Our Statement of Faith
DOCTRINAL STATEMENT
New Hampshire Confession of Faith (with revisions - Articles II, XVI, XVIII, and XIX were revised or added July 1956)
I. The Scriptures
We believe (a) that the Holy Bible was written by men divinely inspired, and is a perfect treasure of heavenly instruction; (b) that it has God for its author, salvation for its end, (c) and truth without any mixture of error for its matter; (d) that it reveals the principles by which God will judge us; (e) and therefore is, and shall remain to the end of the world, the true center of Christian union, (f) and the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds, and opinions should be tried.
Places in the Bible where taught: (a) II Timothy 3:15-17; II Peter 1:21; Acts 1:16; 3:21; II Samuel 23:2; John 10:35; Luke 16:29-31; Psalm 3; Psalms 111, Romans 3:1-2 (b) I Peter 1:10-12; Acts 11:14; Romans 1:16; Mark 16:16; John 5:38-39 (c) Proverbs 30:5-6; John 17:17; Revelation 22:18-19; Romans 3:4 (d) Romans 2:12; John 12:47-48; I Corinthians 4:3-4; Luke 10:10-16; Luke 12:47-48 (e) Philippians 2:1-2; 3:16; Ephesians 4:3-6; I Corinthians 1:10; I Peter 4:11 (f) I John 4:1; Isaiah 8:20; I Thessalonians. 5:21; II Corinthians 13:5; Acts 17:11; I John 4:6; Jude 3; Ephesians 6:17; Psalm 119:59-60; Philippians 1:9-11
II. The Triune God
We believe (a) 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; (b) inexpressibly glorious in holiness, (c) and worthy of all possible honor, confidence, and love; (d) that in the unity of the Godhead there are three persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost; (e) equal in every divine perfection, (f) and executing distinct but harmonious offices in the work of redemption.
Places in the Bible where taught: (a) John 4:24; Psalms 147:5; Psalms 83:18; Hebrews 3:4; Romans 1:20; Jeremiah 10:10; Isaiah 45:21-22 (b) Exodus 15:11; Isaiah 6:3; I Peter 1:15-16; Revelation 4:6-8 (c) Mark 12:30; Revelation 4:11; Matthew 10:37; Jeremiah 2:12-13 (d) Matthew 28:19; John 15:26; I Corinthians. 12:4-6; I John 5:7; II Corinthians 13:14; Matthew 3:16-17; Luke 1:35 (e) John 10:30; John 5:17; 14:23; 17:5; 17:10; Acts 5:3-4; Acts 20:28; I Corinthians 2:10-11; Philippians 2:5-6; (f) Ephesians 2:18; II Corinthians. 13:14; Revelation 1:4-5; 2:7; Ephesians 1:3-14
II.A. The Person and Work of Christ
We believe (a) the Lord Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God, became man, without ceasing to be God, having been conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary, and lived a sinless life. He came that He might reveal God and redeem sinful man.
We believe (b) the Lord Jesus Christ accomplished our redemption through His death on the cross as a representative, vicarious, substitutionary sacrifice in providing an unlimited atonement for the sins of the whole world and our justification is verified by His literal, physical resurrection from the dead.
We believe (c) the Lord Jesus Christ ascended to heaven and is now exalted at the right hand of God where, as our High Priest, He fulfills the ministry of Representative, Intercessor, and Advocate.
We believe (d) that Jesus Christ was begotten of the Holy Ghost in a miraculous manner; born of Mary, a virgin, as no other man was ever born or can ever be born of woman, and that He is both perfect God and perfect man, the Son of God, and God the son.
Places in the Bible where taught: (a)Luke 1:35; John 1:1-2, 14 (b) Romans 3:24-25; Ephesians 1:7; Hebrews 2:9; 1 Peter 1:3-5, 2:24; 1 John 2:2 (c) Acts 1:9-10; Romans 8:34; Hebrews 7:25, 9:24; 1 John 2:1-2) (d) Genesis 3:15; Psalm 2:7; Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:18-25; Mark 1:1; Luke 1:35; John 1:14; 1 Corinthians 15:47; Galatians 4:4; 1 John 5:20
II.B. The Person and Work of the Holy Spirit
We believe (a) the Holy Spirit is the person of the Godhead who in this present age convicts the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment; who regenerates and baptizes into the body of Christ those who believe; and who indwells and seals them unto the day of redemption.
We believe (b) the Holy Spirit is the Divine Teacher who guides believers into all truth and it is the privilege of believers to be filled with, and their duty to walk in, the Holy Spirit.
We believe (c) that the Holy Spirit is a divine person; equal with God the Father and God the Son and of the same nature; that He was active in the creation; that in His relation to the unbelieving world He restrains the Evil One until God's purpose is fulfilled; that He convicts of sin, of judgment and of righteousness; that He bears witness to the truth of the Gospel in preaching and testimony; that He is the agent in the new birth; that He seals, baptizes, empowers, guides, teaches, witnesses, sanctifies and helps the believer in accordance with the Scriptures.
Places in the Bible where taught: (a) John 16:8-11; Romans 8:9; 1 Corinthians 12:12-14; 2 Corinthians 3:6; Ephesians 1:13,14 (b) John 16:13; Galatians 5:16; Eph. 5:18:1 John 2:20,27 (c) John 14:16-17; Matthew 28:19; Hebrews 9:14; John 14:26; Luke 1:35; Gen. 1:1-3; II Thessalonians 2:7; John 16:8-11; 15:25-27; Acts 5:30-32; John 3:5-6; Ephesians. 1:13-14; Matthew. 3:11; Mark 1:8; Luke 3:16; John 1:33; Acts 11:16; Luke 24:49; John 16:13; John 14:26; Romans 8:14-16; II Thessalonians 2:13; I Peter 1:2; Romans 8:26-27
III. The Fall of Man
We believe (a) that man was created in holiness, in the image of God, under the law of his Maker; (b) but by voluntary transgression fell from that holy and happy state; (c) in consequence of which all mankind are now sinners, (d) not by constraint, but choice; (e) 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, (f) without defense or excuse.
Places in the Bible where taught: (a) Genesis 1:27,31; Ecclesiastes. 7:29; Acts 17:24-29; Genesis 2:16-17 (b) Genesis 3:6-24; Romans 5:12 (c) John 3:6; Psalms 51:5; Romans 5:12-19; 8:7; Psalms 14:1-3 (d) Isaiah. 53:6; Genesis 6:5, 12; Romans 3:9-18, 23 (e) Ephesians. 2:1-3; Romans 1:18; 2:1-16; Galatians 3:10; Matthew 20:15 (f) Ezekiel 18:19-20; Romans 1:19-32; Romans 3:19; Galatians 3:22
III.A. The Total Depravity of Man
We believe man was created in the image and likeness of God; in Adam's sin the race fell, inherited a sinful nature, and became alienated from God; and man is totally depraved and unable to remedy his lost condition.
Places in the Bible where taught: Genesis 1:26-27; Romans 3:22-23; 5:12; Ephesians 2:1-3, 12
IV. The Way of Salvation
We believe (a) that the salvation of sinners is wholly of grace; (b) through the mediatorial offices of the Son of God; (c) who by the appointment of the Father, freely took upon Him our nature, yet without sin; (d) honored the divine law by His personal obedience, (e) and by His death made a full atonement for our sins; (f) that having risen from the dead, He is now enthroned in Heaven; (g) 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 Savior.
Places in the Bible where taught: (a) Ephesians 2:8; Matthew 18:11; I John 4:10; I Corinthians 3:5,7; Acts 15:11; Luke 19:10 (b) John 3:16; Hebrews 4:14; 12:24; 9:11-12 (c) Philippians 2:6-7; Hebrews 2:9,14; II Corinthians 5:21 (d) Isaiah 42:21; Philippians 2:8; Gal. 4:4-5; Romans 3:21 (e) Isaiah 53:4-5; Matthew 20:28; Romans 4:25; 3:21-26; Mark 10:45, I John 4:10-11; 2:2; I Corinthians 15:1-3; Hebrews 9:13-15 (f) Hebrews 1:3, 8; Hebrews 8:1; Colossians 3:1-4 (g) Hebrews 7:25; Col. 2:9; Hebrews 2:18; 7:25-26; Psalms 34; 89:19
V. Justification
We believe (a) that the great gospel blessing which Christ (b) secures to such as believe in Him is Justification; (c) that Justification includes the pardon of sin, (d) and the promise of eternal life on principles of righteousness; (e) 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; (f) by virtue of which faith His perfect righteousness is freely imputed to us of God; (g) 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.
Places in the Bible where taught: (a) John 1:16; Ephesians 3:8 (b) Acts 13:39; Isaiah 53:11-12; Romans 8:1 (c) Romans 5:9; Zechariah 13:1; Matthew. 9:6; Acts 10:43 (d) Romans 5:17; Titus 3:5-7; II Peter 3:7; I John 2:25; Romans 5:21 (e) Romans 4:4-5; 3:28; 5:21; 6:23; Philippians 3:7-9 (f) Romans 5:19; 3:24-26; 4:23-25; 5:11; I John 2:12 (g) Romans 5:1-3; I Corinthians. 1:30-31; Matthew. 6:33; I Timothy 4:8
VI. The Freeness of Salvation
We believe (a) that the blessings of salvation are made free to all by the Gospel; (b) that it is the immediate duty of all to accept them by a cordial, penitent, and obedient faith; (c) and that nothing prevents the salvation of the greatest sinner on earth but his own inherent depravity and voluntary rejection of the Gospel, (d) which rejection involves him in an aggravated condemnation.
Places in the Bible where taught: (a) Isaiah 55:1; Revelation 22:17; Luke 14:17 (b) Romans 16:25-26; Mark 1:15; Romans 1:15-17; Acts 17:30 (c) John 5:40; Matthew. 23:37; Romans 9:32; Proverbs 1:24-29; Acts 13:46 (d) John 3:19; Matthew 11:20-24; Luke 19:27; II Thessalonians 1:8-9
VII. Grace in Regeneration
We believe (a) that, in order to be saved, sinners must be regenerated or born again; (b) that regeneration consists in giving a holy disposition to the mind; (c) that it is effected, in a manner above our comprehension, by the power of the Holy Spirit in connection with divine truth, (d) so as to secure our voluntary obedience to the Gospel; (e) and that its proper evidence appears in the holy fruits of repentance and faith and newness of life.
Places in the Bible where taught: (a) John 3:3,5,7; I Corinthians 2:14; Revelation 14:3, Revelation 21:27 (b) II Corinthians 5:17; Ezekiel 36:26; Deuteronomy 30:6; John 4:7; Romans 2:28-29; 5:5; (c) John 3:8; 1:13; James 1:16-18; I Corinthians. 1:30; Philippians 2:13 (d) I Peter 1:22-25; I John 5:1; Ephesians 4:20-24; Romans 6:17-18; Colossians 3:9-11 (e) Ephesians 5:9; Romans 8:9; Galatians 5:16-23; Ephesians 2:14-22; Matthew 3:8-10; 7:20; I John 5:4, 18
VIII. Repentance and Faith
We believe (a) that Repentance and Faith are sacred duties, and also inseparable graces, wrought in our souls by the regenerating Spirit of God; (b) whereby, being deeply convinced of our guilt, danger, and helplessness, and of the way of salvation by Christ, (c) we turn to God with unfeigned contrition, confession, and supplication for mercy; (d) 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 Savior.
Places in the Bible where taught: (a) Mark 1:15; Acts 11:18; 20:21; Ephesians 2:8; I John 5:1 (b) John 16:8; Acts 2:37-38; 16:30-31 (c) Luke 18:13; 15:18-21; Romans 10:12-13; II Corinthians 7:10-11; James 4:7-10; Psalms 51 (d) Romans 10:9-11; Acts 3:19-22; Hebrews 4:14; Psalms 2:6; Hebrews 1:8; 7:25; II Timothy 1:12
IX. God's Purpose of Grace
We believe (a) that Election is the eternal purpose of God, according to which He graciously regenerates, sanctifies, and saves sinners; (b) that being perfectly consistent with the free agency of man, it comprehends all the means in connection with the end; (c) that it is a most glorious display of God's sovereign goodness being infinitely free, wise, holy, and unchangeable; (d) that it utterly excludes boasting, and promotes humility, love, prayer, praise, trust in God, and active imitation of His free mercy; (e) that it encourages the use of means in the highest degree; (f) that it may be ascertained by its effects in all who truly believe the Gospel; (g) that is the foundation of Christian assurance; (h) and that to ascertain it with regard to ourselves demands and deserves the utmost diligence.
Places in the Bible where taught: (a) II Timothy 1:8-9; Ephesians 1:3-14; I Peter 1:1-2; Romans 11:5-6; John 15:16; I John 4:19 (b) II Thessalonians 2:13-14; Acts 13:48; John 10:16; Matthew. 20:16; Acts 15:15 (c) Exodus 33:18-19; Matthew 20:15; Ephesians 1:11; Romans 9:22-24; Jeremiah 31:3; Romans 11:22-36; Romans 11:28-29; James 1:14, 18; II Timothy 1:9 (d) I Corinthians 4:7; 1:26-31; Romans 3:27; 4:16; Colossians 3:12; I Corinthians 15:10; I Peter 5:10; I Thessalonians 2:12-13; I Peter 2:9; Luke 18:7 (e) II Timothy 2:10; I Corinthians 9:22; John 6:37-40; II Peter 1:10 (f) I Thessalonians. 1:4-10 (g) Romans. 8:28-31; Isaiah. 42:16; Romans. 11:29 (h) II Peter 1:10-11; Philippians 3:12,14; Hebrews 6:11-12
X. Sanctification
We believe (a) that sanctification is the process by which, according to the will of God, we are made partakers of His holiness; (b) that it is a progressive work; (c) that it is begun in regeneration; (d) 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.
Places in the Bible where taught: (a) I Thessalonians 4:3; 5:23; II Corinthians 7:1; 13:9; Ephesians 1:4-6 (b) Proverbs 4:18; Hebrews 6:1; II Peter 1:5-8; Philippians 3:12-16 (c) I John 2:29; Romans 8:5; John 3:6; Philippians 1:9-11 (d) Philippians 2:12-13; Ephesians 4:11-12; 30; 6:18; I Peter 2:2; II Peter 3:18; II Corinthians 13:5; Luke 9:23; 11:35; Matthew 26:41; Ephesians 6:18
XI. The Perseverance of the Saints
We believe (a) that such only are real believers as endure unto the end; (b) that their persevering attachment to Christ is the grand mark which distinguishes them from superficial professors; (c) that a special Providence watches over their welfare; (d) that they are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation.
Places in the Bible where taught: (a) John 8:31; I John 2:27-28, 3:9, 5:18 (b) I John 2:19; John 13:18; Matthew 13:20-23; John 6:66-69 (c) Romans 8:28; Matthew. 6:30-33; Psalm 121:2-3 (d) Philippians 1:6; 2:12-13; Jude 24-25; Hebrews 1:14; 7:25; 13:5; I John 4:4; I Peter 1:3-5
XII. A Gospel Church
We believe (a) that a visible church of Christ is a congregation of baptized believers associated by covenant in the faith and fellowship of the Gospel; (b) observing the ordinances of Christ; (c) governed by His laws; (d) and exercising the gifts, rights, and privileges invested in them by His Word; (e) that its only Scriptural officers are Bishops, or Pastors, and Deacons, whose qualifications, claims, and duties are defined in the Epistles to Timothy and Titus.
Places in the Bible where taught: (a) I Corinthians 1:1-13; Matthew 18:17; Acts 5:11; Acts 8:1; Acts 11:21-23; I Corinthians 4:17; 14:23-25; III John 9; Acts 2:41-42; Acts 2:47; II Corinthians 8:5; I Corinthians. 5:12-13 (b) I Corinthians 11:2; II Thessalonians 3:6; Romans 16:17-20;
I Corinthians 11:23-34; Matthew 18:15-20; II Corinthians 2:17; I Corinthians 4:17; Colossians 2:12 (c) Matthew 28:18-20; John 14:15; 15:12-14; I John 4:21; John 14:21; I Thessalonians 4:2; II John 6; Galatians 6:2; Acts 2:36; Ephesians. 1:22 (d) Ephesians 4:7; I Corinthians 14:12; Philippians 1:27 (e) Philippians 1:1; Acts 14:23; 15:22; I Timothy 3; Titus 1; Acts 20:17,28
XIII. The Law and the Gospel
We believe the Scriptures teach that the Law of God is the eternal and unchangeable rule of His moral government; that it is holy, just, and good; and that the inability which the Scriptures ascribe to fallen men to fulfill its precepts arises entirely from their sinful nature; to deliver them from which, and to restore them through a Mediator to unfeigned obedience to the holy Law, is one great end of the Gospel, and of the Means of Grace connected with the establishment of the visible Church.
Places in the Bible where taught: Romans 3:31; Matthew 5:17; Luke 16:17; Romans 3:20; 4:15: 7:7, 12, 14, 22; Galatians 3:21; Psalm 119; Romans 8:7-8; Romans 8:2, 4; 10:4; I Timothy 1:5; Hebrews 8:10
XIV. The Ordinances: Baptism and the Lord's Supper
We believe that Christian baptism is (a) the immersion in water of a believer, (b) into the name of the Father, the Son, and Holy Ghost; (c) to show forth, in a solemn and beautiful emblem, our faith in the crucified, buried, and risen Savior, with its effect in our death to sin and resurrection to a new life; (d) that it is prerequisite to the privileges of a Church relation, (e) and the Lord's Supper in which the saints by the use of bread and the cup are to commemorate together the dying love of Christ, (f) preceded always by solemn self-examination.
Places in the Bible where taught: (a) Acts 8:36-39; Matthew 3:5-6; John 3:22-23; 4:1-2; Matthew 28:19; Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38, 41; 8:12; Matthew 16:32-34; 18:8 (b) Matthew 28:19; Acts 10:47-48; Galatians 3:27-28 (c) Romans 6:4; Colossians 2:12, I Peter 3:20-21; Acts 22:16 (d) Acts 2:41-42; Matthew 28:19-20; Acts and the Epistles (e) I Corinthians 11:26; Matthew 26:26-29; Mark 14:22-25; Luke 22:14-20 (f) I Corinthians 11:28, 5:8-11, 10:3-32, 11:17-32; John 6:26-71
XV. The Lord's Day
We believe (a) that the first day of the week is the Lord's Day; (b) and is to be kept sacred for Christian purposes, (c) by abstaining from all secular labor, except works of mercy and necessity, (d) by the devout observance of all the means of grace, both private and public; (e) and by preparation for that rest that remains for the people of God.
Places in the Bible where taught: (a) Acts 20:7; Genesis 2:3; Colossians 2:16-17; Mark 2:27-28; John 20:19; I Corinthians 16:1-2; Colossians 2:16 (b) Exodus 20:8, Revelation 1:10; Psalm 118:24 (c) Isaiah 58:13-14 (d) Psalm 118:15; Hebrews 10:24-25; Acts 11:26 (e) Hebrews 4:3, 11
XVI. The Civil Government
We believe (a) that civil government is of divine appointment, for the interest and good order of human society; (b) and that magistrates are to be prayed for, conscientiously honored and obeyed; (c) except only in things opposed to the will of our Lord Jesus Christ; (d) who is the only Lord of conscience, and the Prince of the kings of the earth.
Places in the Bible where taught: (a) Romans 13:1-7; Deuteronomy 16:18; II Samuel 23:3; Jeremiah 30:21 Exodus 18:21-23 (b)Matthew. 22:21; Titus 3:1; I Peter 2:13-17; I Timothy 2:1-8 (c) Acts 5:29; Matthew 10:28; Daniel 3:14-18; 6:7-10; Acts 4:18-20 (d) Matthew 23:10; Romans 14:4; Revelations 19:16; Psalm 72:11; Psalm 2; Romans 14:9-13
XVI.A. Dispensationalism
We believe (a) the Scriptures interpreted in their natural, literal sense reveal divinely determined dispensations which define man's responsibility in successive ages. A dispensation is not a way of salvation, but a divinely ordered stewardship by which God directs man according to His purpose.
We believe (b) salvation is always by grace through faith regardless of the dispensation in which the believer may have lived. God's purpose of salvation by grace through faith alone has always been based upon the substitutionary atonement of our Lord Jesus Christ upon the Cross.
Places in the Bible where taught: (a) John 1:17; 1 Corinthians 9:17; 2 Corinthians 3:9-18; Galatians 3:13-25; Ephesians 1:10; 3:2-10; Colossians 1:24,25; Hebrews 7:19; Revelations 20:2-6 (b) Ephesians 2:8-10; Hebrews 11:6; 1 Peter 1:10-12
XVII. The Righteous and the Wicked
We believe (a) that there is a radical and essential difference between the righteous and the wicked; (b) that such only as through faith are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and sanctified by the Spirit of God are truly righteous in His esteem; (c) while all such as continue in impenitence and unbelief are, in His sight, wicked, and under the curse; (d) and this distinction holds among men both in and after death.
Places in the Bible where taught: (a) Malachi 3:18; Proverbs 12:26; Isaiah 5:20; Genesis 18:23; Acts 10:34-35; Romans 6:16 (b) Romans. 1:17; 7:6; I John 3:7; 2:29; Romans 6:18, 22; I Corinthians 11:32; Proverbs 11:31; I Peter 4:17-18 (c) I John 5:19; Galatians 3:10; John 3:36; Isaiah 57:21; Psalm 10:4; Isaiah 55:6-7 (d) Proverbs 14:32; Luke 16:25; John 8:21-24; Proverbs 10:24; Luke 12:4-5; 9:23-26; John 12:25-26; Ecclesiastes 3:17; Matthew 7:13-14; 10:28.
XVIII. The Resurrection and Return of Christ and Related Events
We believe in and accept the sacred Scriptures upon these subjects at their face and full value. We believe (a) that our Lord Jesus Christ rose bodily from the tomb on the third day; (b) that He ascended into Heaven; (c) that He is now at the right hand of God the Father as our only sufficient mediator and advocate. (d) We believe in the personal, imminent, pre-millennial, coming of Christ for the Church; (e) the resurrection and physical glorification of the saints; (f) the great tribulation; (g) after which He will return with His saints to this earth where He will sit on the throne of David, and shall subdue all enemies and reign in righteousness for a thousand years. (h) After this shall be the judgment of the Great White Throne when the unsaved dead shall be raised and judged, that this will result for them in eternal punishment in the lake of fire which is the second death; (i) and that the saved shall then enjoy eternal glory with God.
Places in the Bible where taught: (a) Matthew 28:6-7; Luke 24:30; John 20:27; I Corinthians 15:4; Mark 16:6 (b) Mark 16:19; Luke 24:51; Acts 1:9-11; Hebrews 12:2, Hebrews 8:1 (c) Hebrews 7:25; I Tim. 2:5; Hebrews 1:3; I John 2:1; Hebrews 8:6; Hebrews 2:17; 5:9-10; Romans 8:34 (d) I Thessalonians 4:13-18; I Corinthians 15:51-53; Philippians 3:20-21; II Corinthians 5:10 (e) I Corinthians 15:20-58 (f) Matthew 24:21-22; Revelation 7:14 (g) Luke 1:32; Isaiah 9:6-7; Acts 2:29-30; I Corinthians 15:25; Revelation 20:1-4, 6; Matthew 24:30; Revelation 19:11-16 (h) Revelation 20:11-15; Revelation 21, 22; Romans 6:23; John 5:28-29 (i) II Corinthians 4:17; Hebrews 4:9; I Corinthians 13:8-10; Revelation 21:27; 22:3; Revelation 19:1; Hebrews 12:23; Revelation 21:3; 22:14; John 14:1-3; Revelation 21 and 22
XVIII.A. The Eternal State
We believe (a) in the bodily resurrection of all men, the saved to eternal life and the unsaved to judgment and everlasting punishment.
We believe (b) the souls of the redeemed are, at death, absent from the body and present with the Lord, where in conscious bliss they await the first resurrection, when spirit, soul, and body are reunited and glorified to be forever with the Lord.
We believe (c) the souls of unbelievers are, at death, absent from the body and in conscious misery until the second resurrection, when with soul and body reunited they shall appear at the Great White Throne Judgment and shall be cast into the lake of fire, not to be annihilated, but to suffer everlasting conscious punishment.
Places in the Bible where taught: (a) Matthew 25:46; John 5:28,29; 11:25,26; Revelations 20:5-6, 12-13 (b) Luke 23:43; 2 Corinthians 5:8; Philippians 1:23; 3:21; 1 Thessalonians 4:16,17; Revelation 20:4-6 (c) Matthew 25:41-46; Mark 9:43-48; Luke 16:19-26; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9; Jude 6,7; Revelation 20:11-15
XIX. Angels, Fallen and Unfallen
We believe (a) that God created an innumerable company of sinless, spiritual beings, known as angels; that one, "Lucifer, son of the morning" (Isa. 14:12) - the highest in rank - sinned through pride, thereby becoming Satan; that a great company of the angels followed him in his moral fall, some of whom became demons and are active as his agents and associates in the prosecution of his unholy purposes, while others who fell are "reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day" (Jude 1:6).
We believe (b) that Satan is the originator of sin, and that, under the permission of God, he, through subtlety, led our first parents into transgression, thereby accomplishing their moral fall and subjecting them and their posterity to his own power; that he is the enemy of God and the people of God, opposing and exalting himself above all that is called God or that is worshipped; and that he who in the beginning said, "I will be like the most High," (Isaiah 14:14) in his warfare appears as an angel of light, even counterfeiting the works of God by fostering religious movements and systems of doctrine, which systems in every case are characterized by a denial of the efficacy of the blood of Christ and of salvation by grace alone.
We believe (c) that Satan was judged at the cross, though not then executed, and that he, a usurper, now rules as the "god of this world" (2 Corinthians 4:4); that, at the second coming of Christ, Satan will be bound and cast into the abyss for a thousand years, and after the thousand years he will be loosed for a little season and then "cast into the lake of fire and brimstone," where he "shall be tormented day and night forever and ever" (Revelation 20:10). We believe (d) a great company of angels kept their holy estate and are before the throne of God, from whence they are sent forth as ministering spirits to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation.
We believe (e) that man was made lower than the angels; and that, in His incarnation, Christ took for a little time this lower place that He might lift the believer to His own sphere above the angels.
Places in the Bible where taught: (a) Isaiah 14:12-17; Ezekiel 28:10-11; I Timothy 3:6; II Peter 2:4; Jude 6 (b) Genesis 3:1-19; Romans 5:12-14; II Corinthians 4:3-4; 11:13-15; Ephesians 6:10-12; II Thessalonians 2:4; I Timothy 4:1-3 (c) Colossians 2:15; Revelation 20:1-3, 10 (d) Luke 15:10; Ephesians 1:21; Hebrews 1:14; Revelation 7:12 (e) Hebrews 2:6-10