What We Believe

Statement of Beliefs: 

Introduction


Seventh Day Baptists consider liberty of thought under the guidance of the Holy Spirit to be essential to Christian belief and practice. Therefore we encourage the unhindered study and open discussion of Scripture. We uphold the individual's freedom of conscience in seeking to determine and obey the will of God. 


The following statement is not intended to be exhaustive, but is an expression of our common belief, which is derived from our understanding of Scripture. 


Scripture References : 2 Corinthians 3:17-18, 2 Timothy 2:15, Romans 12:2, Ephesians 4:3-6, Ephesians 15, Romans 10:17, and 2 Timothy 3:16-17.  


The Scriptures


We believe that the Bible is the inspired Word of God and is our final authority in matters of faith and practice. We believe that Jesus Christ, in His life and teachings as recorded in the Bible, is the supreme interpreter of God's will for mankind. 


Scripture References: 2 Peter 1:20-21, Romans 3:2, 2 Peter 3:1-2, 

2 Peter 3:15-16, 2 Timothy 3:14-17, Matthew 5:17-19, 

Psalm 119:105, John 20:30-31, and Hebrews 1:1-2.  


God


We believe in one God, infinite and perfect, the Creator and Sustainer of the universe who exists eternally in three persons (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) and desires to share His love in a personal relationship with everyone. 


Scripture References: 1 Timothy 1:17, Deuteronomy 6:4, 1 Kings 8:27, 

1 John 1:5, Genesis 1:1-2, Acts 17:24-25, Acts 28, Psalm 90:1-2, Matthew 28:19, John 3:16, Isaiah 57:15, and 2 Peter 3:9.  


The Father


We believe in God the Father, who is sovereign over all, and is loving and just as He forgives the repentant and condemns the unrepentant. 


Scripture References: 1 Corinthians 8:6, Ephesians 4:6, Ezekiel 33:11, 2 Thessalonians 1:6-8, John 5:24, and John 3:16-18.  


The Son


We believe in God the Son, who became incarnate in Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. He gave Himself on the cross as the complete and final sacrifice for sin. As our Risen Lord, He is the mediator between God the Father and mankind. 


Scripture References: John 1:34, Hebrews 1:3, John 1:14-18, Romans 1:3-4, 1 John 3:16, 1 Peter 2:24, Hebrews 10:10-14, 1 Corinthians 15:20-21, 1 Timothy 2:5, John 14:6, and 1 John 2:1-2.  


The Holy Spirit


We believe in God the Holy Spirit, the Comforter, who gives spiritual birth to believers lives within them, and empowers them for witnessing and service. We believe the Holy Spirit inspired the Scriptures, convicts of sin and instructs in righteousness. 


Scripture References : John 14:16, John 3:5-8, John 14:17, Romans 5:5, 1 Corinthians 12:4-7, 2 Peter 1:20-21, and John 16:7-11.


Mankind


We believe that mankind was created in the image of God and is therefore the noblest work of creation. We believe that human beings have moral responsibility and are created to enjoy both divine and human fellowship as children of God. 


Scripture References: Genesis 1:26-27, Psalm 8:3-9, Micah 6:8, Matthew 5:44-48, 1 John 1:3, and John 1:12.