Doctrinal Highlights
Total Depravity of Natural Man
All men are sinners by nature, born spiritually dead due to Adam’s transgression and their own corrupted state, incapable of spiritual understanding or action to secure eternal salvation without divine quickening.
- Genesis 6:5 – “And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.”
- Romans 3:10-11 – “As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God.”
- Ephesians 2:1 – “And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;”
- 1 Corinthians 2:14 – “But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.”
- John 6:44 – “No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.”
Particular, Personal, and Unconditional Election
God, out of His sovereign love and not based on any foreseen merit, personally elected a definite number of individuals into an elect fold to eternal salvation before the foundation of the world, choosing them in Christ to receive spiritual life and ultimate glorification.
- John 10:16 – “And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.”
- Ephesians 1:4 – “According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:”
- Romans 9:11 – “(For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth;)”
- John 6:37 – “All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out fauna.”
- 2 Thessalonians 2:13 – “But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:”
- 1 Peter 1:2 – “Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.”
Effectual Atonement
Christ’s death was intended solely for the elect, effectually securing their eternal salvation by His redemptive work alone, not merely making it possible, and that His atonement fully accomplishes the redemption of those for whom He died.
- Matthew 1:21 – “And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins.”
- John 10:11 – “I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.”
- Romans 5:10 – “For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.”
- Ephesians 5:25 – “Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;”
- Titus 2:14 – “Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.”
Irresistible Grace
All the elect will be irresistibly quickened by the Holy Spirit, sovereignly born again by God’s power alone, overcoming their natural resistance due to spiritual death, ensuring their entrance into eternal life.
- John 3:8 – “The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.”
- John 6:39 – “And this is the Father’s will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day.”
- John 5:25 – “Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live.”
- Romans 9:16 – “So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy.”
- Ephesians 2:5 – “Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)”
Preservation of the Saints
The elect, redeemed by Christ’s blood, are eternally preserved by God’s power, possessing everlasting life that cannot be lost, and will assuredly be glorified, though their temporal fellowship with God may be affected by disobedience.
- John 10:28 – “And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.”
- Romans 8:38-39 – “For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
- 1 Peter 1:5 – “Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.”
- Hebrews 12:6 – “For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.”
- Philippians 1:6 – “Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:”
Immediate Regeneration and Rejection of Means
The Holy Spirit regenerates the elect directly upon their hearts, independent of human mediation such as the preached gospel, instantly granting spiritual life as a sovereign act of God, prerequisite to any spiritual perception or action.
- John 3:3 – “Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”
- John 1:13 – “Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.”
- Ephesians 2:1 – “And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;”
- Colossians 2:13 – “And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;”
- Luke 1:15 – “For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother’s womb.”
Gospel Reassurance and Conditional Temporal Deliverances
The gospel certifies eternal salvation to the regenerated elect, bringing them to faith and obedience, manifesting their eternal life, while also teaching that obedience yields temporal blessings and disobedience brings chastisement in this life, distinct from their unchangeable eternal security.
- 1 Corinthians 3:12-15 – “Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; 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. If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.”
- Romans 1:16 – “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.”
- 2 Timothy 1:10 – “But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel:”
- Acts 13:48 – “And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed.”
- 1 Timothy 4:8 – “For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.”
- Hebrews 12:8 – “But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.”
Articles of Faith
We believe that the scriptures comprising the Old and New Testaments, as given in what is known as the King James Translation, are of divine authority, and are to be taken as the only rule of faith and practice.
- 2 Timothy 3:16 – “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:”
- 2 Peter 1:21 – “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.”
- Romans 15:4 – “For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.”
- Hebrews 1:1-3 – “God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;”
We believe in one God, and that the Father, Son, or Word, and the Holy Ghost are one God eternal, immutable, infinite in wisdom, power, justice, holiness, mercy, and truth.
- 1 John 5:7 – “For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.”
- Matthew 28:19 – “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:”
- John 1:1 – “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
- John 10:30 – “I and my Father are one.”
- John 17:3 – “And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.”
We believe that in the transgression of Adam he fell under the condemnation of God’s holy law, and that all his posterity were corrupted in him, and so are condemned in sin, and have neither will nor power to deliver themselves from this state and condemnation.
- Romans 5:12 – “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:”
- Romans 3:9-20 – “What then? are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin; As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: … Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.”
- Romans 7:14 – “For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin.”
- Romans 8:7 – “Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.”
- Ephesians 2:1 – “And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;”
- John 6:44 – “No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.”
We believe that God chose a definite number of particular persons of the fallen posterity of Adam in Christ before the foundation of the world to Salvation. The reason for this choice is wholly of grace, and is unconditional on the part of the creature.
- Psalms 33:12 – “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance.”
- Ephesians 1:4-6 – “According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.”
- Romans 8:29 – “For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.”
- Romans 9:11-13 – “For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth; It was said unto her, The elder shall serve the younger. As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated.”
- 1 Thessalonians 1:4 – “Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God.”
- 1 Peter 1:2 – “Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.”
- Acts 13:48 – “And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed.”
We believe that God has predestined the elect unto the adoption of children by Jesus according to the good pleasure of His will.
- Ephesians 1:4-5 – “According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,”
- Romans 8:29-30 – “For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.”
- Galatians 4:4-5 – “But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.”
- John 1:12-13 – “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.”
- 2 Thessalonians 2:13 – “But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:”
- Ephesians 1:11 – “In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:”
We believe that the Lord Jesus who was set up from everlasting to be the Mediator between God and man, did in the fullness of time really and truly take upon himself a human body, and nature, sin expected, and in that body he suffered, bled and died as the surety of the elect, and in room and stead, and for no others.
- Proverbs 8:23 – “I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was.”
- 1 Timothy 2:5-6 – “For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.”
- Galatians 4:4-5 – “But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.”
- Hebrews 4:15 – “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.”
- John 10:11, 15 – “I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. … As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.”
- Isaiah 53:5-6 – “But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.”
We believe that Christ hath obtained eternal redemption for the elect, his life, suffering, blood and death constituting a complete atonement for their sins, and that this is the only ground or justification before God.
- Hebrews 9:12 – “Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.”
- John 10:15 – “As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.”
- Romans 5:8-9 – “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.”
- 1 Peter 2:24 – “Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.”
- Isaiah 53:11 – “He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities.”
- Colossians 1:13-14 – “Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:”
We believe that being born again is not the act of man, nor does it result from what he may believe or do; but it is the work of God, who gives eternal life, thus quickening the sinner which causes him to confess his sin, and to feel the need a Savior.
- John 1:12-13 – “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.”
- John 3:5-6 – “Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.”
- Ephesians 2:1, 5 – “And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; … Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)”
- Titus 3:5 – “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;”
- 1 John 5:11-12 – “And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.”
- Romans 10:10 – “For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.”
We believe that none who are born again will fall away so as to be lost, but they will persevere through grace to glory.
- John 6:37 – “All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.”
- 2 Timothy 1:9 – “Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,”
- Titus 3:5 – “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;”
- John 10:27-28 – “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.”
- Romans 8:30 – “Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.”
- Philippians 1:6 – “Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:”
- Jude 1 – “Jude, the servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to them that are sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ, and called:”
We believe in the resurrection of the dead, both of the just (elect) and the unjust, and the unjust shall go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into life eternal.
- John 5:28-29 – “Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.”
- 1 Corinthians 15:42-57 – “So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption: It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power: It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. … Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, … For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.”
- Acts 24:15 – “And have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust.”
- Matthew 25:46 – “And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.”
- Revelation 20:12-15 – “And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. … And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.”
We believe that the gospel is to be preached in all the world as a statement of the truth, and as a witness of Jesus for the comfort and instruction of regenerated men and women, but deny that it is to offer grace to the unregenerate or that it asserts there is an obligation resting upon the unregenerate to believe that Jesus is their Savior.
- Matthew 24:14 – “And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.”
- Romans 1:16 – “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.”
- 2 Timothy 1:10 – “But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel:”
- John 17:17-20 – “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. … Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;”
- 1 Corinthians 2:14 – “But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.”
- Acts 13:48 – “And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed.”
We believe that good works, obedience to the commands of God, are well pleasing in his sight, and should be maintained in the church, but they are to be considered only as evidence of a gracious state and are not a condition of salvation.
- Ephesians 2:10 – “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.”
- Hebrews 13:16 – “But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.”
- James 2:17-18 – “Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.”
- Galatians 5:22-23 – “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.”
We believe that baptism and the Lord’s Supper are ordinances appointed by Christ for the church, and they are to be administered only by those who are clothed with authority of the church, having been regularly ordained.
- Matthew 28:19 – “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:”
- Matthew 3:13-17 – “Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. … And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”
- Mark 16:16 – “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.”
- Luke 22:19-20 – “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. Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.”
- Acts 8:37-38 – “And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.”
- 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 – “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: 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. 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. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come.”
- 1 Peter 3:20-21 – “Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water. The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:”
We believe that baptism is by immersion in water and is to be administered to believers only, and who give evidence of having been regenerated.
- Matthew 3:16 – “And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:”
- Acts 8:36-38 – “And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.”
- Romans 6:4 – “Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.”
- Mark 16:16 – “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.”
- Acts 2:41 – “Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.”
- Galatians 3:27 – “For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.”
We believe that the Lord’s Supper should be observed in the church until the coming of Jesus at the end of the world, and that unleavened bread and wine should be used, of which none are to be invited to partake but the members of the church and of other churches of like faith and order.
- 1 Corinthians 11:26 – “For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come.”
- Matthew 26:26-29 – “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. And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.”
- Luke 22:19-20 – “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. Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.”
- 1 Corinthians 10:16-17 – “The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread.”
- 1 Corinthians 11:23-25 – “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: 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. 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.”
- Acts 2:42 – “And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.”
We believe that those who give proof that they are called of God to the ministry, by edifying the church in that exercise, should be ordained by a Presbytery and set apart to that work.
- 1 Timothy 1:12 – “And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry;”
- Ephesians 4:11-12 – “And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:”
- Acts 13:2-3 – “As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.”
- 1 Timothy 4:14 – “Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.”
- Titus 1:5 – “For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee:”
- 2 Timothy 2:2 – “And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.”
We believe that the church should choose members of its body who have the proper qualifications for the office of deacon who are to receive and disburse funds of the church. They should be set apart to that work by ordination.
- Acts 6:3 – “Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.”
- 1 Timothy 3:8-10 – “Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre; Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience. And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless.”
- Acts 6:2-4 – “Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.”
- 1 Timothy 3:13 – “For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.”
- Acts 6:6 – “Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.”
- Philippians 1:1 – “Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:”
We believe that washing the Saint’s feet is an example of Jesus Christ to be observed by the church.
- John 13:4-17 – “He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself. After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded. … So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you? Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.”
- 1 Timothy 5:10 – “Well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints’ feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work.”
Church Covenant
We do now in the presence of the Almighty God, and in the faith of the gospel, and by the help of Divine grace, unreservedly and unitedly give up ourselves to God the Father and His son Jesus Christ, and to the Holy Ghost, to be for him and no other; freely submitting ourselves to Him, to be at his disposal for his glory, taking Him as our true guide and only portion; promising by the help of Divine grace to watch against sin, temptation, and corruption and to hold a continual warfare with the same, looking to Christ who is the author and finisher of our faith, and the only hope and surety of His people.
Under his covenant of grace, we do now freely and joyfully give ourselves to one another by the will of God, freely covenanting and engaging to and with each other, to bear one another’s burdens in the gospel and to fulfill the law of Christ unto obedience, promising to watch over one another in love and to hold communion together in the ordinances of the gospel, submitting ourselves in this, which we trust a part of His mystical body according as we shall be directed by His spirit in His word, and by the Lord believing that He will further and more gloriously open to us His word and the mysteries of His Kingdom, and to our Lord Jesus Christ, our only Saviour, to whom by glory forever and forever.
Church Rules of Decorum
- All meetings shall be opened and closed by prayer.
- A moderator and clerk shall be chosen by the suffrage of the members.
- Only one member shall speak at a time, who shall rise from his seat and address the moderator when he is about to make his speech.
- The person speaking shall not be interrupted in his speech by anyone except the moderator, until he has finished his speech.
- He shall strictly adhere to the subject and in no wise reflect on the person who spoke before him, so as to make remarks on his slips, failings, or imperfections, but shall fairly state the case and matter as near as he can, so as to convey his ideas.
- No person shall abruptly break off or absent himself from the church without liberty obtained from it.
- No person shall rise and speak more than twice upon the same subject without liberty obtained from it.
- No member shall have liberty of laughing during the sitting of the service, nor whisper in the time of public speech.
- No member of the church shall address another in any other term or appellation but that of brother.
- A majority of the members present shall rule the minority except in receiving members in which case the church shall be unanimous.
- The names of all members shall be enrolled by the clerk and called over as often as the church requireth.
- The moderator shall be entitled to the same privilege of speaking as any other member, provided the chair be filled, but shall have no vote unless the church be equally divided.
- Any member who shall willfully and knowingly break any of these rules shall be reproved by the church as it shall think proper.
The Obligation of Church Members
The privilege of membership in the church of Christ is a great one indeed. The church furnishes a safeguard against the temptations of the world when its privileges and obligations are understood. Having the associations of the people of God, and hearing the gospel preached is a great comfort. That this privilege may be continued and enjoyed, certain obligations are assumed by those who become members of the church.
Attendance
The church could be of no benefit to the members, nor to the world, if the members did not meet together, hence arises the obligation of attendence at the regular meetings of the church. Paul gives a rule which should be observed by all members of the church. “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is.” (Hebrews 10:25) Neglect of this duty is discouraging to the church and pastor. We should consider that it is a service that we owe God, and when we are, “making” excuses for staying away we should think that before we think the excuse is a valid one, the Lord who knows the very thoughts and intents of the heart, would have to approve it. This searching test, “Would the Lord excuse me?” ought to be ever before us.
We may be tempted to stay away because of what some one else has done or not done, but are we justified in treating the service of God with contempt because of what any one in the world does? We are not serving men, but serving God, and what we do should be done as unto Him, and not unto men. This is a matter of so much importance that churches are justified in requiring their members to attend meetings, or have justifiable grounds for staying away, and if members have the right feeling about it, they will be willing to let the church pass on their reasons for missing the meetings.
Thoughtful of Each Other
It is the duty of members to be thoughtful of one another. We should think more of the members of the church than we do of the people of the world, and we should show it in our actions. If one of the members is sick, other members should at once show their love and kindness by doing what may be needful to be done for the comfort of the sick. Jesus showed a sympathetic nature, and helped and comforted the sick. They were glad to see His face and hear His voice; His followers should walk in His steps. Let the sick see your face and hear your voice and feel the willingness of your hands to help them.
Care for the Poor
The members of the church should be careful to look after the poor. Though it is especially the duty of the deacons to relieve the immediate needs of the poor, it is the duty of every member of the church to be thoughtful in this direction to keep the deacons supplied with funds when there is need, and then to give personal attention to the poor, that they may not feel neglected. The Master was himself very tender toward the poor, and we cannot feel that He would at all approve our course if we neglected them.
To be Loving and Kind
The members of a church should be very loving and kind toward each other. They are brethren, and should treat each other as the members of one family. This will require that they be forebearing, for there are none perfect. Should we require perfection in others, it would be more than we would be able to return, which would be very unkind of us, for we should do unto others as we would have them do unto us. We should be forgiving because we shall need to ask others to be forebearing and forgiving toward us, and especially has the Master laid this upon us, for He teaches His disciples to pray to be forgiven even as they forgive others.
Should Bear Personal Wrong
We should make a distinct difference between bad treatment of ourselves, by the members, and bad conduct. Bad conduct shows disrespect for the church, and is hurtful to its interest. We can afford to carry a great deal ourselves, but must not sit by and see others tear down the home which has been established for all the children. The Savior bore personal abuse silently, but when He went into the Temple and saw it being profaned, He drove out those who showed no respect for His Father’s house. If we reverse this and give a great deal of concern to what others may do to us and show little interest as to what the church must suffer, we shall not be following the Master.
The Children
The members of the church should be very careful to search out all who have a hope in Christ and invite them to come into the church if they receive the preaching of the cross gladly. Especially should this interest be shown toward their own children. The Lord has laid it on His people to bring up their own children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. They should use every endeavor to keep their children from hurtful associations with such things as will prejudice them against the truth and the true church. While they cannot regenerate their children, nor be the means of it, yet they seek to do their duty by their children as regards the teaching of the Word of God, and especially so when there is evidence that they have been enlightened by the Holy Spirit.
Respect for Pastor
The members of the church should show proper respect to the pastor of the church. While he is not to be considered infallible, yet “it,” the Holy Ghost, has made him “overseer” of the church, and the church has recognized that appointment by a “call” to the pastorate. His counsel should be sought, and his instructions followed, unless positively contrary to the teaching of the word of God, and in such case the matter should be discussed with him seriously. It is contrary to the word of God to treat the pastor lightly, and to pass his advice and instructions by with contempt. No doubt in many cases neither pastor nor church have given the office the consideration that they ought. The pastor should receive enough financial assistance that he may devote the necessary time to his pastoral work.
Financial Obligations
Every member of the church should realize that there is expense connected with keeping up a church land and its services, and be honorable with the other members in bearing such burdens. It is not more honorable in members to let others say in the church what they should justly pay, than in a business way to fail to pay our debts. All can not bear an equal amount, but we should not expect others who are in no better circumstances than ourselves, to bear more than we do, and we should make it our business to know that we are bearing our own share. It does not show a becoming interest in the church to be indifferent to this matter. The following questions should not be satisfied until he is informed on each of them:
- How much ought this church to expend for incidental expenses and toward helping the pastor?
- Is the church meeting its just obligation?
- Am I bearing as much of this according to my circumstances as I can?
Not to desire to share equally with other members according to our ability, is to shirk responsibility which we solemnly assumed when we asked the church to let us become members. If we are not willing to bear the obligations of memberships, we should hesitate to take the privileges and comforts of membership. It is so easy and pleasant when the members consult each other and all are willing to do what is right. We have no heavy salaries to meet, and our expenses should be met cheerfully.
The Church Home
A church home is what the members make it. If they are selfish, contrary, covetous, and peevish, and do not bridle their tongues, it will become unpleasant and a burden, instead of being a joy. If they are loving, kind, forbearing and like the Master, it will be a pleasant place, a glad retreat from the world, where the pure sweet song of peace and love is sung, and the presence of God is enjoyed.
