Our Beliefs

Our faith is defined by our essential beliefs. They are based solely and completely on the Holy Scriptures and are, therefore, unchangeable. In these we have unity. In non-essential beliefs (preferences), we have freedom. In all matters, we display love.

 

I. About God

God is the creator and sustainer of the universe. He has eternally existed in three personalities: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three are co-equal and are one God. Genesis 1:1,26,27; Psalm 90:2; Matthew 28:19; I Peter 1:2; 2 Corinthians 13:14.

II. About Jesus Christ

Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He is co-equal with the Father. Jesus lived a sinless human life and offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all people by dying on a cross. He arose from the dead after three days to demonstrate His power over sin and death. He ascended to Heaven’s glory and will return someday to earth to reign as King of kings and Lord of lords. Matthew 1:22,23; Isaiah 9:6; John 1:1-5; John 14:10-30; Hebrews 4:14,15; I Corinthians 15:3,4; Romans 1:3,4; Acts 1:9-11; I Timothy 6:14,15;Titus 2:13

III. About the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit is co-equal with the Father and the Son of God. He is present in the world to make men aware of their need for Jesus Christ by convicting them of their sin, by convincing them of God’s righteousness and judgment, and by conveying the truth of God’s Word. He also lives in every Christian from the moment of salvation. He provides the believer with the power for living, understanding of spiritual truth, and guidance in doing what is right. He gives every believer a gift when they are saved. As Christians we work to live under His control daily. John 16:7-13; John 14:16,17; Acts 1:8; I Corinthians 2:12; I Corinthians 3:16; 2 Corinthians 3:17; Ephesians 1:13; Ephesians 5:18; Galatians 5:25.

IV. About the Bible

The Bible is God’s Word to us. It was written by human authors, under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is the supreme source of truth for Christian belief and living. Because it is inspired by God, it is the truth without any mixture of error. “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17) 2 Timothy 1:13; 2 Peter 1:20-21; Psalm 12:6; Psalm 119:105,160; Proverbs 30:5

V. About Mankind

People are made in the spiritual image of God, to be like Him in character. People are the supreme object of God’s creation. Although every person has tremendous potential for good, all of us are marred by an attitude of disobedience toward God called “sin”. Disobedience separates people from God and causes many problems in life. Genesis 1:27; Psalm 8:3-6; Isaiah 53:6a; Romans 3:23; Isaiah 59:1,2.

VI. About Salvation

Salvation is God’s free gift to those who accept it. We can never make up for our sin by self-improvement or good works. Only by trusting in Jesus Christ as God’s offer of forgiveness can anyone be saved from sin’s penalty. When we turn from our self-ruled life and turn to Jesus in faith we are saved. Eternal life begins the moment one receives Jesus Christ into his life by faith. Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:3,9; John 14:6; John 1:12; Titus 3:5; Galatians 3:26; Romans 5:1

VII. About Eternal Security

Because God gives us eternal life through Jesus Christ, the true believer is secure in that salvation for eternity. If you have been genuinely saved, you cannot “lose” your salvation. Salvation is maintained by the grace and power of God, not by the self-effort of the Christian. It is the grace and keeping power of God that gives us this security. Jesus said, “I give them eternal life and they shall never perish: no one can snatch them out of my hand” (John 10:28). The Apostle Paul said nothing is able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus. John 10:29; Romans 8:38,39; 2 Timothy 1:12; Hebrews 7:25; Hebrews 10:10,14; I Peter 1:3-5.

VIII. About Eternity

People were created to exist forever. We will exist eternally separated from God by sin, or eternally with God through forgiveness and salvation. To be eternally separated from God is hell. To be eternally in union with Him is eternal life. Heaven and Hell are real places of eternal existence. John 3:16; John 12:25; John 5:11-13; Romans 6:23; Revelation 20:15; Matthew 8:12; Matthew 25:41,46; Hebrews 5:9.

IX. About the Church

We believe that a New Testament church is a body of baptized believers who are joined together for spiritual strengthening, for evangelism, and for Christian fellowship. The church is an autonomous body, with the government of the church vested in the local body, and subject to the control of no other ecclesiastical body.

We believe there are two ordinances of the church. First, baptism by immersion is administered to believers only as a symbol of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus and as a symbol of the believer’s death to sin, burial of the old life, and resurrection to walking in the newness of life. Second, the Lord’s Supper is observed by a believer to proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes.

In addition, South Point Baptist Church supports the 2000 Baptist Faith and Message Doctrinal Statement.