STATEMENT OF BELIEF

A living Christian faith must be continually evaluated. This statement of belief is not to be regarded as complete or infallible. It is the purpose of this statement to summarize the Christian teachings we believe.  Here’s what we believe:

1.  ABOUT GOD. God is the Creator and Ruler of the universe.  He has eternally existed in three persons:  the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.  These three are co-equal and are one God.

2.  ABOUT JESUS CHRIST. Jesus Christ is the Son of God.  He is co-equal with the Father.  Jesus lived a sinless human life and offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all people by dying on a cross.  He arose from the dead after three days to demonstrate His power over sin and death.  He ascended to Heaven’s glory and will return again someday to earth to reign as King of Kings, and Lord of Lords.

3.  ABOUT THE HOLY SPIRIT. The Holy Spirit is co-equal with the Father and the Son of God.  He is present in the world to make people aware of their need for Jesus Christ.  He also lives in every Christian from the moment of salvation.  He provides the Christian with power for living, understanding of spiritual truth, and guidance in doing what is right.  He gives every believer spiritual gifts when they are saved.  As Christians, we seek to live under His control and guidance daily.

4.  ABOUT THE BIBLE. The Bible is God’s Word to us.  It was written by human authors, under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit.  It is the supreme source of truth for Christian beliefs and living.  Because it is inspired by God, it is the truth without any mixture of error.

5.  ABOUT HUMAN BEINGS. People are made in the spiritual image of God, to be like Him in character.  People are the supreme object of God’s creation.  Although every person has tremendous potential for good, all of us are born in a condition called “sin” and marred by an attitude of disobedience toward God  This condition separates people from God and causes many problems in life.

6.  ABOUT SALVATION. Salvation is God’s free gift to us, but we must accept it.  We can never make up for our sin by self-improvement or good works.  Only by trusting in Jesus Christ as God’s offer of forgiveness can anyone be saved from sin’s penalty.  When we turn from our self-ruled life and turn to Jesus in faith we are saved.  Eternal life begins the moment one receives Jesus Christ into his/her life by faith.

7.  ABOUT ETERNAL SECURITY. Because God gives us eternal life through Jesus Christ, the true believer is secure in that salvation for eternity.  If you have been genuinely saved, you cannot “lose” it.  Salvation is maintained by the grace and power of God, not by the self-effort of the Christian.  It is the grace and keeping power of God that gives us this security.

8.  ABOUT ETERNITY. People were created to exist forever.  We will either exist eternally separated from God by sin or eternally with God through forgiveness and salvation.  To be eternally separated from God is Hell.  To be eternally in union with Him is eternal life.  Heaven and Hell are real places of eternal existence.

The local expression of the church is realized wherever God’s people meet in obedience to this command. Members are to work together in love and unity, under the watch-care and guidance of the appropriate leadership, with the ultimate purpose of glorifying Christ.

10. ABOUT FAITH, PRACTICES, AND DIFFERENCES IN INTERPRETATION:  The Bible is the final authority in all matters of faith and practice.  Military Street Baptist Church leaves room for honest differences of opinion as to biblical interpretation on teachings, which are not essential to salvation.  Military Street Baptist Church recognizes that it cannot bind the conscience of individual members in areas where Scripture is silent or does not provide clear direction. Each believer is to be led in those areas by the Lord, to Whom he or she alone is ultimately responsible.