The last nine Articles of Faith taken from the Baptist Church Manual.
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; that being perfectly
consistent with the free agency of man, it comprehends all the means in connection
with the end; that it is a most glorious display of God's sovereign goodness,
being infinitely free, wise, holy, and unchangeable; that it utterly excludes
boasting, and promotes humility, love, prayer, praise, trust in God, and
active imitation of his free mercy; that it encourages the use of means in
the highest degree; that it may be ascertained by its effects in all who
truly believe the gospel; that it is the foundation of Christian assurance;
and that to ascertain it with regard to ourselves demands and deserves the
utmost diligence.
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; that it is a progressive work;
that it is begun in regeneration; 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.
XI. OF THE PERSEVERANCE OF SAINTS
We believe that such only are real believers as endure unto the end; that their
persevering attachment to Christ is the grand mark which distinguishes them
from superficial professors; that a special Providence watches over their
welfare; and that they are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation.
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; that it is holy, just, and good; and that the inability
which the Scriptures ascribe to fallen men love of sin; to deliver them from
which, and to restore them through a Mediator to unfeigned obedience to the
holy Law, is one great end of the gospel, and of the means of grace connected
with the establishment of the visible church.
XIII. OF A GOSPEL CHURCH
We believe that a visible church of Christ is a congregation of baptized believers,
associated by covenant in the faith and fellowship of the gospel; observing
the ordinances of Christ; governed by his laws; and exercising the gifts,
rights, and privileges invested in them by his rights, and privileges invested
in them by his word; that its only Scriptural officers are Bishops, or Pastors,
and Deacons, whose qualifications, claims, and duties are defined in the
epistles to Timothy and Titus.
XIV. OF BAPTISM AND THE LORD'S SUPPER
We believe that Christian Baptism is the immersion in water of a believer,
into the name of the Father, and Son, and Holy Ghost; 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;
that it is prerequisite to the privileges of a church relation; and to the
Lord's Supper; in which the members of the church, by the sacred use of bread
and wine are to commemorate together the dying love of Christ; preceded always
by solemn self-examination.
XV. OF THE CHRISTIAN SABBATH
We believe that the first day of the week is the Lord's Day, or Christian Sabbath;
and is to be kept sacred to religious purposes, by abstaining from all secular
labor and sinful recreations; by the devout observance of all the means of
grace, both private and public; and by preparation for that rest that remaineth
for the people of God.
XVI. OF CIVIL GOVERNMENT
We believe that civil government is of divine appointment, for the interests
and good order of human society; and that magistrates are to be prayed for,
conscientiously honored and obeyed; except only in things opposed to the
will of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is the only Lord of the conscience, and
the Prince of the kings of the earth.
XVII. OF THE RIGHTEOUS AND THE WICKED
We believe that there is a radical and essential difference between the righteous
and the wicked; 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; while al such as continue in impenitence and unbelief are
in his sight wicked, and under the curse; and this distinction holds among
men both in and after death.
XVIII. OF THE WORLD TO COME
We believe that the end of the world is approaching; that at the last day Christ
will descend from heaven, and raise the dead from the grave to final retribution;
that a solemn separation will then take place; that the wicked will be adjudged
to endless punishment, and the righteous to endless joy; and that this judgment
will fix forever the final state of men in heaven or hell, on principles
of righteousness.