Doctrinal Statement
of Trinity Baptist Church
The doctrinal statement communicates and preserves the theological convictions of the church. It seeks to provide a summary of the Bible's teaching, especially as it relates to the nature of God, the way of salvation, and the life of a Christian.
Part One: Creed
With all Christian churches . . .
We believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth.
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We believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. On the third day he rose again; he ascended into heaven, he is seated at the right hand of the Father, and he will come to judge the living and the dead.
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We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord and Giver of Life; who proceeds from the Father and the Son; who with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified.
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We believe in one holy universal Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting.
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Amen.
Part Two: Doctrines
Moreover . . .
1. Concerning the Bible
We believe that the Bible, consisting of the sixty-six books of the Old and New Testaments, is God’s inspired Word, written by human authors as they were moved by God’s Spirit. It has God as its author, salvation as its aim, and truth unmixed with error. Above all human knowledge, it alone reveals God’s holy will, and is the final standard against which all conduct, beliefs, and opinions should be judged.
2 Timothy 3:16-17, 2 Peter 1:20-21, Psalm 19:7-11, John 17:17, Isaiah 55:10-11, Hebrews 4:12, Matthew 5:18, Revelation 22:18-19
2. Concerning the Triune God
We believe that there is only one God, an infinite yet personal Spirit possessing will, affections, and intelligence, whose name is Yahweh, the Maker, Preserver, and Ruler of heaven and earth. He is inexpressibly glorious, holy, and worthy of all honor, trust and love.
In the oneness of God’s Being there are three eternal persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, each fully God, working distinct but harmonious roles in the great work of redemption.
In the fullness of time, the Father sent his Son, our Lord Jesus, who took on human nature by being born of a virgin. Jesus is both fully God and fully man, making him the perfect Mediator between us and God. The Spirit, given to those who believe in the Son, unites them to the Son so that they receive all the benefits he has earned, including being adopted as God’s children, being right with God, and being assured that they belong to God.
Deuteronomy 6:4, Exodus 3:14-15; 34:6-7, Isaiah 40:28; 42:8; 44:6; 45:5-7, Psalm 90:2; 145:3; 147:5, Jeremiah 10:10, Nehemiah 9:6, Matthew 22:37-38, John 4:24; 17:3, Acts 17:24-25, 1 Timothy 1:17, Revelation 4:11
Matthew 3:16-17; 28:19, John 1:1-3; 1:14; 3:16; 14:16-17; 14:26; 17:3, Acts 2:33; 5:3-4, Romans 8:9-17, 2 Corinthians 13:14, Galatians 4:4-6, Philippians 2:5-8, Colossians 1:15-20; 2:9, Hebrews 1:1-3; 4:15, 1 Timothy 2:5, Titus 3:4-7, 1 John 4:13-15
3. Concerning Humans
We believe that God created human beings, male and female, in his divine image, to love him and reign with him as his sons and daughters. Humans were originally sinless but, tempted by Satan to distrust God, they voluntarily chose to disobey God’s command and fell from their holy and happy condition. All humans are now sinners by nature, devoid of the holiness God requires, their hearts bent on trusting things other than God. They are therefore under God’s just condemnation, without defense or excuse.
Genesis 1:26-28; 2:7; 2:16-17; 3:1-7, Psalm 51:5, Ecclesiastes 7:29, Isaiah 53:6, Jeremiah 17:9, Romans 1:18-21; 3:10-12; 3:23; 5:12-19; 6:23, 1 Corinthians 15:21-22, Ephesians 2:1-3, Colossians 1:21, James 1:14-15
4. Concerning Salvation
We believe that salvation in its fullest sense is the final uniting of heaven and earth, a sure and certain future that has been inaugurated by Jesus’ resurrection from the dead and will be consummated in the renewal of all things.
In the meantime, in a narrower sense, salvation is God’s work of saving sinners by grace alone through Jesus Christ his Son. Appointed by the Father, Jesus took on human nature without sin, perfectly obeyed God’s law, and fully atoned for our sins through his death on the cross. Risen from the dead, he is now enthroned in heaven and gives the Holy Spirit, full forgiveness, and true freedom to all who trust in him. Combining tender compassion with divine majesty, he is our perfect Savior.
Genesis 3:15, Isaiah 53:4-6; 61:1-3, Matthew 19:28, John 1:14; 3:16-17; 19:30, Acts 4:12, Romans 3:23-26; 5:6-10; 6:23; 8:18-23; 10:9-10, 1 Corinthians 15:3-4; 15:20-22, 2 Corinthians 5:17-21, Galatians 4:4-5, Ephesians 1:7-10; 2:8-9, Philippians 2:6-11, Colossians 1:13-20, Hebrews 4:14-16; 7:25-27, 1 Peter 1:18-21, Revelation 21:1-5
5. Concerning Election
We believe that election is the eternal purpose of God, according to which he graciously regenerates, sanctifies, and saves sinners. It is perfectly consistent with human free will and includes both the methods and results of salvation. It gloriously displays God's sovereign goodness, freedom, wisdom, holiness, and unchanging nature. It removes any basis for human pride and promotes humility, love, prayer, and praise. It also motivates believers to engage in practices such as sharing the gospel, praying, and discipleship, and it serves as the foundation for Christian assurance.
Deuteronomy 7:6-8, Isaiah 46:9-10, Matthew 11:25-27; 22:14; 28:19-20, John 6:37; 6:44; 15:16; 17:6-9, Acts 13:48, Romans 8:28-30; 9:10-24; 10:13-15; 11:5-6; 11:33-36, 1 Corinthians 1:26-31, Ephesians 1:4-11; 2:8-10, Philippians 1:6; 2:12-13, Colossians 3:12, 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14, 2 Timothy 1:9, Titus 3:4-7, 1 Peter 1:1-2; 2:9, 2 Peter 1:10, Revelation 13:8; 17:8
6. Concerning the Free Offer of Salvation
We believe that salvation is freely offered to everyone, and it is the urgent duty of all to accept it by repenting of sins and believing the gospel.
Isaiah 55:1-3, Ezekiel 18:30-32, Matthew 11:28-30, Mark 1:15, Luke 13:3; 24:46-47, John 3:16-18; 6:37; 7:37, Acts 2:38; 3:19; 17:30-31; 20:21, Romans 1:16; 10:9-13, 2 Corinthians 5:20-21, 1 Timothy 2:3-6, Revelation 22:17
7. Concerning Regeneration
We believe that a person must be regenerated in order to be saved. In regeneration, the Holy Spirit brings someone from spiritual death to life, leading them to faith and repentance. The Spirit opens their minds to understand God’s Word and transforms their nature so they begin to show the fruit of the Spirit.
John 3:3-8; 6:63, Acts 16:14, Romans 8:5-9, 1 Corinthians 2:12-14, Ephesians 2:1-5, Titus 3:5-7, James 1:18, 1 Peter 1:3; 1:23, 1 John 5:1
8. Concerning Repentance & Faith
We believe that repentance and faith are inseparable, both brought about by God’s Spirit. Through this work, a person becomes deeply aware of their guilt, helplessness, and Christ’s way of salvation. They turn to God, sincerely confessing their sins and asking for mercy. At the same time, they fully rely on Jesus as Prophet, Priest, and King, trusting in him alone as their all-sufficient Savior.
Matthew 4:17, Mark 1:15, Luke 5:32; 15:7, John 3:16-18, Acts 2:37-38; 3:19; 16:31, Romans 10:9-13, 2 Corinthians 7:10, Ephesians 2:8-9, Philippians 3:8-9, Hebrews 12:2, 1 John 1:9
9. Concerning Justification
We believe that one of the great benefits of salvation, which Christ secures for those who trust in him, is justification. Justification is the act by which God removes the guilt of sinners, declares them righteous, and reconciles them to himself. It is not based on anything we have done, but only through faith in Jesus Christ and his sacrificial death and resurrection, by which God freely imputes to us his righteousness. Justification brings us into a state of peace and favor with God and guarantees all other blessings for both this life and eternity.
Genesis 15:6, Isaiah 53:5-6, Jeremiah 23:6, Matthew 9:2, John 1:12, John 3:16-18, Acts 13:38-39, Romans 3:22-24; 4:5-8; 5:1-2, 2 Corinthians 5:21, Philippians 3:9, Titus 3:5-7, Hebrews 10:10-14, 1 Peter 3:18
10. Concerning Sanctification
We believe that sanctification is the process by which believers grow in holiness and become more like Jesus. It is a gradual work that begins at regeneration and continues in the hearts of believers through the presence and power of God’s Spirit, who seals, convicts, and comforts them. This process happens through the consistent means of grace, such as God’s Word, fellowship with other believers, self-denial, watchfulness, and prayer.
John 17:17, Acts 26:18, Romans 6:19-22; 8:1-13, 1 Corinthians 6:11, 2 Corinthians 3:18, Ephesians 4:22-24, Philippians 2:12-13, Colossians 3:9-10, 1 Thessalonians 4:3-7, 2 Thessalonians 2:13, 1 Timothy 4:7-8, Hebrews 10:10; 12:14, 1 Peter 1:2, 2 Peter 1:3-11, 1 John 3:2-3
11. Concerning the Perseverance of the Saints
We believe that those whom God has regenerated will never fully or finally fall away from their salvation but will persist in faith to the end. Perseverance is the key mark that distinguishes true believers from false ones, and it is God who enables their perseverance. Though believers may stumble and sin through temptation, grieving the Spirit and suffering consequences, they will be renewed to repentance and kept by God's power through faith for salvation.
John 6:37-40; 10:27-30, Romans 8:30-39, 1 Corinthians 1:8-9; 10:13, Philippians 1:6, 1 Peter 1:3-5, Hebrews 3:12-14; 6:4-6; 10:36-39, 1 John 2:19, Jude 24-25, Matthew 24:13, Luke 22:32, John 17:11-12, Romans 11:29, 2 Timothy 2:13, Hebrews 12:2-4, 1 Peter 5:10, Revelation 3:5
12. Concerning the Church
We believe that the universal church is the body of Christ, made up of all God’s people throughout time and across the world. Local churches are specific, visible expressions of this universal body, existing in particular places and times.
Matthew 16:18, Acts 2:42-47; 9:31, Romans 12:4-5, 1 Corinthians 12:12-27, Ephesians 1:22-23; 4:4-6, Colossians 1:18, Hebrews 10:24-25; 12:22-23, 1 Peter 2:9-10, Revelation 5:9-10, Acts 11:22-26, 1 Corinthians 1:2, Ephesians 5:25-27, Philippians 1:1, 1 Timothy 3:15, 1 Peter 1:1-2
Christians are called to join local churches, which are congregations of baptized believers in voluntary covenant, united by the gospel. Members of local churches are to use the gifts given by the Holy Spirit to build up the body of Christ and share the gospel. The main duties of the church include faithfully teaching God’s Word, properly administering Christ’s ordinances (baptism and the Lord’s Supper), and lovingly encouraging its members to faithfully follow Jesus. The only scriptural officers are pastors and deacons, whose roles and qualifications are outlined in the Epistles to Timothy and Titus.
Matthew 28:19-20, Acts 2:41-47; 4:32-37, Romans 12:4-8, 1 Corinthians 12:4-31, Ephesians 4:11-16, Philippians 1:1, 1 Timothy 3:1-13, 2 Timothy 4:1-2, Titus 1:5-9, Hebrews 13:17, 1 Peter 5:1-4
13. Concerning Baptism
We believe that Christian baptism is the immersion of a believer in water, in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Baptism is a solemn and beautiful symbol of our union with the crucified, buried, and risen Savior, representing our death to sin and resurrection to new life through the Holy Spirit. The proper subjects of baptism are those who profess faith in Christ, and baptism is a prerequisite for church membership.
Matthew 28:19-20, Mark 16:16, Acts 2:38-41; 8:12-13; 8:36-39; 10:47-48; 16:31-33, Romans 6:3-4, 1 Corinthians 12:13, Galatians 3:27, Colossians 2:12, 1 Peter 3:21
14. Concerning the Lord's Supper
We believe that the Lord’s Supper is an ordinance of the Lord Jesus Christ, to be observed by believers until his return. As we eat the bread and drink from the cup, we remember Christ’s sacrificial death, look forward to his return, strengthen our faith, and renew our commitment to him and to each other.
Matthew 26:26-29, Mark 14:22-25, Luke 22:19-20, John 6:53-58, Acts 2:42, 1 Corinthians 10:16-17; 11:23-26, Revelation 19:9, 1 Corinthians 5:7-8, 1 Corinthians 11:27-32, Hebrews 9:11-15
15. Concerning Sabbath Rest & the Lord's Day
We believe that under the New Covenant believers find their Sabbath rest in Christ, the Lord of the Sabbath, whose work of redemption releases us from slavery to sin. The command to “remember the Sabbath day,” accordingly, is an invitation and reminder to cease from our own works and to find rest in Christ’s completed work.
We believe that the first day of the week is rightly called “the Lord’s Day” in honor of Christ’s resurrection, which heralds the beginning of God’s new creation. It is fitting, therefore, for Christians to devote this day to celebrating and worshiping the Lord Jesus by resting from ordinary labor, serving others, and gathering with the church in joyful anticipation of the eternal rest we will enjoy in God’s presence.
Genesis 2:2-3, Exodus 16:23-30; 20:8-11; 31:12-17, Leviticus 23:3, Deuteronomy 5:12-15, Matthew 11:28-30, Mark 2:27-28, Luke 4:16; 23:56, John 5:17-18; 19:31, Acts 20:7, Romans 14:5-6, Colossians 2:16-17, Hebrews 4:9-10, Revelation 1:10
16. Concerning the Civil Government
We believe that God has established civil government to allow society to flourish and maintain order. We should pray for, honor, and obey government leaders, unless their laws contradict the will of Jesus Christ, who is the true Lord of our conscience and the ultimate ruler over all other rulers.
Genesis 9:6, Exodus 18:21-22, 1 Samuel 8:7, Daniel 2:21, Matthew 22:17-21, Luke 20:25, John 19:11, Romans 13:1-7, 1 Timothy 2:1-2, Titus 3:1-2, 1 Peter 2:13-17, Revelation 1:5; 19:16, Acts 4:19-20; 5:29, Revelation 21:24-26
17. Concerning the Return of Christ, Final Judgment, & the World to Come
We believe that this present age is passing away, and that at a time known only to God, Christ will return visibly, bodily, and gloriously. He will judge both the living and the dead, leading to a final separation that will determine each person's eternal destiny in heaven or hell. The wicked will face eternal punishment, while the righteous will receive endless life and joy. Then, in the final fulfillment of his covenant, God will unite heaven and earth, dwelling in everlasting fellowship with his people who, beholding the radiance of his face, will reign in glory with him forever.
• Christ's Return Matthew 24:30-31, Matthew 25:31-46, Mark 13:26-27, Luke 21:27-28, John 14:3, Acts 1:11, 1 Corinthians 15:22-24, Philippians 3:20-21, 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10, Hebrews 9:28, Revelation 1:7; 19:11-16 • The Final Judgment Matthew 25:31-46, Romans 2:6-10, 2 Corinthians 5:10, Revelation 20:11-15, Hebrews 9:27, Jude 1:14-15, Acts 17:31 • Eternal Punishment for the Wicked Matthew 25:41-46, Mark 9:43-48, 2 Thessalonians 1:9, Revelation 14:9-11; 20:10, 21:8, 2 Peter 2:4-9, Jude 1:7 • Eternal Life and Glory for the Righteous Matthew 25:34-40, John 5:28-29, John 17:3, Romans 6:22-23, Philippians 3:20-21, 2 Timothy 4:8, Titus 2:13, Revelation 21:1-4, 1 Peter 1:3-5, 1 John 3:2, Revelation 22:3-5, Matthew 5:3-12 • The New Creation and Union of Heaven and Earth Romans 8:18-25, 1 Corinthians 15:20-24, Ephesians 1:9-10, Colossians 1:19-20, Revelation 21:1-4, Revelation 22:1-5, 2 Peter 3:13, Isaiah 65:17, Isaiah 66:22, Revelation 21:22-27.
Part Three: Biblical Positions
Concerning Marriage & Sexuality
We believe that God created marriage to be exclusively the union of one biological man and one biological woman for a lifetime, and that sexual activity is to occur exclusively within that union (Gen. 2:18-24; Mal. 2:14; Matt. 19:3-6, 8). We believe that homosexuality is in violation of God’s design for individual sexuality and marital intimacy.
Genesis 2:24, Leviticus 18:22, Leviticus 20:13, Romans 1:26-27, 1 Cor. 6:9-10, 1 Tim. 1:9-10
Concerning Divorce & Remarriage
We believe that divorce is a violation of God’s intention for marriage, but that in certain Biblically-defined cases divorce is permissible though not required.
Matthew 5:31-32, Matthew 19:3-12, Mark 10:2-12, Luke 16:18, 1 Corinthians 7:10-16, 1 Corinthians 7:25-35, Romans 7:2-3, 1 Corinthians 7:39-40, Malachi 2:14-16
Concerning Abortion, Euthanasia, & the Sanctity of Human Life
We believe that all human life is sacred and created by God in his image, beginning at conception. Human life—including pre-born babies, the aged, the physically or mentally challenged—is of inestimable worth at every stage and in every condition from conception to natural death. Therefore, we are called to defend, protect, and value all human life, which excludes practices such as assisted suicide and abortion.
Job 3:16; Ps. 51:5; 139:14-16: Isa. 44:24; 49:1, 5; Jer. 1:5; 20:15-18; Luke 1:44
Concerning Gender Identity and Roles
We believe that God wonderfully and immutably created humans as male or female. Although in rare cases some persons are born with intersex conditions, God's design and intention for humanity to be male and female is still reflected in the two distinct and complementary sexes, and together they reflect the image and nature of God. We believe that while males and females are equal in dignity and value, they are distinct in function and roles. We believe that individuals should gratefully accept their God-given sex without seeking to change God’s intended design.
Genesis 1:27; Genesis 5:1-2; Galatians 3:27-28; 1 Peter 3:7; Ephesians 5:22-33; 1 Tim. 2:11-15; 1 Peter 3:1-7