Articles of Faith
of the
Bucksettlement Baptist Church
The Bible All Scripture was given by verbal, plenary inspiration, and is divinely preserved in the Authorized Version of 1611, commonly called the King James Version; and is the final authority in all matters of faith and practice. (Heb. 4:12, 2 Tim. 3:16, Psalm 12:6-7. Prov. 30:5, John17:17)
God There is one God, eternally co-existing in three persons: the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; who in all of His attributes is absolutely perfect and holy. (1 John 5:7, 2 Cor.13:14, Genesis 1:26)
Satan The Devil: formerly Lucifer, is a created being who introduced sin into the universe, and deceived the human race. As the Deceiver, he appears as an "angel of light" using any means, especially religion, to destroy souls eternally. (Isaiah 14:12-15, Genesis 3:1, 2 Cor.11:13-15. Revelations 20:10)
Mankind Man was created in the image of God; male and female, but fell through sin, and is now totally depraved, sinful, and helpless outside the mercy and grace of God. (Genesis 1 :27, Romans 5:12, Ephesians 2:1-5)
Jesus Christ Our Lord is the eternal Word of God (John 1:1) He was made flesh (John 1:14) born of a virgin (Isaiah 7:14) He lived a sinless life (Hebrews 4:15) died for our sins (2 Cor. 5:21) was bodily resurrected (Luke 24:39) and will come again. (John 14:1-3)
Salvation We are saved by grace through faith, and kept by the power of God through faith.
(Eph. 2:8-10, 1 Peter 1:5) In order to be saved we must:
(Eph. 2:8-10, 1 Peter 1:5) In order to be saved we must:
- Realize our utter sinfulness. (Romans 3:23 and 6:23)
- Repent or turn from our sin and self-righteousness, and be willing to forsake it. (Luke 13:5, 2 Cor. 7:10)
- Receive Jesus Christ, trusting in His Blood as the only hope of eternal salvation; and sincerely asking Him to save us. (John 1:12, Romans 10:9-13)
End Times The Lord Jesus Christ will rapture His Church to stand before His Judgment Seat, and seven years later, after the Tribulation, return visibly to this earth to judge the nations and establish His Kingdom in Jerusalem, to rule and reign for 1000 years, after which all the lost will stand before the Great White Throne to be judged. (1 Thes. 4:16-17, Matt. 24:29-31. and 25:31-32, Romans 14:10, Rev 19:11-20:15)
Eternity The saved will enjoy the blessedness of heaven forever, and the lost will endure the damnation of Hell forever and ever. (Revelation 21:1-8)
Church ordinances
- Baptism: Believers are baptized by immersion into the fellowship of the local church as an outward symbol that they have died to the old life of sin, buried it, and been raised up a new creature in Christ. (Romans 6:1-6)
- Lord's Supper: Communion is a memorial, practiced in remembrance of our Lord's death, the bread, representing His broken body, and the cup, His shed blood. (Luke 22:19-20)
Church Offices There are two local church offices:
- Pastor (Bishop) The spiritual shepherd and overseer of the local church. he is to feed and protect the flock, lead them in following Christ, pray for them, comfort them, and reprove, rebuke, and exhort them with all long-suffering and doctrine. (1 Tim. 3:1-7, 1 Peter 5:1-4, Acts 20:18-36)
- Deacons Called to be spiritual servants in the church, to assist the pastor in care for the church that it might continue in the way of holiness. (1 Tim 3:8-13, Acts 6:3-6)
Church Support The local church is to be supported by weekly attendance; financed by the tithes and offerings of God's people. (Heb. 10:25, 1 Cor. 16:1-2, 2 Cor. 9:6-7, Malachi 3:8-11)
Church Membership Those who show evidence of a genuine salvation experience, are brought into the fellowship of the local church by the ordinance of baptism by immersion, or by statement of faith that they have been scripturally saved and baptized. (Acts 2:41-47)