Together with the church in all ages we affirm the Nicene Creed:
We believe in one God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible.
And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, begotten of the Father before all worlds; God of God, Light of Light, very God of very God; begotten, not made, being of one substance with the Father, by whom all things were made; who, for us humans and for our salvation, came down from heaven, and was incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the virgin Mary, and was made man; and was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate; he suffered and was buried; and the third day he rose again, according to the Scriptures; and ascended into heaven, and sits on the right hand of the Father; and he shall come again, with glory, to judge the living and the dead; whose kingdom shall have no end.
And we believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord and Giver ofLife; who proceeds from the Father and the Son; who with the Father and the Sontogether is worshiped and glorified; who spoke by the prophets.
And we believe in one, holy, universal, and apostolic church.We acknowledge one baptism for the remission of sins, and we look for theresurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come.
Furthermore, we believe the following:
The Holy Scriptures
We believe the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments to be the verbally inspired Word of God, the final authority for faith and life, inerrant in every matter in the original writing, infallible and God-breathed (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
The Godhead
We believe in one Triune God, eternally existing in three persons- Father, Son, and Holy Spirit-co-eternal in being, co-identical in nature, co-equal in power and glory, and having the same attributes and perfections (Deuteronomy 6:4; 2 Corinthians 13:14).
The Person and Work of the Father
We believe that the Father is the first person of the one, Triune God, a self-existent spirit, unseen by men, who shares one essence with Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit, and possesses the same attributes of omniscience, omnipotence, love, truth, holiness, righteousness, and goodness (1 Corinthians 8:6; John 5:46; 6:26; 7:28; 14:9-10; 15:9; 17:11, 25; Matthew 6:8, 32; Ephesians 3:20; James 1:17). He receives worship and is the One to whom human beings relate through Christ, having sent Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit to the earth (John 4:23; 8:42; 14:6, 26). We believe the Father resurrects the dead, and that heaven belongs to Him (John 5:21; 14:2; Romans 6:4). He controls the timeline for eschatological events (Acts 1:6-7). He draws the elect to Christ, having chosen them before the foundation of the world (John 6:44; Ephesians 1:3). He predestines believers to adoption as sons and preserves them in their relationship to God (John 17:11; Ephesians 1:5).We believe the Father is to be the focal point for believers in their Christian lives and in their fellowship (Romans 6:11; 1 John 1:3).He cares for them, comforts them, hears and answers their prayers, honors believers that serve Jesus Christ, leads them, and gives them gifts (John 12:26; 15:1; 16:23; Romans 6:11; 2 Corinthians 1:3-4;1 Thessalonians 3:11;James 1:17; 1 John 1:3).
The Person and Work of Christ
We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ, eternally God, became man, without ceasing to be God, having been conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary, in order that He might reveal God and redeem sinful men (Luke 1:35; John 1:1, 2, 14). We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ accomplished our redemption through His death on the cross as a representative, vicarious, substitutionary sacrifice; and that our justification is made sure by His literal, physical resurrection from the dead (Romans 3:24-25; Ephesians 1:7; 1 Peter 1:3-5; 2:24). We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ ascended to heaven, and is now exalted at the right hand of God, where, as our High Priest, He fulfills the ministry of Representative, Intercessor, and Advocate (Acts 1:9-11; Romans 8:34; Hebrews 7:25; 9:24; 1 John 2:1-2).
The Person and Work of the Holy Spirit
We believe that the Holy Spirit is a person who convicts the world of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment; revealing Christ to men and enabling them to believe; and, that He is the supernatural agent in regeneration, baptizing all believers into the body of Christ, indwelling and sealing them unto the day of redemption (John 16:8-11; Romans 8:9; 1 Corinthians 12:12-14; 2 Corinthians 3:6; Ephesians 1:13-14).We believe that He guides believers into all truth, anoints and teaches them, and that it is the privilege and duty of all the saved to be filled with the Spirit (John 16:13; Ephesians 5:18; 1 John 2:20, 27).
Creation
We believe that the book of Genesis presents a historically accurate account of the origin of man, the fall of Adam and Eve, and consequently the entire human race, the worldwide flood, the call of Abraham, and the origin of God’s chosen people, Israel. Included in this is our belief that special creation of the existing universe, consisting of time, space, and matter, was accomplished in six literal, twenty-four hour days, as detailed in Genesis chapter one. We believe that man was created in the image and likeness of God, but that when man sinned the human race fell and became alienated from God. Man, thus, is totally depraved and of himself, utterly unable to remedy his lost condition (Genesis1:26-27; 5:2; Psalm 51; Romans 3:22-23; 5:12; Ephesians 2:1-3, 12).
Humanity
We believe God created humanity in his own image, and because of this every person - regardless of culture, ethnicity, developmental stage, mental capacity, or any other factor - has inherent and equal value. God created humanity male and female, as the crowning jewel of his creation. Differences between male and female are immutably rooted in God’s original biological design and are intended to foster human flourishing. His design also encompasses marriage, which is the lifelong covenant union of one biological man and one biological woman and reflects the unbreakable love between Christ and his bride, the church; and singleness, which is a gracious gift God gives in order to serve him without distraction and divided interests, and to remind us that human marriage is not the final destiny of anyone, for all who are in Christ will ultimately and gloriously be wed to Christ himself (Genesis 1:26-30; 2:5, 7, 18-22, 24; 9:6; Exodus 21:16; Psalm 1; 8:3-6; 139:14; Matthew 19:4-6; 10-12; Mark 2:19-20; 10:6-9; 12:25; 1 Corinthians 7:1-9, 25-35, 38-40; Colossians 1:16; Ephesians 5:25-32; 1 Timothy 1:10; Revelation 7:17; 19:7-9; 2 Corinthians 11:2; Isaiah 54:5; Revelation 21:9-10).
The Fall
We believe that though originally free from sin, humanity voluntarily rebelled against God and fell from their holy and happy state. As a result, all persons are now sinners and lack the righteousness required by the law of God, having inherited a corrupt nature wholly opposed to him. Therefore, they are under just condemnation to a sentence of eternal ruin, without defense or excuse (Genesis 1:27; 31; 2:16-17; 3:1-24; 6:5, 12; 8:21; Psalm 51:5; Ecclesiastes 7:29; Isaiah 53:6; Ezekiel 18:19-20; Matthew 20:15; Acts 17:26-29; Romans 1:18-32; 2:1-16; 3:9-18; 5:12; Galatians 3:10, 22; Ephesians 2:1-3; Colossians 1:21).
God’s Purpose of Grace
We believe God eternally chose some persons unto everlasting life, not because he foresaw merit in them, but solely because of his mercy in Christ, through which he called, justified, and glorified them. Election displays God’s sovereign goodness and his infinite freedom, wisdom, compassion, and unchangeable character. It is perfectly consistent with human free agency and includes all the means necessary to achieve God’s purpose. Indeed, it encourages the greatest possible exercise of human responsibility. Electing grace extinguishes boasting, cultivates humility, promotes love, fosters prayer, fuels evangelism, and solidifies trust in God to keep those who are His (Exodus 33:18-19; Deuteronomy 7:7-8; Jeremiah 31:3; Luke 10:22; John 1:12-13; 6:37-44; 10:16; 15:16; Acts 2:22-23; 4:27-28; 13:48; 15:14; 16:14; 18:12; Romans 3:27; 4:16; 8:28-9:24; 11:5-6; 11:28-36; 1 Corinthians 1:26-31; 3:5-7; 9:22; 15:10; Galatians 1:15-16; Ephesians 1:1-2:10; Philippians 1:6; 3:12; Colossians 3:12; 1 Thessalonians 1:4-10; 2:12; 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14; 2 Timothy 1:8-9; 2:10; Hebrews 6:11; 1 Peter 1:1-2; 2 Peter 1:10-11; 1 John 4:19; Revelation 13:8).
Regeneration
We believe sinners must be regenerated, or born again, in order to be saved. Regeneration is a change of heart, accomplished by the Holy Spirit, who resurrects those dead in trespasses and sins. God’s Spirit enlightens sinners’ minds to understand God’s Word, and he renews their whole nature so that they voluntarily trust and obey God’s Son. Regeneration is awork of God’s free and special grace alone, and its proper evidence appears in the holy fruits of repentance, faith, and newness of life (Jeremiah 31:31-34; Ezekiel 36:25-27; John 1:12-13; 3:3-7; Acts 10:44; 2 Corinthians 5:17-21; Galatians 5:22-23; Ephesians 2:1-5; Colossians 2:13; James 1:17-18; 1 Peter 1:3; 1 John 2:29; 3:9-10; 4:7; 5:1-4, 18).
Repentance and Faith
We believe the power of the gospel is sufficient to save even the greatest sinner - and that all persons everywhere are commanded to repent and believe in Jesus. Repentance and faith are sacred duties as well as inseparable graces. They are produced in our souls by the regenerating Spirit of God, who convinces us of our guilt, danger, and helplessness, and of the way of salvation by Christ. They consist of turning to God with genuine sorrow, confession, and a petition for mercy; receiving heartily the Lord Jesus Christas prophet, priest, and king; and relying on him alone as the only and all-sufficient Savior. Faith does not guarantee a believer will enjoy physical health or wealth in this world; instead, faithful believers will often suffer on this side of heaven. But even through earthly pain, true faith trusts God for help, hope, and the joy held out to us in the promises of the gospel (Isaiah 55:1-7; Matthew 11:28-30; Mark 1:15; Luke 15:18-21; 24:46-47; John 1:12; 3:16; 6:37; 7:37; 16:8; Acts 2:37-38; 3:19-23; 11:18; 16:30-31; 17:30; 20:21; Romans 2:4; 10:9-11, 17; 2 Corinthians 7:9-10; Ephesians 2:8-10; 2 Timothy 1:12; Hebrews 4:14; 6:1; 7:25).
Justification
We believe justification is God’s gracious and full acquittal of sinners wherein he removes our guilt, reconciles us to himself, and declares us righteous. God justifies the ungodly through faith alone in Jesus Christ alone, not through anything done by us. It is solely on account of Christ’s substitutionary death and subsequent resurrection, and on the basis of His perfect righteousness, which is freely credited to us by God. Justification immediately brings us into a relationship of peace and favor with God, and secures every other blessing needed for time and eternity (Psalm 103:12; Isaiah 53:11-12; Matthew 9:6; John 1:16; Acts 10:43; Romans 3:20-28; 4:1-5:21; 6:23; 8:30-34; 2 Corinthians 5:17-21; Galatians 2:15-17; 3:24; Philippians 3:7-9; Titus 3:5-7; 1 Peter 3:18; 1 John 2:12, 25).
Sanctification
We believe sanctification is God’s work of consecrating a believer unto holiness for his purposes; it is also a progressive work of conforming believers to the likeness of Jesus Christ. It begins at regeneration and is carried on for the duration of life in believing hearts, by the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. While growth in holiness is a gift of grace, it requires believers to actively and persistently fight sin through means such as reading and hearing God’s Word, prayer, self- examination, self-denial, and the mutual edification of Christian community (John 17:17; Romans 6:5-6, 11-19; 1 Corinthians 1:2; 6:11; 2 Corinthians 3:18; 7:1; Galatians 2:20; 5:16-24; Ephesians 4:20-24; Philippians 3:13-14; Colossians 3:5-10; 1 Thessalonians 5:23; Titus 3:5; Hebrews 4:14; 10:24-25; 12:1, 14; 1 Peter 1:15; 1 John 3:9; Revelation 3:19).
The Eternal Security and Assurance of Believers
We believe that it is the privilege of believers to rejoicein the assurance of their salvation through the testimony of God’s Word; which,however, clearly forbids the use of Christian liberty as an occasion to theflesh (Romans13:13-14;Galatians 5:13; Titus 2:11- 15: 1 John 5:10-13).
The Two Natures of the Believer
We believe that the regenerated person retains his corrupt, sinful, depraved nature, but at the moment of salvation also becomes a partaker of the divine nature, capable of pleasing God through the ministries of the indwelling Holy Spirit (Romans6:13; 8:12-13; Galatians 5:16-25; Ephesians 4:22-24; Colossians 3:9-10; 1 Peter 1:14-16; 1 John 3:5-9).
Missions
We believe that it is the obligation of the saved to witness by life and by word to the truths of Holy Scripture and to seek to proclaim the Gospel to all mankind (Matthew 28:19-20; Mark 16:15; Acts 1:8; 2 Corinthians 5:19-20).
Ministry and Spiritual Gifts
We believe that God is sovereign in the bestowing of all His gifts; that the gifts of evangelist and pastor-teacher are given to the church for the equipping of the saints today; that each believer has a spiritual gift for the purpose of ministry to others, such as the gifts of ministry, helps, leadership, administration, exhortation, giving, mercy, and teaching; that the gifts of prophecy, speaking in tongues, and the working of sign miracles ceased as the New Testament Scriptures were completed and their authority became established (Romans 12:6-8; 1 Corinthians 12:4-11; 2 Corinthians 12:12; Ephesians 4:7- 12; 1 Peter 4:10). We believe that God does hear and answer the prayer of faith, in accord with His own will, for the sick and afflicted (John 15:7; James 5:14-15; 1 John 5:14-15).We believe in the autonomy of the local church (Acts 13:1-4; 20:28; Romans 16:1; 1 Corinthians 3:9, 16; 5:4-7; 1 Peter 5:1-4).We recognize the ordinances of water baptism and the Lord’s Supper as a scriptural means of testimony for the church today (Matthew 28:19-20;Acts 2:41-42; 18:8; 1 Corinthians11:23-26).
Dispensationalism
We believe that the Scriptures interpreted in their natural, literal sense reveal divinely determined dispensations or rules of life which define man’s responsibilities in successive administrations of God. These dispensations are divinely ordered stewardships by which God directs man according to His purpose. Three of these-the dispensation of law, the dispensation of the grace of God, and the dispensation of the kingdom-are the subjects of detailed revelation in Scripture (John 1:17; 2 Corinthians 3:6-18; Galatians 3:13-25; Ephesians 1:10; 3:2- 10; Colossians 1:24-25; Hebrews 7:19; Revelation 20:2-6).
The Personality of Satan
We believe that Satan is a person, the author of sin and cause of the fall; that he is the open and declared enemy of God and man; and, that he shall be eternally punished in the lake of fire (Job 1:6-7; Isaiah 14:12-17; Matthew 4:2-11; Revelation 20:11).
The Second Advent of Christ
We believe in that “blessed hope,” the personal, imminent, pretribulational and premillennial coming of the Lord Jesus Christ for the church; and in His subsequent return to earth, with His saints, to establish His Millennial Kingdom, which will begin only after the second advent (Zechariah 14:4-11; 1 Thessalonians 1:10; 4:13-18; 5:9; Revelation 3:10; 19:11-16; 20:1-6).
The Eternal State
We believe in the bodily resurrection of all men, the saved to eternal life, and the unsaved to judgment and everlasting punishment (Matthew 25:46; John 5:28-29; 11:25-26; Revelation 20:5-6; 22:12). We believe that the souls of the justified are, at death, absent from the body and present with the Lord, where in conscious bliss they await the first resurrection, when soul and body are reunited to be glorified forever with the Lord (Luke 23:43; 2 Corinthians 5:8; Philippians 1:23; 3:32; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17; Revelation 20:4-6).
We further hold to these statements:
The Chicago Statement: https://defendinginerrancy.com/chicago-statements/
The Danvers Statement: https://cbmw.org/about/danvers-statement/
The Nashville Statement: https://cbmw.org/nashville-statement/