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(Sources: Hassell's history of the church of God (Sylvester Hassell) Page 699 or A concise History of the Kehukee Baptist Association (Burkett and Read) Page51) 1. We believe in the being of God, as almighty, eternal, unchangeable, of infinite wisdom, power, justice, holiness, goodness, mercy, and truth: and that this God has revealed himself in his word, under the characters of Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. 2. We believe that Almighty God has made known his mind and will to the children of men in his word; which word we believe to be of divine authority, and contains all things necessary to be known for the salvation of men and women. The same is comprehended or contained in the books of the Old and New Testament , as are commonly received. 3. We believe that God, before the foundation of the world, for a purpose of his own glory, did elect a certain number of men and angels to eternal life; and that this election is particular, eternal, and unconditional on the creature's part. 4. We believe that when God made man at first, he was perfect, holy, and upright, able to keep the law, but liable to fall, and that he stood as a federal head, or representative of all his natural offspring, and that they were to be partakers of the benefits of his obedience, or exposed to the misery which sprang from his disobedience. 5. We believe that Adam fell from this state of moral rectitude, and that he involved himself and all his natural offspring in a state of death; and for that original transgression, we all are both filthy and guilty in the sight of an holy God. 6. We also believe that it is utterly out of the power of men, as fallen creatures, to keep the law of God perfectly, repent of their sins truly, or believe in Christ, except they be drawn by the Holy Spirit. 7. We believe that in God's own appointed time and way (by means which he has ordained) the elect shall be called, justified, pardoned, and sanctified; and that it is impossible they can utterly refuse the call; but shall be made willing, by divine grace, to receive the offers of mercy. 8. We believe that justification in the sight of God is only by the imputed righteousness of Jesus Christ, received and applied by faith alone. 9. We believe in like manner, that God's elect shall not only be called, and justified, but that they shall be converted, born again, and changed by the effectual working of God's holy spirit. 10. We believe that such as are converted, justified, and called by this grace, shall persevere in holiness, and never fall finally away. 11. We believe it to be a duty incumbent on all God's people, to walk religiously in good works; not in the old covenant way of seeking life, and the favor of the Lord by it; but only as a duty form a principle of love. 12. We believe baptism and the Lord's Supper are Gospel ordinances, both belonging to the converted, or true believers; and that persons who were sprinkled, or dipped, whilst in unbelief, were not regularly baptized according to God's word, and that such ought to be baptized after they are savingly converted into the faith of Christ. 13. We believe that every church is independent in matters of discipline, and that associations, councils, and conferences of several ministers or churches, are not to impose on the churches the keeping, holding, or maintaining any principle or practice contrary to the church's judgment. 14. We believe in the resurrection of the dead, both of the just and the unjust, and a general judgment. 15. we believe the punishment of the wicked is everlasting, and the joys of the righteous are eternal. 16. We believe that no minister has a right to the administration of the ordinances, only such as are regularly called, and come under imposition of hands by the Presbytery. 17. Lastly, we do believe that, for the mutual comfort, union, and satisfaction of the several churches of the aforesaid faith and order, we ought to meet in an association way; wherein each church ought to represent their case by their delegates, and attend as often as is necessary to advise with the several churches in conference; and that the decision of matters in such associations, not to be imposed, or in any wise binding on the churches without their consent, but only to sit and act as an advisory council. |