FAITH BAPTIST CHURCH
Doctrinal Statement
OF THE SCRIPTURES
We believe that the Holy Scriptures, which we have today in the King
James Version, were written by men divinely inspired, and is a
perfect treasure of heavenly instruction (II Timothy 3:16-17); that it
has God for its author, salvation for its end (II Timothy 3:15); and
truth without any mixture of error for its matter (Proverbs 30:5-6);
that it reveals the principles by which God will judge us (Romans
2:12; John 12:47-48); and therefore is, and shall remain to the end
of the world, the true center of Christian union (Philippians 3:16),
and the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds and
opinions should be tried (I John 4:1; Isaiah 8:20).
OF THE TRUE GOD
We believe 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 (John 4:24; Psalm 147:50,
83:18; Hebrews 3:4; Romans 1:20; Jeremiah 10:10); inexpressibly
glorious in holiness (Exodus 15:11), and worthy of all possible
honor, confidence, and love (Mark 12:30; Revelation 4:11); and that
in the unity of the Godhead there are three persons, the Father, the
Son, and the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19; John 15:16); equal in
every divine perfection (John 10:30), and executing distinct but
harmonious offices in the great work of redemption (Ephesians
2:18; II Corinthians 13:14).
OF THE FALL OF MAN
We believe that man was created in holiness, under the law of his
Maker (Genesis 1:27, 31; Ecclesiastes 7:29); but by voluntary
transgression fell from that holy and happy state (Genesis 3:6-24;
Romans 5:12); in consequence of which all mankind are now
sinners (Romans 5:19; John 3:6; Psalm 51:5), not by constraint but
choice (Isaiah 53:6; Genesis 6:12; Romans 3:9-18); being by nature
utterly void of that holiness required by the law of God, positively
inclines to evil; and therefore under just condemnation to eternal
ruin (Ephesians 2:13; Romans 1:18, 31; 2:1-6), without defense or
excuse (Ezekial 18:19-20; Romans 1:20; 3:19).
OF THE WAY OF SALVATION
We believe that the salvation of sinners is wholly of grace (Ephesians
2:5; I John 4:10); through the Mediatorial offices of the Son of God
(John 3:16; 1:1-14); Who by the appointment of the Father, freely
took upon Him our nature yet without sin (Philippians 2:6-7;
Hebrews 2:9, 14); honored the divine law by His personal obedience
(Isaiah 42:21; Philippians 2:8), and by His death made a full
atonement for our sins (Isaiah 53:4-5; Matthew 20:28; Romans
4:25); that having risen from the dead, He is now enthroned in
heaven (Hebrews 1:8; Colossians 3:1); and united in His wonderful
person the tenderest sympathies with divine perfections, He is every
way qualified to be a suitable, a compassionate, and an all-sufficient
Savior (Hebrews 7:25-26; Colossians 2:9; Hebrews 2:18).
OF JUSTIFICATION
We believe that the great gospel blessing which Christ (John 1:16;
Ephesians 3:8) secures to such as believe in Him is justification
(Acts 13:39; Romans 5:1); that justification includes the pardon of
sin, (Romans 5:9) and the promise of eternal life on principles of
righteousness (Romans 5:17; Titus 3:5,6); 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 (Romans 5:19;
3:24-28); 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 (Romans 5:1-3, 11; Matthew 6:33).
OF THE FREENESS OF SALVATION
We believe that the blessings of salvation are made free to all by the
Gospel of Christ (Isaiah 55:1; Revelation 22:17); that it is the
immediate duty of all to accept them by a cordial penitent and
obedient faith (Romans 16:26; Mark 1:15; Romans 1:15-17); and
that nothing prevents the salvation of the greatest sinner on earth,
but his own inherent depravity and voluntary rejection of the Gospel
of Christ (John 5:40; Romans 9:32); which rejection involves him in
an aggravated condemnation (John 3:19; Matthew 11:20).
OF GRACE IN REGENERATION
We believe that in order to be saved, sinners must be regenerated, or
born again (John 3:3, 6-7); that the regeneration consists in giving a
holy disposition to the mind (II Corinthians 5:17; Ezekial 36:26;
Romans 2:28-29); that it is effected in a manner above our
comprehension by the power of the Holy Spirit, in connection with
divine truth (John 3:8, 1:13; James 1:16-18); so as to secure our
voluntary obedience to the Gospel of Christ (I Peter 1:22-25; I John
5:1; Ephesians 4:20-24); and that its proper evidence appears in the
holy fruits of repentance, and faith, and newness of life (Ephesians
5:9; Romans 8:9; Galatians 5:16-23; Ephesians 3:14-21).
OF REPENTANCE AND FAITH
We believe that repentance and faith are sacred duties, and also
inseparable graces, wrought in our souls in regeneration (Mark
1:15; Acts 11:18; Ephesians 2:8; I John 5:1) whereby being deeply
convinced of our guilt, danger, and helplessness, and of the way of
salvation by Christ (John 16:8; Acts 2:37-38, 16:30-31), we turn to
God with unfeigned contrition, confession, and supplication for
mercy (Luke 18:13; James 4:7-10); 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 Savior (Romans
10:9-13; Acts 3:22-23).
OF GOD'S PURPOSE OF GRACE
We believe that election is the eternal purpose of God, according to
which He graciously regenerates, sanctifies, and saves sinners (II
Timothy 1:8-9; Ephesians 1:3-14; Romans 11:5-6); that being
perfectly consistent with the free agency of man, it comprehends all
the means in connection with the end (II Thessalonians 2:13-14;
Acts 13:48; John 10:16); that it is a most glorious display of God's
sovereign goodness, being infinitely free, wise, holy, and
unchangeable (Exodus 33:18-19; Matthew 20:15; Ephesians 1:11;
Romans 9:23-24, 11:28-36); that it utterly excludes boasting and
promotes humility, love, prayer, praise, trust in God, and active
imitation of His free mercy (I Corinthians 4:7, 1:26-31; Colossians
3:12); that it encourages the use of means in the highest degree (II
Timothy 2:10; I Corinthians 9:2; Romans 8:28-30; John 6:37-40);
that it may be ascertained by its effects in all who truly believe the
Gospel of Christ (I Thessalonians 1:4-10); that it is the foundation of
Christian assurance (Romans 8:28-31, 11:29); and that to ascertain
it with regard to ourselves demands and deserves the utmost
diligence (II Peter 1:10-11; Philippians 3:12).
OF SANCTIFICATION
We believe that sanctification is the process by which, according to
the will of God, we are made partakers of His holiness (I
Thessalonians 4:3, 5:23; II Corinthians 7:1); that it is a progressive
work (Proverbs 4:18; II Peter 1:5-8; Philippians 3:12-16); that it is
begun in regeneration (John 2:29; Romans 8:5; Philippians 1:9-11);
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 (Philippians
2:12-13; Ephesians 4:11-12; I Peter 2:2).
OF THE PERSEVERANCE OF SAINTS
We believe that such only are real believers as endure unto the end
(John 8:31; I John 2:27-28, 3:9); that their persevering attachment
to Christ is the grand mark which distinguishes them from
superficial professions (I John 2:19; Matthew 13:20-21); that a
special providence watches over their welfare; (Romans 8:28;
Matthew 6:30-33) and that they are kept by the power of God
through faith unto salvation (Philippians 1:6, 2:12-13; Jude 24-25).
OF THE HARMONY OF THE LAW AND THE GOSPEL
We believe that the law of God is the eternal and unchangeable rule
of His moral government (Romans 3:31; Matthew 5:17; Luke
16:17); that it is holy, just, and good (Romans 7:12, 14, 33;
Galatians 3:21), and that the inability which the Scriptures ascribe to
fallen men to fulfill its precepts, arises entirely from their love of sin
(Romans 8:7-8; Jeremiah 13:23); to deliver from which, and to
restore them through a Mediator to unfeigned obedience to the holy
law, is one great end of the Gospel of Christ, and of the means of
grace connected with the establishment of the church (Romans
8:2,4; 10:4; Jude 20-21; Matthew 16:17-18).
OF A GOSPEL CHURCH
We believe that the church of Christ is a visible congregation of
baptized believers (I Corinthians 1:1-13; Matthew 18:17; Acts 5:11,
8:1); associated by covenant in the faith and fellowship of the Gospel
of Christ (Acts 2:41-42, 47; II Corinthians 8:5; I Corinthians
5:12-13); observing the ordinances of Christ (I Corinthians 11:2, 23;
II Thessalonians 3:6; Romans 16:17-20); governed by His laws
(Matthew 28:20; John 14:15, 21; I John 4:21); and exercising the
gifts, rights, and privileges invested in them by His word (Ephesians
4:7; I Corinthians 14:12; Philippians 1:27); that its only scriptural
officers are bishops or pastors and deacons (Philippians 1:1; Acts
14:23; I Timothy 3); whose qualifications, claims, and duties are
defined in the Epistles of Timothy and Titus.
OF BAPTISM AND THE LORD'S SUPPER
We believe that baptism is the immersion in water of a believer (Acts
8:39; Matthew 3:5-6; John 3:22-23), into the name of the Father,
the Son, and Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19; Acts 10:47-48); to show
forth in a solemn and beautiful emblem of our faith in the crucified,
buried, and risen Savior, with its effects, in our death to sin and
resurrection to a new life (Romans 6:4; Colossians 2:12); that it is a
prerequisite to the privilege of a church relation and to the Lord's
Supper (Acts 2:41-42; Matthew 28:19-20), in which the members of
the church by the sacred use of bread and wine, are to
commemorate together the dying love of Christ (I Corinthians11:26;
Matthew 26:26-29); preceded always by solemn self-examination (I
Corinthians 11:28, 5:1, 8).
OF THE LORD'S DAY
We believe that the first day of the week is the Lord's Day (Acts 20:7;
Colossians 2:16-17; John 20:19; I Corinthians 16:1-2); and is to be
kept sacred to religious purposes (Exodus 20:8; Revelation 1:10;
Psalm 118:24), by abstaining from all secular labor and sinful
recreations (Isaiah 58:13-14, 56:2-8), by the devout observation of all
means of grace, both private (Psalms 118:5) and public (Hebrews
10:24-25; Acts 11:26, 13-44); and by preparation for that rest that
remaineth for the people of God (Hebrews 4:3-11).
THE CIVIL GOVERNMENT
We believe that civil government is of divine appointment, for the
interest and good order of human society (Romans 13:1-7;
Deuteronomy 16:18; II Samuel 22:30); and that magistrates are to
be prayed for, conscientiously honored, and obeyed (Matthew 22:21;
Titus 3:1; I Peter 2:13; I Timothy 2:1-8); except only in things
opposed to the will of our Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 5:29; Matthew
10:28; Daniel 3:15-18, 6:7-10), who is the only Lord of the
conscience, and the Prince of the kings of the earth (Matthew 23:10;
Romans 14:4; Revelation 19:16; Psalm 72:11).
OF THE RIGHTEOUS AND THE WICKED
We believe that there is a radical and essential difference between
the righteous and the wicked (Malachi 3:18; Proverbs 12:26;
Romans 6:16); 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 (Romans 1:17, 6:18-22; I John 2:29,
3:7); while all such as continue in impenitence and unbelief are in
His sight wicked,
and under the curse (I John 5:19; Galatians 3:10; John 3:36); and
this distinction holds among men both in and after death (Proverbs
14:32, 10:24; Luke 16:25; John 8:21-24).
OF THE WORLD TO COME
We believe that the end of this world is approaching (I Peter 4:7; I
Corinthians 7:29-31; Hebrews 1:10-12; Matthew 24:35); that at the
Last Day Christ will descend from heaven (Acts 1:11; Revelation
1:7; Hebrews 9:28; I Thessalonians 4:13-18, 5:1-11), and raise the
dead from the grave to final retribution; a solemn separation will
then take place (Matthew 13:37-43, 49; 24:30-31; 25:31-33); that the
wicked (Acts 24:15; I Corinthians 15:12-59; John 5:28-29) will be
adjudged to endless punishment, and the righteous to endless joy
(Matthew 25:35-41; Revelation 22:11; I Corinthians 6:9-10; Romans
6:22); and that this judgment will fix forever the final state of men
in heaven or hell, on principles of righteousness (Romans 3:5-6; II
Thessalonians 1:6-12; Hebrews 6:1-2; Romans 2:2-16).
OF THE SCRIPTURES
We believe that the Holy Scriptures, which we have today in the King
James Version, were written by men divinely inspired, and is a
perfect treasure of heavenly instruction (II Timothy 3:16-17); that it
has God for its author, salvation for its end (II Timothy 3:15); and
truth without any mixture of error for its matter (Proverbs 30:5-6);
that it reveals the principles by which God will judge us (Romans
2:12; John 12:47-48); and therefore is, and shall remain to the end
of the world, the true center of Christian union (Philippians 3:16),
and the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds and
opinions should be tried (I John 4:1; Isaiah 8:20).
OF THE TRUE GOD
We believe 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 (John 4:24; Psalm 147:50,
83:18; Hebrews 3:4; Romans 1:20; Jeremiah 10:10); inexpressibly
glorious in holiness (Exodus 15:11), and worthy of all possible
honor, confidence, and love (Mark 12:30; Revelation 4:11); and that
in the unity of the Godhead there are three persons, the Father, the
Son, and the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19; John 15:16); equal in
every divine perfection (John 10:30), and executing distinct but
harmonious offices in the great work of redemption (Ephesians
2:18; II Corinthians 13:14).
OF THE FALL OF MAN
We believe that man was created in holiness, under the law of his
Maker (Genesis 1:27, 31; Ecclesiastes 7:29); but by voluntary
transgression fell from that holy and happy state (Genesis 3:6-24;
Romans 5:12); in consequence of which all mankind are now
sinners (Romans 5:19; John 3:6; Psalm 51:5), not by constraint but
choice (Isaiah 53:6; Genesis 6:12; Romans 3:9-18); being by nature
utterly void of that holiness required by the law of God, positively
inclines to evil; and therefore under just condemnation to eternal
ruin (Ephesians 2:13; Romans 1:18, 31; 2:1-6), without defense or
excuse (Ezekial 18:19-20; Romans 1:20; 3:19).
OF THE WAY OF SALVATION
We believe that the salvation of sinners is wholly of grace (Ephesians
2:5; I John 4:10); through the Mediatorial offices of the Son of God
(John 3:16; 1:1-14); Who by the appointment of the Father, freely
took upon Him our nature yet without sin (Philippians 2:6-7;
Hebrews 2:9, 14); honored the divine law by His personal obedience
(Isaiah 42:21; Philippians 2:8), and by His death made a full
atonement for our sins (Isaiah 53:4-5; Matthew 20:28; Romans
4:25); that having risen from the dead, He is now enthroned in
heaven (Hebrews 1:8; Colossians 3:1); and united in His wonderful
person the tenderest sympathies with divine perfections, He is every
way qualified to be a suitable, a compassionate, and an all-sufficient
Savior (Hebrews 7:25-26; Colossians 2:9; Hebrews 2:18).
OF JUSTIFICATION
We believe that the great gospel blessing which Christ (John 1:16;
Ephesians 3:8) secures to such as believe in Him is justification
(Acts 13:39; Romans 5:1); that justification includes the pardon of
sin, (Romans 5:9) and the promise of eternal life on principles of
righteousness (Romans 5:17; Titus 3:5,6); 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 (Romans 5:19;
3:24-28); 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 (Romans 5:1-3, 11; Matthew 6:33).
OF THE FREENESS OF SALVATION
We believe that the blessings of salvation are made free to all by the
Gospel of Christ (Isaiah 55:1; Revelation 22:17); that it is the
immediate duty of all to accept them by a cordial penitent and
obedient faith (Romans 16:26; Mark 1:15; Romans 1:15-17); and
that nothing prevents the salvation of the greatest sinner on earth,
but his own inherent depravity and voluntary rejection of the Gospel
of Christ (John 5:40; Romans 9:32); which rejection involves him in
an aggravated condemnation (John 3:19; Matthew 11:20).
OF GRACE IN REGENERATION
We believe that in order to be saved, sinners must be regenerated, or
born again (John 3:3, 6-7); that the regeneration consists in giving a
holy disposition to the mind (II Corinthians 5:17; Ezekial 36:26;
Romans 2:28-29); that it is effected in a manner above our
comprehension by the power of the Holy Spirit, in connection with
divine truth (John 3:8, 1:13; James 1:16-18); so as to secure our
voluntary obedience to the Gospel of Christ (I Peter 1:22-25; I John
5:1; Ephesians 4:20-24); and that its proper evidence appears in the
holy fruits of repentance, and faith, and newness of life (Ephesians
5:9; Romans 8:9; Galatians 5:16-23; Ephesians 3:14-21).
OF REPENTANCE AND FAITH
We believe that repentance and faith are sacred duties, and also
inseparable graces, wrought in our souls in regeneration (Mark
1:15; Acts 11:18; Ephesians 2:8; I John 5:1) whereby being deeply
convinced of our guilt, danger, and helplessness, and of the way of
salvation by Christ (John 16:8; Acts 2:37-38, 16:30-31), we turn to
God with unfeigned contrition, confession, and supplication for
mercy (Luke 18:13; James 4:7-10); 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 Savior (Romans
10:9-13; Acts 3:22-23).
OF GOD'S PURPOSE OF GRACE
We believe that election is the eternal purpose of God, according to
which He graciously regenerates, sanctifies, and saves sinners (II
Timothy 1:8-9; Ephesians 1:3-14; Romans 11:5-6); that being
perfectly consistent with the free agency of man, it comprehends all
the means in connection with the end (II Thessalonians 2:13-14;
Acts 13:48; John 10:16); that it is a most glorious display of God's
sovereign goodness, being infinitely free, wise, holy, and
unchangeable (Exodus 33:18-19; Matthew 20:15; Ephesians 1:11;
Romans 9:23-24, 11:28-36); that it utterly excludes boasting and
promotes humility, love, prayer, praise, trust in God, and active
imitation of His free mercy (I Corinthians 4:7, 1:26-31; Colossians
3:12); that it encourages the use of means in the highest degree (II
Timothy 2:10; I Corinthians 9:2; Romans 8:28-30; John 6:37-40);
that it may be ascertained by its effects in all who truly believe the
Gospel of Christ (I Thessalonians 1:4-10); that it is the foundation of
Christian assurance (Romans 8:28-31, 11:29); and that to ascertain
it with regard to ourselves demands and deserves the utmost
diligence (II Peter 1:10-11; Philippians 3:12).
OF SANCTIFICATION
We believe that sanctification is the process by which, according to
the will of God, we are made partakers of His holiness (I
Thessalonians 4:3, 5:23; II Corinthians 7:1); that it is a progressive
work (Proverbs 4:18; II Peter 1:5-8; Philippians 3:12-16); that it is
begun in regeneration (John 2:29; Romans 8:5; Philippians 1:9-11);
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 (Philippians
2:12-13; Ephesians 4:11-12; I Peter 2:2).
OF THE PERSEVERANCE OF SAINTS
We believe that such only are real believers as endure unto the end
(John 8:31; I John 2:27-28, 3:9); that their persevering attachment
to Christ is the grand mark which distinguishes them from
superficial professions (I John 2:19; Matthew 13:20-21); that a
special providence watches over their welfare; (Romans 8:28;
Matthew 6:30-33) and that they are kept by the power of God
through faith unto salvation (Philippians 1:6, 2:12-13; Jude 24-25).
OF THE HARMONY OF THE LAW AND THE GOSPEL
We believe that the law of God is the eternal and unchangeable rule
of His moral government (Romans 3:31; Matthew 5:17; Luke
16:17); that it is holy, just, and good (Romans 7:12, 14, 33;
Galatians 3:21), and that the inability which the Scriptures ascribe to
fallen men to fulfill its precepts, arises entirely from their love of sin
(Romans 8:7-8; Jeremiah 13:23); to deliver from which, and to
restore them through a Mediator to unfeigned obedience to the holy
law, is one great end of the Gospel of Christ, and of the means of
grace connected with the establishment of the church (Romans
8:2,4; 10:4; Jude 20-21; Matthew 16:17-18).
OF A GOSPEL CHURCH
We believe that the church of Christ is a visible congregation of
baptized believers (I Corinthians 1:1-13; Matthew 18:17; Acts 5:11,
8:1); associated by covenant in the faith and fellowship of the Gospel
of Christ (Acts 2:41-42, 47; II Corinthians 8:5; I Corinthians
5:12-13); observing the ordinances of Christ (I Corinthians 11:2, 23;
II Thessalonians 3:6; Romans 16:17-20); governed by His laws
(Matthew 28:20; John 14:15, 21; I John 4:21); and exercising the
gifts, rights, and privileges invested in them by His word (Ephesians
4:7; I Corinthians 14:12; Philippians 1:27); that its only scriptural
officers are bishops or pastors and deacons (Philippians 1:1; Acts
14:23; I Timothy 3); whose qualifications, claims, and duties are
defined in the Epistles of Timothy and Titus.
OF BAPTISM AND THE LORD'S SUPPER
We believe that baptism is the immersion in water of a believer (Acts
8:39; Matthew 3:5-6; John 3:22-23), into the name of the Father,
the Son, and Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19; Acts 10:47-48); to show
forth in a solemn and beautiful emblem of our faith in the crucified,
buried, and risen Savior, with its effects, in our death to sin and
resurrection to a new life (Romans 6:4; Colossians 2:12); that it is a
prerequisite to the privilege of a church relation and to the Lord's
Supper (Acts 2:41-42; Matthew 28:19-20), in which the members of
the church by the sacred use of bread and wine, are to
commemorate together the dying love of Christ (I Corinthians11:26;
Matthew 26:26-29); preceded always by solemn self-examination (I
Corinthians 11:28, 5:1, 8).
OF THE LORD'S DAY
We believe that the first day of the week is the Lord's Day (Acts 20:7;
Colossians 2:16-17; John 20:19; I Corinthians 16:1-2); and is to be
kept sacred to religious purposes (Exodus 20:8; Revelation 1:10;
Psalm 118:24), by abstaining from all secular labor and sinful
recreations (Isaiah 58:13-14, 56:2-8), by the devout observation of all
means of grace, both private (Psalms 118:5) and public (Hebrews
10:24-25; Acts 11:26, 13-44); and by preparation for that rest that
remaineth for the people of God (Hebrews 4:3-11).
THE CIVIL GOVERNMENT
We believe that civil government is of divine appointment, for the
interest and good order of human society (Romans 13:1-7;
Deuteronomy 16:18; II Samuel 22:30); and that magistrates are to
be prayed for, conscientiously honored, and obeyed (Matthew 22:21;
Titus 3:1; I Peter 2:13; I Timothy 2:1-8); except only in things
opposed to the will of our Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 5:29; Matthew
10:28; Daniel 3:15-18, 6:7-10), who is the only Lord of the
conscience, and the Prince of the kings of the earth (Matthew 23:10;
Romans 14:4; Revelation 19:16; Psalm 72:11).
OF THE RIGHTEOUS AND THE WICKED
We believe that there is a radical and essential difference between
the righteous and the wicked (Malachi 3:18; Proverbs 12:26;
Romans 6:16); 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 (Romans 1:17, 6:18-22; I John 2:29,
3:7); while all such as continue in impenitence and unbelief are in
His sight wicked,
and under the curse (I John 5:19; Galatians 3:10; John 3:36); and
this distinction holds among men both in and after death (Proverbs
14:32, 10:24; Luke 16:25; John 8:21-24).
OF THE WORLD TO COME
We believe that the end of this world is approaching (I Peter 4:7; I
Corinthians 7:29-31; Hebrews 1:10-12; Matthew 24:35); that at the
Last Day Christ will descend from heaven (Acts 1:11; Revelation
1:7; Hebrews 9:28; I Thessalonians 4:13-18, 5:1-11), and raise the
dead from the grave to final retribution; a solemn separation will
then take place (Matthew 13:37-43, 49; 24:30-31; 25:31-33); that the
wicked (Acts 24:15; I Corinthians 15:12-59; John 5:28-29) will be
adjudged to endless punishment, and the righteous to endless joy
(Matthew 25:35-41; Revelation 22:11; I Corinthians 6:9-10; Romans
6:22); and that this judgment will fix forever the final state of men
in heaven or hell, on principles of righteousness (Romans 3:5-6; II
Thessalonians 1:6-12; Hebrews 6:1-2; Romans 2:2-16).
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |