Statement of Essential Beliefs

Most Christian organizations have a statement of beliefs and the Baltimore Baptist Association is no different.  Below are the beliefs we as an association believe to be essential to our mission in working with local churches.

In essential beliefs–we have unity.

There is one body and one Spirit...there is one Lord, one faith, one baptism and one God and Father of us all.                                                                                             Ephesians 4:4-6 (NIV)

In non-essential beliefs­–we have liberty.

Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on disputable matters...Who are you to judge someone else's servant?  To his own master he stands or falls...So then each of us will give an account of himself to God...So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God.                                                                                  Romans 14:1,4,12,22 (NIV)

In all our beliefs–we show charity.

If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.              1 Corinthians 13:2 (NIV)

 

The Essential Beliefs

 

1.     About the Bible

The Bible is God's Word to us. Through the Holy Spirit’s supernatural guidance and inspiration human authors wrote it. It is the supreme source of truth and authority for Christian beliefs and living. Not only is it a spiritual book, it is a historical book, as well, showing the dealings of God with real people. Since God inspired it, it is the truth without any mixture of error.

2 Timothy 3:16;  2 Peter 1:20,21; 2 Timothy 1:13; Psalm 119:105,160; 12:6; Proverbs 30:5

2.     About God (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit)

Father:
God is the Creator and Ruler of the universe. He has eternally existed in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three are co–equal and are one God.

Genesis 1; Psalm 90:2; Matthew 28:19; John 1:1-3; Acts 5:3,4; Romans 1:20; 1 Peter 1:2; 2 Corinthians 13:14

Son:
Jesus Christ is the Son of God, begotten by the Father and co-equal with Him.  He was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, lived a sinless human life and offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all people by dying on a cross. He bodily 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 someday to earth to reign as King of Kings, and Lord of Lords. He is fully God and fully man.

Matthew 1:22-23;  Isaiah 9:6; John 1:1-5; 14; 14:10-30; Hebrews 4:14,15; 1 Corinthians 15:3,4; Romans 1:3,4; Acts 1:9-11; 1 Timothy 6:14,15; Titus 2:13

Holy Spirit:
The Holy Spirit is co–equal with the Father and the Son of God.  He is present in the world to make men 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 righteous living, understanding of spiritual truth, and guidance in doing God’s will.  He gives every believer a spiritual gift when they are saved.  As Christians we seek to live under His control daily.

2 Corinthians 3:17; John 16:7-13; 14:16-17; Acts 1:8; 1 Corinthians 2:12; 3:16; Ephesians 1:13; Galatians 5:25; Ephesians 5:18.

3.     About Human Beings

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."  Sin entered the world because of Adam’s disobedience and the sin nature became man’s inheritance.  It is sin that separates people from God and causes many problems in life.

People, also, were created to exist forever.  At the time of death our fate is sealed and we will either exist eternally separated from God by sin, or eternally with God through forgiveness and salvation.  To be eternally in union with Him is eternal life. Heaven and hell are real places of eternal existence.

Genesis 1:27; Psalm 8:3-6; Isaiah 53:6a; Romans 3:23;  Isaiah 59:1,2  John 3:16; 14:17; Romans 6:23; Revelation 20:15; 1 Corinthians 2:7-9; Hebrews 9:27

4.     About Salvation

Salvation is God's free gift to us but we must accept it.  We can never make up for our sin by self-improvement or good works.  Only by responding to God’s offer and by trusting in Jesus Christ for forgiveness can we be saved from sin's penalty.  When we turn from our self-ruled life and turn to Jesus in faith God saves us through the completed work of Christ and secures us with His Holy Spirit.  Eternal life begins the moment we receive Jesus Christ into our life by Grace through faith. 
Romans 5:1; 6:23; 8:16-17, 28-29; Ephesians 2:8-9; 4:30; John 14:6; 1:12; Titus 3:5; Galatians 3:26;

5.     About The Church

There is one true Church universal, comprised of all those who personally acknowledge Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.  The Church finds local autonomous expression when God's people meet regularly in obedience.  The Bible commands believers to gather to devote themselves to worship, prayer, teaching of the Bible, observance of the ordinances of believer’s baptism and Lord’s Supper, fellowship, service to the body through the development and use of talents and gifts, righteous living and outreach to the world (community, nation, and international).

Ephesians 1:22,23; 2:19-22; 2 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Thessalonians 1:1; Acts 2:42-47; Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 1:8

June 27, 2006