy 6:4; Deuteronomy 32:6; 1 Chronicles 29:10; Psalms 19:1-3
Isaiah 43:3; Isaiah 43:15; Isaiah 64:8; Jeremiah 10:10; Jeremiah 17:13
Matthew 6:9; Matthew 7:11; Matthew 23:9; Matthew 28:19; Mark 1:9-11
John 4:24; John 5:26; John 14:6-13; John 17:1-8; Acts 1:7
Romans 8:14-15; 1 Corinthians 8:6; Galatians 4:6; Ephesians 4:6
Colossians 1:15; 1 Timothy 1:17; Hebrews 11:6; Hebrews 12:9; 1 Peter 1:17; 1 John 5:7
B. God the Son
Christ is the eternal Son of God. In His incarnation as Jesus Christ he was conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. Jesus perfectly revealed and did the will of God, taking upon Himself the demands and necessities of human nature and identifying Himself completely with mankind yet without sin. He honored the divine law by His personal obedience, and in His death on the cross He made provision for the redemption of men from sin. He was raised from the dead with a glorified body and appeared to His disciples as the person who was with them before His crucifixion. He ascended into heaven and is now exalted at the right hand of God where He is the One Mediator, partaking of the nature of God and of man, and in whose Person is effected the reconciliation between God and man. He will return in power and glory to judge the world and to consummate His redemptive mission. He now dwells in all believers as the living and ever present Lord.
Genesis 18:1; Psalms 2:7; Psalms 110:1; Isaiah 7:14; Isaiah 53:1-12
Matthew 1:18-23; Matthew 3:17; Matthew 8:29; Matthew 11:27; Matthew 14:33; Matthew 16:16; Matthew 16:27
Matthew 17:5; Matthew 27:1; Matthew 28:1-6; Matthew 28:19; Mark 1:1; Mark 3:11
Luke 1:35; Luke 4:41; Luke 22:70; Luke 24:46
John 1:1-18; John 1:29; John 10:30; John 10:38; John 11:25-27; John 12:44-50
John 14:7-11; John 16:15-16; John 16:28; John 17:1-5; John 17:21-22; John 20:1-20; John 20:28
Acts 1:9; Acts 2:22-24; Acts 7:55-56; Acts 9:4-5; Acts 9:20
Romans 1:3-4; Romans 3:23-26; Romans 5:6-21; Romans 8:1-3; Romans 8:34; Romans 10:4
1 Corinthians 1:30; 1 Corinthians 2:2; 1 Corinthians 8:6; 1 Corinthians 15:1-8; 1 Corinthians 15:24-28; 2 Corinthians 5:19-21
Galatians 4:4-5; Ephesians 1:20; Ephesians 3:11; Ephesians 4:7-10; Philippians 2:5-11
Colossians 1:13-22; Colossians 2:9; 1 Thessalonians 4:14-18; 1 Timothy 2:5-6; 1 Timothy 3:16
Titus 2:13-14; Hebrews 1:1-3; Hebrews 4:14-15; Hebrews 7:14-28
Hebrews 9:12-15; Hebrews 9:24-28; Hebrews 12:2; Hebrews 13:8; 1 Peter 2:21-25; 1 Peter 3:22
1 John 1:7-9; 1 John 3:2; 1 John 4:14-15; 1 John 5:9; 2 John 1:7-9
Revelation 1:13-16; Revelation 5:9-14; Revelation 12:10-11; Revelation 13:8; Revelation 19:16
C. God the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of God. He inspired holy men of old to write the Scriptures. Through illumination He enables men to understand truth. He exalts Christ. He convicts of sin, of righteousness and of judgment. He calls men to the Saviour, and effects regeneration. He cultivates Christian character, comforts believers, and bestows the spiritual gifts by which they serve God through His church. He seals the believer unto the day of final redemption. His presence in the Christian is the assurance of God to bring the believer into the fulness of the stature of Christ. He enlightens and empowers the believer and the church in worship, evangelism, and service.
Genesis 1:2; Judges 14:6; Job 26:13; Psalms 51:11; Psalms 139:7
Matthew 1:18; Matthew 3:16; Matthew 4:1; Matthew 12:28-32; Matthew 28:19; Mark 1:10; Mark 1:12
Luke 1:35; Luke 4:1; Luke 4:18-19; Luke 11:13; Luke 12:12; Luke 24:49
John 4:24; John 14:16-17; John 14:26; John 15:26; John 16:7-14
Acts 1:8; Acts 2:1-4; Acts 2:38; Acts 4:31; Acts 5:3; Acts 6:3; Acts 7:55; Acts 8:17; Acts 8:39; Acts 10:44; Acts 13:2; Acts 15:28; Acts 16:6; Acts 19:1-6
Romans 8:9-11; Romans 8:14-16; Romans 8:26-27; 1 Corinthians 2:10-14; 1 Corinthians 3:16; 1 Corinthians 12:3-11
Galatians 4:6; Ephesians 1:13-14; Ephesians 4:30; Ephesians 5:18; 1 Thessalonians 5:19
1 Timothy 3:16; 1 Timothy 4:1; 2 Timothy 1:14; 2 Timothy 3:16; Hebrews 9:8; Hebrews 9:14; 2 Peter 1:21
1 John 4:13; 1 John 5:6-7; Revelation 1:10; Revelation 22:17
III. MAN
Man was created by the special act of God, in His own image, and is the crowning work of His creation. In the beginning man was innocent of sin and was endowed by his Creator with freedom of choice. By his free choice man sinned against God and brought sin into the human race. Through the temptation of Satan man transgressed the command of God, and fell from his original innocence; whereby his posterity inherit a nature and an environment inclined toward sin, and as soon as they are capable of moral action become transgressors and are under condemnation. Only the grace of God can bring man into His holy fellowship and enable man to fulfill the creative purpose of God. The sacredness of human personality is evident in that God created man in His own image, and in that Christ died for man; therefore every man possesses dignity and is worthy of respect and Christian love.
Genesis 1:26-30; Genesis 2:5; Genesis 2:7; Genesis 2:18-22; Genesis 3:1; Genesis 9:6
Psalms 1:1-6; Psalms 8:3-6; Psalms 32:1-5; Psalms 51:5
Romans 1:19-32; Romans 3:10-18; Romans 3:23; Romans 5:6; Romans 5:12; Romans 5:19; Romans 6:6
Romans 7:14-25; Romans 8:14-18; Romans 8:29; 1 Corinthians 1:21-31; 1 Corinthians 15:19; 1 Corinthians 15:21-22
Ephesians 2:1-22; Colossians 1:21-22; Colossians 3:9-11
IV. SALVATION
Salvation involves the redemption of the whole man, and is offered freely to all who accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour, who by His own blood obtained eternal redemption for the believer. In its broadest sense salvation includes regeneration, sanctification, and glorification.
A. Regeneration, or the new birth, is a work of God's grace whereby believers become new creatures in Christ Jesus.
It is a change of heart wrought by the Holy Spirit through conviction of sin, to which the sinner responds in repentance toward God and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Repentance and faith are inseparable experiences of grace. Repentance is a genuine turning from sin toward God. Faith is the acceptance of Jesus Christ and commitment of the entire personality to Him as Lord and Saviour.
Justification is God's gracious and full acquittal upon principles of His righteousness of all sinners who repent and believe in Christ. Justification brings the believer into a relationship of peace and favor with God.
B. Sanctification is the experience, beginning in regeneration, by which the believer is set apart to God's purposes, and is enabled to progress toward moral and spiritual perfection through the presence and power of the Holy Spirit dwelling in him.
Growth in grace should continue throughout the regenerate person's life.
C. Glorification is the culmination of salvation and is the final blessed and abiding state of the redeemed.
Genesis 3:15; Exodus 3:14-17; Exodus 6:2-8
Matthew 1:21; Matthew 4:17; Matthew 16:21-26; Matthew 27:22-28:6
John 1:11-14; John 1:29; John 3:3-21; John 3:36; John 5:24; John 10:9; John 10:28-29
John 15:1-16; John 17:17; Acts 2:21; Acts 4:12; Acts 15:11; Acts 16:30-31
Acts 17:30-31; Acts 20:32; Romans 1:16-18; Romans 2:4; Romans 3:23-25; Romans 4:3
Romans 5:8-10; Romans 6:1-23; Romans 8:1-18; Romans 8:29-39; Romans 10:9-10; Romans 10:13
Romans 13:11-14; 1 Corinthians 1:18; 1 Corinthians 1:30; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20; 1 Corinthians 15:10
2 Corinthians 5:17-20; Galatians 2:20; Galatians 3:13; Galatians 5:22-25; Galatians 6:15
Ephesians 1:7; Ephesians 2:8-22; Ephesians 4:11-16; Philippians 2:12-13; Colossians 1:9-22; Colossians 3:1
1 Thessalonians 5:23-24; 2 Timothy 1:12; Titus 2:11-14
Hebrews 2:1-3; Hebrews 5:8-9; Hebrews 9:24-28; Hebrews 11:1-12:8; Hebrews 12:14
James 2:14-26; 1 Peter 1:2-23; 1 John 1:6-2:11
Revelation 3:20; Revelation 21:1-22:5
V. GOD'S PURPOSE OF GRACE
Election is the gracious purpose of God, according to which He regenerates, sanctifies, and glorifies sinners. It is consistent with the free agency of man, and comprehends all the means in connection with the end. It is a glorious display of God's sovereign goodness, and is infinitely wise, holy, and unchangeable. It excludes boasting and promotes humility.
All true believers endure to the end. Those whom God has accepted in Christ, and sanctified by His Spirit, will never fall away from the state of grace, but shall persevere to the end. Believers may fall into sin through neglect and temptation, whereby they grieve the Spirit, impair their graces and comforts, bring reproach on the cause of Christ, and temporal judgments on themselves, yet they shall be kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation.
Genesis 12:1-3; Exodus 19:5-8; 1 Samuel 8:4-7; 1 Samuel 8:19-22
Matthew 16:18-19; Matthew 21:28-45; Matthew 24:22; Matthew 24:31; Matthew 25:34
Luke 1:68-79; Luke 2:29-32; Luke 19:41-44; Luke 24:44-48
John 1:12-14; John 3:16; John 5:24; John 6:44-45; John 6:65; John 10:27-29
John 15:16; John 17:6; John 17:12; John 17:17-18; Acts 20:32
Romans 5:9-10; Romans 8:28-39; Romans 10:12-15; Romans 11:5-7; Romans 11:26-36
1 Corinthians 1:1-2; 1 Corinthians 15:24-28; Ephesians 1:4-23; Ephesians 2:1-10; Ephesians 3:1-11
Colossians 1:12-14; 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14; 2 Timothy 1:12; 2 Timothy 2:10; 2 Timothy 2:19
Hebrews 11:39-12:2; 1 Peter 1:2-5; 1 Peter 1:13; 1 Peter 2:4-10
1 John 1:7-9; 1 John 2:19; 1 John 3:2
VI. THE CHURCH
A New Testament church of the Lord Jesus Christ is a local body of baptized believers who are associated by covenant in the faith and fellowship of the gospel, observing the two ordinances of Christ, committed to His teachings, exercising the gifts, rights, and privileges invested in them by His Word, and seeking to extend the gospel to the ends of the earth. This church is an autonomous body, operating through democratic processes under the Lordship of Jesus Christ. In such a congregation members are equally responsible. Its Scriptural officers are pastors and deacons.
The New Testament speaks also of the church as the body of Christ which includes all of the redeemed of all the ages.
Matthew 16:15-19; Matthew 18:15-20
Acts 2:41-42; Acts 2:47; Acts 5:11-14; Acts 6:3-6; Acts 13:1-3; Acts 14:23; Acts 14:27
Acts 15:1-30; Acts 16:5; Acts 20:28; Romans 1:7
1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 Corinthians 3:16; 1 Corinthians 5:4-5; 1 Corinthians 7:17; 1 Corinthians 9:13-14; 1 Corinthians 12:1
Ephesians 1:22-23; Ephesians 2:19-22; Ephesians 3:8-11; Ephesians 3:21; Ephesians 5:22-32
Philippians 1:1; Colossians 1:18; 1 Timothy 3:1-15; 1 Timothy 4:14
VII. 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. It is an act of obedience symbolizing the believer's faith in a crucified, buried, and risen Saviour, the believer's death to sin, the burial of the old life, and the resurrection to walk in newness of life in Christ Jesus. It is a testimony to his faith in the final resurrection of the dead. Being a church ordinance, it is prerequisite to the privileges of church membership and to the Lord's Supper.
The Lord's Supper is a symbolic act of obedience whereby members of the church, through partaking of the bread and the fruit of the vine, memorialize the death of the Redeemer and anticipate His second coming.
Matthew 3:13-17; Matthew 26:26-30; Matthew 28:19-20; Mark 1:9-11; Mark 14:22-26
Luke 3:21-22; Luke 22:19-20; John 3:23
Acts 2:41-42; Acts 8:35-39; Acts 16:30-33; Acts 20:7
Romans 6:3-5; 1 Corinthians 10:16; 1 Corinthians 10:21; 1 Corinthians 11:23-29; Colossians 2:12
VIII. THE LORD'S DAY
The first day of the week is the Lord's Day. It is a Christian institution for regular observance. It commemorates the resurrection of Christ from the dead and should be employed in exercises of worship and spiritual devotion, both public and private, and by refraining from worldly amusements, and resting from secular employments, work of necessity and mercy only being excepted.
Exodus 20:8-11; Matthew 12:1-12; Matthew 28:1; Mark 2:27-28; Mark 16:1-7
Luke 24:1-3; Luke 24:33-36; John 4:21-24; John 20:1; John 20:19-28
Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 16:1-2; Colossians 2:16; Colossians 3:16; Revelation 1:10
IX. THE KINGDOM
The Kingdom of God includes both His general sovereignty over the universe and His particular kingship over men who willfully acknowledge Him as King. Particularly the Kingdom is the realm of salvation into which men enter by trustful, childlike commitment to Jesus Christ. Christians ought to pray and to labor that the Kingdom may come and God's will be done on earth. The full consummation of the Kingdom awaits the return of Jesus Christ and the end of this age.
Genesis 1:1; Isaiah 9:6-7; Jeremiah 23:5-6
Matthew 3:2; Matthew 4:8-10; Matthew 4:23; Matthew 12:25-28; Matthew 13:1-52; Matthew 25:31-46; Matthew 26:29
Mark 1:14-15; Mark 9:1; Luke 4:43; Luke 8:1; Luke 9:2; Luke 12:31-32
Luke 17:20-21; Luke 23:42; John 3:3; John 18:36
Acts 1:6-7; Acts 17:22-31; Romans 5:17; Romans 8:19
1 Corinthians 15:24-28; Colossians 1:13; Hebrews 11:10; Hebrews 11:16; Hebrews 12:28
1 Peter 2:4-10; 1 Peter 4:13; Revelation 1:6; Revelation 1:9; Revelation 5:10; Revelation 11:15; Revelation 21:1; Revelation 22:1
X. LAST THINGS
God, in His own time and in His own way, will bring the world to its appropriate end. According to His promise, Jesus Christ will return personally and visibly in glory to the earth; the dead will be raised; and Christ will judge all men in righteousness. The unrighteous will be consigned to Hell, the place of everlasting punishment. The righteous in their resurrected and glorified bodies will receive their reward and will dwell forever in Heaven with the Lord.
Isaiah 2:4; Isaiah 11:9; Matthew 16:27; Matthew 18:8-9
Matthew 19:28; Matthew 24:27; Matthew 24:30; Matthew 24:36; Matthew 24:44; Matthew 25:31-46; Matthew 26:64
Mark 8:38; Mark 9:43-48; Luke 12:40; Luke 12:48; Luke 16:19-26
Luke 17:22-37; Luke 21:27-28; John 14:1-3
Acts 1:11; Acts 17:31; Romans 14:10; 1 Corinthians 4:5
1 Corinthians 15:24-28; 1 Corinthians 15:35-58; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Philippians 3:20-21
Colossians 1:5; Colossians 3:4; 1 Thessalonians 4:14-18; 1 Thessalonians 5:1; 2 Thessalonians 1:7; 2 Thessalonians 2:1-17
1 Timothy 6:14; 2 Timothy 4:1; 2 Timothy 4:8; Titus 2:13; Hebrews 9:27-28
James 5:8; 2 Peter 3:7; 1 John 2:28; 1 John 3:2
Jude 1:14; Revelation 1:18; Revelation 3:11; Revelation 20:1-22:13
XI. EVANGELISM AND MISSIONS
It is the duty and privilege of every follower of Christ and of every church of the Lord Jesus Christ to endeavor to make disciples of all nations. The new birth of man's spirit by God's Holy Spirit means the birth of love for others. Missionary effort on the part of all rests thus upon a spiritual necessity of the regenerate life, and is expressly and repeatedly commanded in the teachings of Christ. It is the duty of every child of God to seek constantly to win the lost to Christ by personal effort and by all other methods in harmony with the gospel of Christ.
Genesis 12:1-3; Exodus 19:5-6; Isaiah 6:1-8
Matthew 9:37-38; Matthew 10:5-15; Matthew 13:18-30; Matthew 13:37-43; Matthew 16:19
Matthew 22:9-10; Matthew 24:14; Matthew 28:18-20; Luke 10:1-18; Luke 24:46-53
John 14:11-12; John 15:7-8; John 15:16; John 17:15; John 20:21
Acts 1:8; Acts 2:1; Acts 8:26-40; Acts 10:42-48; Acts 13:2-3
Romans 10:13-15; Ephesians 3:1-11; 1 Thessalonians 1:8; 2 Timothy 4:5
Hebrews 2:1-3; Hebrews 11:39-12:2; 1 Peter 2:4-10; Revelation 22:17
XII. EDUCATION
The cause of education in the Kingdom of Christ is co-ordinate with the causes of missions and general benevolence, and should receive along with these the liberal support of the churches. An adequate system of Christian schools is necessary to a complete spiritual program for Christ's people. In Christian education there should be a proper balance between academic freedom and academic responsibility. Freedom in any orderly relationship of human life is always limited and never absolute. The freedom of a teacher in a Christian school, college, or seminary is limited by the pre-eminence of Jesus Christ, by the authoritative nature of the Scriptures, and by the distinct purpose for which the school exists.
Deuteronomy 4:1; Deuteronomy 4:5; Deuteronomy 4:9; Deuteronomy 4:14; Deuteronomy 6:1-10; Deuteronomy 31:12-13; Nehemiah 8:1-8; Job 28:28
Psalms 19:7; Psalms 119:11; Proverbs 3:13; Proverbs 4:1-10; Proverbs 8:1-7; Proverbs 8:11; Proverbs 15:14
Ecclesiastes 7:19; Matthew 5:2; Matthew 7:24; Matthew 28:19-20; Luke 2:40
1 Corinthians 1:18-31; Ephesians 4:11-16; Philippians 4:8; Colossians 2:3; Colossians 2:8-9
1 Timothy 1:3-7; 2 Timothy 2:15; 2 Timothy 3:14-17; Hebrews 5:12-6:3
XIII. STEWARDSHIP
God is the source of all blessings, temporal and spiritual; all that we have and are we owe to Him. Christians have a spiritual debtorship to the whole world, a holy trusteeship in the gospel, and a binding stewardship in their possessions. They are therefore under obligation to serve Him with their time, talents, and material possessions; and should recognize all these as entrusted to them to use for the glory of God and for helping others. According to the Scriptures, Christians should contribute of their means cheerfully, regularly, systematically, proportionately, and liberally for the advancement of the Redeemer's cause on earth.
Genesis 14:20; Leviticus 27:30-32; Deuteronomy 8:18; Malachi 3:8-12
Matthew 6:1-4; Matthew 6:19-21; Matthew 19:21; Matthew 23:23; Matthew 25:14-29
Luke 12:16-21; Luke 12:42; Luke 16:1-13; Acts 2:44-47
Acts 5:1-11; Acts 17:24-25; Acts 20:35; Romans 6:6-22; Romans 12:1-2
1 Corinthians 4:1-2; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20; 1 Corinthians 12:1; 1 Corinthians 16:1-4; 2 Corinthians 8:1; 2 Corinthians 9:1; 2 Corinthians 12:15
Philippians 4:10-19; 1 Peter 1:18-19
XIV. COOPERATION
Christ's people should, as occasion requires, organize such associations and conventions as may best secure cooperation for the great objects of the Kingdom of God. Such organizations have no authority over one another or over the churches. They are voluntary and advisory bodies designed to elicit, combine, and direct the energies of our people in the most effective manner. Members of New Testament churches should cooperate with one another in carrying forward the missionary, educational, and benevolent ministries for the extension of Christ's Kingdom.
Christian unity in the New Testament sense is spiritual harmony and voluntary cooperation for common ends by various groups of Christ's people. Cooperation is desirable between the various Christian denominations, when the end to be attained is itself justified, and when such cooperation involves no violation of conscience or compromise of loyalty to Christ and His Word as revealed in the New Testament.
Exodus 17:12; Exodus 18:17; Judges 7:21; Ezra 1:3-4; Ezra 2:68-69; Ezra 5:14-15
Nehemiah 4:1; Nehemiah 8:1-5; Matthew 10:5-15; Matthew 20:1-16; Matthew 22:1-10; Matthew 28:19-20
Mark 2:3; Luke 10:1; Acts 1:13-14; Acts 2:1; Acts 4:31-37; Acts 13:2-3
Acts 15:1-35; 1 Corinthians 1:10-17; 1 Corinthians 3:5-15; 1 Corinthians 12:1; 2 Corinthians 8:1-9:15
Galatians 1:6-10; Ephesians 4:1-16; Philippians 1:15-18
Philippians 4:10-19; 1 Peter 1:18-19
XV. THE CHRISTIAN AND THE SOCIAL ORDER
Every Christian is under obligation to seek to make the will of Christ supreme in his own life and in human society. Means and methods used for the improvement of society and the establishment of righteousness among men can be truly and permanently helpful only when they are rooted in the regeneration of the individual by the saving grace of God in Christ Jesus. The Christian should oppose in the spirit of Christ every form of greed, selfishness, and vice. He should work to provide for the orphaned, the needy, the aged, the helpless, and the sick. Every Christian should seek to bring industry, government, and society as a whole under the sway of the principles of righteousness, truth, and brotherly love. In order to promote these ends Christians should be ready to work with all men of good will in any good cause, always being careful to act in the spirit of love without compromising their loyalty to Christ and His truth.
Exodus 20:3-17; Leviticus 6:2-5; Deuteronomy 10:12; Deuteronomy 27:17
Psalms 101:5; Micah 6:8; Zechariah 8:16
Matthew 5:13-16; Matthew 5:43-48; Matthew 22:36-40; Matthew 25:35
Mark 1:29-34; Mark 2:3; Mark 10:21; Luke 4:18-21; Luke 10:27-37; Luke 20:25
John 15:12; John 17:15; Romans 12:1; Romans 13:1; Romans 14:1; 1 Corinthians 5:9-10; 1 Corinthians 6:1-7
1 Corinthians 7:20-24; 1 Corinthians 10:23-11:1; Galatians 3:26-28; Ephesians 6:5-9
Colossians 3:12-17; 1 Thessalonians 3:12; Philemon 1:1-25; James 1:27; James 2:8
XVI. PEACE AND WAR
It is the duty of Christians to seek peace with all men on principles of righteousness. In accordance with the spirit and teachings of Christ they should do all in their power to put an end to war. The true remedy for the war spirit is the gospel of our Lord. The supreme need of the world is the acceptance of His teachings in all the affairs of men and nations, and the practical application of His law of love.
Isaiah 2:4; Matthew 5:9; Matthew 5:38-48; Matthew 6:33; Matthew 26:52; Luke 22:36; Luke 22:38
Romans 12:18-19; Romans 13:1-7; Romans 14:19; Hebrews 12:14; James 4:1-2
XVII. RELIGIOUS LIBERTY
God alone is Lord of the conscience, and He has left it free from the doctrines and commandments of men which are contrary to His Word or not contained in it. Church and state should be separate. The state owes to every church protection and full freedom in the pursuit of its spiritual ends. In providing for such freedom no ecclesiastical group or denomination should be favored by the state more than others. Civil government being ordained of God, it is the duty of Christians to render loyal obedience thereto in all things not contrary to the revealed will of God. The church should not resort to the civil power to carry on its work. The gospel of Christ contemplates spiritual means alone for the pursuit of its ends. The state has no right to impose penalties for religious opinions of any kind. The state has no right to impose taxes for the support of any form of religion. A free church in a free state is the Christian ideal, and this implies the right of free and unhindered access to God on the part of all men, and the right to form and propagate opinions in the sphere of religion without interference by the civil power.
Genesis 1:27; Genesis 2:7; Matthew 6:6-7; Matthew 6:24; Matthew 16:26; Matthew 22:21
John 8:36; Acts 4:19-20; Romans 6:1-2; Romans 13:1-7
Galatians 5:1; Galatians 5:13; Philippians 3:20; 1 Timothy 2:1-2; James 4:12
To compare the 1963 version of the Baptist Faith and Message with earlier and later versions, visit this page.