THE COVENANT
Having been lead, as we believe, by the Spirit of God, to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our Saviour, and on the profession of our faith having been baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, we do now, in the presence of God, angels and this assembly, most solemnly and joyfully enter into covenant with one another as one body in Christ.
We engage, therefore, by the aid of the Holy Spirit, to walk together in Christian love; to strive for the advancement of this church in knowledge, holiness and comfort; to promote its prosperity and spirituality; to sustain its worship, ordinances, discipline and doctrines; to contribute cheerfully and regularly to the support of the ministry, the expenses of the church, the relief of the poor, and the spread of the gospel through all nations.
We also engage to maintain family and secret devotions; to religiously educate our children; to seek the salvation of our kindred and acquaintances; to walk circumspectly in the world; to be just in our dealings, faithful in our engagements, and exemplary in our deportment; to avoid all tattling, back-biting, and excessive anger; to abstain from the sale and use of intoxicating drinks as a beverage, and to be zealous in our efforts to advance the kingdom of our Saviour.
We further engage to watch over one another in brotherly love; to remember each other in prayer; to aid each other in sickness and distress; to cultivate Christian sympathy in feeling and courtesy in speech; to be slow to take offense, but always ready for reconciliation and mindful of the rules of our Saviour to secure it without delay.
We moreover engage that when we remove from this place we will as soon as possible, unite with some other church, where we can carry out the spirit of this covenant and the principles of God’s Word.
VIII. Of Faith
1 John 3:1 - Behold what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God. Also: Galatians 4:5; Hebrews 12:7.
We engage, therefore, by the aid of the Holy Spirit, to walk together in Christian love; to strive for the advancement of this church in knowledge, holiness and comfort; to promote its prosperity and spirituality; to sustain its worship, ordinances, discipline and doctrines; to contribute cheerfully and regularly to the support of the ministry, the expenses of the church, the relief of the poor, and the spread of the gospel through all nations.
We also engage to maintain family and secret devotions; to religiously educate our children; to seek the salvation of our kindred and acquaintances; to walk circumspectly in the world; to be just in our dealings, faithful in our engagements, and exemplary in our deportment; to avoid all tattling, back-biting, and excessive anger; to abstain from the sale and use of intoxicating drinks as a beverage, and to be zealous in our efforts to advance the kingdom of our Saviour.
We further engage to watch over one another in brotherly love; to remember each other in prayer; to aid each other in sickness and distress; to cultivate Christian sympathy in feeling and courtesy in speech; to be slow to take offense, but always ready for reconciliation and mindful of the rules of our Saviour to secure it without delay.
We moreover engage that when we remove from this place we will as soon as possible, unite with some other church, where we can carry out the spirit of this covenant and the principles of God’s Word.
THE ARTICLES OF FAITH OF THE COVENANT BAPTIST CHURCH
I. The Scriptures
We believe that the Holy Bible was written by men divinely inspired, and is a perfect treasure of heavenly instruction; that it has God for its author, salvation for its end, and truth without any mixture of error for its matter; that it reveals the principles by which God will judge us; and therefore is, and shall remain to the end of the world, the true center of Christian union, and the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds, and opinions should be tried.
2 Timothy 3:16-16 - All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness; that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. Also: 2 Peter 1:21; 2 Samuel 23:2; Acts 1:16; 3:21; John 10:35;
Luke 16:29-31; Psalms 30:5,6; Romans 3:1,2.
Proverbs 30:5-6 - Every word of God is pure. Add thou not unto His words, lest He reprove thee, and thou be found a liar. Also: John 17:17; Revelation 22:18,19; Romans 3:4.
Romans 2:12 - As many as have sinned in the law, shall be judged by the law.
John 12:46, 48 - If any man hear My words, the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day. Also: 1 Corinthians 4:3,4; Luke 10:10-16; 12:47, 48.
II. The True God
We believe the Scriptures teach that there is one, and only one, living and true God, an infinite, intelligent Spirit, whose name is JEHOVAH, the Maker and Supreme Ruler of Heaven and Earth; inexpressibly glorious in holiness, and worthy of all possible honor, confidence and love. That in the unity of the Godhead there are three persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost; equal in every divine perfection, and executing distinct but harmonious offices in the great work of redemption.
John 4:24 - God is a Spirit; and they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and truth.
Psalm 147:5 - His understanding is infinite.
Psalm 83:18 – That men may know that Thou, whose name alone is JEHOVAH, art the most high over all the earth. Also Psalms 83:18; Hebrews 3:4; Romans 1:20; Jeremiah 10:10.
Exodus 15:11 – Who is like unto Thee, O LORD, among the gods? Who is like Thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders? Also: Isaiah 6:3; I Peter 1:15, 16; Revelation 4:6-8.
Mark 12:30 - Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength.
Revelation 4:11 - Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory, and honor, and power. Also:
Matthew 10:37; Jeremiah 2:12-13.
Matthew 28:19 - Go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Also: John 15:26; 1 Corinthians 12:4-6; 1 John 5:7.
III. The Fall of Man
We believe the Scriptures teach that Man was created in holiness, under the law of his Maker; but by voluntary transgression fell from that holy and happy state; in consequence of which all mankind are now sinners, not by constraint but choice; being by nature utterly void of that holiness required by the law of God, positively inclined to evil; and therefore under just condemnation to eternal ruin, without defense or excuse.
Genesis 1:27 - God created man in His own image.
Genesis 1:31 - And God saw everything that He had made, and behold, it was very good. Also: Ecclesiastes 7:29; Acts 17:26; Genesis 2:16.
Genesis 3:6 - And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit therefore, and did eat; and gave also unto her husband with her, and he did eat. Also: Romans 5:12.
Romans 5:19 - For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners. Also: John 3:6; Psalms 51:5;
Romans 5:15-19; 8:7.
Isaiah 53:6 - We have turned, every one to his own way. Also: Genesis 6:12; Romans 3:9-18.
Ephesians 2:3 - Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past, in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath even as others.” Also: Romans 1:18; 1:32; 2:1-16; Galatians 3:10; Matthew 20:15.
Ezekiel 18:19-20 - The soul that sinneth it shall die.
Romans 1:20 - So that they are without excuse.
Romans 3:19 - That every mouth may be stopped and all the world may become guilty before God. Also: Galatians 3:22.
IV. God’s Purpose of Grace
We believe the Scriptures teach that election is the eternal purpose of God, according to which He graciously regenerates, sanctifies and saves sinners; that being perfectly consistent with the free agency of man, it comprehends all the means in connection with the end; that it is a most glorious display of God’s sovereign goodness, being infinitely free, wise, holy and unchangeable; that it utterly excluded boasting, and promotes humility, love, prayer, praise, trust in God, and active imitation of His free mercy; that it encourages the uses of means in the highest degree; that it may be ascertained by its effects in all who truly believe the Gospel; that it is the foundation of Christian assurance; and that to ascertain it with regard to ourselves demands and deserves the utmost diligence.
2 Timothy 1:8-9 - But be thou partaker of the afflictions of the Gospel, according to the power of God; who hath saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began.
2 Thessalonians 2:13-14 - But we are bound to give thanks always to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you, to salvation, through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth; whereunto He called you by our Gospel, it the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
2 Timothy 2:10 - Therefore I endure all things for the elects’ sake that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. Also: 1 Corinthians 9:22; Romans 8:23-30; John 6:37-40;
2 Peter 1:10.
1 Thessalonians 1:4 - Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God.”
Romans 8:30 - “Moreover, whom He did predestinate, them He also called, and whom He called, them He also justified, and whom He justified, them He also gloried. Also: Isaiah 42:16; Romans 11:29.
V. The Way of Salvation
We believe the Scriptures teach that the salvation of sinners is wholly of grace; through the mediatorial offices of the Son of God; who according to the will of the Father, assumed our nature, yet without sin; honored the divine law by His personal obedience, and by His death made a full atonement for our sins; that having risen from the dead, He is now enthroned in heaven; and uniting in His wonderful person the tenderest sympathies with divine perfections, He is every way qualified to be a suitable, a compassionate and an all-sufficient Savior.
Ephesians 2:5 - By grace ye are saved. Also: Matthew 18:11; 1 John 4:10; 1 Corinthians 3:5-7; Acts 15:11.
John 3:16 - For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” Also: John 1:1-14; Hebrews 4:14; 12:24.
Philippians 2:6-7 - Who being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God; but made himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men.
Also: Philippians 2:6-7; Hebrews 2:9, 14; 2 Corinthians 5:21.
Isaiah 53:4-5 - He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed.
Hebrews 7:25 - Wherefore He is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him, seeing He ever liveth to make intercession for them.
Colossians 2:9 - For in Him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily.” Also: Hebrews 2:18; 7:26.
VI. Of Regeneration
We believe the Scriptures teach that regeneration, or the new birth, is that change wrought in the soul by the Holy Spirit, by which a new nature and a spiritual life, not before possessed, are imparted, and the person becomes a new creation in Christ Jesus; a holy disposition is given to the mind, the will subdued, the dominion of sin broken, and the affections changed from a love of sin and self, to a love of holiness and God; the change is instantaneous, effected solely by the power of God, in a manner incomprehensible to reason; the evidence of it is found in a changed disposition of mind, the fruits of righteousness, and a newness of life. And without it salvation is impossible.
John 3:3 - Verily, verily, I say unto you, except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
John 3:6 - That which is born of the flesh is flesh; that which is born of the spirit is spirit.
1 Peter 1:23 - Born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the Word of God.
James 1:18 - Of His own will begat He us, with the word of truth.
2 Corinthians 5:17 - If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature.
1 John 2:29 - Ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of Him.
Ephesians 4:24 - And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.
Colossians 2:13 - And you being dead in your sins, and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath He quickened together with Him.
Romans 6:13 - But yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead.
Colossians 1:13 - Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness and hath translated us into the kingdom of His dear Son.
John 1:13 - Which were born not of blood, not of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
1 Corinthains 6:11 - And such were some of you, but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified, in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.
VII. Of Repentance
We believe the Scriptures teach that repentance is a personal act, prompted by the Spirit; and consists in a godly sorrow for sin, as offensive to God and ruinous to the soul; that it is accompanied with great humiliation in view of one’s sin and guilt, together with prayer for pardon; also by sincere hatred of sin, and a persistent turning away from, and abandonment of, all that is evil and unholy. Since none are sinless in this life, repentance needs to be often repeated.
Matthew 3:1-2 - In those days came John the Baptist preaching in the wilderness of Judea, and saying, Repent; for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
Mark 1:15 - Saying, the time if fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye and believe the Gospel.
Acts 3:19 - Repent ye therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out.
Acts 17:30 - The times of this ignorance God overlooked, but now He commandeth all men everywhere to repent.”
Acts 20:21 - Testifying both to the Jews and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.
2 Corinthians 7:10 – For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation, not to be repented of.
Luke 24:47 - And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name, among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
Acts 5:31 - Him hath God exalted with His right hand to be a Prince and a Savior, to give repentance to Israel, and remission of sins.
Romans 2:5 - But thou, after thy hardness and impenitent heart, treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath, and revelation of the righteous judgment of God.
Isaiah 55:7 - Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; and let him return unto the Lord, and He will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon.
We believe the Scriptures teach that faith, as an evangelical grace wrought by the Spirit, is the medium through which Christ is received by the soul as its sacrifice and Savior. It is an assent of the mind and a consent of the heart, consisting mainly of belief and trust; the testimony of God is implicitly accepted and believed as true, while Christ is unreservedly trusted for salvation; by it the believer is brought into vital relations with God, freely justified, and lives as seeing Him who is invisible. Faith cannot save, but it reveals Christ to the soul as a willing and sufficient Savior, and commits the heart and life to Him.
Acts 16:31 - Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved.
Romans 10:4 - For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness, to every one that believeth.
Romans 5:1 - Therefore, being justified by faith, we have peace with God, through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Hebrews 11:1 - Now, faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
Hebrews 11:6 - But without faith it is impossible to please God.
Romans 1:17 - For therein in the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, the just shall live by faith.”
James 2:23 - And the Scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God and it was imputed to him for righteousness.
Jeremiah 17:7 - Blessed is the man who trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is.
Psalm 125:1 - They that trust in the Lord, shall be as Mount Zion which cannot be removed, but abideth forever.
Psalm 34:22 - The Lord redeemeth the soul of his servants, and none of them that trust in Him shall be desolate.”
2 Corinthians 5:7 - For we walk by faith, not by sight.
Romans 3:22 - Even the righteousness of God, which is by faith of Jesus Christ, unto all, and upon all them that believe.
Romans 10:10 - With the heart man believeth unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
IX. Of Justification
We believe the Scriptures teach 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 promise 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; by virtue of which faith His perfect righteousness is freely imputed to us of God; that it brings us into a state of most blessed peace and favor with God, and secures every other blessing needful for time and eternity.
John 1:16 - Of His fullness have all received.” Also: Ephesians 3:8.
Acts 13:39 - By Him all that believe are justified from all things.
Romans 5:9 - Being justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him.” Also: Zechariah 13:1; Matthew 9:6; Acts 10:34.
Romans 5:1-3 - Being justified by faith, we have peace with God, through our Lord Jesus Christ: by whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Also: Romans 5:11; 1 Corinthians 1:30-31; Matthew 6:33; 1 Timothy 4:8.
X. Of Adoption
We believe the Scriptures teach that adoption is a gracious act, by which the Father, for the sake of Christ, accepts believers to the estate and condition of children, by a new and spiritual birth; sending the Spirit of adoption into their hearts, whereby they become members of the family of God, and entitled to all the rights, privileges and promises of children; and if children, then heir, heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Jesus Christ, to the heritage of the saints on earth, and an inheritance reserved in heaven for them.
Romans 8:14 - For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
Romans 8:16 - The Spirit himself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God. Also:
Galatians 3:26.
Galatians 4:6 - And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. Also: Romans 8:15.
Galatians 4:7 - Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son: and if a son, then an heir of God through Jesus Christ. Also: Ephesians 1:5.
1 John 3:1 - Behold what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God. Also: Galatians 4:5; Hebrews 12:7.
1 Peter 2:9 - But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.
X. Of Sanctification
We believe the Scriptures teach that sanctification is the process by which, according to the will of God, we are made partakers of His holiness; that it is a progressive work; that it is begun in regeneration; that it is carried on in the hearts of believers by the presence and power of the Holy Spirit, the Sealer and Comforter, in the continual use of the appointed means – especially the Word of God, self-examination, self-denial, watchfulness, and prayer; and in the practice of all godly exercises and duties.
1 Thessalonians 4:3 - For this is the will of God, even your sanctification.
1 Thessalonians 5:23 - And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly.
Proverbs 4:18 - The path of the just is as the shining light, which shineth more and more, unto the perfect day. Also: 2 Corinthians 3:18; Hebrews 6:1; 2 Peter 1:5-8; Philemon 12-16.
Phillippians 2:12-13 - Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do, of His good pleasure. Also: Ephesians 4:11-12; 1 Peter 2:2; 2 Peter 3:18;
2 Corinthains 13:5.
1 Timothy 4:7 - Exercise thyself unto godliness.
XII. The Perseverance of Saints
We believe the Scriptures teach that such as are truly regenerate, being born of the Spirit, will not utterly fall away and finally perish, but will endure unto the end; that their persevering attachment to Christ is the grand mark which distinguishes them from superficial professors; that a special Providence watches over their welfare; and they are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation.
John 6:39 - And this is the Father’s will that hath sent me, that of all which He hath given me. I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day.
John 8:31 - Then said Jesus, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed. Also: 1 John 2:27; 3:9; 5:18.
1 John 2:19 - They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us; but they went out that it might be made manifest that they were not all of us. Also: John 13:18; 6:66-69; Matthew 13:20-21.
Romans 8:28 - And we know all things work together for good unto them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose. Also: Matthew 6:30-33.
Philippians 1:6b - He who hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ. Also: Philippians 2:12-13; Hebrews 1:14; 13:5; John 4:4.
XIII. The Law and The Gospel
We believe the Scriptures teach that the law of God is the eternal and unchangeable rule of His moral government; that it is holy, just and good; and that the inability which the Scriptures ascribe to fallen men to fulfill its precepts arises entirely from their sinful nature; to deliver them from which, and to restore them through a Mediator to unfeigned obedience to the holy Law, is one great end of the Gospel, and of the Means of Grace connected with the establishment of the visible Church.
Romans 3:31 - Do we make void the law through faith? God forbid. Yea we establish the law. Also: Romans 4:15; Matthew 5:17; Luke 16:17.
Romans 7:12 - The law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good. Also: Romans 7:12; 7:7, 14, 22; Galatians 3:21; Psalm 119.
Romans 8:7-8 - The carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.
Romans 8:2-4 - For the law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh; that the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. Also: Romans 10:4;
1 Timothy 1:5; Hebrews 8:10.
XIV. A Gospel Church
We believe the Scriptures teach that a visible church of Christ is a congregation of baptized believers, associated by covenant in the faith and fellowship of the Gospel; observing the ordinances of Christ; governed by His laws; and exercising the gifts, rights, and privileges invested in them by His word; that its only scriptural officers are bishops or pastors, and deacons, whose qualifications, claims, and duties are defined in the Epistles to Timothy and Titus.
Acts 2:41 - Then they that gladly received His word were baptized; and the same day were added to them about three thousand souls. Also: Acts 5:11; 8:1; 11:31; 1 Corinthians 4:17; 1 Timothy 3:5.
2 Corinthians 8:5 - They first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God.” Also: Acts 2:47; 1 Corinthians 5:11, 18.
1 Corinthians 11:2 - Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances as I delivered them to you. Also: 2 Thessalonians 3:7; Romans 6:17-20; Matthew 18:15-20;
1 Corinthians 5:5.
Matthew 28:20 - Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I commanded you. Also: John 14:15; 15:10; 1 Thessalonians 4:2; 1 John 4:21; 2 John 6.
Philippians 1:1 - . . . with the bishops and deacons. Also: Acts 14:23; 15:22, I Timothy 3; Titus 1.
XV. Christian Baptism
We believe the Scriptures teach that Christian Baptism is the immersion in water of a believer in Christ, into the name of the Father, and Son, and Holy Ghost; 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 to the Lord’s Supper.
Acts 8:36-39 - And the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? And Philip said, If thou believest with all thy heart thou mayest… And they went down into the water, both Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him. Also: Matthew 3:5, 6; John 3:22; 4:1, 2; Matthew 28:19; Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; 8:12; 16:32-34; 18:8.
Matthew 28:19 - Baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Also: Acts 10:47, 48; Galatians 3:27, 28.
Romans 6:4 - Therefore we are buried with Him by baptism into death; that like as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. Also: Colossians 2:12; Acts 22:16; 1 Peter 3:20, 21.
Acts 2:41-42 - Then they that gladly received His word were baptized, and there were added to them, the same day, about three thousand souls. And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. Also: Matthew 28:19, 20.
XVI. The Lord’s Supper
We believe the Scriptures teach that the Lord’s Supper is a provision of bread and fruit of the vine, as symbols of Christ’s body and blood, partaken of by the members of the Church, in commemoration of the suffering and death of their Lord; showing their faith and participation in the merits of His sacrifice, and their hope of eternal life through His resurrection from the dead; its observance to be preceded by faithful
self-examination.
Luke 22:19-20 - And He took bread, and gave thanks, and brake, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you; this do in remembrance of Me. Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the New Testament in My blood, which is shed for you. Also: Mark 14:20-26; Matthew 26:27-30; 1 Corinthians 11:27-30; 10:16.
1 Corinthians 11:26 - For, as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do show the Lord’s death until He come. Also: Matthew 28:20.
1 Corinthians 11:28 - But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. Also: Acts 2:42, 46; 20:7, 11.
Acts 2:42 - And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread and in prayers.
XVII. The Lord’s Day
We believe the Scriptures teach that the first day of the week is the Lord’s Day; and is to be kept sacred to religious purposes, by abstaining from all secular labor, except works of mercy and necessity, by the devout observance of all the means of grace, both private and public; and by preparation for that rest that remaineth for the people of God.
Acts 20:7 - On the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached to them. Also: Genesis 2:3; Colossians 2:16, 17; Mark 2:27; John 20:19; 1 Corinthians 16:1-2.
Exodus 20:8 - Remember the Sabbath Day, to keep it holy.
Revelations 1:10 - I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day. Also: Psalm 118:24
Isaiah 58: 13-14 - If thou turn away thy foot from the Sabbath, from doing thy pleasure, on my holy day; and call the Sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord, honorable; and shalt honor Him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words; then shalt thou delight thyself in the Lord, and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob. Also: Isaiah 56:2-8.
Hebrews 10:25 - Not forsaking the assembling of yourselves together, as the manner of some is.
Acts 13:44 - The next Sabbath Day came almost the whole city together to hear the Word of God.
Hebrews 4:3-11 - Let us labor, therefore, to enter into that rest.
XVIII. Civil Government
We believe the Scriptures teach that civil government is of divine appointment, for the interest and good order of human society; and that magistrates are to be prayed for, 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 Prince of the kings of the earth. But that civil rulers have no rights of control over, or of interference with, religious matters.
Romans 13:1-7 - The powers that be are ordained of God. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil.
1 Peter 2:13 - Be subject to every ordinance of man, for the Lord’s sake.
Matthew 22:21 - Render therefore unto Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and unto God the things that are God’s. Also: Titus 3:1; 1 Peter 2:13; 1 Timothy 2:1-8.
Acts 5:29 - We ought to obey God rather than man.
Matthew 10:28 - Fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul. Also: Daniel 3:15-18; 6:7, 10; Acts 4:18-20.
Romans 14:4 - Ye have one Master, even Christ.
Revelations 19:16 - And He hath on His vesture and on His thigh a name written, King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Also: Psalm 2; 72:11; Romans 14:9-13.
XIX. Righteous and Wicked
We believe the Scriptures teach that there is a radical and essential difference between the righteous and wicked; that such only as through faith are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and sanctified by the Spirit of our God, are truly righteous in His esteem; while all such as continue in impenitence and unbelief are, in His sight, wicked and under the curse; and this distinction holds among men both in this life and after death.
Malachi 3:18 - Ye shall discern between the righteous and wicked; between him that serveth God and him that serveth Him not. Also: Proverbs 12:26; Isaiah 5:20 Genesis 18:23; Jeremiah 15:19; Acts 10:34, 35; Romans 6:16.
Romans 1:17 - The just shall live by faith.
1 John 2:29 - If ye know that He is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of Him. Also: 1 John 3:7; Romans 6:18, 22; 1 Corinthians 11:32.
1 John 5:19 - And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness.
Galatians 3:10 - As many as are of the works of the law, are under the curse. Also: John 3:36; Isaiah 57:21; 55:6-7; Psalm 10:4.
Proverbs 14:32 - The wicked is driven away in his wickedness, but the righteous hath hope in his death. .
Luke 16:25 - Thou in thy lifetime received thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things; but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented. Also: Luke12:4-5; 11:23-26; John 8:21-24; 12:25-26; Matthew 7:13-14.
XX. The World To Come
We believe the Scriptures teach that the end of the world is approaching; that at the Last Day, Christ will descend from heaven, and raise the dead from the grave for final retribution; that a solemn separation will then take place; that the wicked will be adjudged to endless sorrow, and the righteous to endless joy; and this judgment will fix forever the final state of men in heaven or hell, on principles of righteousness.
1 Peter 4:7 - But the end of all things is at hand; be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer. Also:
1 Corinthians 7:29-31; Hebrews 1:10-12; Matthew 24:35; 28:20; 1 John 2:17.
Acts 1:11 - This same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen Him go into heaven. Also: Revelation 1:7; Hebrews 9:28; Acts 3:21.
Acts 24:15 - There shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust. Also: 1 Corinthians 15:12-58; Luke 14:14; Daniel 12:2; John 5:28-29; 6:40; 11:25-26; 2 Timothy 1:10; Acts 10:42.
Matthew 13:49 - The angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just. Also: Matthew 13:37-43; 24:30-31.
Matthew 25:35-46 - And these shall go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteousness into life eternal.
Revelation 22:11 - He that is unjust let him be unjust still; and he which is filthy let him be filthy still; and he that is righteous let him be righteous still; and he that is holy let him be holy still. Also:
1 Corinthians 6:9-10; Mark 9:43-48; 2 Peter 2:9.
2 Thessalonians 1:6-12 - Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them who trouble you, and to you who are troubled, rest with us when He shall come to be glorified in His saints, and to be admired in all them, that believe. Also: Hebrews 6:1-2; 1 Corinthians 4:5.
At the return of the Lord Jesus Christ, which will be before the Millennial period – and also before the Tribulation period – the dead in Jesus as well as those living Christians will be caught away in the translation to forever be with Christ.
1 Corinthians 15:51-58 - Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed. In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: For the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye now know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.” Also: 1 Thessalonians 4:14-18.