Declaration of Faith
The following is a condensed version of the Declaration of Faith of Bethel Baptist Church.
WE BELIEVE...
In the verbal and plenary inspiration of the original manuscripts of the Old and New Testaments, which constitute the inerrant Word of God. (see Section 1)
In the Trinity of the Godhead: one God eternally existing in three equal Persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. (Section 2)
In the deity, virgin birth, sinless life, substitutionary death, bodily resurrection, and imminent, premillennial coming of Christ. (Sections 3, 8, 18)
In the personality of the Holy Spirit, by Whom believers are called, regenerated, baptized into Christ, indwelt, sealed, and filled for service. (Section 4)
In the direct creation of the universe and man by God apart from any process of evolution. (Section 6)
In the fall, total depravity and guilt of the race in Adam. (Section 7)
In the eternal salvation of all born-again believers in Christ, Whose blood was shed for the remission of sins. (Sections 9, 10, 11, 12, 15)
In the unity of all true believers in the Church which is the body of Christ. (Section 18)
In the local church as a company of immersed believers, independent and self-governing, which should fellowship with other churches of like faith and order. It is the responsibility of the local church to observe the ordinances of baptism and the Lord's Supper, edify itself, and evangelize the world. We believe that the only Biblical mode of Believer's baptism is that of immersion, and that it is to be administered in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The ordinance of Baptism is for believers only, and it is a prerequisite for church membership. The officers of a New Testament church are pastors and deacons. (Sections 13, 14)
In the obedience to the Biblical command to separate entirely from worldliness and ecclesiastical apostasy unto God. (Section 10, Covenant & Preamble)
In the establishment of civil government under God and responsibility to it. (Section 17)
In the personal existence of angels, demons, and Satan. (Section 5)
In the bodily resurrection, immortality, and rapture of all believers at Christ's coming. (Sections 3, 18)
In the bodily resurrection and judgment of unbelievers after the millennial reign of Christ. (Sections 3, 16)
In the eternal life and blessedness of all believers and the eternal existence and punishment of all unbelievers. (Section 16)
