Concerning the Scriptures
We believe that the Scriptures are the Revealed, Inspired, Preserved Word of God. We believe the scriptures are God-breathed. The 66 books of the Old and New Testament are divinely preserved through the manuscript family known as the Textus Receptus, which comprises the book known as the Bible. Therefore, Grace Baptist Church uses the King James Bible in all of its pulpit and preaching ministries. Visitors are welcome to bring in any version that they are comfortable using, however, we made the above statement to avoid any confusion during church services. (II Timothy 3:16; Psalms 12:6-7)
Concerning Salvation
We believe that salvation is fully and completely a work of God. All three persons of God were involved in redeeming fallen man. The gift of Salvation is eternal life being bestowed upon the repentant sinner. The free gift of salvation was not free to God. It occurs when the sinner accepts the vicarious death, burial, and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ as the payment for their sin. In short, we believe that salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. (John 3:16; Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 10:9-13)
Concerning the Church
We believe that The Church is defined in the Scriptures as the local, indigenous, geographical body made up of born-again believers. The head of the church is the Lord Jesus Christ. The sole rule for faith and practice is the Word of God. The pastor is the under-Shepard of the body and oversees its many functions. The church is the bride of Christ. Her practical purpose is to reflect God’s love, win the lost to Christ, remain separated from the world through the lifestyle of her membership, and to preach and teach sound doctrine by rightly dividing the Word of Truth. The church is to observe both Believer’s Baptism by immersion and the Lord’s Supper as a memorial of Christ’s death, resurrection, and triumphant return. (Matthew 28:18–20; Acts 1:8; II Corinthians 6:14; I Timothy 3:8-14; I Corinthians 11:23–28)
Concerning the past and future
We believe that the church has existed throughout the New Testament Age through doctrinally pure local churches tracing back to Jerusalem in Acts 2. We are an independent, self-governing church that embraces the doctrinal distinctives that associate us with the line of churches that have remained pure and separated from Paganism, Romanism, and Protestantism.
We believe in a line of ecclesiastical succession that dates back to the Apostles. We believe the temporary signs and gifts ceased at the end of the 1st Century. However, we joyfully embrace the rich history of our persecuted forefathers who were given the title of “Baptist”! We believe in the eminent, Pre-“Tribulational return of Jesus Christ known as the Rapture. The seven-year tribulation will complete the 70th week of Daniel’s prophecy, and Christ himself will literally rule on the earth for a period of 1000 years. After this, the final Great White Throne Judgment shall usher in the Eternal Future. (I Corinthians 13:10; I Thessalonians 4:13-17; Revelation 4:1; Revelation 19–22)
