DECLARATION OF FAITH
of Raleigh Springs Baptist Church
I. OF THE SCRIPTURES
We believe that the Holy Bible was written
by men divinely inspired, and it is a perfect treasure of
heavenly instruction (II TIM. 3:16-17); that
it has God for its author, salvation for its end (II
TIM. 3:15); that it is verbal, plenary, infallible
and truth without any mixture of error
(PROVERBS 30:5-6).
We believe that God's Holy Word reveals the
principles by which GOD will judge us (ROMANS
2:12; JOHN 12:47-48); and, is the supreme standard
by which all human conduct, creeds and
opinions should be tried (I JOHN 4:1; ISAIAH
8:20).
II. 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 147:5; PSALM 83:18; HEBREWS 3:4; ROMANS
1:20; JEREMIAH 10:10); HE is
inexpressibly glorious in holiness and worthy of all possible honor,
confidence and love
(EXODUS 15:11; MARK 12:30; REVELATION 4:11);
that, in the unity of the GODHEAD, there
are three (3) persons: GOD THE FATHER, GOD THE SON and GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT
(MATTHEW 28:19,20; JOHN 15:16; 1 JOHN 5:7); these
three (3) are equal in every divine
perfection (JOHN 10:30); and, thev are executing
distinct but harmonious offices in the great
work of redemption (EPHESIANS 2:18; 11 CORINTHIANS
13:14).
III. 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); however, by voluntary transgression,
man 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); All mankind
are sinners by nature and by choice,
(ISAIAH 53:6; GENESIS 6:12; ROMANS 3:9-18); and
are by nature, utterly void of the holiness
required by THE LAW OF GOD and are positively
inclined to evil and are therefore, under just
condemnation to eternal ruin, (EPHESIANS 2:12;
ROMANS 1:18,31; ROMANS 2:1-16);
Mankind is entirely without defense or excuse,
(EZEKIEL 18: 19,20; ROMANS 1:20; ROMANS
3:19).
IV. OF THE WAY OF SALVATION
We believe that the salvation of sinners is entirely OF GRACE, (EPHESIANS 2:5; 1 JOHN 4:10);
through the Mediatorial offices of the Son of God, (JOHN 1:1-14; JOHN 3:16); who, by the
appointment of The Father, freely took upon Himself our nature, yet without sin, (PHILIPPIANS 2:6-7;
HEBREWS 2:9-14); He honored the Divine Law by His personal obedience, (ISAIAH 42:21;
PHILIPPIANS 2:8); and by His death made 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 3:14); and united in His wonderful person are the tenderest
sympathies with divine perfections and He is in every way qualified to be a suitable, compassionate and
an all-sufficient Savior, (HEBREWS 7:25-26; COLOSSIANS 2:9; HEBREWS 2:18).
V. OF JUSTIFICATION
We believe that the great Gospel blessing which
Christ secures to those that believe in Him, is
Justification, (JOHN 1:16;EPHESIANS 3:8; ACTS
13:39; ROMANS 8:1); this justification
includes the pardon of sin and the promise of
eternal life, on principles of righteousness,
(ROMANS 5:9; ROMANS 5:17; TITUS 3:5,6); that
this Justification is bestowed, not in
consideration oi any works of righteousness that
we have done, but solely through faith in the
Redeemer's Blood, (ROMANS 4:4,5); by virtue of
that faith, Christ's perfect righteousness is
freely imputed to us, (ROMANS 5:19; ROMANS 3:24-28);
that it brings us into a state of
blessed peace and favor with God and secures
all other blessings needful for time and eternity,
(ROMANS 5:1-3; MATTHEW 6:33).
VI. OF THE FREENESS OF SALVATION
We believe that Salvation is made free to all
by the Gospel of Christ, (ISAIAH 55:1;
REVELATION 22:17); that the Scriptures charge
all to accept it in a sincere repentance and an
obedient faith, (ROMANS 16:26; MARK 1:15; ROMANS
1:15-17); and, that nothing prevents
the salvation of the greatest sinner on earth
except depravity and voluntary rejection of the Gospel
of Christ, (JOHN 5:20; ROMANS 9:32).
VII. 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 regeneration consists in the giving of a
holy disposition to the mind, (II CORINTHIANS
5:17; EZEKIEL 36:26; ROMANS 2:28,29); that our
mind is affected by the Holy Spirit, in
connection with Divine Truth, (JOHN 3:8; JOHN
1:13; JAMES 1:16-18); so as to secure our
voluntary obedience to the Gospel of Christ,
(I PETER 1:22-25; 1 JOHN 5:1; EPHESIANS
4:20-24); and that 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).
VIII. OF REPENTANCE AND FAITH
We believe that repentance and faith are inseparable
graces, wrought in our souls in regeneration,
(MARK 1:15; ACTS 11:18; EPHESIANS 2:8; 1 JOHN
5:1); whereby being deeply convinced of
your guilt, danger and helplessness, and of the
way of salvation by Christ, (JOHN 16:8; ACTS
2:37,38; ACTS 16:30,31); we turn to God with
genuine repentance, confession and supplication
for mercy, (LUKE 18:13; JAMES 4:7-10);at the
same time receiving The Lord Jesus Christ as our Prophet Priest
and King and relying on Christ alone
as the only and all-sufficient Savior, (ROMANS 10:9-13; ACTS 3:22,23; HEBREWS
1:8).
IX. OF GOD'S PURPOSE OF GRACE
We believe that election is the eternal purpose
of God, according to which He graciously
regenerates, saves and sanctifies 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 JLO: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;
ROMANS 11:28-36); that it excludes any boasting
and promotes love, humility, prayer, praise,
trust in God, and active imitation of His free
mercy, (I CORINTHIANS 4:7; 1 CORINTHIANS
1:26-31; COLOSSIANS 3:12) that it encourages
the use of means in the highest degree, (II
TIMOTHY 2:10; 1 CORINTHIANS 9:2; ROMANS 8:28-30;
JOHN 6:37-40); that it may be
ascertained by its affect 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; ROMANS 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).
X. 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; 11 CORINTHIANS 7:1); that it is a
progressive work, (PROVERBS 4:18; 11 PETER 1:58;
PHILIPPIANS 3:12-16); that it begins 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; 1 PETER 2:2).
XI. OF THE PERSEVERANCE OF THE SAINTS
We.believe that only true believers endure to
the end, (JOHN 8:31; I JOHN 2:27,28; 1 JOHN
3:9); that their persevering attachment to Christ
is the grand mark which distinguishes them from
superficial professors, (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; PHILIPPIANS 2:12,13; JUDE 24,25).
XII. 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; LURE 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 it's precepts, arises entirely from
their love of sin, (ROMANS 8:7,8; JEREMIAH 13:23);
to deliver them from and restore them through
a Mediator to genuine obedience to the holy law,
is one great end of the Gospel, (ROMANS 8:2,4;
ROMANS 10:4; JUDE 20,21; MATTHEW
16:17,18).
XIII. OF A GOSPEL CHURCH
We believe that a visible church of Christ is
a congregation of baptized believers, (I
CORINTHIANS 1:1-13; MATTHEW 18:17; ACTS 5:11;
ACTS 8:1); associated by covenant in
the faith and fellowship of the Gospel of Christ,
(ACTS 2:41,42; 11 CORINTHIANS 8:5; 1
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; 1 JOHN 4:21); and exercising the
gifts, rights, and privileges invested in them by
His Word, (EPHESIANS 4:7; 1 CORINTHIANS 14:12;
PHILIPPIANS 1:27); that its only
Scriptural officers are pastors and deacons,
(PHILIPPIANS 1:1; ACTS 14:23; 1 TIMOTHY
3-ALL) whose qualifications, claims and duties
are defined in the Epistles of I and II Timothy and
Titus.
XIV. OF BAPTISM AND THE LORD'S SUPPER
We believe that Christian Baptism is the immersion
of a believer in water, (ACTS 8:36-39;
MATTHEW 3:5,6; JOHN 3:22,23); into the Name of
God The Father, God The Son and God
The Holy Spirit, (MATTHEW 28:19; ACTS 10:47,48);
to show forth in a solemn and beautiful
emblem, our faith in the crucified, buried, and
risen Savior, with its effect 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 unleaven bread and wine are to
commemorate, together, the dying love of Christ,
(I CORINTHIANS 11:26; MATTHEW
26:26-29); always preceded by solemn self-examination,
(I CORINTHIANS 11:28; 1
CORINTHIANS 5:1,B).
XV. OF THE LORD'S DAY
We believe that the first day of the week (Sunday)
is the Lord's Day, (ACTS 20:7;
COLOSSIANS 2:16.17; JOHN 20:19; 1 CORINTHIANS
16:1,2); and, The Lord's Day is to be
set aside and kept sacred, (EXODUS 20:8; REVELATION
1:10; PSALM 118:24).
XVI. OF CIVIL GOVERNMENT
We believe that civil goverriment is of Divine
appointment, for the interests and good order of
human society, ROMANS 13:1-7) ; and that government
leaders are to prayed for, honored and
obeyed, (Matthew 22:21, Titus 3:1, 1 Peter
2:13; 1 Timothy 2:1-8); except in those things that
are opposed to the will of our Lord Jesus
Christ, (Acts 5:29; Matthew 10:28; Daniel 3-15-18 ;
Daniel 7: 7-10).
XVII. OF THE RIGHTEOUS & WICKED
We believe that there is a great difference
and essential difference between the righteous and the
wicked, (Malachi 3:18; Proverbs 12:26; Romans
6:16) ; that only those who through faith, are
justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and
sanctified by the Spirit of God are considered
righteous in His esteem, (Romans 1: 17; Romans
7:6; Romans 6:18-22; 1 John 2:29; 1 John 3:7);
and all that continue in an unrepentance and
unbelief, in his sight, wicked and under the curse (I
John 5-19 Galations 3: 10; John 3:36) ; and
this distinction holds among men, both in life and
after death, (Proverbs 14:32; Proverbs 10:24;
Luke 16:25; John 8:21-24).
XVIII. OF THE WORLD TO COME
Since there is a difference as to what the
second coming will be in detail we will limit our
statement to what we believe to be essential
concerning the world to come. We believe that the
Lord Jesus will come to judge the quick and
the dead at his appearing, ( 11 Timothy 4:1) ; We
believe that Christ will come again because
he promise he would and we believe the promises of
the Lord ( John 14-1-6) ; We believe that
it will be the same Jesus who lived, died, rose again, and
ascended to the Father ( Acts 1: 11) We believe
that when he comes ever eye shall see him (
Revelation 1: 7)
Note
There is a difference of opinions to the second
coming of Christ among the members of Raleigh
Springs Baptist Church as to the purpose for
which he comes, but this difference does not, will
not, has not, caused a division in our church
for which we are thankful to GOD for it. We believe
that in these matters of difference we can still
love and worship our Lord and fellowship one with
another.
Pastor Jack Duplechain