baptist christian statement of faith

Repentance is a genuine turning from sin toward God. Watch Live Here : https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&q=https://bit.ly/Highschoolbasketball_BoysThe Faith Baptist (Davison, MI) varsity . (Genesis 13:14-17; Ezekiel 37; Romans 11:1-32), Section 22: The Rapture and Other Future Events, We believe in the imminent, pre-millennialreturn of Christ for His Church. The new birth opens all human faculties and creates a thirst for knowledge. An independent, fundamental church in Royal Center, Indiana Joel Sharp, Pastor, Prayer Meeting & Bible Study We believe that civil government is of divine appointment for the interest and good order of human society; that magistrates are to be prayed for and 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 coming Prince of the kings of the earth. They shall be cast into the Lake of Fire, not to be annihilated, but to suffer everlasting punishment. Christian people throughout the world should pray for the reign of the Prince of Peace. The change was made over concerns that some groups were elevating the recorded words of Jesus[d] in Scripture over other Scriptural passages (or, in some cases, claiming that Jesus' silence on an issue held priority over other passages explicitly discussing a topic, an example being homosexuality). Repentance is characterized by godly sorrow for sin which is offensive to God and destructive to the soul. He ascended into heaven and is now exalted at the right hand of God where He is the One Mediator, fully God, fully man, in whose Person is effected the reconciliation between God and man. We believe that Jesus Christ was begotten of the Holy Ghost in a miraculous manner, born of Mary, a virgin, as no other man was ever born or can ever be born of a woman, and He is both the Son of God, and God the Son. 5:1921; Eph. Article I. 5:3; Col. 3:56). A husband is to love his wife as Christ loved the church. We believe that any form of homosexuality, lesbianism, bisexuality, bestiality, incest, fornication, adultery and pornography are sinful perversions of Gods gift of sex. phone: 615-944-0348, Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress, Why We Are Baptists? (A) The Holy Scriptures We believe the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments to be the verbally and fully inspired Word of God. He honored the divine law by His personal obedience, and His substitutionary atonementfor our sins. Since God created mankind into genders distinctly male and female we believe that the only legitimate marriage is that between a man and a woman. We believe God brought all creation into being in six literal 24-hour days and that He rested on the 7th day. Genesis 14:20; Leviticus 27:3032; Deuteronomy 8:18; Malachi 3:812; Matthew 6:14, 1921; 19:21; 23:23; 25:1429; Luke 12:1621, 42; 16:113; Acts 2:4447; 5:111; 17:2425; 20:35; Romans 6:622; 12:12; 1 Corinthians 4:12; 6:1920; 12; 16:14; 2 Corinthians 89; 12:15; Philippians 4:1019; 1 Peter 1:1819. It is the responsibility of each Christian to learn, believe, and live every doctrine taught in Gods Word. Leadership Civil government being ordained of God, it is the duty of Christians to render loyal obedience thereto in all things not contrary to the revealed will of God. He bears witness to the truth of the Gospel in preaching and testimony. We believe in the Biblical story of . The death and resurrection of Jesus Christ provide for rescue and redemption from sin. Matthew 3:11; Acts 2:4 God gives all believers spiritual gifts. All sound learning is, therefore, a part of our Christian heritage. We believe the true mission of the church is found in the Great Commission: first, to make individual disciples; second, to build up the church; third, to teach and instruct as He commanded. We specifically affirm the following doctrinal truths: The Scriptures Each article or position is followed by Scripture which they use to support their position.[a]. We believe that God instituted the family for the well-being of mankind and designed it to be a unit of order and blessing. We believe in a pre-tribulation Rapture of believers, and a premillennial return of Christ to the earth to establish His Kingdom. We believe that the Bible is, in its entirety, the verballyinspiredWord of God. (Isaiah 53:11; Acts 13:39; Romans 3:22-24; Romans 5:1-21; Romans 8:1; Ephesians 2:8-9), We believe that repentanceis a change of mind and purpose toward God brought about by the Holy Spirit. He was literally and physically raised from the dead with a glorified body and appeared to His disciples as the Person who was with them before His crucifixion. Because of His great love, God provided a way for humanity to be put right with him. [4], The BF&M includes 18 topics which are position statements of the SBC. God is all powerful and all knowing; and His perfect knowledge extends to all things, past, present, and future, including the future decisions of His free creatures. Justification brings the believer unto a relationship of peace and favor with God. It is a Christian institution for regular observance. In setting forth this Doctrinal Statement, we by no means set aside or undervalue any of the Scripture of the Old and New Testaments. An adequate system of Christian education is necessary to a complete spiritual program for Christs people. Throughout our history we have been a confessional people, adopting statements of faith as a witness to our beliefs and a pledge of our faithfulness to the doctrines revealed in Holy Scripture. Inclusion of a statement that Baptists honor the principles of soul competency and the priesthood of believer. A Statement of Faith is just a summary. Thurs. Exodus 17:12; 18:17ff. This is the Blessed Hope. God is infinite in holiness and all other perfections. A Statement of Faith is just a summary. 6:1820; Gal. (John 3:3-8; Acts 16:30-32; Romans 6:23; 2 Corinthians 5:17-19; Ephesians 2:1-3; Ephesians 2:8-9; Colossians 2:13; 2 Peter 1:4;1 John 5:1). It is composed solely of born-again believers who have been called out from among the Jews and Gentiles. These distinctives are easily remembered using the acrostic BRAPSISS and here is a breakdown for us to better understand: These distinctives in faith and practice have set those who have become known as Baptists (and their forefathers) as being distinct from all other forms of religion, including Catholics and Protestants. ; 1 Thessalonians 5:2324; 2 Timothy 1:12; Titus 2:1114; Hebrews 2:13; 5:8-9; 9:2428; 11:112:8, 14; James 2:1426; 1 Peter 1:223; 1 John 1:62:11; Revelation 3:20; 21:122:5. We believe that in His relation to the unbelieving world, He restrains the evil one until Gods purpose is fulfilled. The sixty-six books of the Old and New Testament are the complete and . It is Gods revelation to man, inerrantas originally written by Spirit-controlled men. Isaiah 2:4; Matthew 5:9, 3848; 6:33; 26:52; Luke 22:36, 38; Romans 12:1819; 13:17; 14:19; Hebrews 12:14; James 4:12. To contribute to the protection of the physical property of the campus and the physical safety of all members of the campus community- including the safeguarding of all keys and forms of access to facilities. At the moment of regeneration He baptizes every believer into the Body of Christ. It commemorates the resurrection of Christ from the dead and should include exercises of worship and spiritual devotion, both public and private. Each local church is the sole judge of the measure and method of its cooperation. God alone is Lord of the conscience, and He has left it free from the doctrines and commandments of men which are contrary to His Word or not contained in it. Watch Live Here : https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&q=http://bit.ly/3J5mjB4The Faith Baptist (Davison, MI) varsity basketball team has. There are several Baptist Associations that have been formulated for their volunteer member churches. In the beginning man was innocent of sin and was endowed by his Creator with freedom of choice. It is the duty of every child of God to seek constantly to win the lost to Christ by verbal witness undergirded by a Christian lifestyle, and by other methods in harmony with the gospel of Christ. Article XVIII. It is the duty of Christians to seek peace with all men on principles of righteousness. The Holy Bible was written by men divinely inspired and is Gods revelation of Himself to man. He was active in the creation of all things. ; Isaiah 7:14; Isaiah 53:112; Matthew 1:1823; 3:17; 8:29; 11:27; 14:33; 16:16, 27; 17:5; 27; 28:16, 19; Mark 1:1; 3:11; Luke 1:35; 4:41; 22:70; 24:46; John 1:118, 29; 10:30, 38; 11:2527; 12:4450; 14:711; 16:1516, 28; 17:15, 2122; 20:120, 28; Acts 1:9; 2:2224; 7:5556; 9:45, 20; Romans 1:34; 3:2326; 5:621; 8:13, 34; 10:4; 1 Corinthians 1:30; 2:2; 8:6; 15:18, 2428; 2 Corinthians 5:1921; 8:9; Galatians 4:45; Ephesians 1:20; 3:11; 4:710; Philippians 2:511; Colossians 1:1322; 2:9; 1 Thessalonians 4:1418; 1 Timothy 2:56; 3:16; Titus 2:1314; Hebrews 1:13; 4:1415; 7:1428; 9:1215, 2428; 12:2; 13:8; 1 Peter 2:2125; 3:22; 1 John 1:79; 3:2; 4:1415; 5:9; 2 John 79; Revelation 1:1316; 5:914; 12:1011; 13:8; 19:16. We believe the Lord's coming to be imminent. Christ, glorified in Heaven, is the Head of the Church. Given that human life is God's creation, including the life of the unborn, we affirm the "sanctity of life" as an integral representation of our college faith and values. BIBLE BAPTIST CHURCH of PLATTSBURGH, NEW YORK. All Scripture is a testimony to Christ, who is Himself the focus of divine revelation. (Ephesians 5:21-6:4), We believe that man was created innocent, in the image of God, and under His law; Adam fell from his sinless state by voluntary transgression and all men sinned in him. Smith, James A., Sr. "A confession of faith worthy of support." The Kingdom of God includes both His general sovereignty over the universe and His particular kingship over men who willfully acknowledge Him as King. Boston Baptist College is a community of born-again Christians committed to disciplined obedience to the example and teachings of Christ in all matters of faith and practice. By "The Holy Bible" we mean that collection of sixty-six books, from Genesis to Revelation, which, as originally written, does not only contain and convey the Word of God but IS the very Word of God. We believe that Christian baptism is the immersion in water of a believer, in the name of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, with authority of the local church, 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 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. Services. Election is the gracious purpose of God, according to which He regenerates, justifies, sanctifies, and glorifies sinners. 13. 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 gift 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. All true believers endure to the end. It is the glorious display of Gods sovereign goodness, and is infinitely wise, holy, and unchangeable. It reveals the principles by which God judges us, and therefore is, and will remain to the end of the world, the true center of Christian union, and the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds, and religious opinions should be tried. It is an act of obedience symbolizing the believers faith in a crucified, buried, and risen Saviour, the believers death to sin, the burial of the old life, and the resurrection to walk in newness of life in Christ Jesus. We believe that Satan is a personal being, the author of sin, a fallen angel, prince of demons, the unholy god of this age, the great enticer and deceiver, the adversary of Christ and His people, the accuser of the brethren, and the ruler of all the powers of darkness. We receive the spirit of adoption and we are enabled to come boldly to the throne of grace and cry Abba, Father. We believe that the term marriage has only one meaning: A life-long covenant, sanctioned by God, that joins one man and one woman, who were each born as a man and a woman, in a single, exclusive union, as spoken and described by God in Scripture. What makes us different from the others can be easily discussed by considering the Baptist Distinctives. We believe in God's electing grace; 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. (Luke 23:43; 2 Corinthians 5:8-10; Philippians 1:23; Philippians 3:21; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17; 1 Thessalonians 5:23; Revelation 20:4-6), We believe the souls of unbelievers remain in conscious misery after death until the second resurrection when the soul and body are reunited and they shall appear at the Great White Throne Judgment. Christ, by the appointment of the Father, freely took upon Himself our nature, yet was without sin. It is consistent with the free agency of man, and comprehends all the means in connection with the end. The text of the original assertion, which was the last sentence in the section, was: "The criterion by which the Bible is to be interpreted is Jesus Christ. He now dwells in all believers as the living and ever present Lord. Freedom in any orderly relationship of human life is always limited and never absolute. Article VI. [citation needed] Nothing in the BF&M prohibits or discourages the wife from holding outside employment, nor the husband from doing household duties traditionally considered those of the wife. The gift of gender is thus part of the goodness of Gods creation. Boston Baptist College teaches and practices the ministry of the Holy Spirit from a textual and historical position rather than that which is espoused by the modern Charismatic interpretation. What We Believe. Faith Baptist Academy is a ministry of Faith Baptist Church. The church should not resort to the civil power to carry on its work. email: broc@baptist.org We believe the Bible to be the center of true Christian unity and the supreme and final authority against which all matters of doctrine, faith, human conduct, creeds, and opinions shall be tested. (John 3:16; 1 Corinthians 15:1-5), We believe in the bodily resurrection of our Lord Who ascended into Heaven and is now seated at the right hand of the Father. As stated in Matthew 4:4 (ESV): But He answered, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God. We are to observe and do all things Christ has commanded us (teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. The gospel of Christ contemplates spiritual means alone for the pursuit of its ends. 1:2627; 1 Cor. Genesis 1:1; Isaiah 9:67; Jeremiah 23:56; Matthew 3:2; 4:810, 23; 12:2528; 13:152; 25:3146; 26:29; Mark 1:1415; 9:1; Luke 4:43; 8:1; 9:2; 12:3132; 17:2021; 23:42; John 3:3; 18:36; Acts 1:67; 17:2231; Romans 5:17; 8:19; 1 Corinthians 15:2428; Colossians 1:13; Hebrews 11:10, 16; 12:28; 1 Peter 2:410; 4:13; Revelation 1:6, 9; 5:10; 11:15; 2122. We believe that the command to give the Gospel to the world is clear and unmistakable, and this commission was given to the churches. Be sure to look for the continuation of this article to find further discussion regarding the Baptist Distinctives! The Scriptures . (John 14:3; 1 Corinthians 15:51-52; 1 Thessalonians 1:10; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17; Titus 2:13; Revelation 19:11-21; Revelation 20:1-6). Special creation of the existing space-time universe and all its basic systems and kinds of organisms in the six literal days of the creation week. (1) The Holy Scriptures We believe the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testament to be the verbally and plenary inspired Word of God. ; Judges 7:21; Ezra 1:34; 2:6869; 5:1415; Nehemiah 4; 8:15; Matthew 10:515; 20:116; 22:110; 28:1920; Mark 2:3; Luke 10:1ff. Repentance and faith are inseparable experiences of grace. 6. The new birth is a new creation in Christ Jesus. Our sovereign God brought about our new creation in a manner above our comprehension, solely by the power of the Holy Spirit in connection with divine truth. He permanently indwells the Church and the body of each believer. To faithfully support the sanctity of permanent marriage between a man and a woman, avoiding all forms of sexual misconduct (including harassment and abuse-noting the institutional policy for such) and to contribute exclusively to that biblical pattern in all spheres of influence. We believe that God's method of financing His earthly work of spreading the Gospel to all nations the tithes and offerings of His people; that it is to be given to the Lord through the care of the churches; and the support of the ministry is by His local church or storehouse to be distributed as directed by the leadership of the Spirit as the need arises; that the time to tithe is the first day of the week; that everyone is accountable to the Lord for one-tenth of the income; and that timing was instituted long before the law was ever given and was practiced by the early church. Genesis 1:2628; 2:1525; 3:120; Exodus 20:12; Deuteronomy 6:49; Joshua 24:15; 1 Samuel 1:2628; Psalms 51:5; 78:18; 127; 128; 139:1316; Proverbs 1:8; 5:1520; 6:2022; 12:4; 13:24; 14:1; 17:6; 18:22; 22:6,15; 23:1314; 24:3; 29:15, 17; 31:1031; Ecclesiastes 4:912; 9:9; Malachi 2:1416; Matthew 5:3132; 18:25; 19:39; Mark 10:612; Romans 1:1832; 1 Corinthians 7:116; Ephesians 5:2133; 6:14; Colossians 3:1821; 1 Timothy 5:8, 14; 2 Timothy 1:35; Titus 2:35; Hebrews 13:4; 1 Peter 3:17. It is our conviction that water baptism has no saving merit. By "Inspiration" we mean that the books of the Bible were written by holy men of old, as they were moved by the Holy Spirit, in such a definite way that their writings were supernaturally and verbally inspired and free from error, as no other writings have ever been or ever will be inspired. It is Gods unique gift to reveal the union between Christ and His church and to provide for the man and the woman in marriage the framework for intimate companionship, the channel of sexual expression according to biblical standards, and the means for procreation of the human race. ; Acts 1:1314; 2:1ff. Baptist Deacon, there are some churches that have no statement of faith. Russian This phase of His coming is known as the Revelation of Jesus Christ. (Genesis 1 and 2; John 1:3; Colossians 1:16.). Therefore, we believe the Universal Church and this local church family are obligated to make every effort to evangelize all people everywhere, beginning in our homes, then reaching to our town, state, nation, and the entire world. Statement of Faith. We also affirm that He ascended "to the right hand of the throne of God;" that He alone is our "merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God." It is instantaneous and not a process. Some of the changes that were particularly well received (affirmations) by some Baptist theologians include the following:[5], In 2001, Russell Dilday of the Center for Baptist Studies at Mercer University, raised 12 controversial points about the 2000 revision. (Romans 8:14-17; 2 Corinthians 6:18; Galatians 4:4-7; Ephesians 1:5; 1 John 3:1-2), We believe that all who are truly born again are eternally kept by God the Father for Jesus Christ. ; 119:11; Proverbs 3:13ff. [2] Described as "the New Hampshire Confession of Faith [of 1833], revised at certain points, and with some additional articles growing out of present needs," it was intended as "a reaffirmation of Christian fundamentals," which was deemed necessary because of "the prevalence of naturalism in the modern teaching and preaching of religion. 14. In His incarnation as Jesus Christ, He was conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. (All matters of finance, of student or staff performance are to be discussed only with the appropriate parties within secured office space not in the hallways, cafeteria, or areas where confidential information could be overheard even inadvertently.). It is a perfect treasure of divine instruction. We believe that in order to be saved, sinners must be born again, that the new birth is a new creation in Jesus Christ; that it is instantaneous and not a process; that in the new birth the one dead in trespasses and in sins is made a partaker of the divine nature and receives eternal life, the free gift of God; that the new creation is brought about in a manner above our comprehension, not by culture, not by character, nor by the will of man, but wholly and solely by the power of the Holy Spirit in connection with divine truth, so as to secure our voluntary obedience to the Gospel; that its proper evidence appears in the holy fruits of repentance and faith and newness of life. As Gods created beings, living under His Lordship, all other sexual activity, including premarital sex, extramarital sex, polygamy, bisexual acts, same-sex marriage, homosexual acts, and bestiality violate clear biblical teaching on sexual purity (Rom. Faith Church 11 Glenridge Road Rexford, NY 12148. In order to promote these ends Christians should be ready to work with all men of good will in any good cause, always being careful to act in the spirit of love without compromising their loyalty to Christ and His truth. In fact, I can recall a time or two I have said that very thing myself. The 2000 BF&M has been criticized[citation needed] for including a specific list of contemporary sins, which could lead to endless additions. (Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:18-25; Luke 1:35; John 1:1-14; 1 Timothy 3:16; Hebrews 1:8-9), We believe that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures as a representative and as a substitutionary sacrifice. The Baptism of the Holy Spirit is a gift from God. We believe that the Bible is clear that the next event on the prophetic timetable is the Rapture of the saved (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). It is a solemn and beautiful emblem that declares our faith in the crucified, buried, and risen Savior as well . By his free choice man sinned against God and brought sin into the human race. Therefore, we believe creation to be approximately 6000 years old. To work for the betterment of the institution as a whole and to strive to personal excellence and development as a means to that end. Immersion of believers and the Lords Supper the only two ordinances. . He will return in power and glory to judge the world and to consummate His redemptive mission. Christian baptism is the immersion of a believer in water in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. (Matthew 3:16; Matthew 28:19-20; John 3:23; Acts 2:41; Acts 8:34-39; Romans 6:3-5; Colossians 2:11-12). Our statement of faith also makes explicit what is foundational to our doctrinal commitmentsthe gospel of Jesus Christ, which is the primary . Korean All believers from Pentecost to the Rapture are added to the Church by the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Spanish While both men and women are gifted for service in the church, the office of pastor is limited to men as qualified by Scripture. through faith, plus nothing, and believers are eternally secure. He cultivates Christian character, comforts believers, and bestows the spiritual gifts by which they serve God through His church. Isaiah 2:4; 11:9; Matthew 16:27; 18:89; 19:28; 24:27, 30, 36, 44; 25:3146; 26:64; Mark 8:38; 9:4348; Luke 12:40, 48; 16:1926; 17:2237; 21:2728; John 14:13; Acts 1:11; 17:31; Romans 14:10; 1 Corinthians 4:5; 15:2428, 3558; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Philippians 3:2021; Colossians 1:5; 3:4; 1 Thessalonians 4:1418; 5:1ff. The state has no right to impose taxes for the support of any form of religion. Published on April 8, 2021. The local church is: under the leadership of officers, who are Elders (one of which is the Pastor) and Deacons, whose qualifications and duties are clearly defined in the Scriptures. Exodus 20:317; Leviticus 6:25; Deuteronomy 10:12; 27:17; Psalm 101:5; Micah 6:8; Zechariah 8:16; Matthew 5:1316, 4348; 22:3640; 25:35; Mark 1:2934; 2:3ff. He calls men to the Saviour, and effects regeneration. The true remedy for the war spirit is the gospel of our Lord. 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 and vicarious atonement for our sins; that His atonement consisted not in setting us an example by His death as a martyr, but was the voluntary substitution of Himself in the sinner's place, the Just dying for the unjust, Christ the Lord, bearing our sins in His own body on the tree; and that, having risen from the dead, He is now enthroned in heaven and uniting in His wonderful person the tenderest sympathies with divine perfection. To maintain professional and mentoring relationships with students while never violating propriety or losing the capacity to lead or discipline students objectively avoiding preferential treatment of any student at all times. He is all powerful, all knowing, all loving, and all wise. We believe that such only are real believers as have placed saving faith in Christ; that a special Providence watches over their welfare; that they are kept by the power of God through faith unto eternal salvation; and that the grand mark which distinguishes them from superficial professors is spiritual fruit produced as they abide in Christ. The performance of professional responsibilities in the context of this educational institution is consistent with this intent and with the standards found in Scripture. It is God's revelation to man, inerrant as originally written by Spirit-controlled men. D. Glorification is the culmination of salvation and is the final blessed and abiding state of the redeemed. He is the efficient power for godly living, Christian service, and spiritual worship. 12. (John 10:28-29; Romans 8:35-39; Philippians 1:6; Jude 1). We hold him to be man's great tempter, the enemy of God and His Christ, the accuser of the saints, the author of all false religion, the chief power behind the present apostasy, the lord of the antichrist, and the author of all powers of darkness-destined, however, to final defeat at the hands of God's own Son, and the judgment of an eternal justice in hell, a place prepared for him and his angels. The denomination's statement of faith was revised in 2000 to state: "While both men and women are gifted for service in the church, the office of pastor is limited to men as qualified by Scripture." According to the Scriptures, Christians should contribute of their means cheerfully, regularly, systematically, proportionately, and liberally for the advancement of the Redeemers cause on earth. The supreme need of the world is the acceptance of His teachings in all the affairs of men and nations, and the practical application of His law of love. The canon of Scripture clearly declares that Gods design at Creation for sexual desire, orientation and identity is within the bounds of the marital union of one natural-born man and one natural-born woman (Gen. 1:2628; Gen. 2:2225; Rom. Realizing the importance, privilege and responsibility of the preaching and teaching of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, First Baptist Church believes the following: 1.