We believe that man was created in innocence under the law of his Maker, but by voluntary transgression fell from his sinless and happy state, in consequence of which all mankind are now sinners, not by constraint, but of choice; and therefore under just condemnation without defense or excuse. We physically die because Adam sinned and we inherit the propensity to sin. (Rom 5,7) But God does not hold people responsible for things they have no control over. In particular, God does not impute guilt to the innocent - meaning that God does not reckon guilty those who haven't done anything wrong. Guilt is imputed to the guilty. Properly defined: "ADAM'S SIN leads to A FALLEN HUMAN NATURE [which] leads to PEOPLE SINNING (when they willingly act upon it) [which] leads to CONDEMNATION" (Quoted from www.bcbsr.com/books/rom5b). Furthermore, all infants who die prematurely go directly to be with the Lord. (2 Samuel 12:22-23; Deutoronomy 1:38; Mark 10:13-15; 1 Corinthians 14:20)
Genesis 3:1-6,24; Ezekiel 18:19-20; Romans 1:18,20,28,32; 3:10-19; 5:12,19; Galatians 3:22; Ephesians 2:1,3
Of The Atonement For Sin
We believe that the salvation of sinners is wholly of grace; through the mediatorial offices of the Son of God, Who by appointment of the Father, freely took upon Him our nature, yet without sin, honored the divine law by His personal obedience, and by His death made a full and vicarious atonement for our sins; that His atonement consisted not in setting us an example by His death as a martyr, but was the voluntary substitution of Himself in the sinner's place, the Just dying for the unjust, Christ, the Lord, bearing our sins in His own body on the tree; that, having risen from the dead, He is now enthroned in heaven and uniting in His wonderful person the tenderest sympathies with divine perfection, He is in every way qualified to be a suitable, a compassionate and an all sufficient Savior.
Isaiah 53:4-7,11-12; Matthew 18:11; John 3:16; 10:18; Acts 15:11; Romans 3:24-25; Galatians 1:4; Ephesians 2:8; Philippians 2:7-8; Hebrews 2:14; 7:25; 9:12-15; 12:2
Of The Freeness Of Salvation
We believe in God's grace; that the blessings of salvation are made free to all by the gospel; that it is the immediate duty of all to accept them by a cordial, penitent and obedient faith; and nothing prevents the salvation of the greatest sinner on earth but his own inherent depravity and voluntary rejection of the gospel; which rejection involves him in an aggravated condemnation. We believe in the HUMAN WILL and that it is Semi-autonomous from God, being influenced by the Holy Spirit, but also influenced by the sinful nature, which itself is influenced by external factors, as the devil and other sinful people and the environment. Our freedom is implied by commands and responsibility resulting in judgment. (as opposed to a "puppet" model)
Isaiah 55:1; Matthew 11:28; John 3:15-18,36; 5:40; 6:37; Acts 2:38; Romans 8:29-30; 10:13; 1 Corinthians 15:10; Ephesians 2:4-5; Colossians 3:12; 1 Thessalonians 1:4; 1 Timothy 1:15; Titus 1:1; 1 Peter 1:2; Revelation 22:17
Of The New Creation (Regeneration)
We believe that sinners must be born again in order to be saved; that the new birth is a new creation in Christ Jesus; that it is instantaneous and not a process; that in the new birth the one who was dead in trespasses and in sins is made a partaker of the divine nature and receives eternal life, the free gift of God; that the new creation is brought about in a manner above our comprehension. The term "regeneration" means "the process of being born of God". Having believed, the Holy Spirit accomplishes regeneration apart from human effort; that its proper evidence appears in the holy fruits of repentance and faith and newness of life.
Luke 5:27; John 1:12-13; 3:3,6-7,16-17; Acts 2:41; Romans 6:23; 2 Corinthians 5:17,19; Galatians 5:22; Ephesians 1:13-14; 2:1,10; 5:9; Colossians 2:13; 1 John 5:1
Of Predestination
We believe in a balanced and a modified version of both of the theologies of Calvinism and Arminianism. . We can definitely see this principle utilized when one describes (for example) the humanity and deity of Christ and many other paradoxical attributes of God. We have no problem reconciling the Soveriengty of God with the Volition of Man any more than we have a problem reconciling the doctrine of the Trinity as described in the Bible. We seek to harmonize the inerrant Scriptures with a hermeneutical approach. This is one of the means of providing a non-contradictive answer to skeptics and critics who profess "alleged" biblical discrepancies. We believe that predestination is on a Categorical basis according to God's decree. (If you fit in the category of "believers") (Eph 1:5-11) But on an Individual basis rooted in God's foreknowledge. (1Pet 1:2) (Whether He foresees you will enter that category of "believers" at some time in your life.) (Rom 8:29)
(See our article which has more details: "Arminianism vs. Calvinism")
Of Justification
We believe 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 gift 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, His righteousness is imputed unto us.
Isaiah 53:11; Habakkuk 2:4; Zechariah 13:1; Acts 13:39; Romans 1:17; 4:1; 5:1-9; 8:1; Galatians 3:11; Titus 3:5-7; Hebrews 10:38
