Appendix A
Baptist Doctrine
The Scriptures
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We believe that the Holy Bible was written by men divinely inspired, and is a perfect treasure of heavenly instruction;1 that it has God for its author, salvation for its end,2 and truth without any mixture of error for its matter;3 that it reveals the principles by which God will judge us;4 and therefore is, and shall remain to the end of the world, the true center of Christian union,5 and the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds, and opinions should be tried.6
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1 2 Tim. 3:16-17: All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness; that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. (Also 2 Peter 1:21; 1 Samuel 23:2; Acts 1:16; 3:21; John 10:35; Luke 16:29-31; Psalm 119:111; Romans 3:1-2.)
2 2 Timothy 3:15: Able to make thee wise unto salvation. (Also 1 Peter 1:10-12; Acts 11:14; Romans 1:16; Mark 16:16; John 5:38-39.)
3 Prov. 30:5-6: Every word of God is pure. . . . Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar. (Also John 17:17; Rev. 22:18-19; Rom. 3:4.)
4 Romans 2:12: As many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law. John 12:47-48: If any man hear my words . . . The word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day. (Also 1 Corinthians 4:3-4; Luke 10:10-16; 12:47-48.)
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5 Phililippians 3:16: Let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing. (Also Ephesians 4:3-6; Philippians 2:1-2; 1 Corinthians 1:10; 1 Peter 4:11.)
6 1 John 4:1: Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God. Isaiah 8:20: To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them. 1 Thessalonians 5:21: Prove all things. 2 Corinthians 13:5: Prove your own selves. (Also Acts 17:11; 1 John 4:6; Jude 3; Ephesians 6:17; Psalm 119:59-60; Phililippians 1:9-11.)
The True God
We believe the Scriptures teach that there is one, and only one, living and true God, an infinite, intelligent Spirit, whose name is JEHOVAH, the Maker and Supreme Ruler of Heaven and earth;1 inexpressibly glorious in holiness,2 and worthy of all possible honor, confidence, and love;3 that in the unity of the Godhead there are three persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost;4 equal in every divine perfection,5 and executing distinct and harmonious offices in the great work of redemption.6
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1 John 4:24: God is a Spirit. Psalm 147:5: His understanding is infinite. Psalm 83:18: Thou whose name alone is Jehovah, art the Most High over all the earth. (Hebrews 3:4; Romans 1:20; Jereremiah 10:10.)
2 Exodus 15:11: Who is like unto thee . . . glorious in holiness. (Isaiah 6:3; 1 Peter 1:15-16; Revelation 4:6-8.)
3 Mark 12:30: Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength. Revelation 4:11: Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created. (Matthew 10:37; Jeremiah 2:12-13.)
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4 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 15:26; But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me. (1 Cor. 12:4-6; 1 John 5:7.)
5 John 10:30: I and my Father are one. (John 5:17; 14:23; 17:5, 10; Acts 5:3-4; 1 Corinthians 2:10-11; Philippians 2:5-6.)
6 Eph. 2:18: For through him [the Son] we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. 2 Cor. 13:14: The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. (Rev. 1:4-5; comp. 2:7.)
The Fall of Man
We believe the Scriptures teach that man was created in holiness, under the law of his Maker;1 but by voluntary transgression fell from that holy and happy state;2 in consequence of which all mankind are now sinners,3 not by constraint, but choice;4 being by nature utterly void of that holiness required by the law of God, positively inclined to evil; and therefore under just condemnation to eternal ruin,5 without defense or excuse.6
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1 Genesis 1:27: God created man in his own image. Genesis 1:31: And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. (Ecclesiastes 7:29; Acts 16:26; Genesis 2:16.)
2 Genesis 3:6-24: And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat. . . Therefore the Lord God drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden cherubim, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life. (Romans 5:12.)
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3 Romans 5:19: For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners. (John 3:6; Psalm 51:5; Romans 5:15-19; 8:7.)
4 Isaiah 53:6: We have turned every one to his own way. (Genesis 6:12; Romans 3:9-18.)
5 Ephesians 2:1-3: . . . Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. Romans 1:18: For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness. (Romans 1:32; 2:1-16; Galatians 3:10; Matthew 20:15.)
6 Ezekiel 18:19-20: Yet say ye, Why? doth not the son bear the iniquity of the father? . . . The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him. Romans 1:20: So that they are without excuse. Romans 3:19: That every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. (Galatians 3:22.)
The Way of Salvation
We believe the Scriptures teach that the salvation of sinners is wholly of grace,1 through the mediatorial offices of the Son of God;2 who by the appointment of the Father, freely took upon him our nature, yet without sin;3 honored the divine law by his personal obedience,4 and by his death made a full atonement for our sins;5 that having risen from the death, he is now enthroned in heaven;6 and uniting in his wonderful person the
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tenderest sympathies with divine perfections, he is every way qualified to be a suitable, a compassionate, and an all- sufficient Saviour.7
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1 Ephesians 2:5: By grace ye are saved. (Matthew 18:11; 1 John 4:10; 1 Corinthians 3:5-7; Acts 15:11.)
2 John 3:16: For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 1:1-14; Hebrews 4:14; 12:24.)
3 Phililippians 2:6-7: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: but made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men. (Hebrews 2:9, 14; 2 Corinthians 5:21.)
4 Isaiah 42:21: The Lord is well pleased for his righteousness' sake; he will magnify the law, and make it honorable. (Philippians 2:8; Galatians 4:4-5; Romans 3:21.)
5 Isaiah 53:4-5: 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. (Matthew 20:28; Romans 4:25; 3:21-26; 1 John 4:10; 2:2; 1 Corinthians 15:1-3; Hebrews 9:13-15.)
6 Hebrews 1:8: Unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever. Hebrews 1:3; 8:1; Colossians 3:1-4.)
7 Hebrews 7:25: Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. Colossians 2:9: For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. Hebrews 2:18: In that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succor them that are tempted. (7:26; Psalm 89:19; Psalm 14.)
Justification
We believe the Scriptures teach that the great gospel blessing which Christ1 secures to such as believe in him is justification;2 that justification includes the pardon of sin,3 and the promise of eternal
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life on principles of righteousness;4 that it is bestowed, not in consideration of any works of righteousness which we have done, but solely through faith in the Redeemer's blood;5 by virtue of which faith his perfect righteousness is freely imputed to us of God;6 that it brings us into a state of most blessed peace and favor with God, and secures every other blessing needful for time and eternity.7
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1 John 1:16: Of his fulness have all we received. (Ephesians 3:8.)
2 Acts 13:39: By him all that believe are justified from all things. (Isaiah 3:11-12; Romans 8:1.)
3 Rom. 5:9: Being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. (Zechariah 13:1; Matthew 9:6; Acts 10:43.)
4 Romans 5:17: They which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ. (Titus 3:5-6; 1 Peter 3:7; 1 John 2:25; Romans 5:21.)
5 Romans 4:4-5: Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. (Romans 5:21; 6:28; Philippians 3:7-9.)
6 Romans 5:19: By the obedience of one shall many be made righteous. (Romans 3:24-26; 4:23-25; 1 John 2:12.)
7 Romans 5:1-2: Being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: by whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Romans 5:3: We glory in tribulations also. Romans 5:11: We also joy in God. (1 Corinthians 1:30-31; Matthew 6:33; 1 Timothy 4:8.)
The Freeness of Salvation
We believe the Scriptures teach that the blessings
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of salvation are made free to all by the gospel;1 that it is the immediate duty of all to accept them by a cordial, penitent, and obedient faith;2 and that nothing prevents the salvation of the greatest sinner on earth but his own inherent depravity and voluntary rejection of the gospel;3 which rejection involves him in an aggravated condemnation (36).4
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1 Isaiah 55:1: Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters. Revelation 22:17: Whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely. (Luke 14:17.)
2 Romans 16:26: The gospel, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith. (Mark 1:15; Romans 1:15-17.)
3 John 5:40: Ye will not come to me, that ye might have life. (Matthew 23:37; Romans 9:32; Proverbs 1:24; Acts 13:46.)
4 John 3:19: And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. (Matthew 11:20; Luke 19:27; 2 Thessalonians 1:8.)
Regeneration
We believe the Scriptures teach that in order to be saved, sinners must be regenerated, or born again;1 that regeneration consists in giving a holy disposition to the mind;2 that it is effected in a manner above our comprehension by the power of the Holy Spirit, in connection with divine truth,3 so as to secure our voluntary obedience to the gospel;4 and that its proper evidence appears in the holy fruits of repentance, and faith, and newness of life.5
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1 John 3:3: Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. (John 3:6-7; 1 Corinthians 1:14; Revelation 8:7-9; 21:27.)
2 2 Corinthians 5:17: If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature. (Ezekiel 36:26; Deuteronomy 30:6; Romans 2:28-29; 5:5; 1 John 4:7.)
3 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 1:13: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. James 1:16-18: Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth. (1 Corinthians 1:30; Philippians 2:13.)
4 1 Peter 1:22-25: Ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit. 1 John 5:1: Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God. (Ephesians 4:20-24; Colossians 3:9-11.)
5 Ephesians 5:9: The fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth. (Romans 8:9; Galatians 5:16-23; Ephesians 3:14-21; Matthew 3:8-10; 7:20; 1 John 5:4, 18.)
Repentance and Faith
We believe the Scriptures teach that repentance and faith are sacred duties, and also inseparable graces, wrought in our souls by the regenerating Spirit of God;1 whereby being deeply convinced of our guilt, danger, and helplessness, and of the way of salvation by Christ,2 we turn to God with unfeigned contrition, confession, and supplication for mercy;3 at the same time heartily receiving the Lord Jesus Christ as our Prophet, Priest, and King, and relying on him alone as the only and all-sufficient Saviour.1
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1 Mark 1:15: Rrpent ye, and believe the gospel. Acts 11:18: Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life. Ephesians 2:8: By grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God. 1 John 5:1: Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God.
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2 John 16:8: He will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment. Acts 2:37-38: They were pricked in their heart, and said . . . Men and brethren, what shall we do? Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins. (Acts 16:30-31.)
3 Luke 18:13: And the publican . . . smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. (Luke 15:18-20; James 4:7-10; 2 Corinthians 7:11; Romans 10:12-13; Psalm 51.)
4 Romans 10:9-11: If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. (Acts 3:22-23: Hebrews 4:14; Psalm 2:6; Hebrews 1:8; 8:25; 2 Timothy 1:12.)
God's Purpose of Grace
We believe that the Scriptures teach that election is the eternal purpose of God, according to which he graciously regenerates, sanctifies, and saves sinners;1 that being perfectly consistent with the free agency of man, it comprehends all the means in connection with the end;2 that it is a most glorious display of God's sovereign goodness, being infinitely free, wise, holy, and unchangeable;3 that it utterly excludes boasting, and promotes humility, love, prayer, praise, trust in God, and active imitation of his free mercy;4 that it encourages the use of means in the highest degree;5 that it may be ascertained by its effects in all who truly believe the gospel;6 that it is the foundation of Christian assurance;7
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and that to ascertain it with regard to ourselves demands and deserves the utmost diligence (53).8
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1 2 Timothy 1:8-9: Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God; 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. (Ephesians 1:3-14; 1 Peter 1:1-2; Romans 11:5-6; John 15:15; 1 John 4:19; Hoshea 12:9.)
2 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14: 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: whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. (Acts 13:48; John 10:16; Matthew 20:16; Acts 15:14.)
3 Exododus 33:18-19: And Mose said, I beseech thee, shew me thy glory. And he said, I will make all my goodness pass before thee, and I will proclaim the name of the Lord before thee; and will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will shew mercy on whom I will shew mercy. Matthew 20:15: Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own? Is thine eye evil, because I am good? (Ephesians 1:11; Romans 9:23-24: Jeremiah 31:3; Romans 11:28-29; James 1:17-18; 2 Timothy 1:9; Romans 11:32-36.)
4 1 Corinthians 4:7: For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it? (1 Corinthians 1:26-31; Romans 3:27; 4:16; Colossians 3:12; 1 Corinthians 3:5-7; 15:10; 1 Peter 5:10; Acts 1:24; 1 Thessalonians 2:13; 1 Peter 2:9; Luke 18:7; John 15:16; Ephesians 1:16; 1 Thessalonians 2:12.)
5 2 Timothy 2:10: Therefore I endure all things for the elect’s sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. 1 Corinthians 9:22: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. (Romans 8:28-30; John 6: 37-40; 2 Peter 1:10.)
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6 1 Thess. 1:4-10: Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God. For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance, etc.
7 Romans 8:28-30: 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. What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? (Isaiah 42:16; Romans 11:29.)
8 2 Peter 1:10-11: Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: for so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.(Philippians 3:12; Heb. 6:11.)
Sanctification
We believe the Scriptures teach that sanctification is the process by which, according to the will of God, we are made partakers of his holiness;1 that it is a progressive work;2 that it is begun in regeneration;3 and that it is carried on in the hearts of believers by the presence and power of the Holy Spirit, the Sealer and Comforter, in the continual use of the appointed means - especially the Word of God, self-examination, self-denial, watchfulness, and prayer.4
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1 1 Thessalonians 4:3: For this is the will of God, even your sanctification. 1 Thessalonians 5:23: And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly. (2 Corinthians 7:1; 13:9; Ephesians 1:4.)
2 Proverbs 4:18: But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day. (2 Corinthians 3:18; Hebrews 6:1; 2 Peter 1:5-8; Philippians 3:12-16.)
3 1 John 2:29: If ye know that he [God] is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him. Romans 8:5: They that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. (John 3:6; Philippians 1:9-11; Ephesians 1:13-14.)
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4 Philippians 2:12-13: work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. (Ephesians 4:11-12; 1 Peter 2:2; 2 Peter 3:18; 2 Corinthians 13:5; Luke 11:35; 9:23; Matthew 26:41; Ephesians 6:18; 4:30.)
Perseverance of Saints
We believe the Scriptures teach that such only are real believers as endure unto the end;1 that their persevering attachment to Christ is the grand mark which distinguishes them from superficial professors;2 that a special Providence watches over their welfare;3 and they are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation.4
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1 John 8:31: Then said Jesus . . . If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed. (1 John 2:27-28; 3:9; 5:18.)
2 1 John 2:19: They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us. (John 13:18; Matthew 13:20-21; John 6:66-69; Job 17:9.)
3 Romans 8:28: And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. (Matthew 6:30-33; Jeremiah 32:40; Psalm 121:3; 91:11-12.)
4 Philippians 1:6: He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ. (Philippians 2:12-13; Jude 24-25; Hebrews 1:14; 2 Kings 6:16; Hebrews 13:5; 1 John 4:4.)
The Law the Gospel
We believe the Scriptures teach that the law of
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of God is the eternal and unchangeable rule of his moral government;1 that it is holy, just, and good;2 and that the inability which the Scriptures ascribe to fallen men to fulfill its precepts arises entirely from their love of sin;3 to deliver them from which, and to restore them through a Mediator to unfeigned obedience to the holy Law, is one great end of the Gospel, and of the means of grace connected with the establishment of the visible Church.4
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1 Romans 3:31: Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law. (Matthew 5:17; Luke 16:17; Romans 3:20; 4:15.)
2 Romans 7:12: The law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good. (Romans 7:7, 14, 22; Galatians 3:21; Psalm 119.)
3 Romans 8:7-8: The carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. (Joshua 24:19; Jeremiah 13:23; John 6:44; 5:44.)
4 Romans 8:2, 4: For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: that the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. (Romans 10:4; 1 Timothy 1:5; Hebrews 8:10; Jude 20-21; Hebrews 12:14; Matthew 16:17-18; 1 Corinthians 12:28.)
A Gospel Church
We believe the Scriptures teach that a visible Church of Christ is a congregation of baptized believers,1 associated by covenant in the faith and fellowship of the gospel;2 observing the ordinances of
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Christ;3 governed by his laws,4 and exercising the gifts, rights, and privileges invested in them by his Word;5 that its only scriptural officers are Bishops, or Pastors, and Deacons,6 whose qualifications, claims, and duties are defined in the Epistles to Timothy and Titus.
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1 1 Corinthians 1:1-13: Paul . . . unto the church of God which is at Corinth . . . Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul? (Matthew 18:17; Acts 5:11; 8:1; 11:31; 1 Corinthians 4:17; 14:23; 3 John 9; 1 Timothy 3:5.)
2 Acts 2:41-42: Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. 2 Corinthians 8:5: They . . . first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God. (Acts 2:47; 1 Corinthians 5:12-13.)
3 1 Corinthians 11:2: Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances, as I delivered them to you. (2 Thessalonians 3:6; Romans 16:17-20; 1 Corinthians 11:23; Matthew 18:15-20; 1 Corinthians 5:6; 2 Corinthians 2:7; 1 Corinthians 4:17.)
4 Matthew 28:20: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you. (John 14:15; 15:12; 1 John 4:21; John 14:21; 1 Thessalonians 4.2; 2 John 6; Galatians 6:2; all the Epistles.)
5 Ephesians 4:7: Unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. 1 Corinthians 14:12: Seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church. Philippians 1:27: That . . . I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel.
6 Philippians 1:1: With the bishops and deacons. (Acts 14:23; 15:22; 1 Timothy 3; Titus 1.)
Baptism and the Lord's Supper
We believe that Christian Baptism is the immersion in water of a believer,1
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into the name of the Father, and Son, and Holy Ghost;2 to show forth, in a solemn and beautiful emblem, our faith in the crucified, buried, and risen Saviour, with its effect in our death to sin and resurrection to a new life;3 that it is prerequisite to the privileges of a Church relation; and to the Lord's Supper,4 in which the members of the Church, by the sacred use of bread and wine, are to commemorate together the dying love of Christ;5 preceded always by solemn self-examination.1
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1 Acts 8:36-39: 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 (Matthew 3:5-6; John 3:22-23; 4:1-2; Matthew 28:19; Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; 8:12; 16:32-34; 18:8.)
2 Matt. 28:19: Baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. (Acts 10:47-48; Galatians 3:27-28.)
3 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. (Colossians 2:12; 1 Peter 3:20-21; Acts 22:16.)
4 Acts 2:41-42: Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. (Matthew 28:19-20; Acts and Epistles.)
5 1 Corinthians 11:26: 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; Mark 14:22-25; Luke 22:14-20.)
6 1 Cor. 11:28: Let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. (1 Corinthians 5:1, 8; 10:3-32; 11:17-32; John 6:26-71
The Christian Sabbath
We believe the Scriptures teach that the first day of the week is the Lord's Day, or Christian Sabbath;1 and is to be kept sacred to religious purposes,2 by abstaining from all secular labor and sinful recreations;3 by the devout observance of all the means of grace, both private4 and public;5 and by preparation for that rest that remaineth for the people of God.6
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1 Acts 20:7: And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them. (Genesis 2:3; Colossians 2:16-17; Mark 2:27; John 20:19; 1 Corinthians 16:1- 2.)
2 Exodus 20:8: Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. (Revelation 1:10; Psalm 118:24.)
3 Isaiah 58:13-14: If thou turn away thy foot from the sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord, honorable; and shalt honor him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words: then shalt thou delight thyself in the Lord; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob.
4 Psalm 118:15: The voice of rejoicing and salvation is in the tabernacles of the righteous.
5 Hebrews 10:24-25: . . . Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is. Acts 11:26: a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people.
6 Hebrews 4:3-11: Let us labor therefore to enter into that rest.
Civil Government
We believe the Scriptures teach that civil government
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is of divine appointment, for the interests and good order of human society;1 and that magistrates are to be prayed for, conscientiously honored and obeyed;2 except only in things opposed to the will of our Lord Jesus Christ3 who is the only Lord of the conscience, and the Prince of the kings of the earth.4
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1 Roman 13:1-7: The powers that be are ordained of God . . . For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. (Deuteronomy 16:18; 1 Samuel 23:3; Exodus 18:23; Jeremiah 30:21.)
2 Matthew 22:21: Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's.(Titus 3:1; 1 Peter 2:13; 1 Timothy 2:1-8.)
3 Acts 5:29: We ought to obey God rather than men. Matthew 10:28: Fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul. (Daniel 3:15-18; 6:7-10; Acts 4:18-20.)
4 Matthew 23:10: Ye have one Master, even Christ. (Romans 14:4; Revelation 19:16; Psalm 72:11; Psalm 2; Romans 14:9-13.)
The Righteous and the Wicked
We believe the Scriptures teach that there is a radical and essential difference between the righteous and the wicked;1 that such only as through faith are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and sanctified by the Spirit of our God, are truly righteous in his esteem;2 while all such as continue in impenitence and unbelief are in his sight wicked, and under the curse;3 and this distinction holds among men both in and after death.4
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1 Malachi 3:18: Ye shall discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not. (Proverbs 12:26; Isaiah 5:20; Genesis 18:23; Jeremiah 15:19; Acts 10:34- 35; Romans 6:16.)
2 Romans 1:17: The just shall live by faith. Romans 7:6: We are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter. (1 John 2:29; 3:7; Romans 6:18, 22; 1 Corinthians 11:32; Proverbs 11:31; 1 Peter 4:17-18.)
3 1 John 5:19: And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness. (Gal. 3:10; John 3:36; Isa. 57:21; Psa. 10:4; Isa 55:6-7.)
4 Prov. 14:32: The wicked is driven away in his wickedness: but the righteous hath hope in his death. (See also, the example of the rich man and Lazarus.) Luke 16:25: Thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented. Luke 12:4-5; 9:23- 26; John 12:25-26; Ecclesiastes 3:17; Matthew 7:13-14.)
The World to Come
We believe the Scriptures teach that the end of the world is approaching;1 that at the last day Christ will descend from heaven,2 and raise the dead from the grave to final retribution;3 that a solemn separation will then take place;4 that the wicked will be adjudged to endless punishment, and the righteous to endless joy;5 and that this judgment will fix forever the final state of men in heaven or hell, on principles of righteousness.6
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1 1 Peter 4:7: But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer. (1 Corinthians 7:29-31; Hebrews 1:10-12; Matthew 24:35; 1 John 2:17; Matthew 28:20; 13:39-40; 2 Peter 3:3-13.)
2 Acts 1:11: This same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven. (Revelation 1:7; Hebrews 9:28; Acts 3:21; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; 5:1-11.)
3 Acts 24:15: There shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust. (1 Corinthians 15:12-59; Luke 14:14; Daniel 12:2; John 5:28-29; 6:40; 11:25-26; 2 Timothy 1:10; Acts 10:42.)
4 Matthew 13:49: The angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just. (Matthew 13:37-43; 24:30-31; 25:31-33.)
5 Matthew 25:35-41: And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal. Revelation 22:11: He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still. (1 Corinthians 6:9-10; Mark 9:43-48; 2 Peter 2:9; Jude 7; Philippians 3:19; Romans 6:32; 2 Corinthians 5:10-11; John 4:36; 2 Corinthians 4:18.)
6 Romans 3:5-6: Is God unrighteous who taketh vengeance? (I speak as a man). 2 Thessalonians 1:6-12: Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you; and to you who are troubled rest with us . . . when he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe. (Hebrews 6:1-2; 1 Corinthians 4:5; Acts 17:31; Romans 2:1-16; Revelation 20:11-12; 1 John 2:28; 4:17.)
Seeing then that all these things shall be disolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy comversation and godliness, looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God? (2 Peter 3:11-12)
Covenant ============= [Samuel H. Ford, Baptist Waymarks, ABPS, 1903. Typed from the original document by Linda Duvall; the document was provided by Pastor Steve Lecrone, Burton, OH. - jrd]
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