Theological Background

     When I was in second grade, my father (An American Baptist minister) gave an altar call to accept Christ. I don't remember what he preached, but I remember running forward in tears, and asking Christ into my heart. For nearly as long as I can remember I have been a Christian and a Baptist. When I was a sophomore in High School I was baptized by immersion and became a member of Freedom in Christ Baptist Church, where my mother, also an American Baptist minister, is pastor. I am currently a member of New Life Baptist Church in Amherst, MA, an independent fundamentalist Baptist Church. The following Confession of Faith was written in my Theology Survey course at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, and has been modified slightly since then to incorporate new insight into my faith, beliefs, and walk with God.

Doctrine of Scripture

     I believe that all Scripture is the revelation of God's will for all of humanity (Psalms 119:105); it is, in fact, the very Word of God. It is His direct, special revelation to us (Matthew 4:4). Although written by human beings, it is still His words, inspired by Him through the working of the Holy Spirit (Deuteronomy 18:18, Isaiah 30:8-9, Acts 4:25, 1st Corinthians 2:13). As the Scriptures are "God-breathed" (2nd Timothy 3:16), they are wholly true and inerrant in all that they affirm (Psalms 12:6, Proverbs 30:5-6, John 10:35).

     The thirty-nine books of the Old Convenant and the twenty-seven books of the New Covenant are canon, affirmed as Scriptures by the rabbis, prophets, and early church through the Holy Spirit's Guidance (John 16:13). The church did no arbitrarily choose the books that were Scripture; it affirmed those chosen by the Holy Spirit.

Doctrine of God

Attributes

     God possesses many qualities, or attributes, usually grouped in two categories. The first is the incommunicable attributes, which sets God apart from all other. Only God has these attributes. Included in this category are:

• Independence
  • God does not rely on anything for His existence (Isaiah 44:24, John 5:26)
• Spirituality
  • God is pure spirit without physical form (Exodus 20:4, 1st Timothy 6:15-6)
• Constant in regards to character and purposes
  • (Psalms 102:27, Hebrews 6:17)
• Eternal
  • (Deuteronomy 33:27, 1st Timothy 1:17)
• Omnipresent
  • God is unlimited by time or space (Jeremiah 23:23-24, Acts 17:27-28)
• Omnipotent
  • God is sovereign over all things (2nd Chronicles 20:6, Mark 10:27)
• Omniscient
  • God knows all things (Isaiah 46:10, Hebrews 4:13)

     The second category is the communicable attributes, which are shared or reflected by God's creatures. These attributes include:

• Holiness
  • (Leviticus 11:44. 1st Peter 1:15)
• Love
  • (Jeremiah 31:3, John 3:16)
• Wisdom
  • (Jeremiah 10:7, Romans 11:33)
• Goodness
  • (Lamentations 3:25, Matthew 7:11)
• Graciousness
  • (Nehemiah 9:17. Ephesians 1:6)
• Mercy
  • (Luke 1:54-55)
• Righteousness
  • (Deuteronomy 32:4, 2nd Peter 1:1)
• Just
  • (Psalms 86:15, Romans 2:4)
• Truthful
  • (Numbers 23:19, John 17:17)
• Faithful
  • (Lamentations 3:22-23, Hebrews 10:23)

The Trinity

     I believe there is one God and only one God (Deuteronomy 6:4), and that He exists eternally in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Genesis 1:26, Matthew 28:19-20). All three persons are fully divine; they are equal to each other in nature and in essence (Acts 5:3-4, 1st Peter 1:1-2, Hebrews 9:17). While this may be seen as an unfathomable mystery, I believe it is taught by Scripture and therefore true.

Creation

Purpose of Creation

     The primary purpose of creation is to glorify God (Psalms 19:1-4, Luke 19:37-40), since it is He who made everything (Genesis 1:1). Creation was a work or all three persona of the Trinity (Genesis 1:1-2, John 1:3, Hebrews 1:10). Everything was created in six days (Genesis 1:31-2:1), and God pronounced it "very good" (Genesis 1:31). On the seventh day God rested (Genesis 2:2-3), which is the basis or the Sabbath (Exodus 20:8-11). I believe it very likely God created everything in six 24-hour days, although it is possible the days mentioned were not literal. God created everything out of nothing, ex nihilo (Romans 4:17), by divine fiat or command (Genesis 1:3-27, Psalms 104:7-8). God also formed creations by what had been created, such as plants (Genesis 1:11-12), animals (Genesis 2:19), man (Genesis 2:7) and woman (Genesis 2:21-22). Even those born and not formed are created by God (John 1:3-4, Psalms 139:13).

Theology of Creation

     Creation is a visible sign of the awesomeness of God (Nehemiah 9:5-6). Since everything was made by God, everything relies on Him for existence (Psalms 65:9-10, Acts 17:25-27). Everything God created was originally good, so nothing was made intrinsically evil. Responsibility for sin lies directly with humanity, not God. Creation manifests God's providence, His active preservation, dominion, and for His creation (Acts 14:17, Psalms 104). The God who made and rules all things (Psalms 22:28) is the only being worthy of all honor and praise.

Anthroplogy

Creation of Humanity

     God created all of humanity in His image and likeness, and humanity was created male and female (Genesis 1:26-27). Humans were given dominion over the earth, they were to reproduce (Genesis 2:28-31), and they were to glorify God (1st Chronicles 16:23-36). All men and women are made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27, Genesis 5:1-2), so women as well as men are fully human. Likewise, all peoples are descended from the first man and woman and are therefore fully human, bearing the image of God. This image includes the communicable attributes, which allow us to enter into relationships with other people (Genesis 3:23) and with God (Genesis 6:9). The first man, Adam, was made from the dust of the earth (Genesis 2:7) and the first woman, Eve, was formed from Adam's rib, implying that she is not a new creature but part of Adam and therefore fully human (Genesis 2:23). Eve was created to be a "suitable helper" for Adam so he would not be alone (Genesis 2:18-25).

The Fall and Original Sin

     Adam and Eve both disobeyed God's commandment to "not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil" (Genesis 2:16-17. Eve, encouraged by the serpent, ate of the forbidden tree and then gave some to her husband Adam, who the Scripture indicates was present with her at the time, and he also ate (Genesis 3:1-7). This is the first sin, which caused the Fall of humanity and all of creation from something good to something sinful and seperated from God (Genesis 6:5, Romans 8:7-8, Romans 3:23). God cursed Adam and Eve as punishment, and through them all of humanity was cursed (Genesis 3:14-19). God then drove them from the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:23). All other sinces are a result of that first sin (Psalms 58:3, 1st John 1:8).

The Person and Work of Christ

Person of Christ/Two Natures

     I believe that Jesus of Nazareth, son of Mary (Luke 1:26-38), was the Son of God (Matthew 16:18), the second person of the Trinity incarnate, the promised Messiah; fully human and fully divine. As for how a divine nature can exist fully within a human nature, I confess I do not know; but this is what the Scripture teaches and so I affirm it gladly.

     Jesus was a human being. He was born (Luke 2:6-7), he had human limitations (John 4:6, Matthew 8:23-24, Luke 2:52), and he showed human emotions (Luke 10:21, Matthew 26:37, John 11:35). He faced tempations (Hebrews 2:17-18, Matthew 4:1-11, John 14:30-31), but he did not succumb.

     He was also God. His coming was prophesized (Isaiah 9:6). He claimed to be the Son of God (Matthew 25:63-65). He had attritubes only God possessed:

• Pre-existence
  • (John 8:56-58, Philippians 2:5-7))
• Universal Authority
  • (Matthew 28:18)
• Independence
  • (John 1:4)
• Creation
  • (Hebrews 1:2)
• Providence
  • (Colossians 1:17)
• Forgiving of sin
  • (Mark 2:5-7)
• Deserving of worship
  • (Matthew 28:16-17)
• Judgement
  • (Matthew 25:31-32)

It is clear that Jesus is God, identical to the Father and Holy Spirit in nature (John 10:29-31, Philippians 2:5-6, Titus 2:13).

Christ's Mission

     Jesus, the son of God, was sent into the world by the Father (John 5:36, 2nd Corinthians 5:18-19) to save the world (John 3:16-17, 2nd Corinthians 5:21). This was accomplished by his perfect obedience (John 8:29, Romans 5:18-19), sinlessness (Isaiah 53:9, Luke 1:35), and death and resurrection (Isaiah 53:4-5, Romans 3:25).

Atonement

     Christ's death was the perfect sacrifice for our sinces (Isaiah 53:4-5, Mark 10:45, John 10:14-18, Romans 3:25, Colossians 1:19-20), fulfilling and completing the Old Covenant's sacreifical atonement requirements for sins (Exodus 30:10, Leviticus 17:11, Revelation 5:9). By his death our sins are forgiven, as he acted as a substitute for us (1st Thessalonians 5:9-10, John 1:29), and so the wrath of God is appeased (Romans 3:23-26). His resurrection broke the power of death, a visible sign of Christ's authority over sin, death, and the Devil (Matthew 28:5-10, Mark 16:6, Luke 24:5-8, John 20:10-18). His authority is proven by his resurrection and by his ascension (1 Corinthians 15:17-20, Ephesians 1:19-21, Philippians 2:9-11).

Salvation

Regeneration

     Regeneration is the act of God which gives us new hearts (Jeremiah 3:33, Acts 15:8-9) and makes us new creatures in Christ (2nd Corinthians 5:17), born again when we accept Jesus as our Saviour (1st Peter 1:3, John 1:12-13). I believe that humans can freely choose or deny Christ (Matthew 28:19, John 3:16, Revelation 22:17), and all who accept are regenerated. I also believe God has chosen those to be saved from before time (Romans 9:11), and through His providence He maintains the world so that they will freely choose Him (2nd Peter 1:10, 1st Corinthians 1:9). Neither humanity's free will nor God's sovereignity is in any way challenged by the election of believers to be God's people (1st Peter 2:9-10).

Justification and Santification

     I believe it is only through faith that we can be justified and put right with God (Romans 5:1). Justification is the legal act wherein God declares we are righteous through His grace (Romans 3:23-24). It is by faith alone because no human being can, by themselves, atone for their sins (Romans 3:20, 4:4-8, Acts 13:39, Galatians 5:4-6). Santification is the process in which we grow and become more like Christ, more holy and obedient. It is a progressive work of the Holy Spirit within the believer (Romans 8:1-2, 1st Thessalonians 5:23, Philippians 3:12).

Perseverance

     This is the call to hold fast to our faith in Jesus and His teachings (John 8:31, Hebrews 4:14). Those who are regenerate, through the working of God's providence, can't lose their faith (John 6:37-39, Romans 8:30-39). The many calls given to persevere throughout the Bible are made in light of the sureness of our salvation (2nd Timothy 2:13, Philippians 1:6) are intended as encouragement that we will persevere, if we have faith in Jesus (Matthew 28:20).

The Holy Spirit

Personhood of the Spirit

     Like the Father and the Son, the Holy Spirit displays actions constituting personhood:

• Teaches
  • (Luke 12:11-12)
• Speaks
  • (Acts 13:2)
• Intercedes
  • (Romans 8:26)
• Wills
  • (1st Corinthians 12:7-11)
• Grieves
  • (Ephesians 4:30)

     He also displays characteristics attributed to God, and so He is divine:

• Eternal
  • (Hebrews 9:14))
• Omnipresent
  • (Psalms 139:7)
• Omniscient
  • (1st Corinthians 2:10-11)
• Gives life
  • (Psalms 104:30)
• Inspires Scripture
  • (2nd Peter 1:21)
• Convincts sin
  • (John 16:8)
• Sanctifies believers
  • (1st Peter 1:1-2)

Fruits of the Spirit

     The Holy Spirit baptizes us at conversion, regenerating us (John 3:5-7, Titus 3:5) and filling us (Acts 6:3). The fruits of the Spirit are the sign that we have been filled by Him (Ephesians 5:18-21, Romans 5:1-5). All believers are able to manifest the fruits (Philippians 4:4-9) which include "love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, and self-control" (Galatians 5:22-23).

Gifts of the Spirit

     While the gifts also come from the Spirit, they are not like fruits, for all gifts are not given to all believers (1st Corinthians 12:29-30). Gifts are given where the Spirit wills (1st Corinthians 12:31) for the edification of the church (Ephesians 4:12). They include:

• Wisdom
• Faith
• Healing
• Miracles
• Prophecy
• Distinguishing of spirits
• Tongues and their interpretations

(1st Corinthians 12:4-11). This who are apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers are specially gifted for those ministries (Ephesians 4:4-12). I believe all these gifts are active in the church today, with the sole exception apostolic calling, as such required being an eyewitness to Jesus. All the gifts are still useful for the church when used according to Biblical principles and tested to confirm they are of the Spirit (1st Timothy 4:1-6).

The Church

Nature of the Church

     The church is established by the Triune God and reflects all three persons. First, the church is the people of God, set apart from the world (Exodus 6:7, Leviticus 26:12, Galatians 4:26, Ephesians 2:19-20), and called to be a holy priesthood (1st Peter 2:5, 1st Timothy 4:3, 7). Second, the church is the body of Christ; one body composed of many members (1st Corinthians 12:12) of all nations, genders, and social statuses (Galations 3:26-28). Christ is the head of the body, and has authority over the church (Ephesians 5:23). Third, the church is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who dwells within the believers (1 Corinthians 3:16, 6:19-20). We are the "living stones" (1st Peter 2:4-5) of this temple. As the old temple was cleansed with blood, we are cleansed with the blood of Jesus to be a fit dwelling for the Spirit (Hebrews 9:21-25).

Church Government

     Jesus is the sole head of the church and all authority over the church rests in Him. (Ephesians 4:15-16). Each local church is autonomous and responsible to Christ alone (Matthew 23:8). The congregation as a whole, acting as a priesthood of all believers (1st Peter 2:5, 2:0), seeks the consensus of members through prayer and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, determining Jesus' will for His church (Acts 1:15-26, 6:1-5, 15:2-4). Church leaders are called to serve God and God's people within the above model (Luke 22:25-27).

Ordinances

Baptism

     Baptism (literally, to immerse in water) is an outward sign of an already affected inward change, a symbol of our new life in Christ and commanded by Christ (Matthew 28:19) to be done by all believers to all new believers (Acts 8:26-40, 10:47-48). I believe that Believer's Baptism (that is, baptism as an "adult" or one capable of making a statement of faith and comprehending the nature of the act) is the sole Scriptural method of baptism (Acts 2:37-41, Acts 8:36-37), and that the proper mode of baptism is full immersion, since it best symbolizes the resurrection from spiritual death (Romans 6:3-5, Acts 18:8, 1st Peter 3:21). There is no special act of grace imparted to a believer upon the completion of baptism other than the witness they perform and the change God has already worked in their hearts.

The Lord's Supper (Communion)

     On the night he was betrayed, Jesus proclaimed a New Covenant with God and His chosen people, which had been promised since the Fall of humanity (Genesis 3:15) and which was sealed by Jesus' blood on the cross (Matthew 26:26-28, Mark 14:22-24, Luke 22:19-20). This is a memorial of His death and believers are commanded to perform it often (1st Corinthians 11:26). No special act of grace is imparted to believers as a result of performing this act save for the witness to each other and the acknowledgement of the community of Christ, and the sacrifice He paid for us.

Eschatology

     Al humans, except perhaps those alive when Christ returns, will die (Ecclesiastes 3:1-2, Romans 5:12), but for those who believe in Jesus Christ as saviour and Lord, death will be a transition to the resurrection (2 Timothy 1:9-10).

     I believe when we die, we will immediately be at the judgement and our reward or punishment (Job 19:25-27, Matthew 22:39). To humans, it will seem as if the dead sleep (Daniel 12:2, John 5:28-29, 1st Thessalonians 4:14); to those who die, it will be instantaneous (Luke 23:43). God is not bound by linear time as humans are; when we die, we will be immediately resurrected on the last day (Luke 23:43), which is the day of judgement (Matthew 24:36-29, Acts 17:31, Revelation 6:15-17). Jesus will be the judge and the last day is His second coming. The time is unknown (Matthew 24:36-29, Titus 2:13, Revelation 16:15) but soon (Revelation 22:20).

     I believe in amillennialism; that is, there will not be a literal 1,000 year reign of Christ, for already and always He has reigned. Resurrection and judgement will take when He returns. After judgement, those who denied Christ, including the Devil and the fallen Angels, will be annihilated (2nd Timothy 1:8-9). They will not share in any eternal existence, for that is promised to believers. The language of eternal punishment is to make clear the nature of eternal seperation from God (Hebrews 2:10).

     Believers will have eternal life with Jesus (John 14:2-3, 2nd Corinthians 4:17-18). A "new heavens and new earth" (Revelation 21:1) will be created, and God will dwell amongst His people (Revelation 21:3). All of the old things, including sorrow, death, mourning, crying, and pain will be gone (Revelation 21:4), for the curse will be lifted (Revelation 22:3-5), and we shall all praise God forever and ever (Revelation 19:1-8).