Doctrinal Statement

In view of the present apostasy in many religious organizations, we wish to set forth a declaration of Biblical doctrines believed by Liberty Baptist Church and to which its membership should subscribe in its entirety.

Section 1 The Scriptures

We believe the Holy Bible was written by men supernaturally inspired. It is truth without error for its substance. Therefore, it shall remain to the end of the age the only complete and final revelation of the will of God to man; the true center of Christian union and the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds, and opinions should be tried.

1. By “The Holy Bible” we mean the collection of sixty-six books, from Genesis to Revelation, which, as originally written does not only contain and convey the Word of God, but IS the very Word of God.
2. By ”inspiration” we mean the books of the Bible were written by holy men of old, as they were moved by the Holy Spirit, in such a definite way their writings were supernaturally and verbally inspired and free from error, as no other writings have ever been or ever will be inspired.
3. The King James Version will be the exclusive text for all preaching, teaching and use in the Liberty Baptist Church.

(Psalm 19:7-11; 119:89, 105, 130, 160; Proverbs 30.5-6; Isaiah 8:20; Luke 16:31; 24:25-27,44-45; John 5:39, 45-47; 12:48; 17:17; Acts 1:16; 28:25; Romans 3:4; 15:4; Ephesians 6:17; 2 Timothy 3:1 6-17; 1 Peter 1:23; 2 Peter 1:19-21; Revelation 22:19)

Section 2 The True God

We believe there is one, and only one, living and true God – an infinite, intelligent Spirit, the maker and supreme ruler of heaven and earth, inexpressibly glorious in holiness and worthy of all possible honor, confidence and love. In the unity of the Godhead there are three persons – the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost – equal in every divine perfection, and executing distinct but harmonious offices in the great work of redemption. (Genesis 17:1; Exodus 20:2-3; 15:11; Psalm 83:18; 90:2; 147:5; Jeremiah 10:10; Matthew 28:19; Mark 12:30; John 4:24; 10:30; 15:26; 17:5; Acts 5:3-4; Romans 11:23; 1 Corinthians 12:10-11; 8:6; 12:4-6; 2 Corinthians 13:14; Ephesians 2:18; 4:6; Philippines 2:5-6; 1 Timothy 1:17; 1 John 5:7; Revelation 4:11)

Section 4 The Holy Spirit

We believe the Holy Spirit is a divine person equal with God the Father and God the Son and is of the same nature. He was active in the creation. in His relation to the unbelieving world, He restrains the evil one until God’s purpose is fulfilled. He convicts of sin, of judgment and of righteousness’, He bears witness to the Truth of the Gospel in preaching and testimony’, He is the agent in the New Birth’, He seals, endues, guides, teaches, witnesses, sanctifies and helps the believer. (Genesis 1 :13; Matthew 3:11; 28:19; Mark 1:8; Luke 1 :35; 3:1 6; 24:49; John 1:33; 3:5-6; 14:16-17, 26; 15:26-27; 16:8-11, 13; Acts 5:30-32; 11:16; Romans 8:14,16, 26-27; Ephesians 1:13-14; 2 Thessalonians 2:7, 13; Hebrews 9:14; 1 Peter 1::2)

Section 5 The Devil, or Satan

We believe Satan was once holy and enjoyed heavenly honors, but, through pride and ambition to be as the Almighty, fell and drew after him a host of angels. He is now the malignant prince of the power of the air and the unholy god of this world. We hold him to be man’s great tempter, the enemy of God and Jesus Christ the accuser of the saints, the author of all false religions, the chief power behind the present apostasy, the lord of the antichrist, and the author of all the powers of darkness. He is destined, however, to final defeat at the hands of God’s own Son and to the judgment of an eternal justice in the Lake of Fire – a place prepared for him and his angels. (lsaiah 14:12-15; Ezekiel 28:14-17; Matthew 4:1-3; 13:25; 25:41; 27:39; Mark 13:21-22; Luke 22:34; John 14:30; Ephesians 2:2; 2 Corinthians 11:13-15; 1 Thessalonians 3:5; 2 Thessalonians 2:8-11 ; 1 Peter 5:8; 2 Peter 2:4; 1 John 2:22; 3:8; 4:3; 2 John 7; Jude 6; Revelation 12:7-10; 13:13-14; 19:11; 16, 20; 20:1-3, 10)

Section 6 The Creation

We believe in the Genesis account of creation. It is to be accepted literally, and not allegorically or figuratively. Man was created directly in God’s own image and after His own likeness. Man’s creation was not a matter of evolution or evolutionary change of species or development through interminable periods of time from lower to higher forms. AII animal and vegetable life was made directly, and God’s established law was that they should bring forth only ”after their kind.” (Genesis 1:1, 11, 24, 26-27; 2:21-23; Exodus 20:11; Nehemiah 9:6; Jeremiah 10:12; John 1:3; Acts 4:24; 17:23-26; Romans 1:20; Colossians 1:16-17; Hebrews 11:3; Revelation 10:6)

Section 7 The Fall of Man

We believe man was created in innocence under the law of his Maker, but by voluntary transgression fell from his sinless and happy state, in consequence of which all mankind are now sinners, and therefore under just condemnation without defense or excuse. Genesis 3:1-6, 24; Ezekiel 18:19-20; Romans 1:18, 20, 28, 32; 3:10-19; 5:12, 19; Galatians 3:22; Ephesians 2:1, 3

Section 8 The Virgin Birth

We believe 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 a woman; and He is both – the Son of God and God the Son. (Genesis 3:15; Psalm 2:7; Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:18-20; Mark 1:1; Luke 1:35; John 1:14; Galatians 4:4; 1 Corinthians 15:47; 1 John 5:20)

Section 9 The Atonement for Sin

We believe the salvation of sinners is wholly of grace through the mediatorial office of the Son of God, Who by appointment of the Father, freely took upon Himself our nature, yet without sin. He honored the divine law by His personal obedience, and by the shedding of His blood made a full and vicarious atonement for our sins – the voluntary substitution of Himself in the sinner’s place, the Just dying for the unjust, Christ the Lord bearing our sins in His own body on the tree. Having risen from the dead, He is now enthroned in heaven and is in every way qualified to be a suitable, a compassionate and an all-sufficient Savior. (Isaiah 53:4-7,11-12; Matthew 18:11; John 3:16; 10:18; Acts 15:11; Romans 3:24-25; Galatians 1:4; Ephesians 2:8; Philippians 2:7-8; Hebrews 2:14; 7:25; 9:12-15; 12:2)

Section 10 The Grace in the New Creation

We believe in order to be saved, sinners must be born again. The new birth is a new creation in Christ Jesus. It is instantaneous and not a process. In the new birth the one dead in trespasses and in sins is made a partaker of the divine nature and receives eternal life, the free gift of God. The new creation is brought about in a manner above our comprehension – not by culture, not by character, nor by the will of man, but wholly and solely by the power of the Holy Spirit in connection with divine truth, so as to secure our voluntary obedience to the gospel. Its proper evidence appears in the holy fruits of repentance and faith and newness of life. (Luke 5:27; John 1 :12-13; 3:3, 6-7; Acts 2:41; Romans 6:23; 2 Corinthians 5:17, 19; Galatians 5:22; Ephesians 2:1; 5:9; Colossians 2:13; 1 John 5:1)

Section 11 The Freeness of Salvation

We believe in God’s saving grace. The blessings of salvation are made free to all by the gospel. It is the immediate duty of all to accept them (these blessings of salvation) by a penitent and obedient faith. Nothing prevents the salvation of the greatest sinner on earth but his own inherent depravity and voluntary rejection of the gospel which involves him in an aggravated condemnation. (Isaiah 55:1; Matthew 11:28; John 3:15-18, 36; 5:40; 6:37; Acts 2:38; Romans 8:29-30; 10:13; 1 Corinthians 15:10; Ephesians 2:4-5; Colossians 3:12; 1 Thessalonians 1:4; 1 Timothy 1:15; Titus 1:1; 1 Peter 1:2; Revelation 22:17)

Section 12 Justification

We believe the great gospel blessing which Christ secures to such as believe in Him is Justification. Justification includes the pardon of sin and the gift of eternal life through the righteousness of Jesus Christ. It is bestowed not in consideration of any works of righteousness which we have done, but solely through faith in the Redeemer’s blood, His righteousness being imputed unto us. (Isaiah 53:11; Habakkuk 2:4; Zechariah 13:1; Acts 13:39; Romans 1:17; 4:1; 5:1-9; 8:1; Galatians 3:11; Titus 3:5-7; Hebrews 10:38)

Section 13 Repentance and Faith

We believe Repentance and Faith are solemn obligations and inseparable graces and are wrought in our souls by the quickening Spirit of God. Being deeply convicted of our guilt, danger and helplessness, and that the way of salvation is by Christ, we turn to God with unfeigned contrition, confession and supplication for mercy, at the same time heartily receiving the Lord Jesus Christ and openly confessing Him as our only and all-sufficient Savior. (Psalm 51:1-4,7; Isaiah 55:6-7; Mark 1:15; Luke 12:8; 18:13; Acts 2:37-38; 20:21; Romans 10:9-11, 13)

Section 14 The Church

We believe a local, New Testament Baptist Church is a congregation of baptized believers associated by a covenant of faith and fellowship of the gospel and is established by scriptural methods. Said church is understood to be the citadel and propagator of the Divine and Eternal Grace, observing the ordinances of Christ, governed by His laws, and exercising the gifts, rights, and privileges invested in them by His Word. Its officers of ordination are Pastors and Elders whose qualifications, claims, and duties are clearly defined in the Scriptures.

We also accept the office of Deacon as established by Scripture, the office to be developed and used according to the need of the Church. We further accept the office of Trustee, not as a scripturally established office but rather an office developed in the church to meet the legal requirements of the government of the State of Missouri.

We believe the true mission of the local church is found in the Great Commission: 1) to make individual disciples 2) to build up the local church 3) to teach and instruct as He has commanded. We do not believe in the reversal of this order.

We hold that the local church has the absolute right of self-government, free from the interference of any hierarchy of individuals or organizations. The one and only superintendent is Christ through the Holy Spirit. It is scriptural for true churches to cooperate with each other in contending for the faith and for the furtherance of the Gospel. However, every local church is the sole and only judge of the measure and method of its co-operation on all matters of membership, of policy, of government, of discipline, of benevolence, the will of the local church being final. (Leviticus 27:31; Malachi 3:10; Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 2:41 -42; 6:5-6; 14:23; 15:22-23; 20:17 -28; 1 Corinthians 5:11-13; 6:1-3; 11:2; 12:4, 8-11; 16:1-2; Ephesians 1:22-23; 4:11; 5:23-24; Colossians 1:18; 1 Timothy 3:1-13)

Section 15 Baptism and the Lord’s Supper

We believe scriptural baptism is to be administered under the authority of a local, New Testament Baptist church and is the immersion in water of a believer, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, showing forth in a solemn and beautiful symbol our faith in the crucified, buried and risen Savior, with its effect in our death to sin and resurrection to a new life. Baptism is a prerequisite to the privileges of a local church relationship and to the Lord’s Supper. The Lord’s Supper is observed by the sacred use of unleavened bread and the fruit of the vine (pure grape juice). We are to commemorate together the dying love of Christ preceded always by solemn self-examination. (Matthew 3:6; 3:16; 28:19-20; John 3:23; Acts 2:41-42; 8:36-39; Romans 6:3-5; 1 Corinthians 11:23-28; Colossians 2:12)

Section 16 The Perseverance of the Saints

We believe true believers will endure unto the end. Their persevering attachment to Christ is the grand mark which distinguishes them from superficial professors. A special providence watches over their welfare, and they are kept by the power of God through faith unto eternal salvation. (Psalm 121:3; Matthew 6:20; 13:19-21; John 8:31-32; 10:28-29; 16:8; Romans 8:28, 35-39; Philippians 1:6; Colossians 1:21-23; Hebrews 1:14; 1 Peter 1:5; 1 John 2:19) 

Section 17 The Righteous and the Wicked

We believe there is a radical and essential difference between the righteous and the wicked. Only those, justified through faith in the name of the Lord Jesus and sanctified by the Spirit of our God, are truly righteous in His esteem; while all such as continue in impenitence and unbelief are in His sight wicked and under the curse both in and after death, in the everlasting felicity of the saved and the everlasting conscious suffering of the lost. (Genesis 18:23; Proverbs 11:31; 14:32; Malachi 3:18; Matthew 7:13-14; 25:34; Luke 9:26; 16:25; John 8:21; 12:25; Acts 10:34-35; Romans 1:17; 6:16-18, 23; 7:6; 1 Corinthians 15:22; Galatians 3:10; 1 Peter 4:18; 1 John 2:7, 29; 5:19)

Section 18 Civil Government

We believe civil government is of divine appointment, for the interests and good order of human society. Magistrates are to be prayed for and conscientiously honored and obeyed (except only in things opposed to the will of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is the only Lord of the conscience and the coming Prince of the kings of the earth). (Exodus 18:21-22; 2 Samuel 23:3; Psalm 72:11; Daniel 3:17-18; Matthew 10:28; 22:21; 23:10; Acts 4:19-20; 23:5; Romans 13:7; Philippians 2:10-11; Titus 3:1; 1 Peter 2:13-14, 17)

Section 19 The Resurrection and Return of Christ and Related Events

We believe in and accept the sacred Scriptures in their face and full value. Of the Resurrection, we believe Christ rose bodily “’the third day according to the Scriptures”. He ascended “to the right hand of the throne of God.” He alone is our “merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God” and ”that this same Jesus which is taken up from you into heaven shall so come in like manner as ye have seen Him go into heaven” – bodily, personally, and visibly; the “dead in Christ shall rise first”; the living saints “shall all be changed in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump” and “that the Lord God shall give unto Him the throne of His father David”; and “Christ shall reign a thousand years in righteousness until He hath put all enemies under His feet.” (Psalm 72:8; Isaiah 11:4-5; Matthew 24:27, 42; Matthew 28:6-7; Mark 16:6, 19; Luke 1:32; Luke 24:2, 4-6, 39, 51; John 14:3; John 20:27; Acts 1:9, 11; 1 Corinthians 15:4; Philippians 4:20; 1 Thessalonians 4:16; 1 Timothy 2:5; Hebrews 2:17; 5:9; 8:1; 9:28; 12:2)

Section 20 Missions

The command to give the gospel to the world is clear and unmistakable, and this Commission was given to the local church.

Matthew 28:18-20; ”And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you and, lo I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”

Mark 16:15, “And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.”

John 20:21, ”As my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.”

Acts 1:8, ”But ye shall receive power after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you; and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.”

Romans 10:13-15, “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? As it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!”

Section 21 The Grace of Giving

Scriptural giving is one of the fundamentals of the Faith.

2 Corinthians 8:7 ”Therefore, as ye abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also.”

We are commanded to bring our gifts into the storehouse (common treasury of the local church) upon the first day of the week.

1 Corinthians 16:2, “Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.”

Under Grace we give (and do not pay) the tithe – “Abraham gave the tenth of the spoils,” – Hebrews 7:2, 4. This was four hundred years before the law and is confirmed in the New Testament. Jesus said concerning the tithe, “these ought ye to have done, Matthew 23:23.

We are commanded to bring the tithe into the common treasury of the local church. Leviticus 27:30, ”The tithe … is the Lord’s.” Malachi 3:10, “Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house) and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.”

In the New Testament, it was the common treasury of the local church. Acts 4:34, 35, 37, “And brought the prices of the things that were sold and laid them down at the apostles’ feet … Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles’ feet.”

Section 22 Human Sexuality

We believe that God has commanded that no intimate sexual activity should be engaged in outside of a marriage between a man and a woman. We believe that any form of homosexuality, lesbianism, bisexuality, bestiality, incest, fornication, adultery, and pornography are sinful perversions of God’s original intent for the proper, Biblical sexual relationship. (Genesis 2:24, 19:5, 13, 26:8-9; Leviticus 18:1-30; Romans 1:26-29; 1 Corinthians 5:1, 6:9; 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8; Hebrews 13:4)