Constitution and By-Laws
Faith Baptist Church
Higginsville, Missouri
Article NO. II Doctrinal Belief
SECTION 1, THE SCRIPTURES
The Bible is the Inspired Word and Revelation of God and therefore our only authority in matters of faith and practice.
II Tim. 3:16, 17; II Peter 1:21
SECTION 2, THE TRINITY
The Godhead exists eternally in three persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and these three are one God having the same nature, attributes, and perfections. They are distinguished in their office or work.
II Cor. 13:14; Matt. 3:16, 17; 28:19; Romans 1:7; Hebrews 1:8; Col. 2:9; Acts 5:3, 4
SECTION 3, THE LORD JESUS CHRIST
Christ was born of a virgin; He is the God-man-God in the flesh; He is perfect, without sin, yet He took our sins upon Himself and died as our substitute making our salvation possible; He physically and literally rose from the dead; He ascended into Heaven; He is now Head of the Church and advocate for the sinning saint; He is physically and literally coming to earth again.
Isa. 7:14; Matt. 1:18-23; John 1:1, 2, 14; Philippians 2:5-8; II Cor. 5:21; I Peter 2:24; 3:18; Heb. 4:15; Rom. 5:8-10; 3:26-26; I Cor. 15; Matt. 28-6; Luke 24:39; Acts 1:9-11; Eph. 1:22-23; I John 2, 1; Rev. 1:7, 19:11-16
SECTION 4, SIN
All mankind is depraved, thus the necessity of regeneration through the Holy Spirit of God and faith in Jesus Christ.
Jeremiah 17:9; Eph. 2:1; Romans 3:23; John 1:12, 3:3-7
SECTION 5, SALVATION THROUGH CHRIST
Man is lost and headed for hell without Christ. Our salvation can only be based on the finished work of Christ who shed His blood on the cross for us. We are not saved by works or any man made method. Repentance is a part of salvation but not a separate act. Salvation is received by a simple trusting belief in the finished work of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, on the cross paying for our sins.
I Pet. 2:24; II Cor. 5:21; Gal. 3:13; Heb. 9:22-26; I Peter 1:18, 19; Eph. 2:8, 9; Titus 3:5; John 1:12; 3:5; 16, 18; 5:24; Acts 16:31; Romans 10:9, 10, 13
SECTION 6, ETERNAL SECURITY
Once genuinely saved, we are always saved and can have assurance of salvation. This doctrine does not give liberty for a life of sin. We are new creatures in Christ, free to serve the Lord by the power of the Holy Spirit.
John 10:28, 29; Romans 8:29-30; Jude 24; I John 5:13; Romans 6:1, 2, 12, 13, 18; II Cor. 5:17
SECTION 7, INDWELLING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
Every born-again person is indwelt by the Holy Spirit and baptized by the Holy Spirit into the body of Christ. We hold to the Biblical teaching that a man is made complete in Christ at the moment of his conversion. Therefore, we do not believe that the charismatic gifts are evidence of any unique baptism (second blessing) or filling or superior ministry of the Holy Spirit. The practice, teaching, and promotion of such are not permitted.
Rom. 8:9, 16; I Cor. 6:19, 20; 12:13
SECTION 8, BAPTISM AND COMMUNION
The immersion of the believer in water is the only Biblical Baptism. Baptism does not save or aid in salvation, but is the outward testimony of salvation already possessed. It is commanded of every born-again believer.
Matt. 28:19; Acts 8:36-39a; Romans 6:3, 4
The Communion of the Lord’s Supper is a privilege open to all born-again believers.
I Cor. 10:16; 11:23-32
SECTION 9, THE CHURCH
The Church, which is the body and bride of Christ, is a spiritual organism made up of all born-again believers.
Eph. 1:22, 23; 5:25-27; I Cor. 12:12-31; II Cor. 11:2
The establishment and continuance of local churches is clearly taught and defined in the New Testament Scriptures.
Acts 14:27; 20:17, 28-32, I Tim. 3:1-13; Titus 1:5-11
SECTION 10, THE PERSONAL, PRE-MILLENIAL, IMMINENT, RETURN OF CHRIST
Our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ is coming again before the Tribulation for His Church (rapture), then with His Church to return to return after the Tribulation to judge and rule in His Millenial Kingdom.
Acts 1:9-11; I Thess. 4:13-18; II Thess. 1:7-9; II Timothy 2:12; Jude 14, 15; Revelation 19, 20
SECTION 11, SATAN
Satan is a real personality.
Rev. 12:9, 20:12; I Peter 5:8
SECTION 12, THE ETERNAL STATE
There is a literal hell for the lost.
Luke 16:19-26; II Thess. 1:7-9; Jude 6, 7; Rev. 20:11-15
There is a literal heaven for the saved.
II Cor. 5:8; Phil. 1:23; John 14:1-3; Rev. 21:1-22:5
