New Jerusalem Baptist Church
What we Believe
Declaration of Faith
1. The Holy Spirit: We believe that the Holy Bible was written by men divinely inspired, and
is a perfect treasure of heavenly instruction, that it has God as its author, salvation as its end,
and truth without mixture of error, for its matter, that it reveals the principles by which God
will judge us, and therefore is, and shall remain to the world, the true center of Christian
union, and the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds and opinions should be
tried. Scriptures: II Timothy 3:16-17, II Peter 1:21, John 10:35, Luke 16:29-31 and others)
2. The One 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; inexpressibly glorious in holiness and worthy of all possible honor, confidence and love; that in the unity of the Godhead there are three persons, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, equal in every divine perfection and executing distinct but harmonious offices in the great work of redemption. (Scriptures: I John 2:24, Psalms 147:5, Psalms 83:18, Mark 12:30 and John 10:30)
3. The Fall of Man: We believe that Man created in holiness, under the law of his Maker, but by voluntary transgression fell from that holy and happy state; in consequence of which all mankind are now sinners, not by constraint, but by choice; 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, without defense or excuse. Scriptures: Genesis 1:27, Acts 17:26-29, Genesis 3:6-24, Romans 5:19, and Isaiah 53:6)
4. THE WAY OF SALVATION: We believe that the salvation of sinners is wholly of grace; through the mediatorial offices of the Son of God; who by the 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 atonement for our sins; that having risen from the dead, he is now enthroned in heaven; and uniting in his wonderful person the tenderest sympathies with divine perfections, he is in every way qualified to be a suitable, a compassionate, and an all-sufficient Savior. (Scriptures: Ephesians 2:8, Matthew 18:11, I John 4:10, Philippians 2:6-7, Isaiah 53:4-5 and Hebrews 7:25)
5. 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 promise 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. (Scriptures: John 1:16, Ephesians 3:8, Acts 13:39, Romans 5:9 and Romans 5:17)
6. THE FREENESS OF SALVATION: We believe 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 cordial, penitent and obedient faith; and that nothing prevents the salvation of the greatest sinner on earth, but his own determined depravity and voluntary rejection of the Gospel. (Scriptures: Isaiah 55:1, Revelation 22:17, Romans 16:25-26, Mark 1:15 and John 5:40)
7. SANTIFICATION: We believe that Sanctification is the process by which, according to the will of God, we are made partakers of his holiness; that it is a progressive work; that it is begun in regeneration; and that it is carried on in the hearts of believers by the presence and power of the Holy Spirit, the Sealer and Comforter, in the continual use of the appointed means especially the word of God, self-examination, self-denial, watchfulness, and prayer. (Scriptures: I Thessalonians 4:3, I Thessalonians 5:23, Proverbs 4:18 and I John 2:29)
