Declaration of Faith

I. OF THE SCRIPTURES

We believe that the Holy Bible was written by men divinely inspired, and is a perfect treasure of heavenly instruction; that it has God for its author, salvation for its end, and truth for its matter; that it reveals the principles by which God will judge us; and therefore is, and shall remain to the end of the world, the true center of Christian union, and the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds and opinions should be tried.

II. OF THE TRUE GOD

We believe 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; inexpressibly glorious in holiness, and worthy of all possible honor, confidence and love; that in the unity of the God-head there are three persons -- the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit; equal in every divine perfection, and executing distinct but harmonious offices in the great work of redemption.

III. OF THE FALL OF MAN

We believe that man was created in holiness, under the law of his Maker, but, by voluntary transgression, fell from that holy and happy state; in consequence of which all mankind are now sinners, 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. without defence or excuse. We believe that man was created in holiness, under the law of his Maker. but, by voluntary transgression, fell from that holy and happy state; in consequence of which all mankind are now sinners, 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, without defence or excuse.

IV. OF THE WAY OF SALVATION

We believe that the salvation of sinners is wholly by grace, through the mediatorial offices of the Son of God, who, by the appointment of the Father, freely took upon him our nature, yet without sin; honored the divine law by his personal obedience, and by his death made a full atonement for our sins; that, having risen from the dead, is now enthroned in heaven; and uniting in his wonderful person the tenderest sympathies with divine perfections, he is in every way qualified to be a suitable, a compassionate and all-sufficient Savior.

V. OF JUSTIFICATION

We believe that the great gospel blessing which Christ secures to such as believe in him, is justification; that justification includes the pardon of sin and the promise of eternal life, on principles of righteousness; that it is bestowed, not in consideration of any works of righteousness which we have done, but only through faith in the Redeemer's blood; by virtue of which faith, his perfect righteousness is freely imputed to us of God; that it brings us into a state of most blessed peace and favor with God, and secures every other spiritual blessing needful for time and eternity.

VI. OF THE FREENESS OF SALVATION

We believe that the blessings of salvation are made free to all by the gospel; that it is the immediate duty of all to accept them by a cordial, penitent and obedient faith; and that nothing prevents the salvation of the greatest sinner on earth but his own inherent depravity, and voluntary rejection of the gospel, which rejection involves him in an aggravated condemnation.

VII. OF GRACE IN REGENERATION

We believe that in order to be saved, sinners must be regenerated, or born again; that regeneration consists in giving a holy disposition to the mind; that it is effected in a manner above our comprehension, by the power of the Holy Spirit in connection with divine truth, so as to secure our voluntary obedience to the gospel; and that its proper evidence is found in the holy fruit which we bring forth to the glory of God.

VIII. OF ELECTION

We believe in God's act of choice, or gracious purpose, according to which he calls, regenerates, sanctifies and saves sinners; that it is according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ; and that God, from the beginning, before the foundation of the world, chose His people in Christ, that they should be holy and without blame before him in love, having predestinated them to the adoption of Children by Jesus Christ to himself according to the good pleasure of his will; that it utterly excludes boasting, and promote humility, thankfulness, and trust in God; that it encourages the use of means in the highest degree; is the foundation of Christian assurance; and that to ascertain it with regard to ourselves, demands and deserves our utmost diligence; and that we can only ascertain this by the reception of and obedience to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

IX. OF THE PERSERVERANCE OF THE SAINTS

We believe that such only are real believers as endure unto the end; that their persevering attachment to Christ is the grand mark which distinguishes them from superficial professors; that a special providence watches over their welfare; and they are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation.

X. 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; that it is holy, just and good; and that the inability, which the Scriptures ascribe to fallen men to fulfill its precepts, arises entirely from a corrupt and depraved nature, to deliver them from which, and to restore them through a Mediator to unfeigned obedience to the holy law, in one great and of the gospel, and of the means of grace connected with the establishment of the visible church.

XI. OF THE GOSPEL

We believe that a visible church of Christ is a congregation of baptized believers, associated by covenant in the faith and fellowship of the gospel; observing the ordinances of Christ, governed by his laws, and exercising the gifts, rights and privileges invented in them by his word; that its only scriptural officers are Bishops or Pastors and Deacons, whose qualifications, claims and duties are defined in the Scriptures.

XII. OF BAPTISM AND THE LORD'S SUPPER

We believe that Christian Baptism is the immersion in water of a believer, into the name of the Father, and Son, and Holy Spirit; to show forth, in a solemn and beautiful emblem, our faith in a buried and risen Savior, with its effect in our death to sin, and resurrection to a now life; that it in pre-requisite to the privileges of a church relation, and to the Lord's Supper, in which the members of the church, by the sacred use of bread and wine, are to commemorate together the dying love of Christ; preceded always by solemn self-examination.

XIII. OF THE CHRISTIAN SABBATH

We believe that the first day of the week is the Lord's Day, or Christian Sabbath, and is to be kept sacred to religious purposes, by abstaining from all secular labor and sinful recreation; by the devout observance of all the means of grace, both private and public, and by preparation for that rest that remaineth for the people of God.

XIV. OF CIVIL GOVERNMENT

We believe that civil government is of divine appointment for the interest and good order of human society; and that magistrates are to be prayed for, and obeyed; except only in things opposed to the will of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is the only Lord of the conscience, and the Prince of the kings of earth.

XV. OF THE RIGHTEOUS AND THE WICKED

We believe that there is a radical and essential difference between the righteous and the wicked; 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; while all such as continue in impenitence and unbelief are in his sight wicked and under the curse; and this distinction holds among men both in and after death.

XVI. OF THE WORLD TO COME

We believe that the end of the world is approaching; that at the appointed day Christ will descend from heaven and raise the dead from the grave to final retribution; that a solemn separation will then take place; that the wicked will be adjudged to endless punishment, and the righteous to endless joy; and that the judgment will fix forever the final state of men in heaven or hell, on principles of righteousness.