OF THE SCRIPTURE

We believe that the Holy Bible was written by men divinely inspired, and is a perfect treasure Heavenly instruction; that it has God as its author, salvation for its end and truth without mixture of error, for its matter, that reveals the principles by which god will judge us; and therefore it shall remain to the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creed, and opinion should be tried

(II Timothy 3:16; II Peter 1:21; II Samuel 23:2; Acts 1:16; and 3:21). 

OF THE TRUE GOD
We believe that there is one and only one living and true God, and an intelligent spiritual being, the Creator, Preserver and Ruler of the universe, infinite in holiness and all other perfection to whom we owe the highest love, reverence and obedience.  He is revealed to us as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, each with distinct personal attributes, but without division of nature, essence of being. 

(John 4:24; Psalms 147:5 and 83:18; Hebrews 3:4; and Romans 1:20).

OF THE FALL OF MAN
We believe that man was created by the special act of God, as recorded in Genesis.  "So God created Man in His own image, in the image of God created He them" (Genesis 1:17).  "And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul." 

(Genesis 1:31; Romans 1:20; Ezekiel 8:19-20; Psalms 51:5 Romans 5:15-19 and 8:7). 

OF THE WAY OF SALVATION
We believe that the salvation of sinners is wholly of grace, through the mediatorial office of the Son of God, who by the Holy Spirit was born of the Virgin Mary and took upon Him our nature, yet without sin; honored the divine law by his personal obedience and made atonement for our sins by His death.  Being risen from the dead, He is now enthroned in Heaven, and uniting in His person the tenderest sympathies with divine perfection.  He is in every way qualified to be a compassionate and all-sufficient Savior.

(Philippians 2:6-7; Hebrews 2:9-14; Ephesians 2:8; Matthew 18:11; Isaiah 42:21; and Psalms 34). 

OF GOD'S PURPOSE OF GRACE
We believe that election is the gracious purpose of God according to which He regenerates, sanctifies and saves sinners.  It is perfectly consistent with the free agency of man and in no way interferes with the salvation of any individual.  It is a most glorious display of God's sovereign goodness, and is infinitely wise, holy and unchangeable.  It excludes boasting and promotes humility.  It encourages the use of means in the highest degree

(Exodus 33:18-19; II Timothy 1:9; Romans 11:15-16; and I Thessalonians 1:4-10). 

OF SANCTIFICATION
We believe that sanctification is the process by which according to the will of God, we are made partakers of His holiness; that it is a progressive work that is begun in regeneration; and that it is carried out in the hearts of believers by the presence and power of the Holy Spirit, in the continual use of the appointed means, especially the word of God, self-examination, self-denial, watchfulness, and prayer

(Philippians 2:12-13; II Peter 3:18; and II Corinthians 13:5). 

OF THE PRESEVERANCE 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 that they are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation.

(I John 2:19; Romans 8:28; Philippians 2:12; and Matthew 13:20-21). 

OF THE HARMONY OF THE LAW AND THE GOSPEL

We believe that the law of God is the eternal and unchangeable 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 their love of sin; 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.

(Romans 8:2-4; Jeremiah 13:23; and John 6:44).
 

 OF THE RIGHTEOUS AND THE WICKED

We believe that there is a radical and essential difference between the righteous and the wicked.  Those only who are justified through the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and sanctified by the Holy Spirit are truly righteous in His sight.  Those who continue to impenitence and unbelief are in His sight wicked and are under condemnation.  This distinction between the righteous and the wicked holds in and after death, and will be made manifest in judgment when final and everlasting awards are made to all men. 

(Matthew 3:18; Romans 1:17; Proverbs 14:32; Luke 16:25; and Romans 6:18). 

OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

We believe that Christianity is the religion of enlightenment and intelligence.  In Jesus Christ are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.  All sound learning is therefore a part of our Christian heritage.  The new birth opens all human faculties and creates a thirst for knowledge.  An adequate system of school is necessary to complete the spiritual program for Christ's people.  The cause of education in the Kingdom of Christ coordinates with the cause of mission and general benevolence, and should receive alone with these the liberal support of the churches. 

OF SOCIAL SERVICE

We believe that every Christian is under obligation to seek to make the will of Christ ruler in his own life and human society.  To oppose in the Spirit of Christ every form of greed, selfishness and vice; to provide for the orphaned, the aged, the helpless, and the sick; to seek to bring industry, government and society as a whole under the sway of the principles of righteousness, truth, and brotherly love.  To promote these ends, Christians should be ready to work with all men of goodwill in a good cause, always to Christ and His truth.  All means and methods used in social service for the improvement of society and the establishment of righteousness among men must finally depend on the individual by the saving grace of God in Christ Jesus. 

OF THE WORLD TO COME

We believe that the end of the world is approaching; that 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 adjudge to endless punishment and the righteous to endless joy; and that this judgment will fix forever the final state of man in heaven or hell, on principles of righteousness. 

This section of the Articles of Faith may be viewed from at least four different points: Pre-millennial, Millennial, Ammillennial or Postmillennial; whereas, each shares a common goal which is Christ, who will return for the church.  The basic difference is at what time period this will occur.  For example, the Pre-millennial feels that in the second coming of Christ He will reign for a thousand years over the earth before the final consummation of God's redemptive purpose in the New Heavens and new Earth of the age to come (Revelations 2:1-6).  On the other hand, the Millennialist believe that God's kingdom in now being extended causing the world to be Christianized and resulting in a long period of peace and prosperity (Isaiah 13:17 and 14:4-6).  But the Ammillennialist are of the opinion that there will be a total period of universal peace and righteousness before the end of the world.  Finally, the Postmillennialist believe that the kingdom of God is not being extended in the world through the preaching of the Gospel and saving power in the Holy Spirit in the ears of Christians so that the world eventually is to be Christianized and the righteousness and peace will be the result.  As indicated, the only basic difference is the actual time period involved (I Peter 4:7; Matthew 25:30; I John 2:17 and II Peter 3:13).  There are many books written on the Millennial and we strongly suggest further research on each point.