1963
Baptist Faith and Message Statement with 1998
Amendment | |
2000
Baptist Faith and Message
Statement | |
1925
Baptist Faith and Message
Statement | |
I. The
Scriptures
The Holy Bible was written by men divinely
inspired and is the record of God's revelation of
Himself to man. It is a perfect treasure of divine
instruction. It has God for its author, salvation for
its end, and truth, without any mixture of error, for
its matter. It reveals the principles by which God
judges us; and therefore is, and will remain to the end
of the world, the true center of Christian union, and
the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds,
and religious opinions should be tried. The criterion by
which the Bible is to be interpreted is Jesus Christ.
Ex. 24:4; Deut. 4:1-2; 17:19; Josh. 8:34; Psalms
19:7-10; 119:11,89,105,140; Isa. 34:16; 40:8; Jer.
15:16; 36; Matt. 5:17-18; 22:29; Luke 21:33; 24:44-46;
John 5:39; 16:13-15; 17:17; Acts 2:16ff.; 17:11; Rom.
15:4; 16:25-26; 2 Tim. 3:15-17; Heb. 1:1-2; 4:12; 1
Peter 1:25; 2 Peter
1:19-21. | |
I. The
Scriptures
The Holy Bible was written by men divinely
inspired and is God's revelation of Himself to man. It
is a perfect treasure of divine instruction. It has God
for its author, salvation for its end, and truth,
without any mixture of error, for its matter. Therefore,
all Scripture is totally true and trustworthy. It
reveals the principles by which God judges us, and
therefore is, and will remain to the end of the world,
the true center of Christian union, and the supreme
standard by which all human conduct, creeds, and
religious opinions should be tried. All Scripture is a
testimony to Christ, who is Himself the focus of divine
revelation.
Exodus 24:4; Deuteronomy 4:1-2; 17:19; Joshua
8:34; Psalms 19:7-10; 119:11,89,105,140; Isaiah 34:16;
40:8; Jeremiah 15:16; 36; Matthew 5:17-18; 22:29; Luke
21:33; 24:44-46; John 5:39; 16:13-15; 17:17; Acts
2:16ff.; 17:11; Romans 15:4; 16:25-26; 2 Timothy
3:15-17; Hebrews 1:1-2; 4:12; 1 Peter 1:25; 2 Peter
1:19-21. | |
I. 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, without any mixture of
error, for its matter; that it reveals the principles by
which God will judge us; and therefore is, and will
remain to the end of the world, the true center of
Christian union, and the supreme standard by which all
human conduct, creeds and religious opinions should be
tried.
Luke 16:29-31; 2 Tim. 3:15-17; Eph. 2:20; Heb.
1:1; 2 Peter 1:19-21; John 16:13-15; Matt. 22:29-31;
Psalm 19:7-10; Psalm 119:1-8.
| |
II.
God
There is one and only one living and true God.
He is an intelligent, spiritual, and personal Being, the
Creator, Redeemer, Preserver, and Ruler of the universe.
God is infinite in holiness and all other perfections.
To him we owe the highest love, reverence, and
obedience. The eternal God reveals Himself to us as
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, with distinct personal
attributes, but without division of nature, essence, or
being.
1. God the Father
God as Father reigns with providential
care over His universe, His creatures, and the flow of
the stream of human history according to the purposes of
His grace. He is all powerful, all loving, and all wise.
God is Father in truth to those who become children of
God through faith in Jesus Christ. He is fatherly in his
attitude toward all men.
Gen. 1:1; 2:7; Ex. 3:14; 6:2-3; 15:11ff.; 20:1ff.;
Levit. 22:2; Deut. 6:4; 32:6; 1 Chron. 29:10; Psalm
19:1-3; Isa. 43:3,15; 64:8; Jer. 10:10; 17:13; Matt.
6:9ff.; 7:11; 23:9; 28:19; Mark 1:9-11; John 4:24; 5:26;
14:6-13; 17:1-8; Acts 1:7; Rom. 8:14-15; 1 Cor. 8:6;
Gal. 4:6; Ephes. 4:6; Col. 1:15; 1 Tim. 1:17; Heb. 11:6;
12:9; 1 Peter 1:17; 1 John 5:7.
2. God the Son
Christ is the eternal Son of God. In His
incarnation as Jesus Christ He was conceived of the Holy
Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. Jesus perfectly
revealed and did the will of God, taking upon Himself
the demands and necessities of human nature and
identifying Himself completely with mankind yet without
sin. He honored the divine law by His personal
obedience, and in His death on the cross He made
provision for the redemption of men from sin. He was
raised from the dead with a glorified body and appeared
to His disciples as the person who was with them before
His crucifixion. He ascended into heaven and is now
exalted at the right hand of God where He is the One
Mediator, partaking of the nature of God and of man, and
in whose Person is effected the reconciliation between
God and man. He will return in power and glory to judge
the world and to consummate His redemptive mission. He
now dwells in all believers as the living and ever
present Lord.
Gen. 18:1ff.; Psalms 2:7ff.; 110:1ff.; Isa. 7:14;
53; Matt. 1:18-23; 3:17; 8:29; 11:27; 14:33; 16:16,27;
17:5; 27; 28:1-6,19; Mark 1:1; 3:11; Luke 1:35; 4:41;
22:70; 24:46; John 1:1-18,29; 10:30,38; 11:25-27;
12:44-50; 14:7-11; 16:15-16,28; 17:1-5, 21-22;
20:1-20,28; Acts 1:9; 2:22-24; 7:55-56; 9:4-5,20; Rom.
1:3-4; 3:23-26; 5:6-21; 8:1-3,34; 10:4; 1 Cor. 1:30;
2:2; 8:6; 15:1-8,24-28; 2 Cor. 5:19-21; 8:9; Gal. 4:4-5;
Ephes. 1:20; 3:11; 4:7-10; Phil. 2:5-11; Col. 1:13-22;
2:9; 1 Thess. 4:14-18; 1 Tim. 2:5-6; 3:16; Titus
2:13-14; Heb. 1:1-3; 4:14-15; 7:14-28; 9:12-15,24-28;
12:2; 13:8; 1 Peter 2:21-25; 3:22; 1 John 1:7-9; 3:2;
4:14-15; 5:9; 2 John 7-9; Rev. 1:13-16; 5:9-14;
12:10-11; 13:8; 19:16.
3. God the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of God. He
inspired holy men of old to write the Scriptures.
Through illumination He enables men to understand truth.
He exalts Christ. He convicts of sin, of righteousness
and of judgment. He calls men to the Saviour, and
effects regeneration. He cultivates Christian character,
comforts believers, and bestows the spiritual gifts by
which they serve God through His church. He seals the
believer unto the day of final redemption. His presence
in the Christian is the assurance of God to bring the
believer into the fulness of the stature of Christ. He
enlightens and empowers the believer and the church in
worship, evangelism, and service.
Gen. 1:2; Judg. 14:6; Job 26:13; Psalms 51:11;
139:7ff.; Isa. 61:1-3; Joel 2:28-32; Matt. 1:18; 3:16;
4:1; 12:28-32; 28:19; Mark 1:10,12; Luke 1:35;
4:1,18-19; 11:13; 12:12; 24:49; John 4:24; 14:16-17,26;
15:26; 16:7-14; Acts 1:8; 2:1-4,38; 4:31; 5:3; 6:3;
7:55; 8:17,39; 10:44; 13:2; 15:28; 16:6; 19:1-6; Rom.
8:9-11,14-16,26-27; 1 Cor. 2:10-14; 3:16; 12:3-11; Gal.
4:6; Ephes. 1:13-14; 4:30; 5:18; 1 Thess. 5:19; 1 Tim.
3:16; 4:1; 2 Tim. 1:14; 3:16; Heb. 9:8,14; 2 Peter 1:21;
1 John 4:13; 5:6-7; Rev. 1:10;
22:17. | |
II.
God
There is one and only one living and true God.
He is an intelligent, spiritual, and personal Being, the
Creator, Redeemer, Preserver, and Ruler of the universe.
God is infinite in holiness and all other perfections.
God is all powerful and all knowing; and His perfect
knowledge extends to all things, past, present, and
future, including the future decisions of His free
creatures. To Him we owe the highest love, reverence,
and obedience. The eternal triune God reveals Himself to
us as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, with distinct
personal attributes, but without division of nature,
essence, or being.
A. God the Father
God as Father reigns with providential care over His
universe, His creatures, and the flow of the stream of
human history according to the purposes of His grace. He
is all powerful, all knowing, all loving, and all wise.
God is Father in truth to those who become children of
God through faith in Jesus Christ. He is fatherly in His
attitude toward all men.
Genesis 1:1; 2:7; Exodus 3:14; 6:2-3; 15:11ff.;
20:1ff.; Leviticus 22:2; Deuteronomy 6:4; 32:6; 1
Chronicles 29:10; Psalm 19:1-3; Isaiah 43:3,15; 64:8;
Jeremiah 10:10; 17:13; Matthew 6:9ff.; 7:11; 23:9;
28:19; Mark 1:9-11; John 4:24; 5:26; 14:6-13; 17:1-8;
Acts 1:7; Romans 8:14-15; 1 Corinthians 8:6; Galatians
4:6; Ephesians 4:6; Colossians 1:15; 1 Timothy 1:17;
Hebrews 11:6; 12:9; 1 Peter 1:17; 1 John 5:7.
B. God the Son
Christ is the eternal Son of God. In His incarnation
as Jesus Christ He was conceived of the Holy Spirit and
born of the virgin Mary. Jesus perfectly revealed and
did the will of God, taking upon Himself human nature
with its demands and necessities and identifying Himself
completely with mankind yet without sin. He honored the
divine law by His personal obedience, and in His
substitutionary death on the cross He made provision for
the redemption of men from sin. He was raised from the
dead with a glorified body and appeared to His disciples
as the person who was with them before His crucifixion.
He ascended into heaven and is now exalted at the right
hand of God where He is the One Mediator, fully God,
fully man, in whose Person is effected the
reconciliation between God and man. He will return in
power and glory to judge the world and to consummate His
redemptive mission. He now dwells in all believers as
the living and ever present Lord.
Genesis 18:1ff.; Psalms 2:7ff.;
110:1ff.; Isaiah 7:14; 53; Matthew 1:18-23; 3:17;
8:29; 11:27; 14:33; 16:16,27; 17:5; 27; 28:1-6,19; Mark
1:1; 3:11; Luke 1:35; 4:41; 22:70; 24:46; John
1:1-18,29; 10:30,38; 11:25-27; 12:44-50; 14:7-11;
16:15-16,28; 17:1-5, 21-22; 20:1-20,28; Acts 1:9;
2:22-24; 7:55-56; 9:4-5,20; Romans 1:3-4; 3:23-26;
5:6-21; 8:1-3,34; 10:4; 1 Corinthians 1:30; 2:2; 8:6;
15:1-8,24-28; 2 Corinthians 5:19-21; 8:9; Galatians
4:4-5; Ephesians 1:20; 3:11; 4:7-10; Philippians 2:5-11;
Colossians 1:13-22; 2:9; 1 Thessalonians 4:14-18; 1
Timothy 2:5-6; 3:16; Titus 2:13-14; Hebrews 1:1-3;
4:14-15; 7:14-28; 9:12-15,24-28; 12:2; 13:8; 1 Peter
2:21-25; 3:22; 1 John 1:7-9; 3:2; 4:14-15; 5:9; 2 John
7-9; Revelation 1:13-16; 5:9-14; 12:10-11; 13:8;
19:16.
C. God the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of God, fully divine.
He inspired holy men of old to write the Scriptures.
Through illumination He enables men to understand truth.
He exalts Christ. He convicts men of sin, of
righteousness, and of judgment. He calls men to the
Saviour, and effects regeneration. At the moment of
regeneration He baptizes every believer into the Body of
Christ. He cultivates Christian character, comforts
believers, and bestows the spiritual gifts by which they
serve God through His church. He seals the believer unto
the day of final redemption. His presence in the
Christian is the guarantee that God will bring the
believer into the fullness of the stature of Christ. He
enlightens and empowers the believer and the church in
worship, evangelism, and service.
Genesis 1:2; Judges 14:6; Job 26:13; Psalms 51:11;
139:7ff.; Isaiah 61:1-3; Joel 2:28-32; Matthew 1:18;
3:16; 4:1; 12:28-32; 28:19; Mark 1:10,12; Luke 1:35;
4:1,18-19; 11:13; 12:12; 24:49; John 4:24; 14:16-17,26;
15:26; 16:7-14; Acts 1:8; 2:1-4,38; 4:31; 5:3; 6:3;
7:55; 8:17,39; 10:44; 13:2; 15:28; 16:6; 19:1-6; Romans
8:9-11,14-16,26-27; 1 Corinthians 2:10-14; 3:16;
12:3-11,13; Galatians 4:6; Ephesians 1:13-14; 4:30;
5:18; 1 Thessalonians 5:19; 1 Timothy 3:16; 4:1; 2
Timothy 1:14; 3:16; Hebrews 9:8,14; 2 Peter 1:21; 1 John
4:13; 5:6-7; Revelation 1:10;
22:17. | |
II.
God
There is one and only one living and true God,
an intelligent, spiritual, and personal Being, the
Creator, Preserver, and Ruler of the universe, infinite
in holiness and all other perfections, 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, or being.
Gen. 1:1; 1 Cor. 8:4-6; Deut. 6:4; Jer. 10:10;
Isa. 48:12; Deut. 5:7; Ex. 3:14; Heb. 11:6; John 5:26; 1
Tim. 1:17; John 1:14-18; John 15:26; Gal. 4:6; Matt.
28:19. | |
III.
Man
Man was created by the special act of God, in
His own image, and is the crowning work of His creation.
In the beginning man was innocent of sin and was endowed
by his Creator with freedom of choice. By his free
choice man sinned against God and brought sin into the
human race. Through the temptation of Satan man
transgressed the command of God, and fell from his
original innocence; whereby his posterity inherit a
nature and an environment inclined toward sin, and as
soon as they are capable of moral action become
transgressors and are under condemnation. Only the grace
of God can bring man into His holy fellowship and enable
man to fulfil the creative purpose of God. The
sacredness of human personality is evident in that God
created man in His own image, and in that Christ died
for man; therefore every man possesses dignity and is
worthy of respect and Christian love.
Gen. 1:26-30; 2:5,7,18-22; 3; 9:6; Psalms 1;
8:3-6; 32:1-5; 51:5; Isa. 6:5; Jer. 17:5; Matt. 16:26;
Acts 17:26-31; Rom. 1:19-32; 3:10-18,23; 5:6,12,19; 6:6;
7:14-25; 8:14-18,29; 1 Cor. 1:21-31; 15:19,21-22; Eph.
2:1-22; Col. 1:21-22;
3:9-11. | |
III.
Man
Man is the special creation of God, made in His
own image. He created them male and female as the
crowning work of His creation. The gift of gender is
thus part of the goodness of God's creation. In the
beginning man was innocent of sin and was endowed by his
Creator with freedom of choice. By his free choice man
sinned against God and brought sin into the human race.
Through the temptation of Satan man transgressed the
command of God, and fell from his original innocence
whereby his posterity inherit a nature and an
environment inclined toward sin. Therefore, as soon as
they are capable of moral action, they become
transgressors and are under condemnation. Only the grace
of God can bring man into His holy fellowship and enable
man to fulfill the creative purpose of God. The
sacredness of human personality is evident in that God
created man in His own image, and in that Christ died
for man; therefore, every person of every race possesses
full dignity and is worthy of respect and Christian
love.
Genesis 1:26-30; 2:5,7,18-22; 3; 9:6; Psalms 1;
8:3-6; 32:1-5; 51:5; Isaiah 6:5; Jeremiah 17:5; Matthew
16:26; Acts 17:26-31; Romans 1:19-32; 3:10-18,23;
5:6,12,19; 6:6; 7:14-25; 8:14-18,29; 1 Corinthians
1:21-31; 15:19,21-22; Ephesians 2:1-22; Colossians
1:21-22; 3:9-11. | |
III. The Fall
of Man
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 him; male and
female created he them" (Gen. 1:27). "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" (Gen. 2:7).
He was created in a state of holiness under the law
of his Maker, but, through the temptation of Satan, he
transgressed the command of God and fell from his
original holiness and righteousness; whereby his
posterity inherit a nature corrupt and in bondage to
sin, are under condemnation, and as soon as they are
capable of moral action, become actual transgressors.
Gen. 1:27; Gen. 2:7; John 1:23; Gen.
3:4-7; Gen. 3:22-24; Rom. 5:12,14,19, 21; Rom. 7:23-25;
Rom. 11:18,22,32-33; Col. 1:21.
| |
IV.
Salvation
Salvation involves the redemption of the whole
man, and is offered freely to all who accept Jesus
Christ as Lord and Saviour, who by His own blood
obtained eternal redemption for the believer. In its
broadest sense salvation includes regeneration,
sanctification, and glorification.
1. Regeneration, or the new birth, is a work of God's
grace whereby believers become new creatures in Christ
Jesus. It is a change of heart wrought by the Holy
Spirit through conviction of sin, to which the sinner
responds in repentance toward God and faith in the Lord
Jesus Christ.
Repentance and faith are inseparable experiences of
grace. Repentance is a genuine turning from sin toward
God. Faith is the acceptance of Jesus Christ and
commitment of the entire personality to Him as Lord and
Saviour. Justification is God's gracious and full
acquittal upon principles of His righteousness of all
sinners who repent and believe in Christ. Justification
brings the believer into a relationship of peace and
favor with God.
2. Sanctification is the experience, beginning in
regeneration, by which the believer is set apart to
God's purposes, and is enabled to progress toward moral
and spiritual perfection through the presence and power
of the Holy Spirit dwelling in him. Growth in grace
should continue throughout the regenerate person's life.
3. Glorification is the culmination of salvation and
is the final blessed and abiding state of the redeemed.
Gen. 3:15; Ex. 3:14-17; 6:2-8; Matt. 1:21; 4:17;
16:21-26; 27:22-28:6; Luke 1:68-69; 2:28-32; John
1:11-14,29; 3:3-21,36; 5:24; 10:9,28-29; 15:1-16; 17:17;
Acts 2:21; 4:12; 15:11; 16:30-31; 17:30-31; 20:32; Rom.
1:16-18; 2:4; 3:23-25; 4:3ff.; 5:8-10; 6:1-23;
8:1-18,29-39; 10:9-10,13; 13:11-14; 1 Cor. 1:18,30;
6:19-20; 15:10; 2 Cor. 5:17-20; Gal. 2:20; 3:13;
5:22-25; 6:15; Ephes. 1:7; 2:8-22; 4:11-16; Phil.
2:12-13; Col. 1:9-22; 3:1ff.; 1 Thess. 5:23-24; 2 Tim.
1:12; Titus 2:11-14; Heb. 2:1-3; 5:8-9; 9:24-28;
11:1-12:8,14; James 2:14-26; 1 Peter 1:2-23; 1 John
1:6-2:11; Rev. 3:20;
21:1-22:5. | |
IV.
Salvation
Salvation involves the redemption of the whole
man, and is offered freely to all who accept Jesus
Christ as Lord and Saviour, who by His own blood
obtained eternal redemption for the believer. In its
broadest sense salvation includes regeneration,
justification, sanctification, and glorification. There
is no salvation apart from personal faith in Jesus
Christ as Lord.
A. Regeneration, or the new birth, is a work of God's
grace whereby believers become new creatures in Christ
Jesus. It is a change of heart wrought by the Holy
Spirit through conviction of sin, to which the sinner
responds in repentance toward God and faith in the Lord
Jesus Christ. Repentance and faith are inseparable
experiences of grace.
Repentance is a genuine turning from sin
toward God. Faith is the acceptance of Jesus Christ and
commitment of the entire personality to Him as Lord and
Saviour.
B. Justification is God's gracious and full acquittal
upon principles of His righteousness of all sinners who
repent and believe in Christ. Justification brings the
believer unto a relationship of peace and favor with
God.
C. Sanctification is the experience, beginning in
regeneration, by which the believer is set apart to
God's purposes, and is enabled to progress toward moral
and spiritual maturity through the presence and power of
the Holy Spirit dwelling in him. Growth in grace should
continue throughout the regenerate person's life.
D. Glorification is the culmination of salvation and
is the final blessed and abiding state of the redeemed.
Genesis 3:15; Exodus 3:14-17; 6:2-8; Matthew 1:21;
4:17; 16:21-26; 27:22-28:6; Luke 1:68-69; 2:28-32; John
1:11-14,29; 3:3-21,36; 5:24; 10:9,28-29; 15:1-16; 17:17;
Acts 2:21; 4:12; 15:11; 16:30-31; 17:30-31; 20:32;
Romans 1:16-18; 2:4; 3:23-25; 4:3ff.; 5:8-10; 6:1-23;
8:1-18,29-39; 10:9-10,13; 13:11-14; 1 Corinthians
1:18,30; 6:19-20; 15:10; 2 Corinthians 5:17-20;
Galatians 2:20; 3:13; 5:22-25; 6:15; Ephesians 1:7;
2:8-22; 4:11-16; Philippians 2:12-13; Colossians 1:9-22;
3:1ff.; 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24; 2 Timothy 1:12; Titus
2:11-14; Hebrews 2:1-3; 5:8-9; 9:24-28; 11:1-12:8,14;
James 2:14-26; 1 Peter 1:2-23; 1 John 1:6-2:11;
Revelation 3:20;
21:1-22:5. | |
IV. The Way of
Salvation
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 perfections, he is in
every way qualified to be a compassionate and
all-sufficient Saviour.
Col. 1:21-22; Eph. 1:7-10; Gal. 2:19-20; Gal. 3:13;
Rom. 1:4; Eph. 1:20-23; Matt. 1:21-25; Luke 1:35; 2:11;
Rom. 3:25.
V.
Justification
Justification is God's gracious and full
acquittal upon principles of righteousness of all
sinners who believe in Christ. This blessing is
bestowed, not in consideration of any works of
righteousness which we have done, but through the
redemption that is in and through Jesus Christ. It
brings us into a state of most blessed peace and favor
with God, and secures every other needed blessing.
Rom. 3:24; 4:2; 5:1-2; 8:30; Eph. 1:7; 1 Cor.
1:30-31; 2 Cor. 5:21.
VI. The
Freeness of Salvation
The blessings of salvation are made free to all
by the gospel. It is the duty of all to accept them by
penitent and obedient faith. Nothing prevents the
salvation of the greatest sinner except his own
voluntary refusal to accept Jesus Christ as teacher,
Saviour, and Lord.
Eph. 1:5; 2:4-10; 1 Cor. 1:30-31; Rom. 5:1-9; Rev.
22:17; John 3:16; Mark 16:16.
VII.
Regeneration
Regeneration or the new birth is a change of
heart wrought by the Holy Spirit, whereby we become
partakers of the divine nature and a holy disposition is
given, leading to the love and practice of
righteousness. It is a work of God's free grace
conditioned upon faith in Christ and made manifest by
the fruit which we bring forth to the glory of God.
John 3:1-8, 1:16-18; Rom. 8:2; Eph. 2:1,5-6,8,10;
Eph. 4:30,32; Col. 3:1-11; Titus 3:5.
VIII.
Repentance and Faith
We
believe that repentance and faith are sacred duties, and
also inseparable graces, wrought in our souls by the
regenerating Spirit of God; whereby being deeply
convinced of our guilt, danger, and helplessness, and of
the way of salvation by Christ, we turn to God with
unfeigned contrition, confession, and supplication for
mercy; 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.
Luke 22:31-34; Mark 1:15; 1 Tim. 1:13; Rom.
3:25,27,31; Rom. 4:3,9,12,16-17; John
16:8-11.
X.
Sanctification
Sanctification is the process by which the
regenerate gradually attain to moral and spiritual
perfection through the presence and power of the Holy
Spirit dwelling in their hearts. It continues throughout
the earthly life, and is accomplished by the use of all
the ordinary means of grace, and particularly by the
Word of God.
Acts 20:32; John 17:17; Rom. 6:5-6; Eph. 3:16;
Rom. 4:14; Gal. 5:24; Heb. 12:14; Rom. 7:18-25; 2 Cor.
3:18; Gal. 5:16,25-26.
| |
V. God's
Purpose of Grace
Election is the gracious purpose of God,
according to which He regenerates, sanctifies, and
glorifies sinners. It is consistent with the free agency
of man and comprehends all the means in connection with
the end. It is a glorious display of God's sovereign
goodness, and is infinitely wise, holy, and
unchangeable. It excludes boasting and promotes
humility.
All true believers endure to the end.
Those whom God has accepted in Christ, and sanctified by
His Spirit, will never fall away from the state of
grace, but shall persevere to the end. Believers may
fall into sin through neglect and temptation, whereby
they grieve the Spirit, impair their graces and
comforts, bring reproach on the cause of Christ, and
temporal judgments on themselves, yet they shall be kept
by the power of God through faith unto salvation.
Gen. 12:1-3; Ex. 19:5-8; 1 Sam.
8:4-7,19-22; Isa. 5:1-7; Jer. 31:31ff.; Matt. 16:18-19;
21:28-45; 24:22,31; 25:34; Luke 1:68-79; 2:29-32;
19:41-44; 24:44-48; John 1:12-14; 3:16; 5:24;
6:44-45,65; 10:27-29; 15:16; 17:6,12,17-18; Acts 20:32;
Rom. 5:9-10; 8:28-39; 10:12-15; 11:5-7,26-36; 1 Cor.
1:1-2; 15:24-28; Ephes. 1:4-23; 2:1-10; 3:1-11; Col.
1:12-14; 2 Thess. 2:13-14; 2 Tim. 1:12; 2:10,19; Heb.
11:39-12:2; 1 Peter 1:2-5,13; 2:4-10; 1 John 1:7-9;
2:19; 3:2. | |
V. God's
Purpose of Grace
Election is the gracious purpose of God,
according to which He regenerates, justifies,
sanctifies, and glorifies sinners. It is consistent with
the free agency of man, and comprehends all the means in
connection with the end. It is the glorious display of
God's sovereign goodness, and is infinitely wise, holy,
and unchangeable. It excludes boasting and promotes
humility.
All true believers endure to the end. Those whom God
has accepted in Christ, and sanctified by His Spirit,
will never fall away from the state of grace, but shall
persevere to the end. Believers may fall into sin
through neglect and temptation, whereby they grieve the
Spirit, impair their graces and comforts, and bring
reproach on the cause of Christ and temporal judgments
on themselves; yet they shall be kept by the power of
God through faith unto salvation.
Genesis 12:1-3; Exodus 19:5-8; 1 Samuel
8:4-7,19-22; Isaiah 5:1-7; Jeremiah 31:31ff.; Matthew
16:18-19; 21:28-45; 24:22,31; 25:34; Luke 1:68-79;
2:29-32; 19:41-44; 24:44-48; John 1:12-14; 3:16; 5:24;
6:44-45,65; 10:27-29; 15:16; 17:6, 12, 17-18; Acts
20:32; Romans 5:9-10; 8:28-39; 10:12-15; 11:5-7,26-36; 1
Corinthians 1:1-2; 15:24-28; Ephesians 1:4-23; 2:1-10;
3:1-11; Colossians 1:12-14; 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14; 2
Timothy 1:12; 2:10,19; Hebrews 11:39-12:2; James 1:12; 1
Peter 1:2-5,13; 2:4-10; 1 John 1:7-9; 2:19; 3:2.
| |
IX. God's
Purpose of Grace
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 comprehends all the means in connection with
the end. 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.
Rom. 8:30; 11:7; Eph. 1:10; Acts 26:18; Eph.
1:17-19; 2 Tim. 1:9; Psalm 110:3; 1 Cor. 2:14; Eph. 2:5;
John 6:44-45,65; Rom. 10:12-15.
XI.
Perseverance
All real believers endure to the end. Their
continuance in well-doing is the mark which
distinguishes them from mere professors. A special
Providence cares for them, and they are kept by the
power of God through faith unto salvation.
John 10:28-29; 2 Tim. 2:19; 1 John 2:19; 1 Cor.
11:32; Rom. 8:30; 9:11,16; Rom. 5:9-10; Matt.
26:70-75. | |
VI. The
Church
A New Testament church of the Lord Jesus Christ
is a local body of baptized believers who are associated
by covenant in the faith and fellowship of the gospel,
observing the two ordinances of Christ, committed to His
teachings, exercising the gifts, rights, and privileges
invested in them by His Word, and seeking to extend the
gospel to the ends of the earth.
This church is an autonomous body, operating through
democratic processes under the Lordship of Jesus Christ.
In such a congregation, members are equally responsible.
Its Scriptural officers are pastors and deacons.
The New Testament speaks also of the church as the
body of Christ which includes all of the redeemed of all
the ages.
Matt. 16:15-19; 18:15-20; Acts 2:41-42,47;
5:11-14; 6:3-6; 13:1-3; 14:23,27; 15:1-30; 16:5; 20:28;
Rom. 1:7; 1 Cor. 1:2; 3:16; 5:4-5; 7:17; 9:13-14; 12;
Ephes. 1:22-23; 2:19-22; 3:8-11,21; 5:22-32; Phil. 1:1;
Col. 1:18; 1 Tim. 3:1-15; 4:14; 1 Peter 5:1-4; Rev. 2-3;
21:2-3. | |
VI. The
Church
A New Testament church of the Lord Jesus Christ
is an autonomous local congregation of baptized
believers, associated by covenant in the faith and
fellowship of the gospel; observing the two ordinances
of Christ, governed by His laws, exercising the gifts,
rights, and privileges invested in them by His Word, and
seeking to extend the gospel to the ends of the earth.
Each congregation operates under the Lordship of Christ
through democratic processes. In such a congregation
each member is responsible and accountable to Christ as
Lord. Its scriptural officers are pastors and deacons.
While both men and women are gifted for service in the
church, the office of pastor is limited to men as
qualified by Scripture.
The New Testament speaks also of the church as the
body of Christ which includes all of the redeemed of all
the ages, believers from every tribe, and tongue, and
people, and nation.
Matthew 16:15-19; 18:15-20; Acts 2:41-42,47;
5:11-14; 6:3-6; 13:1-3; 14:23,27; 15:1-30; 16:5; 20:28;
Romans 1:7; 1 Corinthians 1:2; 3:16; 5:4-5; 7:17;
9:13-14; 12; Ephesians 1:22-23; 2:19-22; 3:8-11,21;
5:22-32; Philippians 1:1; Colossians 1:18; 1 Timothy
2:9-14; 3:1-15; 4:14; Hebrews 11:39-40; 1 Peter 5:1-4;
Revelation 2-3; 21:2-3.
| |
XII. The Gospel
Church
A 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 invested in them by his word, and
seeking to extend the gospel to the ends of the earth.
Its Scriptural officers are bishops, or elders, and
deacons.
Matt. 16:18; Matt. 18:15-18; Rom. 1:7; 1 Cor. 1:2;
Acts 2:41-42; 5:13-14; 2 Cor. 9:13; Phil. 1:1; 1 Tim.
4:14; Acts 14:23; Acts 6:3,5-6; Heb. 13:17; 1 Cor.
9:6,14. | |
VII. Baptism
and the Lord's Supper
Christian baptism is the immersion of a believer
in water in the name of the Father, the Son, and the
Holy Spirit. It is an act of obedience symbolizing the
believer's faith in a crucified, buried, and risen
Saviour, the believer's death to sin, the burial of the
old life, and the resurrection to walk in newness of
life in Christ Jesus. It is a testimony to his faith in
the final resurrection of the dead. Being a church
ordinance, it is prerequisite to the privileges of
church membership and to the Lord's Supper.
The Lord's Supper is a symbolic act of obedience
whereby members of the church, through partaking of the
bread and the fruit of the vine, memorialize the death
of the Redeemer and anticipate His second coming.
Matt. 3:13-17; 26:26-30; 28:19-20; Mark 1:9-11;
14:22-26; Luke 3:21-22; 22:19-20; John 3:23; Acts
2:41-42; 8:35-39; 16:30-33; Acts 20;7; Rom. 6:3-5; 1
Cor. 10:16,21; 11:23-29; Col.
2:12. | |
VII. Baptism
and the Lord's Supper
Christian baptism is the immersion of a believer
in water in the name of the Father, the Son, and the
Holy Spirit. It is an act of obedience symbolizing the
believer's faith in a crucified, buried, and risen
Saviour, the believer's death to sin, the burial of the
old life, and the resurrection to walk in newness of
life in Christ Jesus. It is a testimony to his faith in
the final resurrection of the dead. Being a church
ordinance, it is prerequisite to the privileges of
church membership and to the Lord's Supper.
The Lord's Supper is a symbolic act of
obedience whereby members of the church, through
partaking of the bread and the fruit of the vine,
memorialize the death of the Redeemer and anticipate His
second coming.
Matthew 3:13-17; 26:26-30; 28:19-20; Mark 1:9-11;
14:22-26; Luke 3:21-22; 22:19-20; John 3:23; Acts
2:41-42; 8:35-39; 16:30-33; 20:7; Romans 6:3-5; 1
Corinthians 10:16,21; 11:23-29; Colossians
2:12. | |
XIII. Baptism
and the Lord's Supper
Christian baptism is the immersion of a believer
in water in the name of the Father, the Son, and the
Holy Spirit. The act is a symbol of our faith in a
crucified, buried and risen Saviour. It is prerequisite
to the privileges of a church relation and to the Lord's
Supper, in which the members of the church, by the use
of bread and wine, commemorate the dying love of Christ.
Matt. 28:19-20; 1 Cor. 4:1; Rom. 6:3-5; Col. 2:12;
Mark 1:4; Matt. 3:16; John 3:23; 1 Cor. 11:23-26; 1 Cor.
10:16-17,21; Matt. 26:26-27; Acts 8:38-39; Mark
1:9-11. | |
VIII. The
Lord's Day
The first day of the week is the Lord's Day. It
is a Christian institution for regular observance. It
commemorates the resurrection of Christ from the dead
and should be employed in exercises of worship and
spiritual devotion, both public and private, and by
refraining from worldly amusements, and resting from
secular employments, work of necessity and mercy only
being excepted.
Ex. 20:8-11; Matt. 12:1-12; 28:1ff.;
Mark 2:27-28; 16:1-7; Luke 24:1-3,33-36; John 4:21-24;
20:1,19-28; Acts 20:7; 1 Cor. 16:1-2; Col. 2:16; 3:16;
Rev. 1:10. | |
VIII. The
Lord's Day
The first day of the week is the Lord's Day. It
is a Christian institution for regular observance. It
commemorates the resurrection of Christ from the dead
and should include exercises of worship and spiritual
devotion, both public and private. Activities on the
Lord's Day should be commensurate with the Christian's
conscience under the Lordship of Jesus Christ.
Exodus 20:8-11; Matthew 12:1-12; 28:1ff.; Mark
2:27-28; 16:1-7; Luke 24:1-3,33-36; John 4:21-24,
20:1,19-28; Acts 20:7; Romans 14:5-10; I Corinthians
16:1-2; Colossians 2:16, 3:16; Revelation
1:10. | |
XIV. The Lord's
Day
The first day of the week is the Lord's day. It
is a Christian institution for regular observance. It
commemorates the resurrection of Christ from the dead
and should be employed in exercises of worship and
spiritual devotion, both public and private, and by
refraining from worldly amusements, and resting from
secular employments, works of necessity and mercy only
excepted.
Ex. 20:3-6; Matt. 4:10; Matt. 28:19; 1 Tim. 4:13;
Col. 3:16; John 4:21; Ex. 20:8; 1 Cor. 16:1-2; Acts
20:7; Rev. 1:1; Matt.
12:1-13. | |
IX. The
Kingdom
The kingdom of God includes both His general
sovereignty over the universe and His particular
kingship over men who willfully acknowledge Him as King.
Particularly the kingdom is the realm of salvation into
which men enter by trustful, childlike commitment to
Jesus Christ. Christians ought to pray and to labor that
the kingdom may come and God's will be done on earth.
The full consummation of the kingdom awaits the return
of Jesus Christ and the end of this age.
Gen. 1:1; Isa. 9:6-7; Jer. 23:5-6; Matt. 3:2;
4:8-10,23; 12:25-28; 13:1-52; 25:31-46; 26:29; Mark
1:14-15; 9:1; Luke 4:43; 8:1; 9:2; 12:31-32; 17:20-21;
23:42; John 3:3; 18:36; Acts 1:6-7; 17:22-31; Rom. 5:17;
8:19; 1 Cor. 15:24-28; Col. 1:13; Heb. 11:10,16; 12:28;
1 Peter 2:4-10; 4:13; Rev. 1:6,9; 5:10; 11:15;
21-22. | |
IX. The
Kingdom
The Kingdom of God includes both His general
sovereignty over the universe and His particular
kingship over men who willfully acknowledge Him as King.
Particularly the Kingdom is the realm of salvation into
which men enter by trustful, childlike commitment to
Jesus Christ. Christians ought to pray and to labor that
the Kingdom may come and God's will be done on earth.
The full consummation of the Kingdom awaits the return
of Jesus Christ and the end of this age.
Genesis 1:1; Isaiah 9:6-7; Jeremiah 23:5-6;
Matthew 3:2; 4:8-10,23; 12:25-28; 13:1-52; 25:31-46;
26:29; Mark 1:14-15; 9:1; Luke 4:43; 8:1; 9:2; 12:31-32;
17:20-21; 23:42; John 3:3; 18:36; Acts 1:6-7; 17:22-31;
Romans 5:17; 8:19; 1 Corinthians 15:24-28; Colossians
1:13; Hebrews 11:10,16; 12:28; 1 Peter 2:4-10; 4:13;
Revelation 1:6,9; 5:10; 11:15;
21-22. | |
XXV. The
Kingdom
The Kingdom of God is the reign of God in the
heart and life of the individual in every human
relationship, and in every form and institution of
organized human society. The chief means for promoting
the Kingdom of God on earth are preaching the gospel of
Christ, and teaching the principles of righteousness
contained therein. The Kingdom of God will be complete
when every thought and will of man shall be brought into
captivity to the will of Christ. And it is the duty of
all Christ's people to pray and labor continually that
his Kingdom may come and his will be done on earth as it
is done in heaven.
Dan. 2:37-44; 7:18; Matt. 4:23; 8:12; 12:25;
13:38,43; 25:34; 26:29; Mark 11:10; Luke 12:32; 22:29;
Acts 1:6; 1 Cor. 15:24; Col. 1:13; Heb. 12:28; Rev. 1:9;
Luke 4:43; 8:1; 9:2; 17:20-21; John 3:3; John 18:36;
Matt. 6:10; Luke
23:42. | |
X. Last
Things
God, in His own time and in His own way, will
bring the world to its appropriate end. According to His
promise, Jesus Christ will return personally and visibly
in glory to the earth; the dead will be raised; and
Christ will judge all men in righteousness. The
unrighteous will be consigned to hell, the place of
everlasting punishment. The righteous in their
resurrected and glorified bodies will receive their
reward and will dwell forever in heaven with the Lord.
Isa. 2:4; 11:9; Matt. 16:27; 18:8-9; 19:28;
24:27,30,36,44; 25:31-46; 26:64; Mark 8:38; 9:43-48;
Luke 12:40,48; 16:19-26; 17:22-37; 21:27-28; John
14:1-3; Acts 1:11; 17:31; Rom. 14:10; 1 Cor. 4:5;
15:24-28,35-58; 2 Cor. 5:10; Phil. 3:20-21; Col. 1:5;
3:4; 1 Thess. 4:14-18; 5:1ff.; 2 Thess. 1:7ff.; 2; 1
Tim. 6:14; 2 Tim. 4:1,8; Titus 2:13; Heb. 9:27-28; James
5:8; 2 Peter 3:7ff.; 1 John 2:28; 3:2; Jude 14; Rev.
1:18; 3:11;
20:1-22:13. | |
X. Last
Things
God, in His own time and in His own way, will
bring the world to its appropriate end. According to His
promise, Jesus Christ will return personally and visibly
in glory to the earth; the dead will be raised; and
Christ will judge all men in righteousness. The
unrighteous will be consigned to Hell, the place of
everlasting punishment. The righteous in their
resurrected and glorified bodies will receive their
reward and will dwell forever in Heaven with the Lord.
Isaiah 2:4; 11:9; Matthew 16:27; 18:8-9; 19:28;
24:27,30,36,44; 25:31-46; 26:64; Mark 8:38; 9:43-48;
Luke 12:40,48; 16:19-26; 17:22-37; 21:27-28; John
14:1-3; Acts 1:11; 17:31; Romans 14:10; 1 Corinthians
4:5; 15:24-28,35-58; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Philippians
3:20-21; Colossians 1:5; 3:4; 1 Thessalonians 4:14-18;
5:1ff.; 2 Thessalonians 1:7ff.; 2; 1 Timothy 6:14; 2
Timothy 4:1,8; Titus 2:13; Hebrews 9:27-28; James 5:8; 2
Peter 3:7ff.; 1 John 2:28; 3:2; Jude 14; Revelation
1:18; 3:11;
20:1-22:13. | |
XV. The
Righteous and the Wicked
There is a radical and essential difference
between the righteous and 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 in 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 at the
judgment when final and everlasting awards are made to
all men.
Gen. 3:19; Acts 13:36; Luke 23:43; 2 Cor. 5:1,6,8;
Phil. 1:23; 1 Cor. 15:51-52; 1 Thess. 4:17; Phil. 3:21;
1 Cor. 6:3; Matt. 25:32-46; Rom. 9:22-23; Mark 9:48; 1
Thess. 1:7-10; Rev. 22:20.
XVI. The
Resurrection
The Scriptures clearly teach that Jesus rose
from the dead. His grave was emptied of its contents. He
appeared to the disciples after his resurrection in many
convincing manifestations. He now exists in his
glorified body at God's right hand. There will be a
resurrection of the righteous and the wicked. The bodies
of the righteous will conform to the glorious spiritual
body of Jesus.
1 Cor. 15:1-58; 2 Cor. 5:1-8; 1 Thess. 4:17; John
5:28-29; Phil. 3:21; Acts 24:15; John 20:9; Matt. 28:6.
XVII. The
Return of the Lord
The New Testament teaches in many places the
visible and personal return of Jesus to this earth.
"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." The time of his coming is not revealed. "Of
that day and hour knoweth no one, no, not the angels in
heaven, but my Father only" (Matt. 24:36). It is the
duty of all believers to live in readiness for his
coming and by diligence in good works to make manifest
to all men the reality and power of their hope in
Christ.
Matt. 24:36; Matt. 24:42-47; Mark 13:32-37; Luke
21:27-28; Acts
1:9-11. | |
XI. Evangelism
and Missions
It is the duty and privilege of every follower
of Christ and of every church of the Lord Jesus Christ
to endeavor to make disciples of all nations. The new
birth of man's spirit by God's Holy Spirit means the
birth of love for others. Missionary effort on the part
of all rests thus upon a spiritual necessity of the
regenerate life, and is expressly and repeatedly
commanded in the teachings of Christ. It is the duty of
every child of God to seek constantly to win the lost to
Christ by personal effort and by all other methods in
harmony with the gospel of Christ.
Gen. 12:1-3; Ex. 19:5-6; Isa. 6:1-8; Matt.
9:37-38; 10:5-15; 13:18-30,37-43; 16:19; 22:9-10; 24:14;
28:18-20; Luke 10:1-18; 24:46-53; John 14:11-12;
15:7-8,16; 17:15; 20:21; Acts 1:8; 2; 8:26-40; 10:42-48;
13:2-3; Rom. 10:13-15; Ephes. 3:1-11; 1 Thess. 1:8; 2
Tim. 4:5; Heb. 2:1-3; 11:39-12:2; 1 Peter 2:4-10; Rev.
22:17. | |
XI. Evangelism
and Missions
It is the duty and privilege of every follower
of Christ and of every church of the Lord Jesus Christ
to endeavor to make disciples of all nations. The new
birth of man's spirit by God's Holy Spirit means the
birth of love for others. Missionary effort on the part
of all rests thus upon a spiritual necessity of the
regenerate life, and is expressly and repeatedly
commanded in the teachings of Christ. The Lord Jesus
Christ has commanded the preaching of the gospel to all
nations. It is the duty of every child of God to seek
constantly to win the lost to Christ by verbal witness
undergirded by a Christian lifestyle, and by other
methods in harmony with the gospel of Christ.
Genesis 12:1-3; Exodus 19:5-6; Isaiah 6:1-8;
Matthew 9:37-38; 10:5-15; 13:18- 30, 37-43; 16:19;
22:9-10; 24:14; 28:18-20; Luke 10:1-18; 24:46-53; John
14:11-12; 15:7-8,16; 17:15; 20:21; Acts 1:8; 2; 8:26-40;
10:42-48; 13:2-3; Romans 10:13-15; Ephesians 3:1-11; 1
Thessalonians 1:8; 2 Timothy 4:5; Hebrews 2:1-3;
11:39-12:2; 1 Peter 2:4-10; Revelation
22:17. | |
XXIII.
Evangelism and Missions
It is the duty of every Christian man and woman,
and the duty of every church of Christ to seek to extend
the gospel to the ends of the earth. The new birth of
man's spirit by God's Holy Spirit means the birth of
love for others. Missionary effort on the part of all
rests thus upon a spiritual necessity of the regenerate
life. It is also expressly and repeatedly commanded in
the teachings of Christ. It is the duty of every child
of God to seek constantly to win the lost to Christ by
personal effort and by all other methods sanctioned by
the gospel of Christ.
Matt. 10:5; 13:18-23; 22:9-10; 28:19-20; Mark
16:15-16; 16:19-20; Luke 24:46-53; Acts 1:5-8;
2:1-2,21,39; 8:26-40; 10:42-48; 13:2,30-33; 1 Thess.
1-8. | |
XII.
Education
The cause of education in the kingdom of Christ
is co-ordinate with the causes of missions and general
benevolence and should receive along with these the
liberal support of the churches. An adequate system of
Christian schools is necessary to a complete spiritual
program for Christ's people.
In Christian education there should be a proper
balance between academic freedom and academic
responsibility. Freedom in any orderly relationship of
human life is always limited and never absolute. The
freedom of a teacher in a Christian school, college, or
seminary is limited by the pre-eminence of Jesus Christ,
by the authoritative nature of the Scriptures, and by
the distinct purpose for which the school exists.
Deut. 4:1,5,9,14; 6:1-10; 31:12-13; Neh. 8:1-8;
Job. 28:28; Psalms 19:7ff.; 119:11; Prov. 3:13ff.;
4:1-10; 8:1-7,11; 15:14; Eccl. 7:19; Matt. 5:2; 7:24ff.;
28:19-20; Luke 2:40; 1 Cor. 1:18-31; Eph. 4:11-16; Phil.
4:8; Col. 2:3,8-9; 1 Tim. 1:3-7; 2 Tim. 2:15; 3:14-17;
Heb. 5:12-6:3; James 1:5;
3:17. | |
XII.
Education
Christianity is the faith of enlightenment and
intelligence. In Jesus Christ abide 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.
Moreover, the cause of education in the Kingdom of
Christ is co-ordinate with the causes of missions and
general benevolence, and should receive along with these
the liberal support of the churches. An adequate system
of Christian education is necessary to a complete
spiritual program for Christ's people.
In Christian education there should be a proper
balance between academic freedom and academic
responsibility. Freedom in any orderly relationship of
human life is always limited and never absolute. The
freedom of a teacher in a Christian school, college, or
seminary is limited by the pre-eminence of Jesus Christ,
by the authoritative nature of the Scriptures, and by
the distinct purpose for which the school exists.
Deuteronomy 4:1,5,9,14; 6:1-10; 31:12-13; Nehemiah
8:1-8; Job 28:28; Psalms 19:7ff.; 119:11; Proverbs
3:13ff.; 4:1-10; 8:1-7,11; 15:14; Ecclesiastes 7:19;
Matthew 5:2; 7:24ff.; 28:19-20; Luke 2:40; 1 Corinthians
1:18-31; Ephesians 4:11-16; Philippians 4:8; Colossians
2:3,8-9; 1 Timothy 1:3-7; 2 Timothy 2:15; 3:14-17;
Hebrews 5:12-6:3; James 1:5;
3:17. | |
XX.
Education
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 schools is necessary to
a complete spiritual program for Christ's people. The
cause of education in the Kingdom of Christ is
coordinate with the causes of missions and general
benevolence, and should receive along with these the
liberal support of the churches.
Deut. 4:1,5,9,13-14; Deut. 6:1,7-10; Psalm 19:7-8;
Prov. 8:1-7; Prov. 4:1-10; Matt. 28:20; Col. 2:3; Neh.
8:1-4. | |
XIII.
Stewardship
God is the source of all blessings, temporal and
spiritual; all that we have and are we owe to Him.
Christians have a spiritual debtorship to the whole
world, a holy trusteeship in the gospel, and a binding
stewardship in their possessions. They are therefore
under obligation to serve Him with their time, talents,
and material possessions; and should recognize all these
as entrusted to them to use for the glory of God and for
helping others. According to the Scriptures, Christians
should contribute of their means cheerfully, regularly,
systematically, proportionately, and liberally for the
advancement of the Redeemer's cause on earth.
Gen. 14:20; Lev. 27:30-32; Deut. 8:18; Mal.
3:8-12; Matt. 6:1-4,19-21; 19:21; 23:23; 25:14-29; Luke
12:16-21,42; 16:1-13; Acts 2:44-47; 5:1-11; 17:24-25;
20:35; Rom. 6:6-22; 12:1-2; 1 Cor. 4:1-2; 6:19-20; 12;
16:1-4; 2 Cor. 8-9; 12:15; Phil. 4:10-19; 1 Peter
1:18-19. | |
XIII.
Stewardship
God is the source of all blessings, temporal and
spiritual; all that we have and are we owe to Him.
Christians have a spiritual debtorship to the whole
world, a holy trusteeship in the gospel, and a binding
stewardship in their possessions. They are therefore
under obligation to serve Him with their time, talents,
and material possessions; and should recognize all these
as entrusted to them to use for the glory of God and for
helping others. According to the Scriptures, Christians
should contribute of their means cheerfully, regularly,
systematically, proportionately, and liberally for the
advancement of the Redeemer's cause on earth.
Genesis 14:20; Leviticus 27:30-32; Deuteronomy
8:18; Malachi 3:8-12; Matthew 6:1-4,19-21; 19:21; 23:23;
25:14-29; Luke 12:16-21,42; 16:1-13; Acts 2:44-47;
5:1-11; 17:24-25; 20:35; Romans 6:6-22; 12:1-2; 1
Corinthians 4:1-2; 6:19-20; 12; 16:1-4; 2 Corinthians
8-9; 12:15; Philippians 4:10-19; 1 Peter
1:18-19. | |
XXIV.
Stewardship
God is the source of all blessings, temporal and
spiritual; all that we have and are we owe to him. We
have a spiritual debtorship to the whole world, a holy
trusteeship in the gospel, and a binding stewardship in
our possessions. We are therefore under obligation to
serve him with our time, talents and material
possessions; and should recognize all these as entrusted
to us to use for the glory of God and helping others.
Christians should cheerfully, regularly, systematically,
proportionately, and liberally, contribute of their
means to advancing the Redeemer's cause on earth.
Luke 12:42; 16:1-8; Titus 1:7; 1 Peter 4:10; 2
Cor. 8:1-7; 2 Cor. 8:11-19; 2 Cor. 12:1-15; Matt.
25:14-30; Rom. 1:8-15; 1 Cor. 6:20; Acts
2:44-47. | |
XIV.
Co-Operation
Christ's people should, as occasion requires,
organize such associations and conventions as may best
secure co-operation for the great objects of the kingdom
of God. Such organizations have no authority over one
another or over the churches. They are voluntary and
advisory bodies designed to elicit, combine, and direct
the energies of our people in the most effective manner.
Members of New Testament churches should co-operate with
one another in carrying forward the missionary,
educational, and benevelent ministries for the extension
of Christ's kingdom. Christian unity in the New
Testament sense is spiritual harmony and voluntary
co-operation for common ends by various groups of
Christ's people. Co-operation is desirable between the
various Christian denominations, when the end to be
attained is itself justified, and when such co-operation
involves no violation of conscience or compromise of
loyalty to Christ and his Word as revealed in the New
Testament.
Ex. 17:12; 18:17ff.; Judg. 7:21; Ezra 1:3-4;
2:68-69; 5:14-15; Neh. 4; 8:1-5; Matt. 10:5-15; 20:1-16;
22:1-10; 28:19-20; Mark 2:3; Luke 10:1ff.; Acts 1:13-14;
2:1ff.; 4:31-37; 13:2-3; 15:1-35; 1 Cor. 1:10-17;
3:5-15; 12; 2 Cor. 8-9; Gal. 1:6-10; Eph. 4:1-16; Phil.
1:15-18. | |
XIV.
Cooperation
Christ's people should, as occasion requires,
organize such associations and conventions as may best
secure cooperation for the great objects of the Kingdom
of God. Such organizations have no authority over one
another or over the churches. They are voluntary and
advisory bodies designed to elicit, combine, and direct
the energies of our people in the most effective manner.
Members of New Testament churches should cooperate with
one another in carrying forward the missionary,
educational, and benevolent ministries for the extension
of Christ's Kingdom. Christian unity in the New
Testament sense is spiritual harmony and voluntary
cooperation for common ends by various groups of
Christ's people. Cooperation is desirable between the
various Christian denominations, when the end to be
attained is itself justified, and when such cooperation
involves no violation of conscience or compromise of
loyalty to Christ and His Word as revealed in the New
Testament.
Exodus
17:12; 18:17ff.; Judges 7:21; Ezra 1:3-4; 2:68-69;
5:14-15; Nehemiah 4; 8:1-5; Matthew 10:5-15; 20:1-16;
22:1-10; 28:19-20; Mark 2:3; Luke 10:1ff.; Acts 1:13-14;
2:1ff.; 4:31-37; 13:2-3; 15:1-35; 1 Corinthians 1:10-17;
3:5-15; 12; 2 Corinthians 8-9; Galatians 1:6-10;
Ephesians 4:1-16; Philippians 1:15-18.
| |
XXII.
Co-Operation
Christ's people should, as occasion requires,
organize such associations and conventions as may best
secure co-operation for the great objects of the Kingdom
of God. Such organizations have no authority over each
other or over the churches. They are voluntary and
advisory bodies designed to elicit, combine, and direct
the energies of our people in the most effective manner.
Individual members of New Testament churches should
co-operate with each other, and the churches themselves
should co-operate with each other in carrying forward
the missionary, educational, and benevolent program for
the extension of Christ's Kingdom. Christian unity in
the New Testament sense is spiritual harmony and
voluntary co-operation for common ends by various groups
of Christ's people. It is permissable and desirable as
between the various Christian denominations, when the
end to be attained is itself justified, and when such
co-operation involves no violation of conscience or
compromise of loyalty to Christ and his Word as revealed
in the New Testament.
Ezra 1:3-4; 2:68-69; 5:14-15; Neh. 4:4-6; 8:1-4;
Mal. 3:10; Matt. 10:5-15; 20:1-16; 22:1-10; Acts
1:13-14; 1:21:26; 2:1,41-47; 1 Cor. 1:10-17; 12:11-12;
13; 14:33-34,40; 16:2; 2 Cor. 9:1-15; Eph. 4:1-16; 3
John 1:5-8. | |
XV. The
Christian and the Social Order
Every Christian is under obligation to seek to
make the will of Christ supreme in his own life and in
human society. Means and methods used for the
improvement of society and the establishment of
righteousness among men can be truly and permanently
helpful only when they are rooted in the regeneration of
the individual by the saving grace of God in Christ
Jesus. The Christian should oppose in the spirit of
Christ every form of greed, selfishness, and vice. He
should work to provide for the orphaned, the needy, the
aged, the helpless, and the sick. Every Christian should
seek to bring industry, government, and society as a
whole under the sway of the principles of righteousness,
truth, and brotherly love. In order to promote these
ends Christians should be ready to work with all men of
good will in any good cause, always being careful to act
in the spirit of love without compromising their loyalty
to Christ and his truth.
Ex. 20:3-17; Lev. 6:2-5; Deut. 10:12; 27:17; Psalm
101:5; Micah 6:8; Zech. 8:16; Matt. 5:13-16,43-48;
22:36-40; 25:35; Mark 1:29-34; 2:3ff.; 10:21; Luke
4:18-21; 10:27-37; 20:25; John 15:12; 17:15; Rom. 12-14;
1 Cor. 5:9-10; 6:1-7; 7:20-24; 10:23-11:1; Gal. 3:26-28;
Eph. 6:5-9; Col. 3:12-17; 1 Thess. 3:12; Philemon; James
1:27; 2:8. | |
XV. The
Christian and the Social Order
All Christians are under obligation to seek to
make the will of Christ supreme in our own lives and in
human society. Means and methods used for the
improvement of society and the establishment of
righteousness among men can be truly and permanently
helpful only when they are rooted in the regeneration of
the individual by the saving grace of God in Jesus
Christ. In the spirit of Christ, Christians should
oppose racism, every form of greed, selfishness, and
vice, and all forms of sexual immorality, including
adultery, homosexuality, and pornography. We should work
to provide for the orphaned, the needy, the abused, the
aged, the helpless, and the sick. We should speak on
behalf of the unborn and contend for the sanctity of all
human life from conception to natural death. Every
Christian should seek to bring industry, government, and
society as a whole under the sway of the principles of
righteousness, truth, and brotherly love. In order
to promote these ends Christians should be ready to work
with all men of good will in any good cause, always
being careful to act in the spirit of love without
compromising their loyalty to Christ and His truth.
Exodus 20:3-17; Leviticus 6:2-5; Deuteronomy
10:12; 27:17; Psalm 101:5; Micah 6:8; Zechariah:16;
Matthew 5:13-16,43-48; 22:36-40; 25:35; Mark 1:29-34;
2:3ff.; 10:21; Luke 4:18-21; 10:27-37; 20:25; John
15:12; 17:15; Romans 12-14; 1 Corinthians
5:9-10; 6:1-7; 7:20-24; 10:23-11:1; Galatians 3:26-28;
Ephesians 6:5-9; Colossians 3:12-17; 1 Thessalonians
3:12; Philemon; James 1:27; 2:8.
| |
XXI. Social
Service
Every Christian is under obligation to seek to
make the will of Christ regnant in his own life and in
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 good will in any
good cause, always being careful to act in the spirit of
love without compromising their loyalty to Christ and
his truth. All means and methods used in social service
for the amelioration of society and the establishment of
righteousness among men must finally depend on the
regeneration of the individual by the saving grace of
God in Christ Jesus.
Luke 10:25-37; Ex. 22:10,14; Lev. 6:2;
Deut. 20:10; Deut. 4:42; Deut. 15:2; 27:17; Psalm 101:5;
Ezek. 18:6; Heb. 2:15; Zech. 8:16; Ex. 20:16; James 2:8;
Rom. 12-14; Col.
3:12-17. | |
XVI. Peace and
War
It is the duty of Christians to seek peace with
all men on principles of righteousness. In accordance
with the spirit and teachings of Christ they should do
all in their power to put an end to war.
The true remedy for the war spirit is the
gospel of our Lord. The supreme need of the world is the
acceptance of His teachings in all the affairs of men
and nations, and the practical application of His law of
love.
Isa. 2:4; Matt. 5:9,38-48; 6:33; 26:52; Luke
22:36,38; Rom. 12:18-19; 13:1-7; 14:19; Heb.12:14; James
4:1-2. | |
XVI. Peace and
War
It is the duty of Christians to seek peace with
all men on principles of righteousness. In accordance
with the spirit and teachings of Christ they should do
all in their power to put an end to war.
The true remedy for the war spirit is the gospel of
our Lord. The supreme need of the world is the
acceptance of His teachings in all the affairs of men
and nations, and the practical application of His law of
love. Christian people throughout the world should pray
for the reign of the Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 2:4; Matthew 5:9,38-48; 6:33; 26:52; Luke
22:36,38; Romans 12:18-19; 13:1-7; 14:19; Hebrews 12:14;
James 4:1-2. | |
XIX. Peace and
War
It is the duty of Christians to seek peace with
all men on principles of righteousness. In accordance
with the spirit and teachings of Christ they should do
all in their power to put an end to war.
The true remedy for the war spirit is the
pure gospel of our Lord. The supreme need of the world
is the acceptance of his teachings in all the affairs of
men and nations, and the practical application of his
law of love.
We urge Christian people throughout the world to pray
for the reign of the Prince of Peace, and to oppose
everything likely to provoke war.
Matt. 5:9,13-14,43-46; Heb. 12:14; James 4:1;
Matt. 6:33; Rom.
14:17,19. | |
XVII. Religious
Liberty
God alone is Lord of the conscience, and He has
left it free from the doctrines and commandments of men
which are contrary to His Word or not contained in it.
Church and state should be separate. The state owes to
every church protection and full freedom in the pursuit
of its spiritual ends. In providing for such freedom no
ecclesiastical group or denomination should be favored
by the state more than others. Civil government being
ordained of God, it is the duty of Christians to render
loyal obedience thereto in all things not contrary to
the revealed will of God. The church should not resort
to the civil power to carry on its work. The gospel of
Christ contemplates spiritual means alone for the
pursuit of its ends. The state has no right to impose
penalties for religious opinions of any kind. The state
has no right to impose taxes for the support of any form
of religion. A free church in a free state is the
Christian ideal, and this implies the right of free and
unhindered access to God on the part of all men and the
right to form and propagate opinions in the sphere of
religion without interference by the civil power.
Gen. 1:27; 2:7; Matt. 6:6-7; 24:16:26; 22:21; John
8:36; Acts 4:19-20; Rom. 6:1-2; 13:1-7; Gal. 5:1,13;
Phil. 3:20; 1 Tim. 2:1-2; James 4:12; 1 Peter 2:12-17;
3:11-17; 4:12-19. | |
XVII. Religious
Liberty
God alone is Lord of the conscience, and He has
left it free from the doctrines and commandments of men
which are contrary to His Word or not contained in it.
Church and state should be separate. The state owes to
every church protection and full freedom in the pursuit
of its spiritual ends. In providing for such freedom no
ecclesiastical group or denomination should be favored
by the state more than others. Civil government being
ordained of God, it is the duty of Christians to render
loyal obedience thereto in all things not contrary to
the revealed will of God. The church should not resort
to the civil power to carry on its work. The gospel of
Christ contemplates spiritual means alone for the
pursuit of its ends. The state has no right to impose
penalties for religious opinions of any kind. The state
has no right to impose taxes for the support of any form
of religion. A free church in a free state is the
Christian ideal, and this implies the right of free and
unhindered access to God on the part of all men, and the
right to form and propagate opinions in the sphere of
religion without interference by the civil power.
Genesis 1:27; 2:7; Matthew 6:6-7, 24; 16:26;
22:21; John 8:36; Acts 4:19-20; Romans 6:1-2; 13:1-7;
Galatians 5:1,13; Philippians 3:20; 1 Timothy 2:1-2;
James 4:12; 1 Peter 2:12-17; 3:11-17; 4:12-19.
| |
XVIII.
Religious Liberty
God alone is Lord of the conscience, and he has
left it free from the doctrines and commandments of men
which are contrary to his Word or not contained in it.
Church and state should be separate. The state owes to
the church protection and full freedom in the pursuit of
its spiritual ends. In providing for such freedom no
ecclesiastical group or denomination should be favored
by the state more than others. Civil government being
ordained of God, it is the duty of Christians to render
loyal obedience thereto in all things not contrary to
the revealed will of God. The church should not resort
to the civil power to carry on its work. The gospel of
Christ contemplates spiritual means alone for the
pursuit of its ends. The state has no right to impose
penalties for religious opinions of any kind. The state
has no right to impose taxes for the support of any form
of religion. A free church in a free state is the
Christian ideal, and this implies the right of free and
unhindered access to God on the part of all men, and the
right to form and propagate opinions in the sphere of
religion without interference by the civil power.
Rom. 13:1-7; 1 Peter 2:17; 1 Tim. 2:1-2; Gal.
3:9-14; John 7:38-39; James 4:12; Gal. 5:13; 2 Peter
2:18-21; 1 Cor. 3:5; Rom. 6:1-2; Matt. 22:21; Mark
12:17. | |
XVIII. The
Family
God has ordained the family as the foundational
institution of human society. It is composed of persons
related to one another by marriage, blood, or adoption.
Marriage is the uniting of one man and one woman in
covenant commitment for a lifetime. It is God's unique
gift to provide for the man and the woman in marriage
the framework for intimate companionship, the channel
for sexual expression according to biblical standards,
and the means for procreation of the human race.
The husband and wife are of equal worth before God,
since both are created in God's image. The marriage
relationship models the way God relates to His people. A
husband is to love his wife as Christ loved the church.
He has the God-given responsibility to provide for, to
protect, and to lead his family. A wife is to submit
herself graciously to the servant leadership of her
husband even as the church willingly submits to the
headship of Christ. She, being in the image of God as is
her husband and thus equal to him, has the God-given
responsibility to respect her husband and to serve as
his helper in managing the household and nurturing the
next generation.
Children, from the moment of conception, are a
blessing and heritage from the Lord. Parents are to
demonstrate to their children God's pattern for
marriage. Parents are to teach their children spiritual
and moral values and to lead them, through consistent
lifestyle example and loving discipline, to make choices
based on biblical truth. Children are to honor and obey
their parents.
Gen. 1:26-28; 2:18-25; 3:1-20; Ex. 20:12; Deut.
6:4-9; Josh. 24:15; 1 Sam. 1:26-28; Ps. 51:5; 78:1-8;
127; 128; 139:13-16; Prov. 1:8; 5:15-20; 6:20-22; 12:4;
13:24; 14:1; 17:6; 18:22; 22:6,15; 23:13-14; 24:3;
29:15,17; 31:10-31; Eccl. 4:9-12; 9:9; Mal. 2:14-16;
Matt. 5:31-32; 18:2-5; 19:3-9; Mark 10:6-12; Rom.
1:18-32; 1 Cor. 7:1-16; Eph. 5:21-33; 6:1-4; Col.
3:18-21; 1 Tim. 5:8,14; 2 Tim. 1:3-5; Titus 2:3-5; Heb.
13:4; 1 Pet.
3:1-7. | |
XVIII. The
Family
God has ordained the family as the foundational
institution of human society. It is composed of persons
related to one another by marriage, blood, or adoption.
Marriage is the uniting of one man and one woman in
covenant commitment for a lifetime. It is God's unique
gift to reveal the union between Christ and His church
and to provide for the man and the woman in marriage the
framework for intimate companionship, the channel of
sexual expression according to biblical standards, and
the means for procreation of the human race.
The husband and wife are of equal worth before God,
since both are created in God's image. The marriage
relationship models the way God relates to His people. A
husband is to love his wife as Christ loved the church.
He has the God-given responsibility to provide for, to
protect, and to lead his family. A wife is to submit
herself graciously to the servant leadership of her
husband even as the church willingly submits to the
headship of Christ. She, being in the image of God as is
her husband and thus equal to him, has the God-given
responsibility to respect her husband and to serve as
his helper in managing the household and nurturing the
next generation.
Children, from the moment of conception, are a
blessing and heritage from the Lord. Parents are to
demonstrate to their children God's pattern for
marriage. Parents are to teach their children spiritual
and moral values and to lead them, through consistent
lifestyle example and loving discipline, to make choices
based on biblical truth. Children are to honor and obey
their parents.
Genesis 1:26-28; 2:15-25; 3:1-20; Exodus 20:12;
Deuteronomy 6:4-9; Joshua 24:15; 1 Samuel 1:26-28;
Psalms 51:5; 78:1-8; 127; 128; 139:13-16; Proverbs 1:8;
5:15-20; 6:20-22; 12:4; 13:24; 14:1; 17:6; 18:22;
22:6,15; 23:13-14; 24:3; 29:15,17; 31:10-31;
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12; 9:9; Malachi 2:14-16; Matthew
5:31-32; 18:2-5; 19:3-9; Mark 10:6-12; Romans 1:18-32; 1
Corinthians 7:1-16; Ephesians 5:21-33; 6:1-4; Colossians
3:18-21; 1 Timothy 5:8,14; 2 Timothy 1:3-5; Titus 2:3-5;
Hebrews 13:4; 1 Peter
3:1-7. | |
|
1963
Baptist Faith and Message Statement and 1998
Amendment
Introductory Materials |
2000
Baptist Faith and Message
Statement
Introductory Material |
1963 BAPTIST FAITH AND MESSAGE
Adopted by the Southern Baptist Convention
May 9, 1963
REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON BAPTIST FAITH AND MESSAGE
The 1962 session of the Southern Baptist Convention, meeting in San Francisco, California, adopted the following motion.
"Since the report of the Committee on Statement of Baptist Faith and Message was adopted in 1925, there have been various statements from time to time which have been made, but no overall statement which might be helpful at this time as suggested in Section 2 of that report, or introductory statement which might be used as an interpretation of the 1925 Statement.
"We recommend, therefore, that the president of this Convention be requested to call a meeting of the men now serving as presidents of the various state Conventions that would qualify as a member of the Southern Baptist Convention committee under Bylaw 18 to present to the Convention in Kansas City some similar statement which shall serve as information to the churches, and which may serve as guidelines to the various agencies of the Southern Baptist Convention. It is understood that any group or individuals may approach this committee to be of service. The expenses of this committee shall be borne by the Convention Operating Budget."
Your committee thus constituted begs leave to present its report as follows:
Throughout its work your committee has been conscious of the contribution made by the statement of "The Baptist Faith And Message" adopted by the Southern Baptist Convention in 1925. It quotes with approval its affirmation that "Christianity is supernatural in its origin and history. We repudiate every theory of religion which denies the supernatural elements in our faith."
Furthermore, it concurs in the introductory "statement of the historic Baptist conception of the nature and function of confessions of faith in our religious and denominational life." It is, therefore, quoted in full as part of this report to the Convention.
(1) That they constitute a consensus of opinion of some Baptist body, large or small, for the general instruction and guidance of our own people and others concerning those articles of the Christian faith which are most surely held among us. They are not intended to add anything to the simple conditions of salvation revealed in the New Testament, viz., repentance towards God and faith in Jesus Christ as Saviour and Lord.
(2) That we do not regard them as complete statements of our faith, having any quality of finality or infallibility. As in the past so in the future Baptists should hold themselves free to revise their statements of faith as may seem to them wise and expedient at any time.
(3) That any group of Baptists, large or small have the inherent right to draw up for themselves and publish to the world a confession of their faith whenever they may think it advisable to do so.
(4) That the sole authority for faith and practice among Baptists is the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments. Confessions are only guides in interpretation, having no authority over the conscience.
(5) That they are statements of religious convictions, drawn from the Scriptures, and are not to be used to hamper freedom of thought or investigation in other realms of life."
The 1925 Statement recommended "the New Hampshire Confession of Faith, revised at certain points, and with some additional articles growing out of certain needs ..." Your present committee has adopted the same pattern. It has sought to build upon the structure of the 1925 Statement, keeping in mind the "certain needs" of our generation. At times it has reproduced sections of the Statement without change. In other instances it has substituted words for clarity or added sentences for emphasis. At certain points it has combined articles, with minor changes in wording, to endeavor to relate certain doctrines to each other. In still others—e.g., "God" and "Salvation"—it has sought to bring together certain truths contained throughout the 1925 Statement in order to relate them more clearly and concisely. In no case has it sought to delete from or to add to the basic contents of the 1925 Statement.
Baptists are a people who profess a living faith. This faith is rooted and grounded in Jesus Christ who is "the same yesterday, and to-day, and for ever." Therefore, the sole authority for faith and practice among Baptists is Jesus Christ whose will is revealed in the Holy Scriptures.
A living faith must experience a growing understanding of truth and must be continually interpreted and related to the needs of each new generation. Throughout their history Baptist bodies, both large and small, have issued statements of faith which comprise a consensus of their beliefs. Such statements have never been regarded as complete, infallible statements of faith, nor as official creeds carrying mandatory authority. Thus this generation of Southern Baptists is in historic succession of intent and purpose as it endeavors to state for its time and theological climate those articles of the Christian faith which are most surely held among us.
Baptists emphasize the soul’s competency before God, freedom in religion, and the priesthood of the believer. However, this emphasis should not be interpreted to mean that there is an absence of certain definite doctrines that Baptists believe, cherish, and with which they have been and are now closely identified.
It is the purpose of this statement of faith and message to set forth certain teachings which we believe.
Herschel H. Hobbs, Chairman
Howard M. Reaves
Ed. J. Packwood
C.Z. Holland
W.B. Timberlake
C.V. Koons
Malcolm B. Knight
Dick H. Hail, Jr.
Charles R. Walker
Walter R. Davis
Garth Pybas
V.C. Kruschwitz
Luther B. Hall
Robert Woodward
Douglas Hudgins
Paul Weber, Jr.
R.A. Long
Nane Starnes
C. Hoge Hockensmith
Hugh R. Bumpas
David G. Anderson
E. Warren Rust
James H. Landes
R.P. Downey
REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON THE FAMILY AMENDMENT FOR THE BAPTIST FAITH AND MESSAGE
Final version of the report of the Baptist Faith and Message Study Committee presented and approved at the Southern Baptist Convention on June 9, 1998
During the 1997 Southern Baptist Convention in Dallas a motion was made as follows: "That the President of the Southern Baptist Convention appoint a committee to review the Baptist Faith and Message of May 9, 1963, for the primary purpose of adding an Article on The Family, and to bring the amendment to the next convention for approval."
In response, Convention President Thomas D. Elliff appointed The Baptist Faith And Message Study Committee, which presents the following report.
Introduction
The committee was keenly aware that this task is a sacred trust. The Baptist Faith and Message has not been amended since 1963 when the inimitable Dr. Herschel H. Hobbs led the effort to develop a statement of faith for Southern Baptists. It has stood the test of time as a clear declaration of Southern Baptist faith. The assignment to produce a concise, clear statement that expresses the generally held beliefs of Southern Baptist concerning family was a daunting one. Therefore, the committee approached its responsibility with prayer, reverence, and diligence. The statement on family is thoroughly biblical. Every line is deeply rooted in the clear teaching of Scripture. Its language is theological and thus in keeping with the language of the original document. The committee sought to use words and phrases that would carry the same timelessness as the Hobbs statement. The proposed article is stated in the positive. The intent is to declare what is believed rather than to describe what is disbelieved. Again, the original statement of faith follows this pattern. The committee felt a commentary on the Article would be helpful. This commentary expands and provides a strong foundation for the proposed Article. While the family statement stands firmly on its own, the commentary enhances understanding. The commentary will be a useful tool for those who seek to comprehend Southern Baptist beliefs regarding family.
Commentary
The family was defined by God as the foundational institution of human society. From the beginning, God has used the family as the primary classroom and as the foremost object lesson for teaching His people about Himself and for challenging them to the holy lifestyle He demands. Before there were civil governments or assemblies of worship, God established the home by creating the man and the woman and bringing them together in the Garden of Eden to engage in spiritual ministry through companionship, dominion, procreation, and worship.
Marriage
God’s purpose for marriage was introduced in creation ( Ge 2:24 ) and then reaffirmed in the Gospels ( Mat 19:5 ) and the Pauline epistles ( Eph 5:31 ). This biblica principle for marriage transcends time and culture. Marriage, according to Scripture, is a covenant commitment to the exclusive, permanent, monogamous union of one man and one woman, and thus it cannot be defined as a flexible contract between consenting human beings. Rather, the strong and enduring bond of marriage, pledged in the presence of God Himself, is enriched by the couple’s unconditional love for and acceptance of one another. Believers must resist any claims of legitimacy for sexual relationships that biblically have been declared illicit or perverse lest they fall prey to an accommodation to the spirit of the age. Deviation from God’s plan for marriage mars the image of God ( Ge 1:27) and distorts the oneness God intended in the sexual union between one woman and one man. The perversion of homosexuality defies even childbirth, since it negates natural conception ( Rom 1:18-32 ).In marriage, two people physically become one flesh ( Ge 2:24 ); two families are socially grafted together; and the husband and wife portray spiritually the relationship between Christ and the Church ( Eph 5:23-27). The union is designed to provide a lifetime of spiritual and emotional support ( De 24:5 ), to offer a channel for the mutual satisfaction of sexual desires, and to present the best setting for conceiving and nurturing the next generation. The complementary relationship between husband and wife is presented as part of the pre-Fall perfect setting ( Ge 2:8-25 ) and then carefully defined within the canon of Scripture for succeeding generations ( Eph 5:21-33; Col 3:18; 1Pe 3:1-7). Marriage, according to God’s plan, is a lifelong commitment. The breaking of its bonds brings hurt to all those involved, and thus every effort ought to be made for marital reconciliation and restoration ( Mal 2:16 ). Jesus clearly did not advocate divorce but called attention to His design for marriage presented "in the beginning" at creation ( Ge 2:24), while noting that the "hardness" of the human heart could on occasion circumvent that plan ( Mat 5:31-32; 19:3-9; Mar 10:6-12; Luke 16:18; Rom 7:1-3; 1Co 7:1-16 ).
The Fall introduced distortions into the relationships between men and women just as it brought chaos and tragedy throughout the world. The husband’s loving, humble headship has often been replaced with domination or passivity. The wife’s voluntary and willing submission has often been exchanged for usurpation or servility. Redemption in Christ would call for husbands to forsake harsh or selfish leadership and to extend loving care to their wives ( 1Pe 3:7 ) and for wives to forsake resistance to the authority of their respective husbands and to practice willing, joyful submission to that leadership ( 1Pe 3:1-2 ).
Husbands
God commands husbands to love their wives as Christ loved the church ( Eph 5:25 ). This love is protective, nurturing, serving, and edifying. It is not replaced with, but accompanied by, headship. This headship calls the husband to a loving leadership in which he cares responsibly for his wife’s spiritual, emotional, and physical needs. As defined in Scripture, the husband’s headship was established by God before the Fall and was not the result of sin ( Ge 2:15-17 ) see also ( Num 1:2-3, 17-19 ). It is a responsibility to be assumed with humility and a servant’s heart rather than a right to be demanded with pride and oppressive tyranny. The wife is to respond to her husband’s loving headship with honor and respect ( Eph 5:21-22, 33; 1Pe 3:1-4 ). Servanthood does not nullify leadership but rather defines and refines its outworking. The balance between servanthood and leadership is beautifully portrayed in Jesus Himself ( Lu 22:26; Heb 13:17 ), who models servant leadership for the husband and selfless submission for the wife ( Eph 5:23-27; Php 2:5-8 ). Not only did Jesus model the Creator’s plan for different roles, but He also affirmed the equality in Christ of the husband and the wife ( Gal 3:28; 1Pe 3:7 ). As the wife submits herself to her husband’s leadership, the husband humbles himself to meet his wife’s needs for love and nurture ( Eph 5:25-29; 1Pe 3:7 ).
Wives
Wives, on the other hand, were created to be "helpers" to their husbands (Ge 2:18 ). A wife’s submission to her husband does not decrease her worth but rather enhances her value to her husband and to the Lord ( 1Pe 3:4). This humble and voluntary yielding of a wife to her husband’s leadership becomes a resource for evangelism ( 1Pe 3:1-2 ), an opportunity for glorifying God ( 1Pe 3:4-6 ), a channel for spiritual growth as ultimately the wife trusts herself to the Lord, and a means for bringing honor to His Word ( Tit 2:3-5 ). The term "helper," which is also used by God to identify Himself ( Ex 18:4; De 33:7 ), describes the woman God created to become a partner with the man in the overwhelming task of exercising dominion over the world and extending the generations ( Ge 1:28; 2:18 ). There is no hint of inferiority in the term, which describes function, rather than worth. As the man’s "helper," the woman complements him through her own unique function in the economy of God; as one "comparable to him," she, too, is created "in the image of God" ( Ge 2:18 ). Both bear God’s image fully, but each expresses that image in God-ordained ways through manhood or womanhood. Thus, distinctions in masculine and feminine roles are ordained by God as part of the created order ( Ge 1:27 ). Their differing roles in relating to one another provide a picture of the nature of God and the way He relates to His people. As the realities of headship and submission are enacted within loving, equal, and complementary male-female roles, the image of God is properly reflected.
Parents and Children
The family is the natural setting for molding and nurturing a child in the ways of the Lord ( Pro 22:6 ). Parents are admonished to take seriously their responsibility for the spiritual formation of their children by introducing them to God (salvation) and teaching them His Word (discipleship). Fathers and mothers are responsible (1) to model biblical manhood and womanhood through incarnational living, in which their children are able to observe the sanctification process in the lifestyle of their parents ( De 6:4-9, 20-25; Jos 4:6-7 ) ;( 2) to teach their children moral values from the Scripture; and (3) to lead them to love and serve the Lord through consistent discipline ( Ps 78:4-8 ). The boundaries of a young child are established by his parents ( Pro 3:12; 13:24; 22:6; 23:13-14; 29:15, 17; Eph 6:4 ). However, the ultimate goal of parents is to move the child to personal accountability to God ( Ps 119:9-11 ). Childless couples, as well as single men and women, have the opportunity to pass on a godly legacy through involvement with the children within their extended family circles, in their churches, and in their respective communities.
Conclusion
Doctrine and practice, whether in the home or the church, are not to be determined according to modern cultural, sociological, and ecclesiastical trends or according to personal emotional whims; rather, Scripture is to be the final authority in all matters of faith and conduct ( 2Ti 3:16-17; Heb 4:12; 2Pe 1:20-21 ). God chose to reveal Himself to His people through family language: He used the metaphor of the home to describe the heavenly dwelling where believers will join Him for eternity. He selected the analogy of family relationships (husband/wife and parent/child) to illustrate how believers are to relate to Him: God is the Father; Jesus is the Son; the Church is the Bride of Christ; believers are His children. The most basic and consistent spiritual teaching, character development, and discipleship training should occur within the family circle ( De 6:4-9). A Christ-centered family has the potential to give a "word about God" to a world indifferent to spiritual truths. Those within the family circle have a unique opportunity to study the Bible and to learn theology through object lessons built into the very structure of the family. Godly families help build the church just as churches ought to help build godly families. Scripture makes frequent connections between the life of the family and the life of the church ( 1Ti 3:5; 5:1-2 ). Leadership patterns in the family are consistently reflected in the church as well ( 1Ti 2:9-14; 3:1-7; Tit 1:5-9 ). We heartily affirm and commit ourselves to upholding the concept of the family as God’s original and primary means of producing a godly offspring and thus passing on godly values from generation to generation ( De 6:4-9; Ps 78:5-7 ).
Recommendation
The committee expresses appreciation to Dr. Thomas D. Elliff for the privilege of serving Southern Baptists in this very significant capacity. It is pleased to commend its report to messengers of this 1998 Southern Baptist Convention and recommend the adoption of Articlen XVIII on The Family for inclusion in the Baptist Faith and Message.
Respectfully submitted,
Anthony Jordan, Chairman: Executive Director-Treasurer of the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma
Bill Elliff: Pastor of the First Baptist Church, Little Rock, Arkansas
Richard Land: President of The Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention
Mary Mohler: Homemaker and Director of the Seminary Wives Institute of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
Dorothy Patterson: Homemaker and adjunct faculty member of Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary
Damon Shook: Pastor of Champion Forest Baptist Church, Houston, Texas
John Sullivan: Executive Director-Treasurer of the Florida Baptist Convention
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Report of the Baptist Faith and Message Study Committee to the Southern Baptist Convention
Adopted, June 14th, 2000
The 1999 session of the Southern Baptist Convention, meeting in Atlanta, Georgia, adopted the
following motion addressed to the President of the Convention:
"I move that in your capacity as Southern Baptist Convention chairman, you appoint a blue ribbon committee to review the
Baptist Faith and Message statement with the responsibility to report and bring any recommendations to this meeting next June in Orlando." |
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President Paige Patterson appointed the committee as follows: Max Barnett (OK), Steve Gaines
(AL), Susie Hawkins (TX), Rudy A. Hernandez (TX), Charles S. Kelley, Jr. (LA), Heather King (IN), Richard D. Land (TN), Fred Luter (LA), R. Albert Mohler, Jr. (KY), T. C. Pinckney (VA),
Nelson Price (GA), Adrian Rogers (TN), Roger Spradlin (CA), Simon Tsoi (AZ), Jerry Vines (FL). Adrian Rogers (TN) was appointed chairman.
Your committee thus constituted begs leave to present its report as follows:Baptists are a people of deep beliefs and cherished doctrines. Throughout our history we have been
a confessional people, adopting statements of faith as a witness to our beliefs and a pledge of our faithfulness to the doctrines revealed in Holy Scripture.
Our confessions of faith are rooted in historical precedent, as the church in every age has been called upon to define and defend its beliefs. Each generation of Christians bears the responsibility of
guarding the treasury of truth that has been entrusted to us [2 Timothy 1:14]. Facing a new century, Southern Baptists must meet the demands and duties of the present hour.
New challenges to faith appear in every age. A pervasive anti-supernaturalism in the culture was answered by Southern Baptists in 1925, when the Baptist Faith and Message was first adopted
by this Convention. In 1963, Southern Baptists responded to assaults upon the authority and truthfulness of the Bible by adopting revisions to the Baptist Faith and Message. The Convention
added an article on "The Family" in 1998, thus answering cultural confusion with the clear teachings of Scripture. Now, faced with a culture hostile to the very notion of truth, this generation of Baptists
must claim anew the eternal truths of the Christian faith. Your committee respects and celebrates the heritage of the Baptist Faith and Message, and affirms the decision of the Convention in 1925 to adopt the
New Hampshire Confession of Faith, "revised at certain points and with some additional articles growing out of certain needs . . . ." We
also respect the important contributions of the 1925 and 1963 editions of the Baptist Faith and Message. With the 1963 committee, we have been guided in our work by the 1925 "statement of the historic
Baptist conception of the nature and function of confessions of faith in our religious and denominational life . . . ." It is, therefore, quoted in full as a part of this report to the Convention:
(1) That they constitute a consensus of opinion of some Baptist body, large or small, for the general instruction and guidance of our own people and others concerning those articles of
the Christian faith which are most surely held among us. They are not intended to add anything to the simple conditions of salvation revealed in the New Testament, viz.,
repentance toward God and faith in Jesus Christ as Saviour and Lord. (2) That we do not regard them as complete statements of our faith, having any quality of
finality or infallibility. As in the past so in the future, Baptists should hold themselves free to revise their statements of faith as may seem to them wise and expedient at any time.
(3) That any group of Baptists, large or small, have the inherent right to draw up for themselves and publish to the world a confession of their faith whenever they may think it advisable to do so.
(4) That the sole authority for faith and practice among Baptists is the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments. Confessions are only guides in interpretation, having no authority over the conscience.
(5) That they are statements of religious convictions, drawn from the Scriptures, and are not to be used to hamper freedom of thought or investigation in other realms of life.
Baptists cherish and defend religious liberty, and deny the right of any secular or religious authority to impose a confession of faith upon a church or body of churches. We honor the principles of soul
competency and the priesthood of believers, affirming together both our liberty in Christ and our accountability to each other under the Word of God.
Baptist churches, associations, and general bodies have adopted confessions of faith as a witness to the world, and as instruments of doctrinal accountability. We are not embarrassed to state before
the world that these are doctrines we hold precious and as essential to the Baptist tradition of faith and practice.
As a committee, we have been charged to address the "certain needs" of our own generation. In an age increasingly hostile to Christian truth, our challenge is to express the truth as revealed in
Scripture, and to bear witness to Jesus Christ, who is "the Way, the Truth, and the Life." The 1963 committee rightly sought to identify and affirm "certain definite doctrines that Baptists
believe, cherish, and with which they have been and are now closely identified." Our living faith is established upon eternal truths. "Thus this generation of Southern Baptists is in historic succession of
intent and purpose as it endeavors to state for its time and theological climate those articles of the Christian faith which are most surely held among us."
It is the purpose of this statement of faith and message to set forth certain teachings which we believe. Respectfully Submitted, The Baptist Faith and Message Study Committee Adrian Rogers, Chairman
Committee Members:
Adrian Rogers, Chairman
Max Barnett
Max Barnett
Susie Hawkins
Charles S. Kelley, Jr.
Richard D. Land
R. Albert Mohler, Jr.
Nelson Price
Simon Tsoi
Steve Gaines
Rudy A. Hernandez
Heather King
Fred Luter
T. C. Pinckney
Roger Spradlin
Jerry Vines
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