I. The Scriptures

The Bible is God’s Word, written by human authors under divine inspiration. It reveals who God is and His plan of salvation. It is completely true, trustworthy, and without error. The Bible is the final authority for what we believe and how we live, and it points us to Jesus Christ.

II. God

There is one true and living God. He is the Creator, Redeemer, and Ruler of all things. He is all-powerful, all-knowing, holy, and perfect. God exists eternally as three persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—who are equal in nature and fully God.

1. God the Father: God the Father rules over all creation with wisdom, love, and care. He is powerful, knowing, and good. He is a Father to those who trust in Jesus and shows kindness toward all people.
2. God the Son: Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God. He became human through His birth, lived without sin, and perfectly revealed God. He died on the cross in our place to save us from sin, rose from the dead, and now reigns with God. He is the only mediator between God and people and will return to judge the world.
3. God the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit is fully God and is present with us today. He inspired the Bible and helps us understand truth. He convicts people of sin, leads them to Jesus, gives new life, and lives in believers. He guides, comforts, and empowers Christians to grow and serve.

III. Man

People are created in God’s image and have great value and dignity. We were created to know God, but through sin we are separated from Him. Because of this, we cannot restore our relationship with God on our own. Only His grace can save us.

IV. Salvation

Salvation is God’s gift, available to anyone who trusts in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Through His death and resurrection, we are forgiven and made new.

• Regeneration: We are given new life through the Holy Spirit.
• Justification: We are declared righteous before God through faith.
• Sanctification: We grow to become more like Christ over time.
• Glorification: We will one day be made perfect in God’s presence.

V. God's Purpose of Grace

God graciously saves, transforms, and keeps His people. Those who truly belong to Him will persevere in faith to the end. While believers may struggle with sin, God faithfully preserves them and brings them to salvation.

VI. The Church

The church is a local community of baptized believers united by faith in Christ. It exists to worship God, grow in faith, and share the gospel. Each church is led under Christ and guided by Scripture. The global church includes all believers everywhere.

VII. Baptism and the Lord's Supper

• Baptism is an act of obedience where a believer is immersed in water, symbolizing new life in Christ. Being a church ordinance, it is prerequisite to the privileges of church membership and to the Lord’s Supper.
• The Lord’s Supper is a symbolic meal where believers remember Jesus’ death and look forward to His return.

**The above excerpts are from The Baptist Faith and Message 2000.