Our Beliefs

God's Word, The Bible

We believe the Bible, the Word of God, which includes the Old and New Testaments (66 Books) is the verbally, plenary inspired Word of God. The Bible is without flaw, error, contradiction, and scientific and historical discrepancies, as given in the original God-breathed autographs (2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:19-21). We unreservedly and unquestionably accept the testimony of the Lord Jesus Christ who said that the Word of God is truth (John 17:17), the Scriptures must be fulfilled (Luke 24:44), the Scriptures cannot be broken (John. 10:35), and not even the smallest Hebrew letter or distinguishing mark will pass from the law until all be fulfilled (Isaiah 40:8; Matthew 5:18, Matthew 24:35; 1 Peter 1:23-25). We believe the Bible is infallible and inerrant, complete as 66 books and without error and it is the final authority and absolute standard for what we believe and how we should live (Psalm 119; Matthew 4:4; Romans 10:17; 2 Timothy 3:16-17).

God

We believe in the One True God, eternally existing in three persons (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit), eternal in being, identical in nature, equal in power, and having the same attributes and perfections, He alone deserves all glory and honor both now and forever (Deuteronomy 6:4; Matthew 3:16-17; 28:19; John 10:30; 2 Corinthians13:14;). We believe God is our infinite Spirit (John 4:24), the Maker and Supreme Ruler of Heaven and earth (1 Chronicles 29:10-13; Revelations 4:11), inexpressibly glorious in holiness (Isaiah 6:1-4) and worthy of all possible honor, confidence, and love (1 Timothy 1:17; Revelations 5:13-14). We believe the three Persons of the Godhead, though equal in every way, each has distinct but harmonious offices in the great work of redemption (John 10:15; 16:8; Romans 8:28-30; 1 Timothy 1:15; 1 Corinthians 6:11). 

Jesus Christ

We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God (John 1:1; 8:58; 17:5) who became man without ceasing to be God (Isaiah 9:6; John 1:14; Matthew 1:23). We believe the Lord Jesus freely took upon Himself our nature, yet without sin (Philippians 2:5-8; Hebrews 2:9-18; 4:15). He was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary (Matthew 1:16,18-25; Luke 1:35) so that He might reveal God (John 1:18; 12:45; 14:7-9) and seek and save lost men (Matthew 1:21; Luke 19:10; 1 Timothy 1:15). We unreservedly and unquestionably affirm the full deity and sinless perfection of the Lord Jesus Christ (Isaiah 7:14; 9:6; Jeremiah 33:15-16; Micah 5:2; Matthew 16:16; John 1:1; 5:17-18; 10:30-31; 20:28; Titus 2:13; 2 Peter1:1; 1 John 5:20).

 

We believe the Lord Jesus Christ paid the death penalty that we deserved when He died on the cross for our sins as our perfect and sinless substitute (Romans 5:8; 1 Corinthians 15:3; 2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Peter 2:21-24; 3:18). His perfect redemption (Romans 3:24; Ephesians 1:7; Hebrews 9:12) and His finished work (John 19:30; Hebrews 1:3; 10:12-14) was accomplished as He bore our sins in His body on the tree (Luke 22:19; 1 Peter 2:24) and shed His precious blood for the forgiveness of sins (Matthew 26:27-28; Ephesians 1:7; 1 Peter 1:18-19). His death was the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice (Hebrews 1:3; 10:10-14; 1 Peter 3:18). The Scriptures teach that the sacrifice of the Lamb of God involved the sin of the world (John 1:29); and that the Savior's work of redemption (1 Timothy 2:6), reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:19), and propitiation (1 John 2:2) was for all men (1 Timothy 4:10). The cross-work of Christ is efficient, effectual, and applicable only for those who believe (John 3:16; 1 Timothy 4:10). We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ was delivered for our offenses. He has also raised again on account of our justification, according to the Scriptures (Romans 4:25; 1 Corinthians 15:3-5; 1 Peter 1:3). We believe the resurrection of Christ was a literal, physical and bodily resurrection (1 Corinthians 15: 4-20) that guarantees the future bodily resurrection of believers (1 Corinthians 15:20-23), and also the future bodily resurrection and judgment of unbelievers (Acts 17:31).

 

We believe the Lord Jesus Christ has ascended to heaven and is now exalted at the right hand of God (Acts 1:9-11; Ephesians 1:20-23; Philippians 2:9-11; Hebrews 1:3; 9:24). He is continually representing those who belong to Him. He serves as their High Priest (Hebrews 4:14-16; 10:21-22), Intercessor (Romans 8:34; Heb. 7:25) and Advocate (Lawyer) (1 John 2:1-2)

Holy Spirit

We believe the Holy Spirit is God (Acts 5:3-4), one Person of the triune Godhead (John 14:16- 17; 16:13-15) who came in a unique way on the day of Pentecost to convict the world of sin, righteousness and judgment (John 16:7-11). It is God the Holy Spirit who gives God's life to each believer through His work of regeneration (John 3:5; 2 Corinthians 3:6; Titus 3:5). He indwells each believer both individually (1 Corinthians 6:19-20; Romans 8:9) and collectively (1 Corinthians 3:16; Ephesians 2:21-22). He is involved in the work of baptizing (uniting) every believer into the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:13). He is the seal, in which every believer is sealed unto the day of redemption (2 Corinthians 1:21-22; Ephesians 1:13-14; 4:30).

 

We believe the Holy Spirit is the perfect and infallible Teacher. He guided the Apostles into all truth (John 14:26; 15:26-27; 16:12-15) and teaches all believers, revealing to them the deep things of God (1 Corinthians 2:9-15; 1 John 2:20,27). It is the privilege and duty of the saved to be constantly walking in the Spirit, being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are unto the glory and praise of God (Galatians 5:16; Ephesians 4:30; 5:18; Philippians 1:11; 1 Thessalonians 5:19). The Holy Spirit's ministry in this age is to glorify Christ in and through the believer (John 16:14). The person who is yielded to the Spirit's control will produce and manifest the life and character of the Lord Jesus (Galatians 2:20; 4:19; 5:22-23).

The Church

We believe that the Church, which is the body and the espoused bride of Christ (2 Corinthians 11:2; Ephesians 1:22-23; 5:22-33) is a spiritual organism made up of born-again persons of this present age. We believe that the church age began on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2) (compare 1 Corinthians 7 12:13 with Matthew 3:11; 16:18; Acts 1:5; 11:15-17) and will be concluded at the rapture of the Church (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18), when the spiritual building will be complete (Matthew 16:18; Romans 11:25; Ephesians 2:20- 22; 1 Peter 2:4-7).

 

We believe that the establishment and continuance of local churches is clearly taught and defined in the New Testament Scriptures (Acts 14:21-23; 20:17-32; 1 Timothy 3:1-16; Titus 1:5-11). We believe that the local church is a congregation of immersed believers (Acts 2:41) who have come together to fulfill the great commandment (to love God and to love one another) and the great commission in our community.

 

The officers of the local church are pastors and deacons (Philippians 1:1), whose qualifications and duties are defined clearly in the Scriptures (Acts 6:1-7; 1 Timothy 3:1-16; Titus 1:5-11). We believe that the local church has the absolute right of self-government, free from the interference of any hierarchy of individuals or organizations; the one and only head of the local church is the Lord Jesus Christ (Ephesians 1:22-23; Colossians 1:18). We believe that the local church is the sole judge of the measure and method of its cooperation with other local churches. The will and decision of the local church are final in all matters of membership, policy, government, discipline, and benevolence (Matthew 18:15-18). 

Satan

We believe that Satan is a real personable being, the first angel to fall in sin, known as Lucifer (Isaiah 14:12) also known as the devil (Job 1:6-7; Matthew 4:1-11), the author of sin (Isaiah 14:12-14; Ezekiel 28:11-19; John 8:44; 1 Timothy 3:6; 1 John 3:8) and the cause of man's fall (Genesis 3:1-6, 13-15; 2 Corinthians 11:3). He is the open and declared enemy of God and man (2 Corinthians 4:3-4; 1 Peter 5:8) He shall be eternally punished in the lake of fire (Matthew 25:41; Revelations 20:10). We recognize the existence and personality of angels, both holy angels (Luke 2:13; 9:26; 15:10) and fallen angels or demons (Matthew 25:41; Mark 5:1-20). 

Total Depravity and Sinfulness of Man

We believe man was created in the image and likeness of God. He was formed from the dust of the ground on the sixth day of the creation week (Genesis 1:26-27; 2:7). Man was not in any way the product of evolutionary development from “lower forms” of life but was created directly by God and for God (Isaiah 43:7; Colossians 1:16; Revelations 4:11). We believe that man was created in innocence but fell from his sinless and happy state (Genesis 3:1-19). We also believe that in Adam's sin the race fell (Romans 5:12-21), inherited a sinful nature (Genesis 5:3; Psalm 51:5) and became alienated from God (Ephesians 4:17-19; Colossians 1:21). Therefore, all men apart from Christ are totally sinful (1 Kings 8:46; Psalm 14:1-3; Romans 3:10-23), wicked (Jeremiah 17:9-10; Matthew 7:11; Mark 7:20-23), lost (Isaiah 53:6; Luke 19:10), blind (1 Corinthians 2:14; 2 Corinthians 4:3-4), and dead in sin (Genesis 2:17; John 5:24; Ephesians 2:1; 4:18). Because man is totally depraved, he must have a Savior to go to heaven (Romans 3:10-23; Ephesians 1:1-3). 

Salvation

We believe that the salvation of sinners is completely the work of God, by grace through faith (Acts 15:11; Ephesians 2:8-9). We believe that salvation is the gift of God (Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8-9) and is received through personal faith in the Lord Jesus Christ (John 1:12; 5:24; 6:47; Acts 16:31), whose precious blood was shed on Calvary for the forgiveness of our sins (Ephesians 1:7; 1 Peter 1:18-19). The Lord Jesus Christ is the only Savior (Acts 4:12; Isaiah 43:11) and apart from Him there can be no salvation (John 3:16-18; 5:11-12; 14:16; 36:1). We believe the Father sent the Son to be the Savior of the world (John 1:29; 3:16-17; 4:42; 1 John 4:14). Therefore, He is the Savior of mankind, especially of those who believe (1 Timothy 4:10; 2:4-6). Jesus said that those who do not receive God's gift of eternal life will perish under the wrath and condemnation of a Holy God (John 3:16- 18,36; 8:24).

Eternal Security and Assurance of Believers

We believe that all the redeemed, once saved, are kept by God's power and are thus safe and secure in Christ forever (John 5:25; 6:37-40,47; 10:27-30; Romans 8:28-39; 1 Corinthians 1:4-8; Ephesians 1:13-14; 4:30; Hebrews 13:5; 1 Peter 1:5). We believe it is impossible for a born-again child of God to lose his 5 salvation (John 10:28).

 

We believe that the person whose life is devoid of Christian virtues ought to give diligence to make his calling and election sure (2 Peter 1:3-10). He should examine himself to see whether he is in the faith (2 Corinthians 13:5). The question, therefore, is not whether a saved person can be lost (which is impossible) but whether a professing believer is truly saved (1 John 2:4,6,9).

 

We believe it is a privilege of believers to rejoice in the assurance of their salvation through the testimony of God's Word (Romans 8:38-39; Philippians 1:6; 2 Timothy 1:12; 1 John 5:9-13), that clearly forbids the use of Christian liberty as a reason to sin (Romans 6:1-13; 13:13-14; Galatians 5:1,13). Those who name the name of Christ are to depart from unrighteousness (2 Timothy 2:19). We believe that if a person is truly saved he will manifest a life of consistent obedience to the Word of God (1 John 2:3-5), a fervent love for the brethren (1 John 3:14-19; 4:7,20) and a daily walk that is characterized by righteousness (1 John 2:29; 3:10).

Two Natures of the Believer

We believe that every saved person still possesses two natures (Romans 7:15-25; 2 Corinthians 5:14-17; Galatians 5:17; Ephesians 4 22:24; Colossians 3:9-10). Provision is made for victory of the new nature over the old nature through the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit (Romans 8:1-17; Galatians 5-16-25) as the believer reckons himself crucified with Christ but alive unto God (Romans 6:1-11; 2 Corinthians 5:14-17; Galatians 2:20; Colossians 2:20-3:4). We believe that all claims to the eradication of the old nature in this life (achieving the 2nd work of grace or perfection) are unscriptural (Romans 7:17-18, 24; Philippians 2:10- 14; 1 John 1: 8-10). 

Separation

We believe that all believers are saints, set apart, and separated unto God. They are responsible to live in such a manner so as not to bring reproach upon their Savior and Lord (Romans 12:1-2; 1 Peter 1:14-19; 2 Timothy 2:19), lest the Word of God be blasphemed (1 Timothy 6:1; Titus 2:5). It is the duty of every believer to walk worthy of his high, heavenly and holy calling (Ephesians 4:1; Philippians 3:14; Hebrews 3:1; 2 Timothy 1:9; 1 Thessalonians 4:3-7; I Peter1:13-19). We believe that separation from all religious apostasy (2 John 7:11; Romans 16:17; Titus 3:10; 2 Timothy 2:16-21; 3:5) and all worldly and sinful pleasures, practices and associations (1 John 2:15-17; James 4:4; 2 Timothy 3:1-5) is commanded of God (2 Corinthians 5:14-7:1). We also believe that we must separate from professing Christian believers who are living immoral lives (1 Corinthians 5) or who are consistently and willfully disobedient to the Word of God (2 Thessalonians 2:15; 3:6,14-15). No member of Bethel Baptist Church can also be a member of a secret society organization such as the Masonic Lodge or Eastern Star. 

Second Coming of Christ

We believe that the Second Advent (coming) of Christ is pre-millennial (will take place before His physical reign as King for 1000 years upon the earth) and will take place in two phases. The first phase involves the personal (John 14:1-3; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18), imminent (1 Corinthians 1:51-52; Titus 2:13; Revelations 22:20) and pre-tribulational (Revelations 1:10; 3:10;5:9-11) coming of the Lord Jesus for His Church. The Rapture of the Church is the believer's comforting (1 Thessalonians 4:18), blessed (Titus 2:13), and purifying hope and expectancy (1 John 3:2-3). We believe that the Rapture of the Church will be followed by Daniel's 70th week (Daniel 9:27), a period of seven years. Our Lord Jesus has identified the last 3 1/2 years of Daniel's 70th week as a time of great tribulation (Jeremiah 30:7; Daniel 12:1; Matthew 24:21). The second phase of the Second Advent of Christ will take place at the end of the Tribulation. Christ will return to earth with His saints to establish His Millennial Kingdom (Zechariah 14:4-11; Matthew 24:29-31, 36-51; 2 Thessalonians 1:1-10; Rev. 19:11-16; 20:1-6). 

Eternal State

We believe in the bodily resurrection of all men. The saved to eternal life, the unsaved to judgment and everlasting punishment (Matthew 25:46; Luke 14:14; John 5:28-29; 11:25-26; Revelations 20:4-15).

 

We believe at death the believer immediately goes home to be with Christ (Luke 23:43; Philippians 1:21-23). He is then absent from the body but face to face with the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:6-8). There, in conscious bliss, he awaits the first Resurrection (1 Corinthians 5:51-52; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Revelations 20:4- 6), at which time he will be reunited with his Resurrected body, to be glorified forever with the Lord (Philippians 3:21; 1 Thessalonians 4:17).

 

We believe at death unbelievers go to be in conscious misery (Luke 16:19-26) until the Second Resurrection, at which time they shall be reunited with their resurrected bodies to appear before Christ at the Great White Throne Judgment (Revelations 20:15). They will not be annihilated but will suffer everlasting conscious punishment under the wrath of a Holy God (Matthew 25:41-46; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9; Jude 6-7; Mark 9:43-48).

Hermeneutics: How to study and interpret the Bible

We believe it is the duty and privilege of every saved person to read, understand and practice God's Word (1 Peter 2:2; 2 Peter 3:18), to faithfully attend a Bible-believing and teaching church to be well fed in the truths of the Bible and to be fully equipped for the work of the ministry (Acts 2:42; Ephesians 4:11-16; Hebrews 10:25). We believe the Bible must be interpreted literally. We recognize that the Bible writers frequently used figurative language as a normal and picturesque way of portraying literal truth. We believe that every believer must study the Bible in total dependence upon the Spirit of truth (John 16:13; 1 Corinthians 2:9-16). He must make every effort to correctly understand God's Word, considering the normal use of language, words, historical and cultural background, the context of the passage, and the complete teaching of the Scriptures (2 Timothy 2:15). We believe the natural, unsaved man cannot understand or interpret correctly the Word of God because it is foolishness to him (1 Corinthians 2:14). Neither can he know it because he is blinded by his depraved condition (Romans 1:21-23; 3:11; Jude 19) and by Satan, the god of this age (2 Corinthians 4:3-4).

Dispensationalism: Interpreting the Bible literally in its context

We believe that the Bible is interpreted correctly only when dispensational distinctions are recognized, such as the difference between Israel and the Church (1 Corinthians 10:32), between the two resurrections (Revelations 20:4-6), between the various judgments and between law and grace. We recognize fully the distinctive, parenthetical and mysterious character of the present Church Age, from the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2) to the Rapture of the Church (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18), in which God is visiting the nations to call out a people for His name (Acts 15:14-16; Romans 16:25-27; 1 Corinthians 10:32; Ephesians 3:1-11; Colossians 1:24-27). We also believe God will fulfill His covenant and kingdom promises to the nation of Israel (Genesis 12:2-3; 15:18-21; Deuteronomy 30:3-10; 2 Samuel 7:4-17; Jeremiah 31:31- 37; 33:15-26). We believe that in every age, regardless of God's distinctive dispensational programs, men have been saved by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8; Genesis 15:6; Hebrews 11:4-7). We believe that the glory of God is the governing principle and purpose for God's dealings with men in every age. 

Missions

We believe it is the obligation of the saved to be Christ's witnesses (Acts 1:8; Isaiah 43:10-12) by drawing attention to the only Savior by life and by word. It is the responsibility of believers to proclaim the gospel to all mankind (Luke 16:15; 2 Corinthians 5:17-21; Colossians 4:3-6; 1 Peter 3:15). We believe it is the duty of the church to be obedient to the Great Commission of our Lord. That involves three primary responsibilities:

1. Making disciples of all nations, (which starts with evangelism)

2. Baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,

3. Teaching them to obey the whole counsel of God (Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 14:21; 20:26-31). 

Ministry and the Spiritual Gifts

We believe that God is sovereign in giving every believer at least one Spiritual Gift. (Romans 12:4-8; 1 Corinthians 12:4-11; Hebrews 2:4; 1 Peter 4:10). The gifts of evangelists, pastors, and teachers are sufficient today for the equipping of the saints (Ephesians 2:20; 4:7-16). We believe that Speaking in tongues and working of sign miracles gradually ceased as the New Testament Scriptures were completed and their authority became established (1 Corinthians 13:8-10; 2 Corinthians 12:12; Hebrews 2:3-4). We believe that God is not giving new and added revelations through prophecy, dreams, or visions during this latter phase of the church age. The all-sufficient written Word of God, from Genesis to Revelation, provides the believer with all that he needs to glorify Christ in this life, and to walk in a way that is pleasing to Him (John 16:13; 20:29; 2 Corinthians 5:7; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:3; 1:15-21; Revelations 22:18-19). We believe that the Scriptures place the greatest emphasis and importance upon the gift of God's life (Romans 6:23; 1 John 5:11-12) that is the present possession of every believer.

 

Although the gift of healing is not operative in our day, we believe that God does hear and answer the prayer of faith, according to His will, for the sick and afflicted (John 15:7; James 5:14-16; 1 John 3:22; 5:14-15).

Two Ordinances: Baptism & The Lord's Supper

We believe that believers in this church age are commanded to observe the two ordinances of Water Baptism (Matthew 28:19) and The Lord's Supper (1 Corinthians 11:23-26). While recognizing that Water Baptism has no saving merit (Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:5), it is our conviction that after one is saved, Baptism is the next step of obedience to portray to the world the believer's union and identification with Christ in His death, burial and resurrection (Matthew 28:19; Romans 6:3-4; Colossians 2:9- 13). Water baptism is an opportunity for the believer to give public testimony of his new life in Christ (Romans 6:3-10; 2 Corinthians 5:14-17). It is our conviction that the Scriptural method of Water Baptism is immersion (Acts 8:38-39), picturing the work of Christ on the believer's behalf and the believer's identification with Christ in that work. Christ died for sins but once (Hebrews 9:27- 28; 10:10-14; 1 Peter 3:18) and it was He, the Second Person of the Godhead, who died and rose again on our behalf (Romans 6:3-4; 2 Corinthians 5:14-17).

 

We believe that our Lord Jesus Christ instituted the Lord's Supper to commemorate and preach His death until He comes (Matthew 26:26-29; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26). The Lord's Supper is commemorative and is to be observed often as a memorial of the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 22:19-20; 1 Corinthians 11:24-26). The Lord's Supper shall be open to all born-again believers if they will examine themselves and judge themselves so as not to participate in an unworthy manner (1 Corinthians 11:27-32). 

Marriage & the Family

We believe and stand firmly upon the clear teaching of Scripture regarding marriage, human sexuality, adultery, and fornication. Just as Jesus confirmed the unified message of the Bible, we also believe that marriage can only take place between a man and a woman.

 

We believe that all sexual activity outside of the covenant of marriage is sin. All sexual activities outside of marriage are prohibited by the seventh commandment (Exodus 20:14) and elsewhere in the bible (John 4 & 8). These types of sins must be dealt with by the church if the individual claims to be a believer in Jesus Christ (I Corinthians 5:9-10).

 

We believe that the love of Jesus Christ must prevail in all matters concerning sexual sins. Just as Christ did not condemn the woman caught in adultery, the church must also not condemn the unbeliever for their past sins but rather lovingly call them to faith, repentance, and obedience to the Word of God (John 8:1-11).

 

We also maintain the consistent historical conviction of the General Association of Regular Baptist Churches since its beginning in 1932, that marriage can only be between man and woman. We also maintain the historical heritage of Jesus Christ and Christianity prior to the twentieth Century concerning marriage, sexual sins, and homosexuality.

 

We believe that a person’s gender is determined at birth and is not to be surgically modified. 

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