What We Believe
“Your view of God is the most important thing about you.” – J.I. Packer
Core Values
THE WORD
In accordance with 2 Tim. 3:16, which declares that “all scripture is God-breathed,” we hold the Word of God in high esteem at BHC. Recognizing its power to profoundly impact hearts and lives for eternity, we acknowledge its flawless nature, unique standing, and irreplaceable role. With humility, we strive to faithfully proclaim the teachings of God’s Word in a manner that is both relevant and applicable to our lives.
COMMUNITY
Life is not meant to be lived in isolation. At Baptist Home, we understand the importance of sharing life’s moments – the laughter, tears, conversations, service, meals, study sessions, growth, learning, and worship. Together, we engage in small groups and events, choosing circles over rows. This setting allows us to ask questions, delve into God’s Word, find inspiration, pray, serve, and simply enjoy each other’s company.
SERVICE
Following Jesus’ example, who came “not to be served, but to serve,” as stated in Mark 10:45, we, as His followers, aspire to emulate His actions. Whether it’s reaching across the globe or assisting our neighbors, the Baptist Home family actively seeks opportunities to serve. Our goal is to address both physical and spiritual needs, initiating conversations that introduce people to Jesus, the One who can fulfill their spiritual needs.
GROWTH
We believe in the ongoing growth of every Christ follower, striving for maturity ‘in the fullness of Christ’ (Ephesians 4:13). Through prayer, worship, God’s Word, and authentic community, we create an environment where individuals are shaped into Christ’s image. Guided by the Holy Spirit, we embark on this sacred journey together, deepening our connection with God and reflecting Christ’s character in every aspect of our lives.”
Statement of Faith
1. The Holy Scriptures
We affirm the Bible is the verbally inspired Word of God, originally written by Spirit-controlled men and deemed inerrant. The Bible is the center of genuine Christian unity and stands as the ultimate authority for testing all beliefs and practices. It serves as God’s revelation to humanity and holds the utmost authority in matters of doctrine, faith, human conduct, creeds, and opinions. (Exodus 20:1; 32:16; Jeremiah 30:2; Matthew 5:18; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:19-21)
We affirm the Bible is the verbally inspired Word of God, originally written by Spirit-controlled men and deemed inerrant. The Bible is the center of genuine Christian unity and stands as the ultimate authority for testing all beliefs and practices. It serves as God’s revelation to humanity and holds the utmost authority in matters of doctrine, faith, human conduct, creeds, and opinions. (Exodus 20:1; 32:16; Jeremiah 30:2; Matthew 5:18; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:19-21)
2. The Godhead (Trinity)
We affirm the existence of one living and true God, eternally manifested in three persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Each person shares identical nature, attributes, and perfections, deserving equal honor, confidence, and obedience. (Deuteronomy 6:4; Matthew 3:16-17; 28:19-20; Mark 12:29; 1 Peter 1:2)
God the Father
We affirm that God the Father is an infinite, eternal, sovereign Spirit, characterized by absolute holiness and self-existence. As the Creator and Supreme Ruler of Heaven and Earth, He is deserving of utmost honor, confidence, and love. (Exodus 15:11; 20:2-3; Psalm 90:2; 147:5; Jeremiah 10:10; Mark 12:30; Romans 11:33; 1 Corinthians 8:6; Ephesians 4:6; 1 Timothy 1:17; Revelation 4:11).
God the Son
We hold the belief that Jesus Christ has an eternal existence alongside the Father and the Holy Spirit. His incarnation, conceived miraculously by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary in a unique manner, distinguishes Him from any other man. Jesus Christ embodies both true divinity and genuine humanity. (Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:18-25; Luke 1:35; John 1:1-14; 1 Timothy 3:16; Hebrews 1:8-9)
We hold that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, serving as our representative and offering a substitutionary sacrifice. Those who believe in Him are justified through His shed blood. We affirm His bodily resurrection on the third day, in the same form in which He suffered and died. (John 3:16; 1 Corinthians 15:1-5)
We affirm the bodily resurrection of our Lord, who ascended into Heaven and now sits at the right hand of the Father. Serving as our High Priest and Divine Advocate, Jesus Christ, through His completed work on the cross and ongoing intercession, has secured eternal redemption, salvation, and everlasting life for every believer. (Mark 16:19; John 3:16; Romans 5:8-9; Hebrew 5:9; Hebrew 7:25; Hebrew 8:1; Hebrew 9:11-12 and 1 John 2:1)
We hold to the Blessed Hope, anticipating the personal, pre-tribulation, and imminent return of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, often referred to as the Rapture of the Church. Additionally, we affirm the personal, visible, and glorious return of Christ with His saints at the end of the Great Tribulation, known as the Revelation of Jesus Christ. Upon His return to the earth with His saints, we believe Jesus Christ will establish His millennial Kingdom and reign for one thousand years. (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)
God the Holy Spirit
We affirm that the Holy Spirit is a divine person, fully equal with God the Father and God the Son. He played an active role in the creation of all things. In His engagement with the unbelieving world, He restrains evil until God’s purpose is fulfilled and testifies to the truth of the Gospel through preaching and testimony. The Holy Spirit convicts the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment, regenerates sinners through the Word of God, permanently indwells the Church and each believer, and serves as the guiding and empowering force for godly living, Christian service, and spiritual worship. (Genesis 1:1-3; Matthew 28:19; Mark 1:8; Luke 1:35; Luke 24:49; John 3:5-7; 14:16,17,26; John 16:7-15; Acts 5:30-32; 11:16; Romans 8:14,16,26,27; Romans 15:19; 1 Corinthians 2:10,11; Ephesians 1:13-14; Ephesians 4:30, Hebrews 9:14).
3. The Devil (Satan)
We affirm that Satan is a personal being, the originator of sin, a fallen angel, the prince of demons, and a great enticer and deceiver. He acts as an adversary to Christ and His people, serving as the accuser of the brethren and the ruler of all dark powers. He is destined for eternal judgment in the Lake of Fire. (Isaiah 14:12-15; Ezekiel 28:12-19; Matthew 4:1-11; Matthew 25:41; 2 Corinthians 4:3- 4; 1 Peter 5:8; Revelation 12:9-10; Revelation 20:10)
4. The Creation
We affirm the Genesis account of creation as a literal, historical record, rejecting the notions of allegory or myth. God, through direct and immediate creative acts, brought all of creation into existence over six literal 24-hour days, followed by His rest on the seventh day. We view God’s Word as a comprehensive and chronological record from creation to the birth of Christ and believe that He has continued to provide such evidence through historical writers from Christ’s time until now. Consequently, we estimate the age of creation to be approximately 6000 years. Furthermore, we assert that man, comprising spirit, soul, and body, was directly created by God, not derived from pre-existing life forms and that all humanity descends from the historical Adam and Eve, the inaugural parents of the human race. (Genesis 1 and 2; John 1:3; Colossians 1:16.)
5. Marriage and Family
We affirm that the term “marriage” has a singular meaning: a lifelong covenant, blessed by God, uniting one man and one woman, both inherently born as such, in an exclusive union as outlined in Scripture. We assert that God’s blueprint for the family begins with marriage. (Genesis 2:18-25; Leviticus 18:1-30; Matthew 19:3-9; Romans 1:26-32; 1 Corinthians 5:1-2; 1 Corinthians 6:9-10; 1 Corinthians 7:10; 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8; Hebrews 13:4)
We also hold the belief that the wedding ceremony is a sacred act of worship in the presence of God, uniting one man and one woman in holy matrimony.
We affirm that God established the family for the flourishing of humanity, intending it to be a structured and blessed unit. Additionally, we hold that the husband is meant to be the leader of the home and, in partnership with his wife, bears the responsibility of nurturing their children under the compassionate guidance, counsel, and discipline of the Lord. We see God’s design for the family reflected in the leadership structure of the church. (Ephesians 5:21-6:4)
6. The Fall of Man
We affirm that man was originally created in innocence, bearing the image of God and subject to His law. However, through Adam’s voluntary transgression, humanity fell from this sinless state, resulting in all individuals inheriting a fallen nature and being affected by total depravity. Consequently, both by nature and action, we are sinners, deserving just condemnation without any defense or excuse. (Genesis 1:26-27; 3:1-6; 3:24; John 3:1-21; Romans 1:18, 32; Romans 3:10-19; Romans 5:12, 19)
We affirm that man was originally created in innocence, bearing the image of God and subject to His law. However, through Adam’s voluntary transgression, humanity fell from this sinless state, resulting in all individuals inheriting a fallen nature and being affected by total depravity. Consequently, both by nature and action, we are sinners, deserving just condemnation without any defense or excuse. (Genesis 1:26-27; 3:1-6; 3:24; John 3:1-21; Romans 1:18, 32; Romans 3:10-19; Romans 5:12, 19)
7. The Atonement for Sin
We affirm that the salvation of sinners originates from divine initiation and is entirely a result of grace through the intervention of the Son of God. Christ, appointed by the Father, willingly assumed our nature while remaining without sin. He demonstrated obedience to the divine law through personal righteousness and provided a substitutionary atonement for our sins. His atonement was not merely an example through His death but a voluntary act of substitution in place of the sinner. As Lord, Christ bore our sins in His own body on the cross, with the just dying for the unjust. (Isaiah 53:4-7; John 3:1-21; Acts 4:12; Acts 15:11; Romans 3:10; Romans 3: 23-25; Romans 6:23; 1 Corinthians 15:3; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Ephesians 2:8-10; Philippians 2:7; Hebrews 2:14; 1 Peter 2:24; 1 John 2:2; 1 John 4:10)
8. Resurrection and Priesthood
We affirm the bodily resurrection of Christ and His ascension into Heaven, where He currently sits at the right hand of the Father, serving as our High Priest. (Matthew 28:6; Mark 16:6; Luke 24:2-6; Luke 24:39; Luke 24:51; John 20:27; Acts 1:9-11; 1 Corinthians 15:4; 1 Timothy 2:5; Hebrews 2:17: Hebrews 5:9-10; Hebrews 7:25; Hebrews 8:6; Hebrews 12:2; 1 John 2:1)
9. Grace and New Creation
We believe that in order to be saved, sinners must be “born again”. This new birth is a new person in Christ Jesus. It is an instantaneous event, not a gradual process. Through this new birth, one who was once spiritually dead in trespasses and sins becomes a partaker of the divine nature and receives eternal life as a free gift from God. Our sovereign God brings about this new creation in a way beyond our comprehension, accomplished solely through the power of the Holy Spirit in connection with divine truth. The evidence of this new creation is manifested in the holy fruits of repentance, faith, and a renewed life. (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).
We believe that in order to be saved, sinners must be “born again”. This new birth is a new person in Christ Jesus. It is an instantaneous event, not a gradual process. Through this new birth, one who was once spiritually dead in trespasses and sins becomes a partaker of the divine nature and receives eternal life as a free gift from God. Our sovereign God brings about this new creation in a way beyond our comprehension, accomplished solely through the power of the Holy Spirit in connection with divine truth. The evidence of this new creation is manifested in the holy fruits of repentance, faith, and a renewed life. (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).
10. Justification
We affirm that justification is God’s judicial declaration of our righteousness, granted through faith in Christ Jesus. This encompasses the forgiveness of sin and the imputation of God’s righteousness, bestowed exclusively through the shedding of the Redeemer’s blood, not as a result of any works we may have accomplished. (Isaiah 53:11; Acts 13:39; Romans 3:22-24; Romans 5:1-21; Romans 8:1; Ephesians 2:8-9)
11. Repentance
We assert that repentance is a transformation of mind and purpose initiated by the Holy Spirit. It involves a godly sorrow for sin, recognizing its offensiveness to God and its detrimental impact on the soul. Genuine repentance is closely tied to true faith, prompting a deliberate turning away from sin and a purposeful movement towards God as an expression of faith. (Luke 13:1-3; Luke 15:7; Acts 8:22; Acts 20:21; Romans 2:4; 2 Corinthians 7:10)
12. Faith and Salvation
We believe that faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is the only condition for salvation. (John 3:15; Acts 4:12; 16:31; Romans 10:9-13; Ephesians 2:8-9)
13. Separation and Sanctification
We hold that sanctification is the divine consecration of believers to God, as outlined in the Scriptures that clearly instruct non-conformity to the world for every believer. It is God’s command that all believers lead lives separate from worldly and sinful practices, aspiring to holiness as He is holy. Positional sanctification is realized at the moment of regeneration, while practical sanctification is an ongoing process throughout the believer’s entire life. The means for holy living are provided through the believer’s identification with Christ as Savior, the indwelling presence and power of the Holy Spirit, submission to Him, and the transformative Word of God. (John 17:17; Romans 6:1-14; 1 Corinthians 1:30; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20; 2 Corinthians 3:18; 2 Corinthians 6:14-17; 2 Corinthians 7:1; Galatians 5:16-23; Ephesians 2:6; Ephesians 5:25-27; 1 Thessalonians 4:3; 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24; 1 John 3:2; Jude 24-25; Revelation 22:11)
14. Adoption
We understand adoption as being placed as a son, signifying more than a mere change in legal standing or nature. It entails becoming an integral part of God’s family, enjoying all the rights and privileges that come with this relationship. Additionally, God’s name is bestowed upon us, and we receive the spirit of adoption, empowering us to confidently approach the throne of grace and address God as ‘Abba, Father’. In this divine family, we experience God’s compassion, protection, provision, and discipline as a Father. He never disowns us, and as we remain sealed until the day of redemption, we inherit the promises as heirs of everlasting salvation. Not born into this family, we are intentionally and purposefully brought in by the Father. (Romans 8:14-17; 2 Corinthians 6:18; Galatians 4:4-7; Ephesians 1:5; 1 John 3:1-2)
15. The Security of the Believer
We affirm that those genuinely born again are securely held for eternity by God the Father for the sake of Jesus Christ. (John 10:28-29; Romans 8:35-39; Philippians 1:6; Jude 1)
16. The Church
We affirm that the Church, which is the Body of Christ, that began on the Day of Pentecost, comprising solely of born-again believers called from both Jews and Gentiles. The baptism of the Holy Spirit adds all believers from Pentecost to the Rapture to the Church. Christ, glorified in Heaven, serves as the Head of the Church, while the Holy Spirit, active on earth, acts as the agent of the Godhead, working continually to foster conformity and obedience to the Word and will of God. The unity of believers, forming one body, connects them to each other and to Christ. The primary purpose of the Church is to evangelize the world and achieve completeness through the conversion of lost souls to Christ.
We affirm that the Church, which is the Body of Christ, that began on the Day of Pentecost, comprising solely of born-again believers called from both Jews and Gentiles. The baptism of the Holy Spirit adds all believers from Pentecost to the Rapture to the Church. Christ, glorified in Heaven, serves as the Head of the Church, while the Holy Spirit, active on earth, acts as the agent of the Godhead, working continually to foster conformity and obedience to the Word and will of God. The unity of believers, forming one body, connects them to each other and to Christ. The primary purpose of the Church is to evangelize the world and achieve completeness through the conversion of lost souls to Christ.
We affirm that Christ’s Universal Church is revealed through the local church, consisting of baptized believers. The local church is characterized by:
- Fellowship in the gospel
- Observance of the ordinances of Christ
- Adherence to His laws
- Utilization of the gifts, rights, and privileges outlined in His Word
- Leadership provided by Pastors, Elders, and Deacons, whose qualifications and responsibilities are clearly defined in the Scriptures.
We affirm that the authentic mission of the Church is the steadfast proclamation of Christ to all humanity. We maintain that the local church possesses the inherent right of self-government, independent of any external interference from individuals or organizations. Christ, through the Holy Spirit, serves as the sole and ultimate Head. Scripturally, churches may collaborate in defending the faith and advancing the gospel. Each local church autonomously decides the extent and manner of its cooperation. The will of the local church stands as the ultimate authority on all matters concerning membership, policy, procedure, government, discipline, and benevolence. (Mark 16:15; Acts 1:8; Acts 2:1-47; Acts 15:13-18; Acts 20:17-28; Romans 1:16; Romans 3:22; 1 Corinthians 11:2; 1 Corinthians 12:12-13; Galatians 3:28; Ephesians 1:22-23; Ephesians 2:13-16; Ephesians 3:1-6; Ephesians 4:11-13; Ephesians 5:23-24; Colossians 1:18; 1 Timothy 3:1-7)
17. Ordinances
Baptism
We affirm that Christian baptism involves immersing a believer in water, conducted under the authority of the local church. We firmly believe that water baptism does not contribute to salvation. Instead, it serves as a visible expression of our faith and unity with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection, symbolizing a new life that honors and glorifies Him. Baptism by immersion is considered a prerequisite for membership in the local church and serves as a sign of identification and testimony to the believer’s newfound life in Christ. (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).
The Lord’s Supper
We affirm that Jesus Christ established the Lord’s Supper as a commemoration of His death until His return. This observance is to be frequent, serving not only as a memorial of the body and shed blood of our Lord Jesus Christ but also as a joyful celebration of His imminent return to remove His Church from this world. Prior to partaking, it is always to be preceded by solemn self-examination. (Matthew 26:17-29; Acts 2:46; Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 10:16-17; 1 Corinthians 11:23-33)
18. Missions
We affirm that the Universal Church, representing Christ’s body, has received a direct mandate from Christ to function as God’s missionary society to the entire world. The primary purpose of the New Testament Church is to evangelize the world and achieve completeness through the conversion of lost souls to Christ. Consequently, we believe both the Universal Church and our local church community are duty-bound to diligently engage in evangelization, starting within our homes and extending to our town, state, nation, and eventually reaching the entirety of the world. (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15; Luke 24:45-48; Acts 1:8)
19. Angels
We affirm the existence and individuality of angels, encompassing both holy angels and fallen angels (demons) (Ezekiel 28:13-19; Matthew 25:41; Mark 5:1-20; Luke 2:13; Luke 9:26; Luke 10:18; Luke 15:10)
20. Civil Government
We affirm that civil government is divinely appointed to serve the interests and maintain good order in human society. Magistrates are to be prayed for, respected, and obeyed, except in matters contrary to the will of our Lord Jesus Christ, who holds sole authority over the conscience and is the future King of kings. (Exodus 18:21-22; Exodus 22:28; 2 Samuel 23:3; Daniel 3:10-18; Matthew 22:21; Acts 4:27-29; Acts 5:29; Acts 23:5; Romans 13:1-7)
21. Israel
We affirm the sovereign selection of Israel as God’s enduring covenant people. Currently dispersed due to disobedience and rejection of Christ, Israel is anticipated to be re-gathered in the Holy Land. Following the fulfillment of the Church, the nation is expected to experience salvation collectively at the second advent of Christ. (Genesis 13:14-17; Ezekiel 37; Romans 11:1-32)
22. The Rapture and Other Future Events
We affirm the imminent return of Christ for His Church. In that moment, those who have died in Christ will be raised in glorified bodies. The living in Christ will then be taken up to meet the Lord in the air without experiencing death. All believers will be caught up to meet the Lord in the air before the seventieth week of Daniel. (1 Corinthians 15:42-44, 1 Corinthians 15:51-54; Philippians 3:20-21; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Revelation 3:10)
23. The Eternal State of the Saved and the Lost
We affirm the bodily resurrection of all humanity: those who are saved to eternal life and those who are unsaved to face judgment and everlasting punishment. (Matthew 25:46; John 5:28-29; John 11:25-26; Revelation 20:5-6; Revelation 20:12-15)
We affirm that upon death, the souls of the redeemed are separated from the body and enter the presence of the Lord. They anticipate the first resurrection, where spirit, soul, and body will be reunited to stand before the Judgment Seat of Christ and be glorified eternally with the Lord. (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 affirm that the souls of unbelievers continue in conscious misery after death until the second resurrection, when soul and body are reunited to appear at the Great White Throne Judgment. They will be cast into the Lake of Fire, where they will experience everlasting punishment, without annihilation. (Mark 9:43-48; Luke 16:19-26; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9; Revelation 20:11-15)