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God is the Creator and Ruler of the universe. He has
eternally existed in three personalities: the Father,
the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three are co-equal
and are one God.
Genesis 1:1,26,27; 3:22; Psalm 90:2; Matthew 28:19; I
Peter 1:2; II Corinthians 13:14
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 marred by an attitude
of disobedience toward God called "sin." This attitude
separates every person from God.
Genesis 1:27; Psalm 8:3-6; Isaiah 53:6a; Romans 3:23;
Isaiah 59:1-2
People were created to exist forever. We will either
exist eternally separated from God by sin, or in union
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
places of eternal existence.
John 3:16; I John 2:25 & 5:11-13; Romans 6:23;
Revelation 20:15
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 to
earth to reign as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
Matthew 1:22-23; Isaiah 9:6; John 1:1-5 & 14:10-30;
Hebrews 4:14-15; I Corinthians 15:3-4; Romans 1:3-4;
Acts 1:9-11; I Timothy 6:14-15; Titus 2:13
Salvation is a gift from God to all people. 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 people be saved from sin's penalty.
Eternal life begins the moment one receives Jesus Christ
into his life by faith.
Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8-9; John 14:6 & 1:12; Titus
3:5; Galatians 3:26; Romans 5:1
Because God gives us eternal life through Jesus Christ,
the believer is secure in that salvation for eternity.
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 this security.
John 10:29; II Timothy 1:12; Hebrews 7:25 & 10:10-14;
I Peter 1:3-5
The Holy Spirit is equal with the Father and the Son as
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.
The Christian seeks to live under His control daily.
II Corinthians 3:17; John 16:7-13 & 14:16-17; Acts
1:8; I Corinthians 2:12 & 3:16; Ephesians 1:13;
Galatians 5:25; Ephesians 5:18
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
truth without any mixture of error.
II Timothy 3:16; II Peter 1:20-21; II Timothy 1:13;
Psalm 119:105,160 & 12:6; Proverbs 30:5
For a further explanation of our beliefs, see The
Baptist Faith & Message.
http://www.sbc.net/bfm/default.asp
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