Statement of Faith

ARTICLE 2 – STATEMENT OF FAITH AND COVENANTS

As adopted in our Constitution & By-Laws

Section 2.01—Statement Of Faith
The following is an overview of the Scriptural beliefs of this church; and it is these truths that the  members of this church acknowledge as biblical:

  • The Holy Scriptures—We believe the Holy Scriptures of both the Old and New Testament to be the verbally and plenary inspired Word of God. The Scriptures are inerrant, infallible, and God-breathed; and, therefore, are the final authority for faith and life.  The sixty-six books of the Old and New Testament are the complete and divine revelation of God to Man for this life. The Scriptures shall be interpreted according to their normal grammatical-historical meaning; and all issues of interpretation and meaning shall be determined by the Pastor(s) in accordance with our statement of faith.  The King James Version of the Bible shall be the official translation referred to by this church (though some members may choose other translations for their personal use) all final delineation or understanding of scripture shall come from the KJV Bible.  (2 Tim. 3:16-17; 2 Pet. 1:20-21)
  • Dispensations—We believe that God, at different times, introduced events that would help guide mankind to a restored relationship to Himself. These dispensations reveal a need for the saving grace provided by God’s only Son, Jesus Christ. At the perfect time God introduced these events, such as; the law through Moses, the judges and prophets, and when He offered up His Son Jesus as the propitiation for mankind. We believe God has a perfect plan for all; but due do the fact that mankind has a free-will, each person has a choice concerning their eternal destiny.  (Gen. 1:28; 1 Cor. 9:17; 2 Cor. 3:9-18; Gal. 3:13-25; Eph. 1:10; 3:2-10; Col. 1:24-25, 27; Rev. 20:2-6)
  • The Godhead—We believe in only one God; a triune God (The Trinity); eternally existing in three persons­; God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit; each co-eternal in being, co-identical in nature, co-equal in power and glory, and having the same attributes and perfections. (Deut. 6:4; Matt. 28:19; 2 Cor. 13:14; John 14:10, 26)
  • The Person and Work of God the Son, Jesus Christ:
    1. We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ became man, without ceasing to be God; having been conceived by God the Holy Spirit, and born of a virgin; in order that He [Jesus] might reveal God and redeem sinful man-kind. (Isa. 7:14; 9:6; Luke 1:35; John 1:1-2, 14; 2 Cor. 5:19-21; Gal. 4:4-5; Phil. 2:5-8)
    2. We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ accomplished our redemption through His death on the cross as a representative, vicarious, substitutionary sacrifice; and, that our justification is made sure by His literal, physical resurrection from the dead. (Acts 2:18-36; Rom. 3:24-25, 4:25; 1 Pet. 2:24; Eph. 1:7; 1 Peter 1:3-5)
    3. We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ ascended to Heaven and is now exalted at the right hand of God the Father; where, as our High Priest, He fulfills the ministry of Representative, Intercessor, and Advocate.  (Acts 1:9-10; Heb. 9:24; 7:25; Rom. 8:34; 1 John 2:1-2)
  • The Person and Work of God the Holy Spirit:
    1. We believe that God the Holy Spirit convicts the world of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment; and, that He is the Supernatural Agent in regeneration, baptizing all believers into the Body of Christ, indwelling and sealing all those who believe and persevere unto the day of redemption. (John 16:8-11; Rom. 8:9; 1 Cor. 12:12-14; 2 Cor. 3:6; Eph. 1:13-14)
    2. We believe that He is the divine Teacher who assists believers to understand and appropriate the Scriptures; and that it is the privilege of all the saved to be guided by the Spirit (Eph. 1:17-18; 5:18; 1 John 2:20, 27; John 16:13)
    3. We believe that God is sovereign in the bestowal of spiritual gifts to every believer. God uniquely uses evangelists, pastors, and teachers to equip believers in the assembly, in order that they can do the work of the ministry; and that every believer is vital in the work of helping God build His Kingdom.  (Rom. 12:3-8; 1 Cor. 12:4-11, 28; Eph. 4:7-12)
    4. We believe that the manifested gifts of God the Holy Spirit are biblical; but speaking in tongues was never the common, or necessary, sign of the baptism, or filling, of the Holy Spirit; and the Bible teaches that these “tongues” were known languages. We believe in only one (1) work of grace, and that every person that accepts Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior, also receives the fullness of the Holy Spirit to dwell in them at the moment of salvation. (1 Cor. 1:22, 13:8, 14:21-22; 2 Peter 1:3-4; Acts 2:1-13)
  • The Depravity of Man—We believe that man was created in the image and likeness of God; but that in Adam’s sin; the human race fell, inherited a sinful nature, and became alienated from God. Man is, of himself, utterly unable to remedy his lost condition. We believe that unless God would awaken mankind to their need for salvation, no one would ever seek God on their own. Since mankind is a fallen and sinful being, he must be regenerated in order to obtain salvation. This change is an instantaneous renewal of the heart by the Holy Spirit, whereby the penitent sinner receives new life, becomes a child of God, and is disposed to serve Him. This is referred to as being born again, born of the Spirit, being quickened, passing from death unto life, and a partaking of the divine nature – it is truly a conversion. (Gen. 1:26-27; Rom. 3:22-23, 5:12, 6:23; Eph. 2:1-3; 4:17-19)
  • Salvation—We believe that salvation is the gift of God, brought to mankind by God’s grace, and received by personal faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; whose precious blood was shed on Calvary for the forgiveness of our sins. We believe that all sin, except the rejection of Christ Himself, can be forgiven. We believe that a genuine conversion will be evident in one’s life. The call of the Gospel is co-extensive with the atonement to all men, both by the word and strivings of the Spirit, so that salvation is rendered equally possible to all; and if any fail of eternal life, the fault is wholly their own. (John 1:12; Eph. 1:7; 2:8-10; 1 Pet. 1:18-19; Matt. 12:31-32; 1 John 1:5-10; Rom. 4:25, 10:9-13; Heb. 1:1-4, 10:14, 13:12; 2 Cor. 5:17, 7:10; James 2:14-26; Gal. 5:16-26; Acts 15:8-11; 2 Peter 3:18)
  1. Justification implies that the person justified has been guilty before God; and, having accepted Christ by faith, the sinner is pardoned and absolved from the guilt of sin, and given peace with God.
  2. Sanctification is not only the setting apart of the newly saved for God’s purpose, but it is the continuing of God’s grace by which the Christian may constantly grow spiritually in their faith.
  • Eternal Security, Assurance, and Perseverance of the Saints:
    1. We believe that it is the privilege of every believer to rejoice in the assurance of their salvation through the testimony of God’s Word; however, the Bible clearly forbids the use of Christian liberty as an occasion to the flesh. (Rom. 6:1-23, 13:13-14; Gal. 5:13-18; Titus 2:11-15)
    2. We believe that every Christian can know without a doubt that they are saved, and have confidence in their salvation provided through Jesus Christ. The Book of First John was written for this purpose (1 John 5:13), and each believer should read and understand the truths contained in it.
    3. We believe that all the redeemed (Christians) are kept by God’s power; and are thus secure in Christ forever through faith; as long as the individual holds true to their belief and faith in Jesus Christ; since only those who abide in faith will dwell eternally in heaven. We believe there are many people who claim to be Christians; but are lost (unsaved). We do not believe that everyone will go to heaven; nor do we believe that people are given a second chance to believe after death. We believe that a person must be born-again to enter into the family of God. We believe all people are God’s creation; but only the saved (born-again) are God’s children. We also believe the scripture gives very clear warnings to the believer not to get into a backslidden condition through the deceitfulness of sin, in which the heart becomes hardened towards God. Though we believe God will use the Holy Spirit’s convicting power, and possibly place people and circumstances into one’s life for the purpose of bringing the wayward to repentance, we cannot deny the very word of God; nor can we deny the free will that God has allowed each individual to use in accepting or denying His Son Jesus Christ. We believe that the complete act of apostasy is irreversible, and brings eternal damnation. (Matt. 7:21-23, 24:12-13; John 3:3-21, 6:37-40, 8:42-47, 10:27-30, 15:1-6; Rom. 1:18-32, 8:5-14, 11:17-22; 2 Cor. 6:1-2; 1 Pet. 1:4-5; Hebrews 2:1-3,  3:8-19, 6:4-12, 10:16-31, 11:1-6, 12:12-29; 2 Peter 2:20-22; James 5:19-20; 1 Tim. 1:18-20; 2 Tim. 2:19; 2 Thess.2:3; Rev. 2:5,16,21, 3:3,11,15-21, 14:12, 16:15)
    4. We believe the following are essential truths for a Christian:
  • Jesus was both God and man (John 1:1,14, 8:24;  2:9; 1 John 4:1-4).
  • Jesus rose from the dead physically (John 2:19-21; Rom. 4:24-25).
  • Salvation is by grace through faith ( 5:1; Eph. 2:8-9; Gal. 5:1-5).
  • The gospel is the death, burial, resurrection, and return of Jesus (1 Cor. 15:1-4;  1:8-9; Acts 1:1-11; Romans 6:1-11; 2 Corinthians 5:21).
  • There is only one God (Exodus 20:1-3; Isaiah 43:10, 44:6,8; James 2:19).
  • God exists as a Trinity of persons:  Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Matt. 28:19; 2 Cor. 13:14; Eph. 4:4-7).
  • The virgin birth of Jesus relates to the incarnation of Jesus Christ as God and man (Matt. 1:23; Isaiah 7:14).
  • Jesus is the only way to salvation (John 14:6; Acts 4:10-12)
  • Jesus is Lord (Rom. 10:9-13; Rev. 1:5-8).
  • Faith is required for salvation (Heb. 11:1-6; John 3:18; Romans 10:9-13).
  • The love of God the Father through the sacrificial death of His Son Jesus Christ, and the washing of regeneration by the Holy Spirit, allows all those who believe by faith to be forgiven, justified, and made righteous (Matt. 27:50-51; John 3:16, 6:44; Romans 5:8, 8:16-17; 2 Cor. 5:21; 1 John 1:7, 2:2; Titus 3:3-7; Rev. 12:10-11)
  • The Church:
    1. We believe that the local church, which is the Body of Christ, is solely made up of born-again persons (faith alone in Jesus). (1 Cor. 12:12-14; 2 Cor. 11:2; Eph. 1:22-23; 5:25-27)
    2. We believe that the establishment and continuance of local churches is clearly taught and defined in the New Testament Scriptures. (Acts 14:27; 20:17, 28-32; 1 Tim. 3:1-13; Titus 1:5-11)
    3. We believe in the autonomy of the local church; free of any external authority or control; except for God. (Acts 13:1-4; 15:19-31; 20:28; Rom. 16:1, 4; 1 Cor. 3:9, 16; 5:4-7, 13; 1 Pet. 5:1-4)
    4. We recognize Water Baptism, the Lord’s Supper, and Foot Washing as the Scriptural acts of obedience for the church; along with prayer, fasting, serving, giving, evangelism, worship, and studying the scripture. (Matt. 6:1-24, 28:19-20; Acts 2:41-42, 18:18; 1 Cor. 11:23-26, 12:4-7; 2 Timothy 2:15)
  • Separation—We believe that all the saved (Christians) should live in such a manner as not to bring reproach upon their Savior and Lord Jesus Christ; or to hinder those of weaker faith; or those who need salvation. God commands His people to separate from all religious apostasy, all worldly and sinful pleasures, practices, and associations, and to refrain from all immodest and immoral appearances. One reminder of that separation is seen in the believer’s life by dedicating a day to the Lord; which from the creation of the world God has set apart for sacred rest and holy worship and service. Under the former dispensation, the seventh day of the week, as commemorative of the work of creation, was set apart for the Lord’s Day. Under the Gospel, the first day of the week, in commemoration of the resurrection of Christ, and by authority of Christ and the apostles, is observed as the Christian Sabbath. On this day, we see a principle where all believers are taught to refrain from secular labor and devote themselves to the worship and service of God. Though we believe worship, prayer, and service is a daily devotion, we also understand the importance of being a collective witness to the world. (Rom. 12:1-2, 14:13; 2 Cor. 6:14-7:1; 2 Tim. 3:1-5; 1 John 2:15-17; 2 John 9-11; Lev. 19:28; 1 Cor. 6:19-20, 16:2; Acts 15:28-29, 20:7; Exod. 20:8-11; )
  • The Return Of Christ—We believe in that blessed hope; the personal, imminent return of Christ; who will receive all those that have accepted Him as their personal Lord and Savior. At the appointed time, Christ will personally and visibly return with His saints to establish His Kingdom, which He promised to His children. God the Father is the only one who knows the time of this return. (Ps. 89:3-4; Dan. 2:31-45; Zech. 14:4-11; I Thess. 1:10; 1 Thess. 4:13-18; Titus 2:13; Rev. 3:10; 19:11-16; 20:1-6)
  • The Eternal State:
    1. We believe in the bodily resurrection of all people; the saved to eternal life, and the unsaved to judgment and everlasting punishment. (Matt. 25:46; John 5:28, 29; 11:25-26; Rev. 20:5-6, 12-13)
    2. We believe that the souls of the redeemed become absent from the body at mortal death, and become present with the Lord; where in conscious bliss they await the resurrection; when spirit, soul, and body are reunited, to be glorified forever with the Lord. (Luke 23:43; 2 Cor. 5:8; Phil. 1:23; 3:21; I Thess. 4:16-17; Rev. 20:4-6)
    3. We believe that the souls of unbelievers remain, after death, in torment until the resurrection; when with soul and body reunited, they shall appear at the Great White Throne Judgment; and shall be cast into the everlasting Lake of Fire. (Matt. 25:41-46; Mark 9:43-48; Luke 16:19-26; 2 Thess. 1:7-9; Jude 6-7; Rev. 20:11-15)
  • The Personality of Satan—We believe that Satan is a person, a fallen angel; the lover of sin, a deceiver, a liar, a murderer, and an instigator of temptation; which led to disobedience, and the fall of man; that he is the open and declared enemy of God and man; and that he shall be eternally punished in the Lake of Fire. (Job 1:6-7; Isa. 14:12-17; Matt. 4:2-11; 25:41; Rev. 20:10)
  • Creation—We believe that God created all things as described in Genesis, in six literal 24-hour periods. We believe God created all of these as mature; whether it be man, animal, plant, or the earth; and though only days old, they each appeared as having been of some age. We reject evolution, the Gap Theory, the Day-Age Theory, and Theistic Evolution; or any unscriptural theories of origin. (Gen. 1-2; Ex. 20:11; Col. 1:15-17; Heb. 11:3; 2 Peter 3:5)
  • Authority—We believe that God has ordained and created all authority consisting of three basic institutions: 1) the home, 2) the church, and 3) government.  Every person is subject to these authorities, but all (including the authorities themselves) are answerable to God and governed by His Word.  God has given each institution specific Biblical responsibilities; but a saved person cannot separate themselves from their belief and their daily life; and must always know that their responsibility is to God first, according to Biblical standards. (Rom. 13:1-7; Eph. 5:22-24; Heb. 13:17; 1 Pet. 2:13-14; Matt. 6:33)
  • Human Sexuality and Marriage:
    1. We believe that God has commanded that no intimate sexual activity be engaged in outside of a marriage. We believe that any form of homosexuality, lesbianism, bisexuality, bestiality, incest, fornication, adultery, polygamy, and pornography are sinful perversions of God’s gift of sex. We believe that God disapproves of, and forbids, any attempt to alter one’s gender by surgery, appearance, or otherwise.  (Gen. 2:24; Gen. 19:5, 13; Gen. 26:8-9; Lev. 18:1-30; Rom. 1: 26-29; 1 Cor. 5:1; 6:9; 1 Thess. 4:1-8; Heb. 13:4)
    2. We believe that the only legitimate marriage is the joining of one man (natural by birth) and one woman (natural by birth) in holy matrimony; therefore, this church will not support, or take part in, any unions or marriages, that are not biblical; such as same sex marriage. (Gen. 2:24; Rom. 7:2; 1 Cor. 7:10; Eph. 5:22-23; 2 Cor. 6:14-17)
  • Family Relationships:
    1. We believe that men and women are spiritually equal in position of salvation before God; but that God has ordained distinct and separate spiritual functions for men and women in the home and the church. The husband is to be the spiritual leader of the home, and men are to be the spiritual leaders (Pastors, Deacons, and Trustees) of the church.  Accordingly, only men are eligible for licensure and ordination by this church.  (Gal. 3:28; Col. 3:18; 1 Tim. 2:8-15; 3:4-5, 12)
    2. We believe that God has ordained the family as the foundational institution of human society. The husband is to sacrificially love his wife as Christ loves the church;  the wife is to respectfully receive the scriptural leadership of her husband, just as the church submits to the headship of Christ; children are a heritage from the Lord, but they are to honor their parents; and parents are responsible for teaching their children spiritual and moral values, and leading them spiritually through consistent Christian lifestyle examples, and appropriate discipline. (Gen. 1:26-28, 3:16; Ex. 20:12; Deut. 6:4-9; Ps. 127:3-5; Prov. 13:24,19:18, 22:15, 23:13-14; Mk. 10:6-12; I Cor. 7:1-16; Eph. 5:21-33, 6:1-4, Col. 3:18-21; Heb. 13:4; I Pet. 3:1-7)
  • Divorce and Remarriage—We believe that God disapproves of, and forbids, divorce. The Lord intends marriage to last until one of the spouses dies. Divorce and remarriage is regarded as adultery, except on the grounds of fornication.  Although divorced and remarried persons, or divorced persons, may hold positions of service in the church and be greatly used of God for Christian service, those Christians who have been divorced since becoming a Christian (unless upon biblical grounds) may not be considered for the offices of pastor or deacon.  Certain actions can disqualify us from certain areas of leadership. (Mal. 2:14-17; Matt. 5:31-32,19:3-12; Rom. 7:1-3; 1 Tim. 3:2-12; Titus 1:6; Mark 10:1-12)
  • Abortion—We believe that human life begins at conception and that the unborn child is a living human being. Abortion constitutes the unjustified, and unexcused, taking of unborn human life.  Abortion is murder.  We reject any teaching that abortions are acceptable. God knows all potential life, and He even seen what could have been in the lineage of Abel. (Gen. 4:10; Job 3:16; Ps. 51:5; 139:14-16; Isa. 44:24; 49:1, 5; Jer. 1:5; 20:15-18; Luke 1:44)
  • Love—We believe that we should demonstrate love for others; not only toward fellow believers, but also toward those who are not believers; and those who oppose us. We are to deal with those who oppose us graciously, gently, patiently, and humbly. God forbids the stirring up of strife, the taking of revenge, or the threat and/or use of violence as a means of resolving personal conflict, or obtaining personal justice. Although God commands us to abhor sinful actions, we are to love and pray for any person who engages in such sinful actions. (Lev. 19:18; Matt. 5:44-48; Luke 6:31; John 13:34-35; Rom. 12:9-10, 17-21, 13:8-10; Phil. 2:2-4; 2 Tim. 2:24-26; Titus 3:2; 1 John 3:17-18)
  • Lawsuits Between Believers—We believe that Christians are prohibited from bringing civil lawsuits against other Christians, or the church, to resolve personal disputes. We believe the church possesses all the resources necessary to resolve personal disputes between members. (1 Cor. 6:1-8; Eph.  4:31-32)
  • Missions—We believe that God has given the church a great commission to proclaim the Gospel to all nations so that there might be a great multitude from every nation, tribe, ethnic group, and language group who believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. As ambassadors of Christ, we must use all available means as directed by God to go forth; whether locally or abroad; and not wait for them to come to us. We, as a Body, will seek to actively support missions of all types that agree with our statement of faith; doing so with our prayers, our service, and with our monetary support.  (Matt. 28:19-20; Mark 16:15; Luke 24:46-48; John 20:21; Acts 1:8; 2 Cor. 5:20)
  • Giving—We believe that every Christian, as a steward of God’s blessings, is obligated to support their local church, in 4 main areas: prayer, attendance, service, and financially. We believe that God has established the tithe as a basis for giving; but that every Christian should also give other offerings sacrificially and cheerfully to the support of the church, the relief of those in need, and the spread of the Gospel.  We believe that a Christian is to freely give, knowing that its use is under church authority. (Gen. 14:20; Prov. 3:9-10; Acts 4:34-37; 1 Cor. 12:1-31,16:2; 2 Cor. 9:6-7; Gal. 6:6; Eph. 4:28; 1 Tim. 5:17-18; 1 John 3:17)
  • Church Conduct—We believe that a caring and orderly approach to the worship of God is vital for the health of a church. We believe each church member, staff member, and all leadership, should be intentionally praying for our services, and ministry, to be pleasing and acceptable before God; and that all relationships between members should be holy and blameless. (Romans 12:1-2; 1 Cor. 14:40; Phil. 2:3-4; 1 Thess. 5:11-24; 1 Timothy 5:2-3)
  • Church Property—We believe that a Christian should not separate their belief from their daily activities; nor do we believe that a church should separate its belief from how it uses its property. God’s house, and all property associated with this church, should be consistent in its use with the statement of faith contained herein. To allow God’s house, or property, to be used for unholy or abominable things, would be to directly blaspheme God Himself. (Lamentations 2:1-8; Psalm 24:1; 2 Thess. 2:4; Ezekiel 8:1-18; Hebrews 10:29-31)
  • Church Guidance—We believe that the local church is autonomous (self-governing). If this church chooses to voluntarily organize with other churches or denominations, or seeks help and guidance from other churches or organizations, our main priorities will always be worship and service to God, the gospel of Jesus Christ, and the well-being of this congregation. We believe that God ordains certain called-out men to lead and have authority over a congregation as the under-shepherd of Christ; and this church will recognize and submit to that authority, as long as it remains biblical in accordance with our statement of faith. (Phil. 3:14; Acts 2:42-47; 2 Cor. 8 & 9; Heb. 13:7, 17, 24; 1 Peter 4:11)

Section 2.02—Authority Of Statement of Faith
The Statement of Faith does not exhaust the extent of our faith. God’s Word (The Bible; as discerned in the KJV version) itself is the sole and final source of all that we believe. We do believe, however, that the aforementioned Statement of Faith accurately represents the teaching of the Bible; and, therefore, is binding upon all members. All teaching and literature used in the church should be in agreement with the Statement of Faith.

Section 2.03—Liberty Free Will Baptist Church Of Portland Covenant

  • We agree to faithfully pursue a Christ-Like Christian Life that motivates us to abstain from sinful pleasures for the betterment of our congregation, the Body of Christ, our families, and ourselves. (1 Thess. 5:22; Eph. 4:3; Gal. 5:16-17)
  • We agree to faithfully prioritize our life to the service of the Lord, our family, this church, and its members; by using our time, talent, and treasure. (Matt. 6:1-34, 25:14-46; Deut. 6:1-9; Luke 10:27)
  • We agree to faithfully exalt the name of Jesus publically; whenever and wherever possible. (Matt. 10:32-33; Romans 1:16)
  • We agree to faithfully assemble together, work together, grow together, and to remain in one accord together; for the benefit of building up each other and God’s Kingdom. (Phil. 2:3-4; Heb. 10:24-25; 2 Tim. 2:15-16)
  • We agree to faithfully be active in our community, and to promote the love of Christ through compassion, grace, and mercy. (1 John 3:18; Matt. 5:13-16)
  • We agree to faithfully pray for one another, this church, the lost, and the future of this ministry. (2 Peter 3:18; 1 Thess. 5:17; Eph. 3:14-21)