Faith
Statement of Beliefs
I. Of the Scriptures
We believe that the Holy Bible, although written by men, is divinely inspired by Almighty God and is a perfect treasure of heavenly instruction (II Tim. 3:16,17); that it has God for its author, salvation for its end (II Tim. 3:15) and truth without any mixture of error for its matter, (Rom. 2:12; John 12:47,48) and therefore is, and shall remain to the end of the world, the true center of Christian union (Phil. 3:16), and the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds and opinions should be tried (1 John 3:1, Isa 8:20).
II. Of the True God
We believe that there is one, and only one living and true God, an infinite, intelligent Spirit, the Maker and Supreme Ruler of Heaven and earth; (John 4:24, Psalm 147:5;83:18, Heb. 3:4, Rom 1:20, Jer 10:10) inexpressibly glorious in holiness, (Exod 15:11) and worthy of all possible honor, confidence and love; (Mark 12:30, Rev 4:11) that in the unity of the Godhead there are three persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit; (Matt 28:19, John 15:16) equal in every divine perfection (John 10:30), and executing distinct but harmonious offices in their great work of redemption (Eph 2:18, II Cor 13:14).
III. Of the Fall of Man
We believe that man was created in holiness, under the law of his Maker (Gen 1:27,31; Eccl 7:29) but by voluntary transgression fell from that holy and happy state; (Gen 3:6-24; Rom 5:12) in consequence of which all mankind are now sinners, (Rom 5:19; John 3:6; Psalm 51:5) not by constraint but by choice; (Isa 53:6; Gen 6:12; Rom 3:9-18) being by nature utterly void of that holiness required by the law of God, positively inclined to evil; and therefore under just condemnation to eternal ruin (Eph 2:13; Rom 1:18, 31; 2:1-16) without defense or excuse (Ezek 18:19,20; Rom 1:20;3:19).
IV. Of the Way of Salvation
We believe that the salvation of sinners is wholly of grace, (Eph 2:5; I John 4:10) through the Mediatory offices of the Son of God; (John 3:16; 1:1-14) who by the appointment of the Father freely took upon Him our nature, yet without sin; (Phil 2:6,7; Heb 2:9, 14) honored the divine law by His personal obedience, (Isa 42:21; Phil 2:8) and by His death made a full atonement for our sins; (Isa 53:4,5; Matt 20:28; Rom 4:25) that having risen from the dead, He is now enthroned in heaven; (Heb 1:3-8; Col 3:14) and united in His wonderful person the tenderest sympathies with divine perfections, He is every way qualified to be a suitable, a compassionate, and an all-sufficient Savior (Heb7:25; Col 2:9; Heb 2:18).
V. Of Justification
We believe that the great gospel blessing which Christ (John 1:16; Eph 3:8) secures to such as believe in Him is justification; (Acts 13:39; Rom 8:1) that justification includes the pardon of sin, (Rom 5:9) and the promise of eternal life on principles of righteousness; (Rom 5:17; Titus 3:5,6) that it is bestowed, not in consideration of any works of righteousness which we have done, but solely thru faith in the Redeemer's blood; (Rom 4:4,5) by virtue of which faith perfect righteousness is freely imputed to us of God; (Rom 5:19;3:24-28) that it brings us into a state of most blessed peace and favor with God, secures every blessing needful for time and eternity (Rom 5:1-3, 11; Matt 6:33).
VI. Of the Freeness of Salvation
We believe that the blessings of salvation are made free to all by the Gospel of Christ (Isa 55:1; Rev 22:17) that it is the immediate duty of all to accept them by a cordial penitent and obedient faith; (Rom 16:26; Mark 1:15; Rom 1:15-17) and that nothing prevents the salvation of the greatest sinner on earth, but his own inherent depravity and voluntary rejection of the Gospel of Christ; (John 5:40; Rom 9:32) which rejection involves him in an aggravated condemnation (John 3:19; Matt 11:20).
VII. Of Grace in Regeneration
We believe that in order to be saved, sinners must be regenerated, or born again; (John 3:3,6,7) that regeneration consists in giving a holy disposition to the mind, (II Cor 5:17; Ezek 36:26; Rom 2:28,29) that it is effected in a manner above our comprehension by the power of the Holy Spirit, in connection with divine truth; (John 3:8; 1:13; James 1:16-18) so as to secure our voluntary obedience to the Gospel of Christ; (1 Peter 1:22-25; 1 John 5:1; Eph 4:20-24) and that its proper evidence appears in the holy fruits of repentance, and faith, and newness of life (Eph 5:9; Rom 8:9, Gal 5:16-23; Eph 3:14-21).
VIII. Of Repentance and Faith
We believe that repentance and faith are sacred duties and also inseparable graces, wrought in our souls in regeneration (Mark 1:15; Acts 11:18; Eph 2:8; 1 John 5:1) whereby being deeply convinced of our guilt, danger and helplessness, and of the way of salvation by Christ (John 16:8; Acts 2:37,38;16:30,31) we turn to God with unfeigned contrition, confession, and supplication for mercy; (Luke 18:13; James 4:7-10) 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 Savior (Rom 10:9-13; Acts 3:22, 23; Heb 1:8).
IX. Of God's Purpose of Grace
We believe that election is the eternal purpose of God, according to which He graciously regenerates, sanctifies, and saves sinners; (II Tim 1:8,9;Eph 1: 3-14; Rom 11:5,6) that being perfectly consistent with the free agency of man, it comprehends all the means in connection with the end; (II Thes 2:13, 14; Acts 13:48; John 10:16) that it is a most glorious display of God's sovereign goodness, being infinitely free, wise, holy and unchangeable; (Exod 33:18,19; Matt 20:15; Eph 1:11; Rom 9:23, 24;11:28-36) that it utterly excludes boasting and promotes humility, love, prayer, praise, trust in God, and active imitation of His Free mercy;(1 Cor 4:7;1:26-31; Col 3:12) that it encourages the use of means in the highest degree; (II Tim 2:10; 1 Cor 9:2; Rom 8:28-30; John 6:27-40) that it may be ascertained by its effects in all who truly believe the Gospel of Christ; (1 Thes 1:4-10) that it is the foundation of Christian assurance; (Rom 8:28-31; 11:29) and that to ascertain it with regard to ourselves demands and deserves the utmost diligence (II Peter 1:10, 11; Phil 3:12).
X. Of Sanctification
We believe that sanctification is the process by which, according to the will of God, we are made partakers of His holiness; (1 Thess 4:3; 5:23; II Cor 7:1) that it is a progressive work; (Prov 4:18; II Peter 1:5-8; Phil 3:12-16) that it is begun in regeneration; (John 2:29; Rom 8:5; Phil 1:9-11) and that it is carried on in the hearts of believers by the presence and power of the Holy Spirit, the Sealer and Comforter, in the continual use of the appointed means-especially the Word of God, self-examination, self-denial, watchfulness and prayer (Phil 2:12, 13; Eph 4:11; I Peter 2:2).
XI. Of the Perseverance of Saints
We believe that such only are real believers as endure unto the end (John 8:31; 1 John 2:27, 28; 3:9) that their persevering attachment to Christ is the grand mark which distinguishes them from superficial professions; (1 John 2:19; Matt 13:20,21) that a special providence watches over their welfare; (Rom 8:28; Matt 6:30,33) and that they are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation (Phil 1:6; 2:12,13; Jude 24,25).
XII. Of the Harmony of the Law and the Gospel
We believe that the law of God is the eternal and unchangeable rule of His moral government; (Rom 3:31; Matt 5:17;) that it is holy, just and good (Rom 7:12,14,33; Gal 3:21) and that the inability which the Scriptures ascribe to fallen men to fulfill its precepts, arises entirely from their love of sin; (Rom 8:7,8; Jer 13:23) to deliver from which, and to restore them through a mediator to unfeigned obedience to the holy law, is one great end of the Gospel of Christ, and of the means of grace connected with the establishment of the visible church (Rom 8:2,4; 10:4).
XIII. Of a Physical Church
We believe that a visible church of Christ is a congregation of baptized believers; (1 Cor 1:1-13; Matt 18:17; Acts 5:11; 8:1) associated by covenant in the faith and fellowship of the Gospel of Christ; (Acts 2:14-42; II Cor 8:5; I Cor 5:12,13) observing the ordinance of Christ;(I Cor 11:2, 23; II Thess 3:6; Rom 16: 17-20) governed by His laws; (Matt 28:20; John 14:15,21; 1 John 4:21) and exercising the gifts, rights, and privileges invested in them by His Word; (Eph 4:7; 1 Cor 14:12; Phil 1:27) that its only scriptural officers are bishops or pastors or deacons; (Phil 1:1; Acts 14:23; 1 Tim 3) whose qualifications, claims and duties are defined in the Epistles of Timothy and Titus.
XIV. Of Baptism and Holy Communion
We believe that Christian baptism is the first required sacrament of a believer; (Acts 8:36-39; Matt 3:5,6; John 3:22,23) into the name of the Father, and Son, and Holy Spirit; (Matt 28:19; Acts 10:47,48) to show forth in a solemn and beautiful emblem our faith in the crucified, buried, and risen Saviour, with its effect, in our death to sin and resurrection to a new life; (Rom 6:4; Col 2:12) that it is a prerequisite to the privilege of a church relation; and to the Holy Communion (Acts 2:41,42; Matt 28:19.20) in which the members of the church unite with Christ partaking of His body and blood by the sacred use of bread and wine, (1 Cor 11:26; Matt 26:26-29) preceded always by solemn self-examination (1 Cor 11:28; 5:1.8).
XV. Of the Lord's Day and the Sabbath
We accept that Sunday the first day of the week is by popular TRADITION kept as the Lord's day; and is kept by choice for religious purposes; However we do also confirm based on Holy scripture that Saturday is the Holy Sabbath and is to be kept as instructed by scripture, that being set aside as holy according to GOD'S INSTRUCTION , to in as much as possible to abstaining from all secular labor and sinful recreations (Isa 58:13,14; 56:2-8) by the devout observance of all the means of grace, both private (Psalm 118:15) and public (Heb 10:24,25; Acts 11:26;13:44) and by preparation for that rest that remaineth for the people of God (Heb 4:3-11). Thus we hold the one; Sunday; is held holy by choice of man and the other; Saturday, ordained holy by instruction of God. We wish to enter no conflict, argument or disagreement with any other Christian Sister church or body of believers on this issue of observance, and for the reason of obedience to God and in respect of Christian tradition of long standing we chose to begin and end our week with Holy Observance to God; by offering High Mass on Saturday and Sunday.
XVI Civil Government
We believe that civil government is of divine appointment, for the interest and good order of human society;(Rom 13:1-7; Deut16:18; II Sam 23:3) and that magistrates are to be prayed for, conscientiously honored, and obeyed (Matt 22:21; Titus 3:1; 1 Peter 2:13; 1 Tim 2:1-8) except only in things opposed to the will of our Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 5:29; Matt 10:28; Dan 3:15-18; 6:7-10) who is the only Lord of the conscience, and the Prince of the kings of the earth (Matt 23:10; Rom 14:4; Rev 19:16; Psalm 72:11).
XVII. Of the Righteous and the Wicked
We believe that there is a radical and essential difference between the righteous and the wicked (Mal 3:18, Prov 12:26; Rom 6:16) that such only as through faith are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and sanctified by the spirit of our God, are truly righteous in His esteem; (Rom 1:17; 7:6; 6:18-22; 1 John 2:29; 3:7) while all such as continue in impenitence and unbelief are in His sight wicked, and under the curse; ( 1 John 5:19; Gal 3:10; John 3:36) and this distinction holds among men both in and after death (Prov 14:32; 10:24; Luke 16:25; John 8:21-24).
XVIII. Of the World to Come
We believe that the end of the world is approaching; (1 Peter 4:7; 1 Cor 7:29-31;; Matt 24:35) that at the last day Christ will descend from heaven; (Acts 1:11; Rev 1:7; Heb 9:28; 1 Thess 4:13-18; 5: 1-11) and raise the dead from the grave to final retribution; a solemn separation will then take place; (Matt 13: 37-43, 49; 24:30,31; 25:31-33) that the wicked (Acts 24:15; 1 Cor 15: 12-59; John 5: 28, 29) will be adjudged to endless punishment, and the righteous to endless joy; (Matt 25: 35-41; Rev 22:11; 1 Cor 6: 9-10; Rom 6:22) and that this judgment will fix forever the final state of men in heaven or hell, on principles of righteousness (Rom 3:5,6. II Thess 1: 6-12; Heb 6:1.2; Rom 2:2-16). We attest and confirm as outlined , that the articles therein are held to be the basic principles of faith by this church and affirmed as such.
XIX.We believe in the Universal Catholic Faith as set forth particularly in the three recognized Creeds of Christendom: the Apostles Creed, the Nicene Creed, and that known as the Creed of St. Athanasius. We receive and believe them in the same sense that they have had always within the Universal Catholic Church.
XX. We believe in the sanctity of human life; that begins at the moment of conception; and that the willing taking of that life in the womb by abortion is a grave sin. We do NOT perceive abortion to be a medical procedure but premeditated and assisted murder of the first degree. XXI. We believe in the Family, in the God given Sacramental bond in marriage of one man and one woman. We profess that sexual activity is to be practiced only within the bonds of Holy Matrimony.