First Baptist Church of Independence
" If you believe what the Bible teaches, attend a church that teaches the Bible!"
Service Schedule
Sunday School 10:00 am
Sunday Morning Worship 11:00 am
Sunday Prayer Meeting 5:30 pm
Sunday Evening Worship 6:00 pm
Wednesday Bible Study 7:00 pm
Sunday Morning Worship 11:00 am
Sunday Prayer Meeting 5:30 pm
Sunday Evening Worship 6:00 pm
Wednesday Bible Study 7:00 pm
| Watch us on television Insight Channel 17 |
| Monday 9:00 pm Thursday 6:00 pm Saturday 2:00 pm Sunday 2:00 pm |
| " Sounds of Grace" |
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1. Of the Scriptures
We believe that the Holy Bible was written by men divinely inspired, and is a perfect treasure of heavenly instruction (1); that
it has God for its author, salvation for its end (2), and truth without any mixture of error for its matter (3); that it reveals the
principles by which God will judge us (4); and therefore is, and shall remain, the true center of Christian union (5), and the
supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds, and opinions shall be tried (6).
1. 2 Tim.3:16-17; Pet. 1:21;1 Sam.23:2; Acts 1:16; 3:21; John 10:35; Luke 16:29-31; Psa.119:11; Rom. 3:1-2
2. 2 Tim. 3:15; 1 Pet. 1:10-12; Acts 11:14; Rom. 1:16; Mark 16:16; John 5:38-39
3. Prov. 30:5-6; John 17:17; Rev. 22:18-19; Rom. 3:4
4. Rom. 2:12; John 12:47-48; 1 Cor. 4:3-4; Luke 10:10-16; 12:47-48
5. Phil. 3:16; Eph. 4:3-6; Phil. 2:1-2; 1 Cor. 1:10; 1 Pet. 4:11
6. 1 John 4:1; Isa. 8:20; 1 Thess. 5:21; 2 Cor. 8:5; Acts 17:11; 1 John 4:6; Jude 3:5; Eph. 6:17; Psa. 119:59-60; Phil. 1:9-11
Confession of Faith
We accept the New Hampshire Confession of Faith as the Statement of Faith for our church. However this Statement of
Faith does not exhaust the extent of our faith. The Bible itself is the sole and final source of all that we believe. We do believe,
however, that the following Statement of Faith accurately represents the teaching of the Bible, and therefore, is binding upon
all members.
Faith does not exhaust the extent of our faith. The Bible itself is the sole and final source of all that we believe. We do believe,
however, that the following Statement of Faith accurately represents the teaching of the Bible, and therefore, is binding upon
all members.
2. Of the True God
We believe 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 (1); inexpressibly glorious in holiness (2), and worthy of all possible honor,
confidence, and love (3); that in the unity of the Godhead there are three persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost
(4); equal in every divine perfection (5), and executing distinct and harmonious offices in the great work of redemption (6).
1. John 4:24; Psa. 147:5; 83:18; Heb. 3:4; Rom. 1:20; Jer. 10:10
2. Exod. 15:11; Isa. 6:3; 1 Pet. 1:15-16; Rev. 4:6-8
3. Mark 12:30; Rev. 4:11; Matt. 10:37; Jer. 2:12-13
4. Matt. 28:19; John 15:26; 1 Cor. 12:4-6; 1 John 5:7
5. John 10:30; 5:17; 14:23; 17:5, 10; Acts 5:3-4; 1 Cor. 2:10-11; Phil. 2:5-6
6. Eph. 2:18; 2 Cor. 13:14; Rev. 1:4-5; comp. 2, 7
We believe 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 (1); inexpressibly glorious in holiness (2), and worthy of all possible honor,
confidence, and love (3); that in the unity of the Godhead there are three persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost
(4); equal in every divine perfection (5), and executing distinct and harmonious offices in the great work of redemption (6).
1. John 4:24; Psa. 147:5; 83:18; Heb. 3:4; Rom. 1:20; Jer. 10:10
2. Exod. 15:11; Isa. 6:3; 1 Pet. 1:15-16; Rev. 4:6-8
3. Mark 12:30; Rev. 4:11; Matt. 10:37; Jer. 2:12-13
4. Matt. 28:19; John 15:26; 1 Cor. 12:4-6; 1 John 5:7
5. John 10:30; 5:17; 14:23; 17:5, 10; Acts 5:3-4; 1 Cor. 2:10-11; Phil. 2:5-6
6. Eph. 2:18; 2 Cor. 13:14; Rev. 1:4-5; comp. 2, 7
3. Of the Fall of Man
We believe that man was created in holiness, under the law of his Maker (1); but by voluntary transgression fell from that
holy and happy state (2); in consequence of which all mankind are now sinners (3), not by constraint, but choice (4); 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 (5), without defense or excuse (6).
1. Gen. 1:27, 31; Eccl. 7:29; Acts 16:26; Gen. 2:16
2. Gen. 3:6-24; Rom. 5:12
3. Rom. 5:19; John 3:6; Psa. 51:5; Rom. 5:15-19; 8:7
4. Isa. 53:6; Gen. 6:12; Rom. 3:9-18
5. Eph. 2:1-3; Rom. 1:18, 32; 2:1-16; Gal. 3:10; Matt. 20:15
6. Ezek. 18:19-20; Rom. 1:20; 3:19; Gal. 3:22
We believe that man was created in holiness, under the law of his Maker (1); but by voluntary transgression fell from that
holy and happy state (2); in consequence of which all mankind are now sinners (3), not by constraint, but choice (4); 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 (5), without defense or excuse (6).
1. Gen. 1:27, 31; Eccl. 7:29; Acts 16:26; Gen. 2:16
2. Gen. 3:6-24; Rom. 5:12
3. Rom. 5:19; John 3:6; Psa. 51:5; Rom. 5:15-19; 8:7
4. Isa. 53:6; Gen. 6:12; Rom. 3:9-18
5. Eph. 2:1-3; Rom. 1:18, 32; 2:1-16; Gal. 3:10; Matt. 20:15
6. Ezek. 18:19-20; Rom. 1:20; 3:19; Gal. 3:22
4. Of the Way of Salvation
We believe that the salvation of sinners is wholly of grace (1), through the mediatorial offices of the Son of God (2); who
by the appointment of the Father, freely took upon him our nature, yet without sin (3); honored the divine law by his
personal obedience (4), and by his death made a full atonement for our sins (5); that having risen from the death, he is
now enthroned in heaven (5); 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 Saviour (7).
1. Eph. 2:5; Matt. 18:11; 1 John 4:10; 1 Cor. 3:5-7; Acts 15:11
2. John 3:16; 1:1-14; Heb. 4:14; 12:24
3. Phil. 2:6-7; Heb. 2:9, 14; 2 Cor. 5:21
4. Isa. 42:21; Phil. 2:8; Gal. 4:4-5; Rom. 3:21
5. Isa. 53:4-5; Matt. 20:28; Rom. 4:25; 3:21-26; 1 John 4:10; 2:2; 1 Cor. 15:1-3; Heb. 9:13-15
6. Heb. 1:8, 3; 8:1; Col. 3:1-4
7. Heb. 7:25; Col. 2:9; Heb. 2:18; 7:26; Psa. 89:19; Psa. 14
We believe that the salvation of sinners is wholly of grace (1), through the mediatorial offices of the Son of God (2); who
by the appointment of the Father, freely took upon him our nature, yet without sin (3); honored the divine law by his
personal obedience (4), and by his death made a full atonement for our sins (5); that having risen from the death, he is
now enthroned in heaven (5); 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 Saviour (7).
1. Eph. 2:5; Matt. 18:11; 1 John 4:10; 1 Cor. 3:5-7; Acts 15:11
2. John 3:16; 1:1-14; Heb. 4:14; 12:24
3. Phil. 2:6-7; Heb. 2:9, 14; 2 Cor. 5:21
4. Isa. 42:21; Phil. 2:8; Gal. 4:4-5; Rom. 3:21
5. Isa. 53:4-5; Matt. 20:28; Rom. 4:25; 3:21-26; 1 John 4:10; 2:2; 1 Cor. 15:1-3; Heb. 9:13-15
6. Heb. 1:8, 3; 8:1; Col. 3:1-4
7. Heb. 7:25; Col. 2:9; Heb. 2:18; 7:26; Psa. 89:19; Psa. 14
5. Of Justification
We believe that the great gospel blessing which Christ (1) secures to such as believe in him is Justification (2); that
Justification includes the pardon of sin (3), and the promise of eternal life on principles of righteousness (4); 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 (5); by virtue of which faith his perfect righteousness is freely imputed to us of God (6; 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 (7).
1. John 1:16; Eph. 3:8
2. Acts 13:39; Rom. 8:1
3. Rom. 5:9; Zech. 13:1; Matt. 9:6; Acts 10:43
4. Rom. 5:17; Titus 3:5-6; 1 Pet. 3:7; 1 John 2:25; Rom. 5:21
5. Rom. 4:4-5; 5:21; 6:28; Phil. 3:7-9
6. Rom. 5:19; 3:24-26; 4:23-25; 1 John 2:12
7. Rom. 5:1-3, 11; 1 Cor. 1:30-31; Matt. 6:33; 1 Tim. 4:8
We believe that the great gospel blessing which Christ (1) secures to such as believe in him is Justification (2); that
Justification includes the pardon of sin (3), and the promise of eternal life on principles of righteousness (4); 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 (5); by virtue of which faith his perfect righteousness is freely imputed to us of God (6; 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 (7).
1. John 1:16; Eph. 3:8
2. Acts 13:39; Rom. 8:1
3. Rom. 5:9; Zech. 13:1; Matt. 9:6; Acts 10:43
4. Rom. 5:17; Titus 3:5-6; 1 Pet. 3:7; 1 John 2:25; Rom. 5:21
5. Rom. 4:4-5; 5:21; 6:28; Phil. 3:7-9
6. Rom. 5:19; 3:24-26; 4:23-25; 1 John 2:12
7. Rom. 5:1-3, 11; 1 Cor. 1:30-31; Matt. 6:33; 1 Tim. 4:8
6. Of the Freeness of Salvation
We believe that the blessings of salvation are made free to all by the gospel (1); that it is the immediate duty of all to accept
them by a cordial, penitent, and obedient faith (2); and that nothing prevents the salvation of the greatest sinner on earth
but his own inherent depravity and voluntary rejection of the gospel (3); which rejection involves him in an aggravated
condemnation (4).
1. Isa. 55:1; Rev. 22:17; Luke 14:17
2. Rom. 16:26; Mark 1:15; Rom. 1:15-17
3. John 5:40; Matt. 23:37; Rom. 9:32; Prov. 1:24; Acts 13:46
4. John 3:19; Matt. 11:20; Luke 19:27; 2 Thess. 1:8
We believe that the blessings of salvation are made free to all by the gospel (1); that it is the immediate duty of all to accept
them by a cordial, penitent, and obedient faith (2); and that nothing prevents the salvation of the greatest sinner on earth
but his own inherent depravity and voluntary rejection of the gospel (3); which rejection involves him in an aggravated
condemnation (4).
1. Isa. 55:1; Rev. 22:17; Luke 14:17
2. Rom. 16:26; Mark 1:15; Rom. 1:15-17
3. John 5:40; Matt. 23:37; Rom. 9:32; Prov. 1:24; Acts 13:46
4. John 3:19; Matt. 11:20; Luke 19:27; 2 Thess. 1:8
7. Of Grace in Regeneration
We believe that, in order to be saved, sinners must be regenerated, or born again (1); that regeneration consists in giving a
holy disposition to the mind (2); that it is effected in a manner above our comprehension by the power of the Holy Spirit,
in connection with divine truth (3), so as to secure our voluntary obedience to the gospel (4); and that its proper evidence
appears in the holy fruits of repentance, and faith, and newness of life (5).
1. John 3:3, 6-7; 1 Cor. 1:14; Rev. 8:7-9; 21:27
2. 2 Cor. 5:17; Ezek. 36:26; Deut. 30:6; Rom. 2:28-29; 5:5; 1 John 4:7
3. John 3:8; 1:13; James 1:16-18; 1 Cor. 1:30; Phil. 2:13
4. 1 Pet. 1:22-25; 1 John 5:1; Eph. 4:20-24; Col. 3:9-11
5. Eph. 5:9; Rom. 8:9; Gal. 5:16-23; Eph. 3:14-21; Matt. 3:8-10; 7:20; 1 John 5:4, 18
We believe that, in order to be saved, sinners must be regenerated, or born again (1); that regeneration consists in giving a
holy disposition to the mind (2); that it is effected in a manner above our comprehension by the power of the Holy Spirit,
in connection with divine truth (3), so as to secure our voluntary obedience to the gospel (4); and that its proper evidence
appears in the holy fruits of repentance, and faith, and newness of life (5).
1. John 3:3, 6-7; 1 Cor. 1:14; Rev. 8:7-9; 21:27
2. 2 Cor. 5:17; Ezek. 36:26; Deut. 30:6; Rom. 2:28-29; 5:5; 1 John 4:7
3. John 3:8; 1:13; James 1:16-18; 1 Cor. 1:30; Phil. 2:13
4. 1 Pet. 1:22-25; 1 John 5:1; Eph. 4:20-24; Col. 3:9-11
5. Eph. 5:9; Rom. 8:9; Gal. 5:16-23; Eph. 3:14-21; Matt. 3:8-10; 7:20; 1 John 5:4, 18
8. Of Repentance and Faith
We believe that Repentance and Faith are sacred duties, and also inseparable graces, wrought in our souls by the
regenerating Spirit of God (1); whereby being deeply convinced of our guilt, danger, and helplessness, and of the way of
salvation by Christ (2), we turn to God with unfeigned contrition, confession, and supplication for mercy (3); at the same
time heartily receiving the Lord Jesus Christ as our Prophet, Priest, and King, and relying on him alone as the only and
all-sufficient Saviour (4).
1. Mark 1:15; Acts 11:18; Eph. 2:8; 1 John 5:1
2. John 16:8; Acts 2:37-38; 16:30-31
3. Luke 18:13; 15:18-21; James 4:7-10; 2 Cor. 7:11; Rom.10:12-13; Psa. 51
4. Rom. 10:9-11; Acts 3:22-23: Heb. 4:14; Psa. 2:6; Heb. 1:8; 8:25; 2 Tim. 1:12
We believe that Repentance and Faith are sacred duties, and also inseparable graces, wrought in our souls by the
regenerating Spirit of God (1); whereby being deeply convinced of our guilt, danger, and helplessness, and of the way of
salvation by Christ (2), we turn to God with unfeigned contrition, confession, and supplication for mercy (3); at the same
time heartily receiving the Lord Jesus Christ as our Prophet, Priest, and King, and relying on him alone as the only and
all-sufficient Saviour (4).
1. Mark 1:15; Acts 11:18; Eph. 2:8; 1 John 5:1
2. John 16:8; Acts 2:37-38; 16:30-31
3. Luke 18:13; 15:18-21; James 4:7-10; 2 Cor. 7:11; Rom.10:12-13; Psa. 51
4. Rom. 10:9-11; Acts 3:22-23: Heb. 4:14; Psa. 2:6; Heb. 1:8; 8:25; 2 Tim. 1:12
9. Of God's Purpose of Grace
We believe that Election is the eternal purpose of God, according to which he graciously regenerates, sanctifies, and
saves sinners (1); that being perfectly consistent with the free agency of man, it comprehends all the means in
connection with the end (2); that it is a most glorious display of God's sovereign goodness, being infinitely free, wise,
holy, and unchangeable (3); that it utterly excludes boasting, and promotes humility, love, prayer, praise, trust in God,
and active imitation of his free mercy (4); that it encourages the use of means in the highest degree (5); that it may be
ascertained by its effects in all who truly believe the gospel (6); that it is the foundation of Christian assurance (7); and
that to ascertain it with regard to ourselves demands and deserves the utmost diligence (8).
1. 2 Tim. 1:8-9; Eph. 1:3-14; 1 Pet. 1:1-2; Rom. 11:5-6; John 15:15; 1 John 4:19; Hos. 12:9
2. 2 Thess. 2:13-14; Acts 13:48; John 10:16; Matt. 20:16; Acts 15:14
3. Exod. 33:18-19; Matt. 20:15; Eph. 1:11; Rom. 9:23-24: Jer. 31:3; Rom. 11:28-29; James 1:17-18; 2 Tim. 1:9;
Rom. 11:32-36
4. 1 Cor. 4:7; 1:26-31; Rom. 3:27; 4:16; Col. 3:12; 1 Cor. 3:5-7; 15:10; 1 Pet. 5:10; Acts 1:24; 1 Thess. 2:13; 1
Pet. 2:9; Luke 18:7; John 15:16; Eph. 1:16; 1 Thess. 2:12
5. 2 Tim. 2:10; 1 Cor. 9:22; Rom. 8:28-30; John 6:37-40; 2 Pet. 1:10
6. 1 Thess. 1:4-10
7. Rom. 8:28-30; Isa. 42:16; Rom. 11:29
8. 2 Pet. 1:10-11; Phil. 3:12; Heb. 6:11
We believe that Election is the eternal purpose of God, according to which he graciously regenerates, sanctifies, and
saves sinners (1); that being perfectly consistent with the free agency of man, it comprehends all the means in
connection with the end (2); that it is a most glorious display of God's sovereign goodness, being infinitely free, wise,
holy, and unchangeable (3); that it utterly excludes boasting, and promotes humility, love, prayer, praise, trust in God,
and active imitation of his free mercy (4); that it encourages the use of means in the highest degree (5); that it may be
ascertained by its effects in all who truly believe the gospel (6); that it is the foundation of Christian assurance (7); and
that to ascertain it with regard to ourselves demands and deserves the utmost diligence (8).
1. 2 Tim. 1:8-9; Eph. 1:3-14; 1 Pet. 1:1-2; Rom. 11:5-6; John 15:15; 1 John 4:19; Hos. 12:9
2. 2 Thess. 2:13-14; Acts 13:48; John 10:16; Matt. 20:16; Acts 15:14
3. Exod. 33:18-19; Matt. 20:15; Eph. 1:11; Rom. 9:23-24: Jer. 31:3; Rom. 11:28-29; James 1:17-18; 2 Tim. 1:9;
Rom. 11:32-36
4. 1 Cor. 4:7; 1:26-31; Rom. 3:27; 4:16; Col. 3:12; 1 Cor. 3:5-7; 15:10; 1 Pet. 5:10; Acts 1:24; 1 Thess. 2:13; 1
Pet. 2:9; Luke 18:7; John 15:16; Eph. 1:16; 1 Thess. 2:12
5. 2 Tim. 2:10; 1 Cor. 9:22; Rom. 8:28-30; John 6:37-40; 2 Pet. 1:10
6. 1 Thess. 1:4-10
7. Rom. 8:28-30; Isa. 42:16; Rom. 11:29
8. 2 Pet. 1:10-11; Phil. 3:12; Heb. 6:11