Beliefs
God
At First Missionary Baptist Church we believe God is Creator and Ruler of the universe and all creation. He has eternally existed in three personalities: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. God created man in his image as the supreme object of all his creation.
- Isaiah 53:6
- Psalm 8:3-6
- Romans 3:23
- Romans 5:12
- John 3:16
- 1 John 2:25; 5:11-13
- Romans 6:23
- Revelation 20:15
Man
However, mankind is sinful because the first man, Adam, chose to disobey God. Therefore, all are born into sin. Man is created to exist forever. God created man with an eternal soul, which can never die. He will either exist eternally separated from God, or he will exist eternally in union with God through forgiveness of sin and salvation. To be eternally separated from God is Hell. To be eternally in union with God is eternal life.
- Matthew 1:22,23
- Isaiah 9:6
- John 1:1-5; 14:10-30
- Hebrews 4:14,15
- 1 Corinthians 15:3,4
- Romans 1:3,4
- Acts 1:9-11
- 1 Timothy 6:14,15
- Titus 2:13
- 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17
Jesus Christ
Jesus Christ is the son of God who was sent from Heaven and was born of a virgin and lived a sinless, perfect life. Jesus Christ is co–equal with the Father. He offered himself as a perfect sacrifice for our sins by dying on the cross. He was buried and he rose again after three days having victory over sin and death. He ascended to Heaven’s glory and is now seated at the right hand of God the Father. Jesus is coming again to bring all those who professed their faith in him home to Heaven.
Salvation
Salvation is a gift from God to man made possible by Jesus Christ alone. Man can do nothing of his own accord to earn God’s gift of salvation. Only by trusting Jesus Christ as God’s substitute for us can man be saved from the price of sin, which is eternal separation from God (Hell). Eternal life begins the moment one receives Jesus Christ as their Savior.
Eternal Life
Because God gives mankind eternal life through Jesus Christ, the believer is secure in that salvation for eternity. Salvation is kept by the grace and power of God: not by self–effort of the Christian. No one can do anything so bad in life that results in one losing God’s gift of salvation. Christ died for all of our sins – from beginning to end.
Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is equal with the Father and the Son of God. He is present in the world to make mankind aware of their need for a savior –– Jesus Christ. He also dwells in every Christian from the moment of salvation. He gives the Christian spiritual truth and guidance in doing God’s will for ones life. The Christian seeks to live under His control daily.
- 2 Corinthians 3:17
- John 16:7-13; 14:16,17
- Acts 1:8
- 1 Corinthians 2:12; 3:16
- Ephesians 1:13
- Galations 5:25
- Ephesians 5:18
Bible
The Bible is God’s word to mankind. Human authors under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit wrote it. It is the supreme source of truth for Christian beliefs and living. Because it is inspired by God, it is truth without any mixture of error.