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CROSSROADS BIBLE BAPTIST CHURCH & INSTITUTE

                  STATEMENT OF FAITH

 

 

 

Introduction

We hold that liberty of belief under the authority of the Bible and the Holy Spirit is imperative and essential to a successful Christian life and relationship with God. As a consequence we wish to promote the open reading and discussion of the Bible. We lift high each person's freedom of conscience in trying to obey and find God's will. Our Statement of Belief describes what we hold in common from our understanding of the Bible (2 Corinthians 3:17-18; 2 Timothy 2:15; Romans 12:2; Ephesians 4:3-6, 15; Romans 10:17; 2 Timothy 3:16-17).

 The Authority & Inspiration of the Bible

We believe in the absolute authority and inerrancy of the sixty six books of the Bible. We believe in the verbal, plenary inspiration of the Old and New Testaments and in the preservation of God’s Word. That the Bible is unlimitedly inerrant and infallible in all points down to the smallest details including but not limited to: science, geography, chronology, history and creation (2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:21; 1 Thessalonians 2:13; John 17:17); We believe that it is all sufficient as the Christian’s rule of faith and practice; That the Bible should be the real unifier of all Christians (John 17:17); that it is the ultimate book that all conduct, beliefs, and all else should conform to (2 Corinthians 5:10; Revelation 20:12).

The Apocrypha

We believe that the Apocrypha is not part of the canon of scripture and is not inspired by God in any way and is not the Word of God in any sense whatever (Psa. 12:6-7; Psa. 33:11; Psa. 100:5; Psa. 119:89; Isa. 40:8; II Tim. 3:16-17; II Pet. 1:19-21; Heb. 1:1-2; Rom. 15:4; Rev. 22:19).

Personal Experience

We believe that the authority of Scripture and not personal experience must be the test of validity in all cases of differing opinions. (Acts 1:4-5; 19:11-12; Rom. 8:8; 12:6-8; I Cor. 12:1-31; 13:8-9; II Cor. 12:12; Heb. 2:4; I John 4:1)

The Bible's Preservation

We believe God's promise given in the Bible that He has and will preserve His Words of scripture as given in the autographs and that they have been preserved for us in the original Hebrew/Aramaic and Greek texts. That God has kept His promise through His providential care to keep His Word pure and free from any and all factual errors including small scribal errors of fact (Psalm 12:6-7; 78:1-8; 119:89, 111, 152, 160; Isaiah 30:8; 40:6-8; Ecclesiastes 3:14; Matthew 4-4; 5:17-18; 24:35; 28:20; John 10:35; Colossians 1:17; 1 Peter 1:23-25; 2 John 1:2, and elsewhere). This does not mean that there has been no corruption of individual manuscripts. We acknowledge that the devil has corrupted, through his agents, over the centuries some of them. Also, some manuscripts contain scribal errors. However, God has kept His promise to preserve His Words of Scripture and has provided us with the ability to ascertain which Hebrew and Greek text is His True Word. We lift the torch and affirm what our Christian forefathers both Baptist and non-Baptist wrote in their Helvetic Consensus Formula (1675) and The-London Baptist Confession of 1677 and 1689, respectively which states:

The Helvetic Consensus Formula (1675):
God, the Supreme Judge, not only took care to have His word, which is the “power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth” (Rom. 1:16), committed to writing by Moses, the Prophets, and the Apostles, but has also watched and cherished it with paternal care ever since it was written up to the present time, so that it could not be corrupted by craft of Satan or fraud of man. Therefore the Church justly ascribes it to His singular grace and goodness that she has, and will have to the end of the world, a “sure word of prophecy” and “Holy Scriptures” (2 Tim. 3:15), from which, though heaven and earth perish, “one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass” (Matt. 5:18).

The London Baptist Confession:

"The Old Testament in Hebrew, (which was the native language of the people of God of old), and the New Testament Greek (which at the time of the writing of it was most generally known to the nations) BEING IMMEDIATELY INSPIRED BY GOD, and BY HIS SINGULAR CARE AND PROVIDENCE KEPT PURE IN ALL AGES, are therefore AUTHENTICAL; . . . " 

Proper Original Language Texts

We believe that the original language Texts which have been Providentially preserved are the Old Testament Traditional Masoretic Hebrew Text that underlies the King James Bible, and the New Testament Traditional Greek Text that underlies the King James Bible (as found in The Greek Text Underlying the English Authorized Version of 1611 as published by the Trinitarian Bible Society in 1976).

The Bible’s True Translation in English

We believe that the King James Bible (or Authorized Version) of the English Bible is a true and accurate translation of the providentially preserved Hebrew and Greek texts and that it is currently superior to all other translations in English. The translators were such men of high piety and learning and produced such a grand translation that today one can say of the King James Version that "this is the Word of God in English.

 The Use Of The King James Bible.

We believe that in English the King James Bible or in other languages translations that are translated from the Textus Receptus and the Masoretic Hebrew Text with the translation method of formal equivalence should only be used in all services, in the Sunday School, in all literature and articles etc. As to personal use we leave it to the individual conscience of our members as to what version they use in a private way. However, we can scarcely understand how one would knowingly choose a corrupt Bible and we encourage our individual members to choose these pure Bibles mentioned above for personal use. We also believe that all verses in the King James Bible are legitimate and should be there because they were in the original Texts.

Christ’s Return

We believe in the personal, imminent return of the Lord Jesus Christ for His Church (I Cor. 15:4; Acts 1:9-11; Heb. 4:14-16; I John 2:1-2; I Thess. 4:13-17; Rev. 19:11-16; 20:1-15).

The Trinity

We believe that there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. We further believe that the Holy Ghost, or as He is sometimes called, the “Holy Spirit” convicts of sin, righteousness and judgment; that He bears witness of the Truth; that He is the Agent of the new birth; and that, at conversion, He baptizes the believer into the Body of Christ; and that He seals, endues, guides, teaches, witnesses to, sanctifies, and helps the believer; indwelling every true child of God (John 16:8-11; 3:3-7; Eph. 1:13; II Cor. 13:14; John 14:16-17; Rom. 8:14-27; I Cor. 12:12-13).

Fall of Man

We believe that man was created in a state of 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, wholly given to the gratification of the world, of Satan, and of their own sinful passions, therefore under just condemnation to eternal ruin, without defense or excuse.

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 flesh, yet without sin; honored the [divine] law by His personal obedience, and made atonement for our sins by His death; being risen from the dead 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 Saviour.

 

Justification

We believe that the great Gospel blessing which Christ of His fullness bestows on such as believe in Him, is Justification; That Justification consists in the pardon of sin and the promise of eternal life, on principles of righteousness; that is bestowed not in any consideration of any works of righteousness which we have done, but solely through His own redemption and righteousness, [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.

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 what prevents the salvation of the greatest sinner on earth is his own [inherent depravity and] refusal to submit to the Lord Jesus Christ, which refusal, if he persists, will subject him to an aggravated condemnation.

Grace in Regeneration

We believe that in order to be saved, we must be regenerated or born again; that regeneration consists in giving a holy disposition to the mind; and is effected in a manner above our comprehension or calculation, 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 is found in the holy fruit which we bring forth to the glory of God.

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 Saviour.

Jesus' Resurrection

We hold that, the Bible makes clear that Christ was raised from the dead in a real literal body even the body that was crucified howbeit glorified  (Matthew 28:6-7; Mark 16:6; Luke 24:2-6, 39-40; John 20:20, 27; Acts 2:27-31; 5:30; 13:34-37; 1 Corinthians 15:4); Christ's body after His resurrection is a type of the body that will at glorification be given to all God's true children (Philippians 3:20).

The Creation of the Universe

We believe the Biblical account of the creation of man and the world (Genesis 1-2; Colossians 1:16-17; John 1:3). We hold that this description given by the Bible is not mythology nor an allegorical device rather it is a real literal description of what took place by the word of the all-powerful God in six literal days denying that any evolutionary processes was involved in any way (Genesis 1:5, 8, 13, 19, 23, 31).

The Creation and Fall of Man

We believe that we were created by God through His direct intervention rather than from former existing life (Genesis 1:1-2, 26-27; 2:7); and that Adam and Eve are our ancestors. That the human race fell though  sin(Genesis 2:17; 3:6); and as a result of this fall we lost our spiritual life thus transforming into spiritual death full of sins (Genesis 6:5; Psalm 14:1-3; 51:5; Jeremiah 17:9; John 3:6); that we thus came under the power of Satan and death. This depravity of our natures was given to us and our descendents. (Romans 3:10-19; 8:6-7; Ephesians 2:1-3, 8-10; 1 Timothy 5:6).

The Flood and Other Miracles

We believe that the whole world was literally covered by a worldwide flood and saved in Noah's Ark. We believe in all the miracles described in the Bible taking and interpreting them in a literal and face value way. Recognizing that faith is not seeing but rather believing and that without faith it is impossible to please God (Heb. 11:6; Rom. 3:4).

Biblical Separation

We believe in the Biblical doctrine of separation. We stand on the principle found in the Bible of separating ourselves one hundred percent unto God (2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1; 1 Thessalonians 1:9-10; 2 John 1:9-11); that a little compromise and or false doctrine on fundamentals quickly leaven the whole lump (1 Corinthians 15:33); We firmly believe that separation from these wicked things is the only safe course that is outlined in God's Word if we are to stand and not fall in the sight of God (2 Corinthians 6:17); Therefore we insist upon coming out and being separate from disorderly brethren, spiritual compromise, immorality, apostasy away from biblical truth especially by those in high places, worldliness, modernism, (2 Thessalonians 3:6, 11, 14-15; 1 Timothy 6:3-5; Romans 16:17); We are convicted that we should have no cooperation with people, organizations, or movements that try to bring together Bible believing Christians and apostates in any spiritual cooperative endeavor. We believe that we must only support, those Bible believing individuals, organizations, and movements who have no connection in any way officially or non with not only the forgoing list of things to separate from but also the following: modernism, apostasy, Neo-evangelicalism, Seventh-day Adventism, World Council of Churches, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Charismatic Movement, Mormonism, Jesuit type Spiritual Formation or any other aspects of Romanism.

Baptism

We hold that baptism is the immersion of a believer in water and not sprinkling or any other invention of man. Though baptism has no saving merit, it does show forth in solemn and beautiful symbolism the believer’s faith in and union with the crucified, buried and risen Savior through which we are dead to sin and risen to life everlasting (Matthew 3:16; 28:18-20; John 3:23; Acts 8:36-39; Acts 18:8; Romans 6:3-5; Colossians 2:12).

The Lord's Supper

We hold that one should not take part in the Lord's Supper until they have solemnly examined themselves and that it is a memorial of Christ’s death and to be celebrated by His born again children. (Acts 2:41-42; 1 Corinthians 11:23-28).

The Church

We hold that the individual church is a group of born again children of God held in sacred bond by a covenant to uphold the fundamental beliefs of the Bible, who hold the Bible as the supreme rule of faith, that are covenanted together, in submission to God’s requirements, and that they have the right to use the privileges given the churches in scripture (1 Corinthians 11:2; Acts 2:41-42; 20:17-28). The church’s leaders are pastors (Elders) and deacons; That they have certain duties rights, and prerequisites for office given in the Bible (I Timothy 3:1-13; Titus 1:5-11). We reject what has come to be known as the social gospel being convicted that the church's purpose is the evangelizing of the lost and bringing them to a born-again experience of saving faith in Christ as their Saviour, priest and king (Romans 15:26); we hold the individual church's sole right of governing itself. That no organization or group of men outside the local church has the right to have a say in the matters of the local church for Jesus by His Holy Spirit is the only legitimate Head of all the churches. That the local church has the absolute right of self-government free from the interference of any group of individuals or organizations; that the one and only Superintendent of the church is Christ through the Holy Spirit; we also believe in the biblical principle of Bible believing churches that are holding to truth working together in upholding the faith and in extending God's cause. However, at all times the individual churches’ liberties should be guarded, and there is no biblical example or basis for an individual church to delegate its powers to another ecclesiastical body. In all matters of church membership, of ecclesiastical government, baptism, and ministerial ordination and all other matters, the will of the local church is final and supreme. 

The Resurrection

We believe in the bodily resurrection of the just, the bodily resurrection of the unjust, the conscious blessedness of the saved, and the conscious punishment of the lost in fire (I Cor. 15:20-24; Rev. 20:12-15; II Cor. 5:8).

Christ’s Virgin Birth

We hold that Christ was heralded by the prophets of the Old Testament and was sent from heaven according to God’s pre-ordained will. That He was the Son of God eternally in ages past sent to earth and begotten by the Holy Ghost by supernatural means born of a literal virgin (Matthew 1:18-25; Luke 1:35); We believe that Jesus was and is sinless God and Sinless man and the Son of God (John 1:14, 18; Hebrews 4:15).

Christ’s Person

We hold that Jesus was and is the real full eternal God divine and was since His first advent the perfect without sin God man, being actual man and God and God and man. He is a member of the Trinity and equal with God the Father and the only mediator between God and man (John 1:1-2; Philippians 2:5-8); As regards to Jesus' human nature He was born and stayed a perfect person (Luke 2:40); He has never sinned in His pre-first advent state or in His earthly existence or after His ascension to heaven. Jesus also while on earth at times used His divinity and at times did not. We maintain that this God Man was holy undefiled was the truth and completely able to gain our salvation and be our high priest mediating for us before God.

Jesus’ Resurrection

We hold that, the Bible makes clear that Christ was raised from the dead in a real literal body even the body that was crucified howbeit glorified  (Matthew 28:6-7; Mark 16:6; Luke 24:2-6, 39-40; John 20:20, 27; Acts 2:27-31; 5:30; 13:34-37; 1 Corinthians 15:4); Christ's body after His resurrection is a type of the body that will at glorification be given to all God's true children (Philippians 3:20).

Worship Styles and Music

 We believe that Rock Music, Country Music, Hip Hop, Rap, Jazz  etc. should not form a part of the worship service in church or Sunday School. In regard to worship styles, we believe that dancing in Church and similar styles of worship are not in accord with the Word of God.  Therefore we should abstain from all such worship styles.

Standards

We believe God has asked us to practice certain standards of conduct such as marriage being only between a person who was born a biological man and person who was born a biological woman. We believe that marriage is a divinely ordered institution designed to form a permanent union between one biological man and one biological woman for companionship, fellowship, to propagate the human race and is a picture of the relationship of the church with Christ, (Gen. 1:27-28; 2:24; Matt. 19:5; Eph. 5:22–27). According to the Bible, God never intended marriage to be between people of the same biological gender. In fact God calls it an abomination for a man to lie with a man or a woman to lie with a woman, (Lev. 18:22–24: Lev. 20:13; Rom. 1:26–29). For this reason we believe that marriage between the same biological genders is not God’s plan and thus do not recognize nor will we allow such practice in the church. We hold that the headship in the church and the home according to scripture are enjoined only upon the man. We hold that the practice of women as ministers, elders, deacons etc. is not in accordance with the Word of God. We condemn abortion as not in accordance with God's will. We recognize that God would have us be modest in dress and deportment.

Closing Statement:

The Statement of Belief is meant to proclaim what we believe together as a group. Other than these fundamental beliefs that we hold in common the Cross Roads Bible Baptist Church and Institute currently has no stance on other matters. Our members and students are encouraged to investigate the Bible and make their own decisions. One must not assume that we think that these other matters are non-issues or not important, however, we as a people do not have an agreed position on these Items.