The Bible (The Holy Scriptures)

We believe God has revealed all things necessary for life and salvation in the sixty-six books of the Old and New Testaments. These Scriptures, being God-breathed, are infallible and inerrant in all they affirm, trustworthy in doctrine, history, and practice. Their authority comes from God Himself, not from human opinion. While the Spirit regenerates, teaches, and guides, the Bible remains the final and sufficient authority over all faith and life.

(1689 LBC Ch. 1; BFM 2000 Art. I; Chicago Statement 1986)

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God and the Holy Trinity

We believe in one true God, eternally existing in three Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. He is invisible, eternal, unchanging, and almighty. He is sovereign, righteous, holy, loving, merciful, gracious, and trustworthy. In all things, He alone is worthy of worship and obedience.

(1689 LBC Ch. 2; BFM 2000 Art. II)

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Mankind

We believe God created Adam holy and upright as the representative head of the human race. In him, all were exposed to the blessings of obedience or the consequences of sin. His role set the course of humanity’s standing before God. All people share in the results of his choice.

(1689 LBC Ch. 4, 6; BFM 2000 Art. III)

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Creation

We believe God—Father, Son, and Spirit—created all things in six days, all very good, to display His power and glory. Humanity, male and female, was made in His image with rational and immortal souls, equipped with knowledge and holiness. God wrote His law on their hearts and gave them the freedom to obey or disobey. Though perfect, they were still capable of falling into sin.

(1689 LBC Ch. 4)

 

Sin

We believe Adam fell from his original righteousness into sin. Through his fall, death, guilt, and bondage to sin spread to all his descendants. All people are born sinners by nature. Humanity now stands under God’s just condemnation.

(1689 LBC Ch. 6; BFM 2000 Art. III)

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The Effects of Sin on Mankind

We believe fallen mankind is unable to love God, obey His law, repent, believe, or understand the Gospel apart from God’s grace. Humanity is spiritually dead and enslaved to sin. Only divine intervention can save. Without Christ, no one can come to God.

(1689 LBC Ch. 6; BFM 2000 Art. IV)

 

The Elect

We believe that before creation God sovereignly chose a great multitude for eternal life. This election was by His grace and for His glory alone. It was not based on foreseen faith, works, or merit. Salvation rests in God’s free choice.

(1689 LBC Ch. 3; BFM 2000 Art. V)

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Jesus

We believe God sent His Son, conceived by the Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. He is both fully God and fully man, without sin. He lived under the Law in perfect righteousness. His life was offered for His people.

(1689 LBC Ch. 8; BFM 2000 Art. II-B)

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Redemption and Atonement

We believe Jesus died on the cross as a sacrifice to satisfy God’s wrath. Through His death He accomplished reconciliation, redemption, and atonement for His elect. God confirmed this by raising Him from the dead. His work is fully sufficient to save.

(1689 LBC Ch. 8; BFM 2000 Art. IV)

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Jesus Rules Over All Things

We believe the risen Christ ascended to the Father’s right hand. He is enthroned in glory and reigns over all things for the sake of His people. He intercedes for them continually. His kingdom will never fail.

(1689 LBC Ch. 8, 32; BFM 2000 Art. X)

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The Work of the Holy Spirit

We believe Christ poured out the Spirit to work with the Word. The Spirit regenerates the elect, draws them to repentance and faith, and sanctifies them in truth. His work ensures God’s people persevere. He glorifies Christ in the church.

(1689 LBC Ch. 10; BFM 2000 Art. II-C)

 

Righteousness is Received by Faith Alone

We believe the elect are justified before God only by the imputed righteousness of Christ. This righteousness is received through faith alone, apart from works. Justification is a gift of grace. Faith rests solely in Christ.

(1689 LBC Ch. 11; BFM 2000 Art. IV)

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Perseverance of the Saints

We believe all who are regenerated, called, and justified will persevere in holiness. God keeps His people by grace and power. They will never finally fall away. Their endurance proves God’s saving work.

(1689 LBC Ch. 17; BFM 2000 Art. V)

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Moral Law and The 10 Commandments

We believe God’s moral law is summarized in the Ten Commandments. These remain binding today as the standard of righteousness. Believers are called to love and obey them. The law reflects God’s holy character.

(1689 LBC Ch. 19)

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The Local Church

We believe believers are called to join a local church whenever possible. Churches are under Christ’s authority, practicing baptism and the Lord’s Supper as ordinances for the regenerate. Members submit to discipline and shepherding. The local church is central to discipleship and mission.

(1689 LBC Ch. 26; BFM 2000 Art. VI)

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Elders and Pastors

We believe Christ calls biblically qualified men to serve as elders and pastors. Scripture reserves this office for them alone. They lead, teach, and care for the church. Their authority is under Christ and His Word.

(1689 LBC Ch. 26; BFM 2000 Art. VI)

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The Authority of Christ Alone in the Local Church

We believe each local church is under Christ’s authority alone. Yet the communion of saints requires fellowship, recognition, and accountability with other churches. Churches walk in unity under the headship of Christ. He alone governs His church.

(1689 LBC Ch. 26; BFM 2000 Art. VI)

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The Return of Christ

We believe Jesus Christ will return to raise the dead and judge all people. The righteous will enter everlasting life. The wicked will endure everlasting punishment. His coming will be glorious and final.

(1689 LBC Ch. 32; BFM 2000 Art. X)

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Last Things

We believe God will bring history to its appointed end. Christ will return in glory, the dead will be raised, and all will be judged. The unrighteous will suffer eternal punishment. The righteous will live forever with God in heaven.

(1689 LBC Ch. 31–32; BFM 2000 Art. X)

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Making Disciples

We believe every Christian and every church is commanded to make disciples of all nations. This work flows from the Spirit’s renewal and Christ’s commission. The gospel must be proclaimed in word and life. All believers share in this calling.

(1689 LBC Ch. 20; BFM 2000 Art. XI)

 

The Gift of Children

We believe children are a blessing from conception. Parents are to model biblical marriage, teach truth, and lead their children by example and discipline. Children are called to honor and obey their parents. Families display God’s design.

(1689 LBC Ch. 25; BFM 2000 Art. XVIII)

 

Abortion

We believe all human life is sacred as God’s image-bearers. The sixth commandment forbids the taking of innocent life. Abortion and all destruction of life from conception to natural death are condemned. Human life belongs to God alone.

(BFM 2000 Art. XV)

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Baptism

We believe baptism, commanded by Christ, is for believers who repent and profess faith. It signifies union with Christ, forgiveness, and new life. Baptism is rightly administered by immersion in water. It is performed in the name of the Father, Son, and Spirit.

(1689 LBC Ch. 29; BFM 2000 Art. VII)

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The Lord’s Supper

We believe the Lord’s Supper was instituted by Christ as a memorial of His sacrifice. It nourishes believers spiritually, reaffirms faith, and displays unity in Him. It is not a sacrifice for sin but a commemoration of the cross. It is a joyful act of worship and remembrance.

(1689 LBC Ch. 30; BFM 2000 Art. VII)

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Sex, Sexuality and Sexual Identity

We believe God created humanity male and female as His good design. Sexual union is reserved for marriage between one man and one woman, while celibacy honors Christ in devotion. All sexual sin is outside God’s intent, yet His grace redeems and restores. True identity is found as sons and daughters of God.

(1689 LBC Ch. 25; BFM 2000 Art. XVIII; Nashville Statement 2017, Arts. 1–14)

 

The Role of Men and Women in the Church

We believe men and women are equal in value yet distinct in role. Both are called to serve fully in the church’s life and mission. Scripture reserves the office of elder/pastor for qualified men. The gifts and ministry of women are essential for the church to flourish.

(1689 LBC Ch. 26; BFM 2000 Art. VI; Nashville Statement 2017, Arts. 3–5, 7)