Arden Missionary Baptist Church Ministries
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 it’s 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 shall be tried.
2 Timothy 3:16&17; Romans 1:16, Romans 2:12; Proverbs 30:5, Philippians 3:16
THE TRUE GOD.
We believe the Scriptures teach that there is one, and only one, living and true God, and 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 unity of the Godhead there are three persons, Father, Son, and the Holy Ghost; equal in every divine perfection, and executing distinct but harmonious offices in the great work of redemption.
John 4:24; 10:30, Psalm 147:5; Exodus 15:11; Mark 12:30
THE FALL OF MAN.
We believe the Scriptures teach that man was created in holiness, under the law of his Maker; but by voluntary transgressions 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.
Genesis 1:27; Romans 5:12&19; Ephesians 2:1-3.
THE WAY OF SALVATION.
We believe that the Scriptures teach that the salvation of sinners is wholly of grace; through the mediatory offices of the Son of God; who by 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 dead, he is now enthroned in heaven; and uniting in his wonderful person the most tender sympathies with divine perfections, he is in every way qualified to be a suitable, a compassionate, and an all sufficient Savior.
Ephesians 2:8; Philippians 2:6&7; Isaiah 42:21; 53:4&5; Hebrews 7:25
THE FREENESS OF SALVATION.
We believe that the Scriptures teach 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 cordial, penitent and obedient faith; and that nothing prevents the salvation of the greatest sinner on earth, but his own determined depravity and voluntary rejection of the Gospel; which rejection involves him in an aggravated condemnation.
Isaiah 55:1; Revelation 22:17; Romans 16:25&26; John 5:40; John 3:16-19
JUSTIFICATION.
We believe that the Scriptures teach 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 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.
Acts 13:39; Romans 4:4&5; 5:17; John 1:16
REGENERATION.
We believe that the Scriptures teach that in order to be saved, sinners must be regenerated, or born again; that regeneration consist 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.
John 3:3; 2 Corinthians 5:17; John 3:8; 1 Peter 1:22-25; Ephesians 5:9
REPENTANCE AND FAITH.
We believe that the Scriptures teach 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 confeinged 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.
Mark 1:15; Romans 10:9; John 16:8; Luke 18:13
SANCTIFICATION.
We believe that the Scriptures teach 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 is begun in regeneration; and that it is carried on in the hearts of the 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.
1 Thessalonians 4:3; 1 John 2:29; Philippians 2:12&13
PERSEVERANCE OF SAINTS.
We believe that the Scriptures teach that such only are real believers as endure to 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.
John 8:31; 1 John 2:19; Romans 8:28; Philippians 1:6
THE LAW AND GOSPEL.
We believe that the Scriptures teach 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, arise 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, it is one great end of the Gospel, and of the Means of Grace connected with the establishment of the visible church.
Romans 3:31, 7:12, 8:2-4, 8:7&8
A GOSPEL CHURCH.
We believe that the Scriptures teach 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 gifts, rights, and privileges invested in them by His Word; that its only scriptural officers are Bishops or Pastors, Deacons whose qualifications, claims and duties are defined in the Epistles to Timothy and Titus
1 Corinthians 1:1-13; Acts 2:41&42, 1 Corinthians 11:2; Matthew 28:20
BAPTISM AND THE LORD’S SUPPER.
We believe that the Scriptures teach that Christian baptism is the immersion in water of a believer, in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost; to show forth in a solemn and beautiful emblem, of faith in the crucified, buried, and risen Savior, with its effect, in our death to sin and resurrection to a new life; that 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; proceeded always by solemn self-examination.
Acts 8:36-39; Matthew 28:20; Acts 2:41&42; 1 Corinthians 11:26&28
THE CHRISTIAN SABBATH.
We believe the Scriptures teach that the first day of the week is the Lord’s Day (Sunday), 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 the rest that remaineth for the people of God.
Acts 20:7; Exodus 20:8; Isaiah 58:13&14; Hebrews 10:24&25
CIVIL GOVERNMENT.
We believe the Scriptures teach that civil government is of divine appointment, for the interest 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.
Romans 13:1-7; Matthew 22:21, Matthew 23:10; Acts 5:29
RIGHTEOUS AND WICKED.
We believe the Scriptures teach 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 a 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.
Malachi 3:18; Romans 1:17; 1 John 5:19; Proverbs 14:32
THE RAPTURE OF THE CHURCH.
We believe the Scriptures teach that the Church of the living God will be caught out in the rapture; when with the them that were saved during the dispensation of the grace of God whether dead or alive in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, shall be caught up to meet the Lord in the air; and so shall they ever be with the one that died for their sins; death and the grave shall no longer hold them.
1 Corinthians 15:51-57; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; 2 Corinthians 5:1-10; Revelation 4:1
SEXUAL IMMORALITY.
18.01 We believe the Scriptures teach that God has commanded that no intimate sexual activity be engaged in outside of a marriage between a man and a woman. We believe that any form of homosexuality, lesbianism, bisexuality, bestiality, incest, fornication, adultery, and pornography are sinful perversions of God’s gift of sex. We believe that God disapproves and forbids any attempt to alter one’s gender by surgery or appearance. We also believe that cross dressing, prostitution along with sodomy are abominations to the Lord.
Genesis 2:24; 19:5&13; 26:8&9; Leviticus 18:1-30; Romans 1:24-29; 1 Corinthians 5:1, 6:9; 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8; Hebrews 13:4; Deuteronomy 22:5, 23:17&18, 27:21-23
18.02We believe that the only Scriptural marriage is the joining of one man and one woman.
Genesis 2:24; Romans 7:2; 1 Corinthians 7:10; Ephesians 5:22&23
LAWSUITS BETWEEN BELIEVERS.
We believe the Scriptures teach that Christians are prohibited from bringing civil lawsuits against other Christians or the Church to resolve personal disputes. We believe the Church possesses all the resources necessary to resolve personal disputes between members. We do believe however, that a Christian may seek compensation for injuries from another Christian’s insurance company as long as the claim is pursued without malice or slander.
1 Corinthians 6:1-8; Ephesians 4:31&32
ALCOHOLISM
We believe the Scriptures teach that alcohol is not to be taken and he that
Partakes of it is not wise, stands to bring physical harm to his body as well as spiritual blindness. It causes trouble and is the Devil’s drink Christians should abstain from alcohol of any sort on the basis that the Word of God deems they should.
Isaiah 5:11, 22&23, 28:7, 29:9-11; Proverbs 4:17, 20:1, 23:21, 31&32, 31:4&5
THE JUDGEMENT OF THE RIGHTEOUS AND WICKED
We believe the Scriptures teach of judgment that is to come for all men whether saved, or unsaved. All shall give an account. The Redeemed of God are to be judged for the works done in the body whether good or bad, and not for their sin which was judged on the cross of Calvary by Jesus Christ himself. Furthermore we believe all who do not accept Christ will give an account for the works which they have done. Also their rejection of the redemptive work of Christ shall seal their eternal doom in the lake of fire.
2 Corinthians 5:10&11, 21; 1 Peter 4:17-18; Philippians 2:9-11; Hebrews 9:27&28; Revelation 20: 11-15
MODEST DRESS
We believe the Scriptures teach that Christians should adorn themselves in modest apparel so to not bring attention to oneself in a way that would provoke to lust, and then to sin. We believe that both men and women should practice modest dressing as the Scriptures declare.
Acts 20:23; 1 Peter 3:3&4; 1 Timothy 2:9-10