THE CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS OF THE GATEWAY BAPTIST CHURCH OF EATON, OHIO
1. To glorify the name of the Lord Jesus Christ (Nehemiah 9:5, Psalms 29:2, 72:19, 86:11, 96:8, 115:1, 135:1, Rev.15:4.
2. And to magnify the Word of God. (Psalms 138:2)
This is to be done by the preaching and teaching of the Word of God through this local church ministry in any manner that this church deems expedient, (i.e. In church buildings, privately-owned buildings, public buildings, on the street, house to house, and other) in order that souls might live in obedience to defend and study the Holy Bible and carry out the concept of the Great Commission until the Lord Jesus Christ returns.
This shall include, but not be limited to:
1. The promotion and finance of all missions and missionaries. In this country and abroad, that the church shall deem feasible.
2. The operation of an educational institution in order to provide educational experiences in a sequential academic process involving the pre-school situation, the lower elementary, the upper elementary, high school, Bible institute, and college as the Lord directs.
Any or all of these to be instituted in any order as the church deems feasible.3. Extension of the church ministry through any and all areas of public media deemed feasible; including, but not limited to: the acquisition, ownership, and operation of a non-commercial radio and/or television broadcasting station; literature print shop; bookstore; and magnetic tape recording and duplication.
4. The operation of outreach ministries to the poor, the abused, the alcoholic, and/or the drug abuser, as the Lord directs.
5. For the promotion of the foregoing objects, this corporation shall have the right to acquire, either by gift or purchase, and to hold, own, sell, mortgage, or encumber in any manner, or to lease and improve real estate and personal property for itself and others as trustees or otherwise.
Having received salvation by faith in the finished work of the Lord Jesus Christ, whose shed blood on the cross of Calvary is alone sufficient as a complete atonement for our sins, we do hereby bind ourselves together as a body of baptized believers to form an independent, autonomous, Bible-believing church, adopting fully the articles of the Constitution and By-Laws herein.
ARTICLE 1...........................TITLE AND INCORPORATION
SECTION 1 The name and title of this corporation shall be the "GATEWAY BAPTIST CHURCH of Eaton, Ohio."
SECTION 2 This congregation is incorporated as a non-profit organization under the laws of the State of Ohio.
ARTICLE 2...........................AUTHORITY AND INTENT
The Word of God is our ultimate authority and is superior to the Constitution and By-Laws by which this organization will be administered. The Constitution and By-Laws do, however, set forth our primary beliefs as to the teaching of the Holy Scriptures, as contained in the King James 1611 Authorized Version of the Bible, and shall be an example of our understanding of those same Holy Scriptures. An example of the Holy Bible shall be the Cambridge, extra wide margin, Cameo Bible, 81X, KJV.
ARTICLE 3...........................DOCTRINAL STATEMENT
The appended doctrinal statement shall be designated as the Gateway Baptist Church Confession of Faith and shall constitute the doctrinal basis on which this assembly is founded and by which it shall function.
WE BELIEVE IN:
A. That every word of the original autographs, consisting of the sixty-six books of the Old and New Testaments with no Apocrypha, was given to the prophets and apostles by inspiration of the Holy Ghost in such a manner that every word might be said to have come from the mouth of God. At the same time, God's choice of words reflected the personalities of the prophets and apostles in literary style, vocabulary, etc. (Exodus 20:1, Isaiah 59:21, Jeremiah 30:2, John 17:8, Acts 28:25, Galatians 1:12, 1 Thessalonians 2:13, 2 Timothy 3:16, Hebrews 1:1, 2 Peter 1:21, 3:2, Revelation 1:1.)
B. That the doctrinal of Inspiration is of little value apart from the doctrine of the Preservation of God's "words". (Exodus 24:3, Deuteronomy 6:6,7, 18:18. 27:3,8, 29:29. Joshua 3:9, 8:32-35, Job 22:22, 23:12, Psalms 12:6,7, 78:1, 119:89, 103, 130, 140, Proverbs 22:21, 30:5,6, Matthew 4:4, John 6:63, 17:8, 1 Corinthians 2:13, 1 Thessalonians 2:13, revelation 22:18, 19.) Since no one living today holds or has ever seen the original autographs, the "Bible" we believe in is one that is available to man today, the King James 1611 Authorized Version. Therein, God has preserved the "Holy Bible," "the scriptures," "the word of God," for the last period of the Church Age. It is inerrant, infallible, every word as it is written. Not only is this Authorized Version superior to all other versions and translations, but it is superior to any Greek text in existence. The King James 1611 Authorized Version will be the final authority in all matters of faith and practice above the opinions of any man, tradition, or any other source. (Mark 7:9,13, 1 Thessalonians 2:13, 2 Timothy 3:16-17.)
C. That the Word of God is eternally existent. (Psalms 119:89, Isaiah 40:8, Matthew 24:35, Mark 13:31, Hebrews 11:3, 1 Peter 23-25.) Though given to men at a point in time, the word of God has and always will exist Incorruptible.
D. That only those foreign translations made from the King James 1611 Authorized Version or from the Textus Receptus Greek Text shall be considered reliable. All others should be used with caution and compared with the King James Version.
E. That other new versions and paraphrases that change the words of the text of the King James Version are considered to be the work of Satan to undermine the believer's confidence in the authority of God's holy word. (Deuteronomy 4:2, 12:32, Proverbs 30:6, Jeremiah 8:8,9, Revelation 22:19.)
F. That understanding of the scriptures comes only to the born again child of God. While one may obtain knowledge of the Bible through study at a Bible school or seminary, understanding comes only by the illumination of the Holy Spirit. (Psalms 119:130; Luke 24:45; John 16:13; 1 Corinthians 2:14; Ephesians 1:17,18.) That unsaved men, not possessing the gift of the Holy Spirit, can have no understanding of the work of God except the understanding of the plan of salvation which is a work of the Holy Spirit outside of man. (Matthew 22:29; John 8:43,47; 16:13; 2 Corinthians 2:17; 2 Peter 3:1:16.)
G. That having authority and power over all things, the Word of God is also the way to salvation. (Matthew 22:29; John 1:12, 5:24, 6:63,68; Romans 10:14,17; Ephesians 6:17; Philippians 2:16; 2 Timothy 3:15; Hebrews 4:12,13; 1 Peter 1:23.)
H. That a Bible-believer is one who subjects himself to the pure Word of God as found in the King James 1611 Authorized Version.
1. Study the word of God (2 Timothy 2:15)
2. Memorize it. (Psalms 119:11)
3. Obey it. (Psalms 119:9)
4. Cleanse himself with it. (Psalms 119:9)
5. Love it. (Psalms 119:140)
Regarding authority, a Bible-believing Christian puts the Word of God above everything. All others put something above the Bible.
A. That He is fully God. (Isaiah 9:6; John 1:1,14, 20:28; Philipians 2:6; Titus 2:13; Hebrews 1:8; 1 John 5:20.)
B. That he is the second Person of the trinity and not a lesser Deity. (Matthew 3:16,17, 28:19; Phillipians 2:6; Colossians 2:9; 1 John 5:7.)
C. That without any essential change in His divine Person (Hebrews 13:8).
1. He became a man by the miracle of the virgin birth (Matthew 1:23; John 1:14; 1 Timothy 3:16).
2. Thus to continue forever as both true God and true man (Philipians 2:6,7; Colossians 1:15, 2:9; revelation 22:16).
D.
That as man, He was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin (John 8:46; Hebrews 4:15), that as the perfect Lamb of God, He gave himself in death upon the cross, bearing the sin of the world and suffering it's full penalty of divine wrath in our stead. (Isaiah 53:5-7; Matthew 20:28; John 1:29; Galatians 3:13.)E. That:
1. He was buried and rose again the third day according to the scriptures (Luke 24:46; 1 Corinthians 15:4).
2. His resurrection and glorified body was a physical one of flesh and bone (Luke 24:36-43; John 20:25-28) and
3. As our great High Priest, He ascended into heaven, there to appear before the face of God as our Advocate and Intercessor. (Hebrews 5:1-10, 9:24; 1 John 2:1)
A. That he was the direct creation of God, spirit, soul, and body, not in any sense the product of evolutionary development, but made in the image of God. ( Gen. 1:26-28; 2:7, 18-24; Matthew 19:4, 1Thessalonians 5:23.)
B. That by personal disobedience to the revealed will of God.
1. Man became a sinful creature and the progenitor of a fallen race. (Gen. 3-24, 5:3; Romans 5:12)
2. Who are universally sinful in both nature and practice (Romans 3:23, 5:12; Ephesians 2:3)
3. Who are alienated from the life and family of God (John 8:42-44; Ephesians 4:18)
4. Who are under the righteous judgment and wrath of God (Romans 1:18, 3:19, 20; John 3:36)
5. Who have within themselves no possible means of recovery or salvation (Matthew 19:25-26; Mark 7:21-23; Romans 7:18)
A. That it is by grace (Jn 1:17; Acts 15:11; Romans 4:16; 5:15-17; Eph. 2:8-9) and therefore the free gift of God (Rom. 5:15-18; 6:23; Eph. 2:8).
B. It is by faith (Rom. 3:22; 4:5; 10:8; Gal. 3:22; Eph. 2:8-9) and neither merited in part or in whole by any virtue or work of man (Rom. 4:4-5; 10:3; Titus 3:5).
C. It is by the blood (Matt. 26:28; Acts 20:28; Rom. 5:9; Eph. 1:7; Col. 1:14; 1 Pet. 1:18-19; 1 Jn. 1:7; 2:2; Rev. 1:5). The believer is washed from his sins by the precious, incorruptible blood of the Lord Jesus Christ, by which he is forgiven, cleansed, purchased, justified, redeemed, sanctified and washed.
D. And by the word of God (Lk. 8:11; Rom. 10:13-15,17). All that men know about the salvation comes from this one source (Jn. 5:24). It is itself alive (Heb. 4:12) and is able to impart life (James 1:18) to those who hear the preaching of the gospel (I Cor. 1:18,21; 1 Pet. 1:23-25; James 1:21)
E. We reject the modern trend of easy beliefism. Salvation is the result of true repentance that comes from godly sorrow for sin (Lk. 24:47; Acts 3:19, 17:30, 20:21; 2 Cor. 7:9-10; 2 Pet. 3:9).
F. We believe that in God's absolute sovereignty, God gave man a free will to accept or reject the salvation He has provided, but that God is "not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance." (2Pet. 3:9), (Ezek. 33:11; Acts 10:34,35; 1 Tim. 2:4).
G. That salvation is a three-fold process that begins with:
1. Justification; being the instant and complete deliverance from the "penalty" of sin forever (Jn. 5:24; Rom. 4:5-8; Rom. 5:9).
2. Sanctification; being a progressive deliverance from the "power" of sin daily (1 Cor. 10:13; Eph. 4:7,12,13; 1 Thess. 4:3; 1 Jn. 1:9).
3. Glorification, our final deliverance from the "presence" of sin forever (2 Cor. 1:10; 5:8, 1 Thess. 4:17, 1 Jn. 3:2).
H. That all born-again believers are eternally secure. The Bible says that:
1. True Believers shall never perish (Jn. 3:15-16).
2. Neither shall any man pluck them out of the Father's hand. (Jn. 10:28-29)
3. They are kept by the power of God" (1Pet. 1:5).
4. Sealed until the day of redemption (Eph. 1:13, 4:30).
5. Delivered from all condemnation (Jn. 3:18, 5:24).
I. Simply stated, we believe that "repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ" is the only condition for salvation (Acts 20:20,21).
J. That while in no sense having anything to do with obtaining or retaining salvation (Rom. 3:20; Gal. 2:16; Titus 3:5), righteous living and good works are the proper evidence and fruit of salvation (Matt. 5:16; Eph. 2:8-10; Titus 2:14; 1 Peter 2:12).
A. That he was originally created a holy a perfect being, but through pride and ambition rebelled against God (Isaiah. 14:13,14; Ezek. 28:13-17; 1 Tim. 3:6), thus becoming,
1. Utterly depraved in character (Jn. 8:44).
2. The great adversary of God and His people (Matt. 4:1-11; Rev. 12:10).
3. Leader of all other evil angels and spirits (Matt. 12:24-26; 25:41).
4. The deceiver and god of this present world (2Cor. 4:4; Rev. 12:9).
B. That his powers are supernaturally great (Lk. 4:6; 2 Cor. 4:3; Eph. 6:12; 2 Thess. 2:9), but strictly limited by the permissive will of God (Job 1:12; Lk. 22:31,32).
C. That he was defeated and judged at the cross, and therefore his final doom is certain (Jn. 12:31,32; 16:11; Heb. 2:14; Rev. 20:10).
D. That we are to resist and overcome him only in the armor of God and by the blood of the Lamb (Eph. 6:1-18; Rev. 12:11; Zachariah 3:2).
A. That He is:
1. Fully God (Acts 5:3-4)
2. The third person of the Trinity and not an impersonal force or influence (Matt. 28:19, 1Jn. 5:7)
3. The divine agent in:
a) Creation (Gen. 1:2,3; Job 33:4, Ps. 33:6, 104:30, Jn. 16:13-15).
b) Revelation wherein He reveals new truth (Lk. 2:25,26; Jn. 16:13, 1 Cor. 2:9-14).
c) Inspiration wherein He communicates truth to men (Jer. 36:2, Acts 1:16, 2 Tim. 3:16, 2Pet. 1:21)
d) Illumination wherein He gives understanding of truth (Jn. 16:14,15; 1 Cor. 2:9-14, Eph. 1:17)
B. That the Holy Spirit is a person with the personal attributes of:
1. Will (Acts 16:6-11, 1 Cor. 12:11)
2. Knowledge (Isa. 11:2, Rom. 8:27, 1Cor. 2:10-12)
3. Wisdom (Isa. 11:2, 1 Cor. 2:10-12, Eph. 1:17)
4. Power (Isa. 11:2, Rom. 15:13,19; Eph. 3:16, 1 Thess. 1:5, Acts 5:3-5) and
5. Love (Rom. 15:30)
C. That Born-Again believers must be careful not to offend the Holy Spirit who can be:
1. Grieved (Eph. 4:30)
2. Vexed (Isa. 63:10)
3. Tested (Acts 5:9)
4. Resisted (Acts 7:51)
5. Insulted (Heb. 10:29)
6. Lied to (Acts 5:3), and
7. Quenched (1Thess. 5:19)
D. That in this dispensation the work of the Holy Spirit upon the unbeliever is conviction (Jn. 16:8-11), of sin (Jn. 16:9), righteousness (Jn. 16:10), and judgment (Jn. 16:11)
E. That all who become the sons of God by believing on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ (Jn. 1:12), the Holy Spirit:
1. Regenerates (Jn. 3:3-5, 6:63, 2 Cor. 5:17, Titus 3:5).
2. Baptizes (1 Cor. 12:12-14, Eph. 4:4-5).
3. Indwells (Jn. 7:37-39, 14:17, Rom. 8:8-10, 1 Jn. 3:24, 1 Cor. 3:16, 6:19).
4. Seals (2 Cor. 1:22, Eph. 1:13-14, 4:30)
5. Fills (Lk. 1:15, Acts 4:8,31; 6:3,5; 9:17; 11:24, Eph. 5:18).
6. Empowers (Acts 1:18, Rom. 15:13, 1 Cor. 2:4).
7. Sanctifies (1Pet. 1:2)
8. Anoints (Lk. 4:18, 1 Jn. 2:20,27).
9. Teaches (Lk. 12:12, Jn. 14:26; 16:13, 1 Cor. 2:13).
10. Guides (Jn. 16:13, Acts 8:27-29; 13:4; 16:6, Rom. 8:14, Gal. 5:16, 25)
11. Calls to service (Acts 13:2-4; 20:28)
12. Intercedes for (Rom. 8:26-27).
We reject the modern day Charismatic movement with its over emphasis on the person and work of the Holy Spirit, and its doctrinal aberrations. This movement is carnal and demonic in origin. "Howbeit when he the Spirit of truth is come, he will guide you into all truth; for he shall not speak of himself;…he shall testify of me." (Jn. 16:13; 15:26).A. That all true believers should be separated:
1. From all worldly amusements and unclean habits which defile the mind and body (Lk. 8:14, Eph. 5:3-11, Col. 3:17, 1 Thess. 5:22, 1 Tim. 5:6, 1 Pet. 2:11).
2. From unbelievers in spiritual matters (2Cor. 6:14-18).
3. From modernists, liberals, and false teachers (Matt. 5:19; 15:9, 1 Tim. 1:7; 4:2; 6:3, 2 Tim. 3:5; 4:3, Titus 1:11, 2 Pet. 2:1).
4. From the world itself. While we are in this world, we are not to be of this world and are to have "no fellowship with its evil ways." (Rom. 12:2, 2 Cor. 6:14-18, Eph. 5:11, Phil. 3:18-19).
B. That Christians caught up in the things of the world can be the enemies of God and can be guilty of spiritual adultery (James 4:4).
C. That the believer's proper position should be crucified unto the world and the world crucified to him (Gal. 6:14), not conformed to this world, but transformed by the renewing of the mind (Rom. 12:2).
D. That the believer can expect to be hated by the world (Jn. 17:14) and persecuted by them when he separates himself from the world.
E. True separation from the world is also separation unto God and is exemplified by a love for, and a desire to know more about the word of God and the Lord Jesus Christ; a fear of God; obedience to the word of God and the Lord Jesus Christ; a fear of God; obedience to the word of God and an earnest expectation for the second coming of Jesus Christ to deliver us from this present evil world.
F. That the church and the state should be separate. That neither has the authority to govern the other. That civil government is of divine appointment; that rulers are to be prayed for, honored and obeyed, except only in those things opposed to the will of our Lord Jesus Christ as found in the word of God. All members waive any right to bring before civil court any matter of church relations and business, assenting to the authority of the church in all such matters.
(Ex. 18:21-22, 2 Sam. 23:3, Psa. 72:11, Dan. 3:17-18, Matt. 10:28; 22:21; 23:10, Acts 4:19,20; 23:5, Rom. 13:7, Phil. 2:10,11, Titus 3:1, 1 Pet. 2:13-17)A. That there are three persons in the godhead but they are only one God (1 Jn. 5:7). While it is a mystery to man, the doctrine of the Trinity is clearly taught in the New Testament.
1. The baptism of Christ (Matt. 3:16,17).
2. In the baptismal formula (Matt. 28:19).
3. The apostolic benediction (2 Cor. 13:14).
4. Christ himself teaches it (Jn. 14:16).
5. The New Testament sets forth a Father who is God (Rom. 1:7), a Son who is God (Heb. 1:8, Titus 2:13), a Holy Spirit who is God (Acts 5:3,4).
B. That this one triune God is perfect in His:
1. Holiness (Lev. 11:44,45, 1 Sam. 2:2, Psa. 99:9, Isa. 6:3).
2. Righteousness (Psa 50:6; 111:3, Isa. 51:8, Matt. 6:33).
3. Faithfulness (Psa. 36:5, Lam. 3:23, 1 Cor. 1:9, 1 Thess. 5:24, Rev. 19:11).
4. Mercy (Num. 14:18-19, 2 Sam. 24:14, 1 Chron. 16:34, Psa. 103, Lam. 3:22).
5. Love (Psa. 146:8, Jer. 31:3, Jn. 3:16, 1 Jn. 3:16; 4:8
6. Omniscient (having all knowledge) (Job 37:16, Prov. 16:3,11, Psa 139:1-6; 147:4-5, Heb. 4:13).
7. Omnipotent (having all power) (Job 37:23, Psa. 147:5, Isa. 40:21-26, Matt. 28:18, Rom. 13:1, Rev. 19:6).
8. Omnipresent (everywhere present) (1Kings 8:27, Psa. 139:7-10, Isa. 66:1, Jer. 23:23-24).
9. Eternal (having no beginning or end) (Psa. 41:13; 90:1; 102:12,24-27, Isa. 44:6, Rom. 1:20) and
10. The creator and sustainer of all things (Gen. 1:1, Neh. 9:6, Job 38:4-10, Psa. 104:2-6, Isa. 40:12, Jn. 1:1-3, Rev. 4:11).
C. That man's approach to God should always be with reverence and fear. The levity of God's people concerning God and His word is abominable and is one reason for the lack of power in Christian work today. (Duet. 4:10; 5:29, Josh. 24:14, Job 28:28, Psa. 2:11; 15:4; 19:9; 34:7; 89:7; 99:1; 112:1, Prov. 1:7; 8:13; 10:27; 15:16, Isa. 8:13; 33:6, Jer. 5:22, Heb. 11:7, 12:28.
A. That in this dispensation, the souls of the saved at death go immediately to be with Christ in Heaven (2 Cor. 5:8, Phil. 1:21-23) where they abide in joyful fellowship with Him until the pre-tribulation rapture, when their bodies shall be raised from the grave and changed into the likeness of His own glorious body (1 Cor. 15:35-38, Phil. 3:20-21, 1 Jn. 3:2), at which time their works shall be brought before the judgment seat of Christ for the determination of rewards, a judgment which may issue the loss of rewards but not the loss of salvation (1 Cor. 3:8-15), which has been eternally secured for all believers by the blood atonement of the Lord Jesus Christ for all sin.
B. That the souls of the unsaved at death descend immediately into hell where they are kept under punishment until the final day of judgment of all unsaved dead before the Great White Throne (Lk. 16:19-31, 2 Pet. 2:9) at which time their bodies shall be raised from the grave, they shall be judged according to their works, and cast into the lake of fire for everlasting punishment with the devil and his angels (Mk. 9:43-48, Jude 13, Rev. 20:11-15).
A That the first part is the rapture, the coming of the Lord "for" His saints.
1. That the period of time preceding the rapture will characterized by general apostasy within the church (Thes. 2:1-30).
2. That while no one knows the day and hour of the rapture, (Matt. 24:36-42, Acts 1:7), true believers may know the "times and seasons," (Lk. 21:29-33, 1 Thess. 5:1-8). It could take place anytime and it takes place in the twinkling of an eye (Matt. 24:44, 1 Cor. 15:52).
3. That when He comes, He will first by resurrection and translation remove from the earth His waiting church (1Thess. 4:16-18) who will be caught up to meet Him in the air. "So shall they ever be with the Lord." He does not set foot on earth at this time.
4. That the dead in Christ shall rise first and then they which are alive and remain. As they are caught up to be with the Lord, they will receive their glorified bodies which are conformed to the image of the Lord Jesus Christ. So shall they ever be with the Lord. (Rom. 8:29, 1 Cor. 3:18, Phil. 3:20,21, 1 Thess. 4:16-17, 1 Jn. 3:2).
5. That shortly after the rapture, a seven-year period of time will begin variously known as "The Tribulation", during which time God's wrath will be poured out in righteous judgment upon the unbelieving world as in no other time in history. No born-again believer will enter this period of the great tribulation. (Jer. 30:6-7, Dan. 9:24-27, Matt. 24:21,29).
B. That the second part of Christ's second coming is His revelation and glorious return with His saints at the end of the great tribulation. He will then destroy the armies of the antichrist at the battle of Armageddon (Joel 3:11-14, Titus 2:11-13, Jude 14, Rev. 16:13-16; 19:11-14).
1. That the Lord Jesus Christ will descend "in like manner" as the disciples "beheld Him going into heaven." (Acts 1:11). And "His feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives" (Zach. 14:4,5,9, Rev. 1:7). At this time, the whole house of Israel will be restored to the land given to Abraham in Gen. 12-15.
2. That at his coming, He will establish His glorious and literal kingdom of heaven on earth and execute the judgment of the nations (Matt. 25:31-46). He will rule and reign for a thousand years during which Satan will be bound in the pit. The Lord of Lords in perfect peace. (Isa. 9:7, Hosea 2:18, Micah 4:3, Rev. 20:1-7).
3. At the close of His thousand year millennial reign, the Lord Jesus Christ will raise and judge the unsaved dead to the Great White Throne Judgment (Rev. 20:5, 11-15) and finally as the Son of David deliver up His Messianic Kingdom to God the Father (1 Cor. 15:24-28) in order that as the Eternal Son, He may reign with the Father in the New Heaven and the New Earth throughout the dispensation of the fullness of times (Lk. 1:32-33, Eph. 1:10, 2 Pet. 3:13, Rev. 21:1; 22:5).
A. That He began to build at Pentecost (Acts 2:4,5,47) and will complete at the pre-tribulation rapture (1 Thess. 4:16-17) and into which all true believers of the present age are baptized immediately by the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 12:12-13, Eph. 4:5).
B. That a Bible-believing congregation of baptized (immersed in water) believers are associated by a covenant of faith and fellowship in the gospel and of the Lord Jesus Christ (1 Cor. 1:9, Phil. 1:4-5) observing the ordinances of the church, which are two: (1) baptism, and (2) the Lord's Supper.
C. That Christian's baptism is the immersion in water of a believer in the name of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost (Matt. 3:13-16; 28:19-20, Jn. 3:23, Acts 8:36-39) and it is a picture of the death, burial and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ (Rom. 6:3-5, Col. 2:12). That it is prerequisite to membership in a local church congregation (Acts 2:41).
D. That the Lord's Supper, by partaking of unleavened bread and the fruit of the vine is to commemorate the death of the Lord Jesus Christ and is to be preceded always by solemn self-examination. This, as often as the local assembly of believers desires until Jesus comes (Matt. 26:17; 26-29, Mk. 14:1, Lk. 22:15-20, 1 Cor. 11:23-29). We emphasize the fact that these are ordinances of the church and not sacraments.
E. That its scriptural offices are two: Bishop (1 Tim. 3:1-2 and Titus 1:7) and Deacon (Acts 6:3-5, Phil. 1:1, 1 Tim. 3:8).
1. The bishop is the pastor and the presiding elder of the flock that God has set him over. Being selected according to the spiritual requirements set forth in 1 Tim. 3:2-11 and Titus 1:5-7, he is to lead the flock with the counsel of the other ordained elders of that local assembly of believers according to the gifts of the Holy Spirit (Eph. 4:11). He is to "preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine" (2 Tim. 4:2) and do the work of an evangelist (2 Tim. 4:5).
2. Deacons are to be selected according to spiritual qualifications set forth in 1 Tim. 3:3-13, and are to serve the church under the leadership of its bishop as he shall call upon them for the administration of business and spiritual matters concerning the church (Acts 6:2-4).
3. These two and any other members ordained by a local church are the elders of that assembly of believers and are to be overseers of the flock, to feed its members with the word of God, and to be examples before them (Acts 14:23; 20:17,28, Titus 1:5, 1 Pet. 5:1-3).
F. That the true mission of the church is found in the concept of the Great Commission (Matt. 28:19-20). First, to carry the gospel to all the world. Second, to baptize them in the Name of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Third, to teach them the word of God. Fourth, to instruct all believers to do these things also.