From the time of the Apostles to today, Christians have laid out doctrine (beliefs) in
brief, definitive statements. As those who know God, we believe it necessary to set forth
in a concise fashion the cornerstone truths of our church as guided by Scripture. Our
Statement of Faith summarizes essential Christian beliefs, shows unity in Christ, and
guards the church from error.
The New Hampshire Confession of Faith of 1833 registers our belief in historic
Christianity, evangelical Christianity and believer’s baptism.
ARTICLE 1, Of the Scriptures
We believe that the Holy Bible was written by men divinely inspired, and is a perfect
treasure of heavenly instruction; that it has God for its author, salvation for its end, and
truth without any mixture of error for its matter; that it reveals the principles by which
God will judge us; and therefore is, and shall remain to the end of the world, the true
center of Christian union, and the supreme standard by which all human conduct,
creeds, and opinions should be tried.
ARTICLE 2, Of the True God
We believe that there is one, and only one, living and true God, an infinite, intelligent
Spirit, whose name is JEHOVAH, the Maker and Supreme Ruler of Heaven and earth;
inexpressibly glorious in holiness, and worthy of all possible honor, confidence, and
love; that in the unity of the Godhead there are three persons, the Father, the Son, and
the Holy Ghost; equal in every divine perfection, and executing distinct and harmonious
offices in the great work of redemption.
ARTICLE 3, Of the Fall of Man
We believe that man was created in holiness, under the law of his Maker; but by
voluntary transgression fell from that holy and happy state; in consequence of which all
mankind are now sinners, not by constraint, but choice; being by nature utterly void of
that holiness required by the law of God, positively inclined to evil; and therefore under
just condemnation to eternal ruin, without defense or excuse.
ARTICLE 4, Of the Way of Salvation
We believe that the salvation of sinners is wholly of grace, through the mediatorial
offices of the Son of God; who by the appointment of the Father, freely took upon him
our nature, yet without sin; honored the divine law by his personal obedience, and by
his death made a full atonement for our sins; that having risen from the death, he is
now enthroned in heaven; and uniting in his wonderful person the tenderest sympathies
with divine perfections, he is every way qualified to be a suitable, a compassionate, and
an all- sufficient Savior.
ARTICLE 5, Of Justification
We believe that the great gospel blessing which Christ secures to such as believe in
him is Justification; that Justification includes the pardon of sin, and the promise of
eternal life on principles of righteousness; that it is bestowed, not in consideration of
any works of righteousness which we have done, but solely through faith in the
Redeemer's blood; by virtue of which faith his perfect righteousness is freely imputed to
us of God; that it brings us into a state of most blessed peace and favor with God, and
secures every other blessing needful for time and eternity.
ARTICLE 6, Of the Freeness of Salvation
We believe that the blessings of salvation are made free to all by the gospel; that it is
the immediate duty of all to accept them by a cordial, penitent, and obedient faith; and
that nothing prevents the salvation of the greatest sinner on earth but his own inherent
depravity and voluntary rejection of the gospel; which rejection involves him in an
aggravated condemnation.
ARTICLE 7, Of Grace in Regeneration
We believe that, in order to be saved, sinners must be regenerated, or born again; that
regeneration consists in giving a holy disposition to the mind; that it is effected in a
manner above our comprehension by the power of the Holy Spirit, in connection with
divine truth, so as to secure our voluntary obedience to the gospel; and that its proper
evidence appears in the holy fruits of repentance, and faith, and newness of life.
ARTICLE 8, Of Repentance and Faith
We believe that Repentance and Faith are sacred duties, and also inseparable graces,
wrought in our souls by the regenerating Spirit of God; whereby being deeply
convinced of our guilt, danger, and helplessness, and of the way of salvation by Christ,
we turn to God with unfeigned contrition, confession, and supplication for mercy; at the
same time heartily receiving the Lord Jesus Christ as our Prophet, Priest, and King, and
relying on him alone as the only and all-sufficient Savior.
ARTICLE 9, 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.
ARTICLE 10, 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.
ARTICLE 11, 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 they
are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation.
ARTICLE 12, 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 to fulfill its precepts arises entirely from their 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.
ARTICLE 13, 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 Word; that its only scriptural officers are Pastors, and
Deacons, whose qualifications, claims, and duties are defined in the Epistles to Timothy
and Titus.
ARTICLE 14, 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 Savior, 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.
ARTICLE 15, 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.
ARTICLE 16, 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.
ARTICLE 17, 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 all 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.
ARTICLE 18, 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.
brief, definitive statements. As those who know God, we believe it necessary to set forth
in a concise fashion the cornerstone truths of our church as guided by Scripture. Our
Statement of Faith summarizes essential Christian beliefs, shows unity in Christ, and
guards the church from error.
The New Hampshire Confession of Faith of 1833 registers our belief in historic
Christianity, evangelical Christianity and believer’s baptism.
ARTICLE 1, Of the Scriptures
We believe that the Holy Bible was written by men divinely inspired, and is a perfect
treasure of heavenly instruction; that it has God for its author, salvation for its end, and
truth without any mixture of error for its matter; that it reveals the principles by which
God will judge us; and therefore is, and shall remain to the end of the world, the true
center of Christian union, and the supreme standard by which all human conduct,
creeds, and opinions should be tried.
ARTICLE 2, Of the True God
We believe that there is one, and only one, living and true God, an infinite, intelligent
Spirit, whose name is JEHOVAH, the Maker and Supreme Ruler of Heaven and earth;
inexpressibly glorious in holiness, and worthy of all possible honor, confidence, and
love; that in the unity of the Godhead there are three persons, the Father, the Son, and
the Holy Ghost; equal in every divine perfection, and executing distinct and harmonious
offices in the great work of redemption.
ARTICLE 3, Of the Fall of Man
We believe that man was created in holiness, under the law of his Maker; but by
voluntary transgression fell from that holy and happy state; in consequence of which all
mankind are now sinners, not by constraint, but choice; being by nature utterly void of
that holiness required by the law of God, positively inclined to evil; and therefore under
just condemnation to eternal ruin, without defense or excuse.
ARTICLE 4, Of the Way of Salvation
We believe that the salvation of sinners is wholly of grace, through the mediatorial
offices of the Son of God; who by the appointment of the Father, freely took upon him
our nature, yet without sin; honored the divine law by his personal obedience, and by
his death made a full atonement for our sins; that having risen from the death, he is
now enthroned in heaven; and uniting in his wonderful person the tenderest sympathies
with divine perfections, he is every way qualified to be a suitable, a compassionate, and
an all- sufficient Savior.
ARTICLE 5, Of Justification
We believe that the great gospel blessing which Christ secures to such as believe in
him is Justification; that Justification includes the pardon of sin, and the promise of
eternal life on principles of righteousness; that it is bestowed, not in consideration of
any works of righteousness which we have done, but solely through faith in the
Redeemer's blood; by virtue of which faith his perfect righteousness is freely imputed to
us of God; that it brings us into a state of most blessed peace and favor with God, and
secures every other blessing needful for time and eternity.
ARTICLE 6, Of the Freeness of Salvation
We believe that the blessings of salvation are made free to all by the gospel; that it is
the immediate duty of all to accept them by a cordial, penitent, and obedient faith; and
that nothing prevents the salvation of the greatest sinner on earth but his own inherent
depravity and voluntary rejection of the gospel; which rejection involves him in an
aggravated condemnation.
ARTICLE 7, Of Grace in Regeneration
We believe that, in order to be saved, sinners must be regenerated, or born again; that
regeneration consists in giving a holy disposition to the mind; that it is effected in a
manner above our comprehension by the power of the Holy Spirit, in connection with
divine truth, so as to secure our voluntary obedience to the gospel; and that its proper
evidence appears in the holy fruits of repentance, and faith, and newness of life.
ARTICLE 8, Of Repentance and Faith
We believe that Repentance and Faith are sacred duties, and also inseparable graces,
wrought in our souls by the regenerating Spirit of God; whereby being deeply
convinced of our guilt, danger, and helplessness, and of the way of salvation by Christ,
we turn to God with unfeigned contrition, confession, and supplication for mercy; at the
same time heartily receiving the Lord Jesus Christ as our Prophet, Priest, and King, and
relying on him alone as the only and all-sufficient Savior.
ARTICLE 9, 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.
ARTICLE 10, 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.
ARTICLE 11, 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 they
are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation.
ARTICLE 12, 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 to fulfill its precepts arises entirely from their 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.
ARTICLE 13, 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 Word; that its only scriptural officers are Pastors, and
Deacons, whose qualifications, claims, and duties are defined in the Epistles to Timothy
and Titus.
ARTICLE 14, 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 Savior, 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.
ARTICLE 15, 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.
ARTICLE 16, 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.
ARTICLE 17, 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 all 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.
ARTICLE 18, 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.
| What We Believe |
New Life Fellowship Church
Psalm 138:2
Psalm 138:2
| What We Believe |
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