Statement of Faith

Table of Contents


Preamble

Our church fellowship has adopted a modified version of the New Hampshire Confession of Faith of 1853. We believe the doctrines set forth herein are derived from the Scriptures and that they are essential for right worship of God. However, these are not the only points of doctrine that a Christian should endeavor to know, understand, and believe. 

We have found it necessary to expound upon and address those issues pressing in our own time (2022), and to that end, we pray that God has led us by his Holy Spirit, who himself inspired the Holy Scripture, to understand his word and to faithfully and succinctly state its propositions and implications. As with any manmade document, error may abound, but by God’s grace, he will be glorified.  Changes of note are as follows:

  • Some antiquated language has been updated;
  • The language of “Of the Scriptures” has been expanded to more clearly state that we believe in the inerrancy and infallibility of the word;
  • An additional phrase from the Abstract of Principles has been added to “Of God’s Purpose of Grace”;
  • The order of terms for an elder has been readjusted in “Of a Gospel Church”;
  • A new sentence has been added at the beginning of “Of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper” to explicitly state that we believe there are only two ordinances of the Church; and
  • Three new paragraphs on the issues of gender, marriage, and family have been added, as we these matters are especially relevant to our times to speak clearly to.

Though not a doctrine formally set forth hereinbelow, we do believe in ecclesia semper reformanda est (Latin: “the church must always be reformed”). As it is without the careful watching of our lives and doctrine, we will, subject to the sinfulness of our flesh, drift into error (cf., 1 Timothy 4:16). So, we believe that it is necessary to, in all humility, examine ourselves regularly and study to show ourselves approved (2 Timothy 2:15). We will commit to change those practices or doctrines that do not comport with the teaching of the Scripture, and we will further adjust our methods and practices that cease to be effective in fulfilling the Great Commission, though the Scripture and the message of the gospel does not change (cf., Galatians 1:6-9). 

Soli Deo Gloria.

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Article 1. Of the Scriptures

We believe that the Holy Bible was written by men divinely inspired, and is a perfect treasure of heavenly instruction (1); that it has God for its author, salvation for its end (2), and truth without any mixture of error for its matter, being the only sufficient, certain, and infallible rule of all saving knowledge, faith and obedience (3); that it reveals the principles by which God will judge us (4); and therefore is, and shall remain to the end of the world, the true center of Christian union (5), and the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds, and opinions should be tried (6). 

  1. 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:21; 2 Samuel 23:2; Acts 1:16; 3:21; John 10:35; Luke 16:29-31; Psalm 119:11
  2. 2 Timothy 3:15; 1 Peter 1:10-12; Acts 11:14; Romans 1:16; Mark 16:16; John 5:39 
  3. Proverbs 30:5-6; John 17:17; Revelation 22:18-19; Romans 3:4; Isaiah 8:20; Ephesians 6:20
  4. Romans 2:12; John 12:47-48; 1 Corinthians 4:3-4; Luke 10:10-16; 12:47-48 
  5. Philippians 3:16; Ephesians 4:3-6; Philippians 2:1-2; 1 Corinthians 1:10; 1 Peter 4:11 
  6. 1 John 4:1; Isaiah 8:20; 1 Thessalonians 5:21; 2 Corinthians 8:5; Acts 17:11; 1 John 4:6; Jude 3-5; Ephesians 6:17; Psalm 119:59-60; Philippians 1:9-11

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Article 2. Of the True God  

We believe that there is one, and only one, living and true God, an infinite, intelligents Spirit, whose name is JEHOVAH, the Creator and Supreme Ruler of Heaven and earth (1); inexpressibly glorious in holiness (2), and worthy of all possible honor, confidence, and love (3); that in the unity of the Godhead there are three persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit (4); equal in every divine perfection (5), and executing distinct and harmonious offices in the great work of redemption (6). 

  1. John 4:24; Psalm 147:5; 83:18; Hebrews 3:4; Romans 1:20; Jeremiah 10:10 
  2. Exodus 15:11; Isaiah 6:3; 1 Peter 1:15-16; Revelation 4:6-8 
  3. Mark 12:30; Revelation 4:11; Matthew 10:37
  4. Matthew 28:19; John 15:26; 1 Corinthians 12:4-6; 1 John 5:7 
  5. John 10:30; 5:17; 14:23; 17:5, 10; Acts 5:3-4; 1 Corinthians 2:10-11; Philippians 2:5-6 
  6. Ephesians 2:18; 2 Corinthians 13:14; Revelation 1:4-5

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Article 3. Of the Fall of Man

We believe that man was created in holiness, under the law of his Creator (1); but by voluntary transgression fell from that holy and happy state (2); in consequence of which all mankind are now sinners (3), not by constraint, but choice (4); 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 (5), without defense or excuse (6). 

  1. Genesis 1:27, 31; Ecclesiastes 7:29; Acts 17:24-26; Genesis 2:16 
  2. Genesis 3:6-24; Romans 5:12 
  3. Romans 5:19; John 3:6; Psalm 51:5; Romans 5:15-19; 8:7 
  4. Isaiah 53:6; Genesis 6:12; Romans 3:9-18 
  5. Ephesians 2:1-3; Romans 1:18, 32; 2:1-16; Galatians 3:10
  6. Ezekiel 18:19-20; Romans 1:20; 3:19; Galatians 3:22 

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Article 4. Of the Way of Salvation  

We believe that the salvation of sinners is wholly of grace (1), through the mediatorial offices of the Son of God (2); who by the appointment of the Father, freely took upon him our nature, yet without sin (3); honored the divine law by his personal obedience (4), and by his death made a full atonement for our sins (5); that having risen from the dead, he is now enthroned in heaven (6); 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 (7). 

  1. Ephesians 2:5; Luke 19:10; 1 John 4:10; 1 Corinthians 3:5-7; Acts 15:11 
  2. John 3:16-17; 1:1-14; Hebrews 4:14; 12:24 
  3. Philippians 2:6-7; Hebrews 2:9, 14; 2 Corinthians 5:21 
  4. Isaiah 42:21; Philippians 2:8; Galatians 4:4-5; Romans 3:21 
  5. Isaiah 53:4-5; Matthew 20:28; Romans 4:25; 3:21-26; 1 John 4:10; 2:2; 1 Corinthians 15:1-3; Hebrews 9:13-15 
  6. Hebrews 1:8, 3; 8:1; Colossians 3:1-4 
  7. Hebrews 7:25; Colossians 2:9; Hebrews 2:18; 7:26; Psalm 14 

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Article 5. Of Justification

We believe that the great gospel blessing which Christ (1) secures to such as believe in him is Justification (2); that Justification includes the pardon of sin (3), and the promise of eternal life on principles of righteousness (4); 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 (5); by virtue of which faith his perfect righteousness is freely imputed to us of God (6); 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 (7). 

  1. John 1:16; Ephesians 3:8 
  2. Acts 13:39; Isaiah 3:11-12; Romans 8:1 
  3. Romans 5:9; Zechariah 13:1; Matthew 9:6; Acts 10:43 
  4. Romans 5:17; Titus 3:5-6; 1 Peter 3:7; 1 John 2:25; Romans 5:21 
  5. Romans 4:4-5; 5:21; 6:23; 9:30-32; Philippians 3:7-9 
  6. Romans 5:19; 3:24-26; 4:23-25; 1 John 2:12 
  7. Romans 5:1-3, 11; 1 Corinthians 1:30-31; Matthew 6:33; 1 Timothy 4:8 

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Article 6. Of the Freeness of Salvation

We believe that the blessings of salvation are made free to all by the gospel (1); that it is the immediate duty of all to accept them by a cordial, penitent, and obedient faith (2); and that nothing prevents the salvation of the greatest sinner on earth but his own inherent depravity and voluntary rejection of the gospel (3); which rejection results in an aggravated condemnation (4). 

  1. Isaiah 55:1; Revelation 22:17; Luke 14:17 
  2. Romans 16:26; Mark 1:15; Romans 1:15-17 
  3. John 5:40; Matthew 23:37; Romans 9:32; Proverbs 1:24; Acts 13:46 
  4. John 3:19; Matthew 11:20; Luke 19:27; 2 Thessalonians 1:8 

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Article 7. Of Grace in Regeneration

We believe that, in order to be saved, sinners must be regenerated, or born again (1); that regeneration consists in giving a holy disposition to the mind (2); that it is effected in a manner above our comprehension by the power of the Holy Spirit, in connection with divine truth (3), so as to secure our voluntary obedience to the gospel (4); and that its proper evidence appears in the holy fruits of repentance, and faith, and newness of life (5). 

  1. John 3:3, 6-7; Revelation 21:27 
  2. 2 Corinthians 5:17; Ezekiel 36:26; Deuteronomy 30:6; Romans 2:28-29; 5:5; 1 John 4:7 
  3. John 3:8; 1:13; James 1:16-18; 1 Corinthians 1:30; Philippians 2:13; Titus 3:4-5
  4. 1 Peter 1:22-25; 1 John 5:1; Ephesians 4:20-24; Colossians 3:9-11 
  5. Ephesians 5:9; Romans 8:9; Galatians 5:16-23; Ephesians 3:14-21; Matthew 3:8-10; 7:20; 1 John 5:4, 18 

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Article 8. Of Repentance and Faith

We believe that Repentance and Faith are sacred duties, and also inseparable graces, wrought in our souls by the regenerating Spirit of God (1); whereby being deeply convinced of our guilt, danger, and helplessness, and of the way of salvation by Christ (2), we turn to God with unfeigned contrition, confession, and supplication for mercy (3); 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 (4). 

  1. Mark 1:15; Acts 11:18; Ephesians 2:8
  2. John 16:8; Acts 2:37-38; 16:30-31 
  3. Luke 18:13; 15:18-21; James 4:7-10; 2 Corinthians 7:11; Romans 10:12-13; Psalm 51 
  4. Romans 10:9-11; Acts 3:22-23: Hebrews 4:14; Psalm 2:6; Hebrews 1:8; 8:2-5; 2 Timothy 1:12 

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Article 9. Of God’s Purpose of Grace

We believe that Election is God’s eternal choice of some persons unto everlasting life—not because of foreseen merit in them, but solely of his mercy in Christ, in consequence of such choice they who are elect are called, justified, and glorified (1); that being perfectly consistent with the free agency of man, it comprehends all the means in connection with the end (2); that it is a most glorious display of God’s sovereign goodness, being infinitely free, wise, holy, and unchangeable (3); that it utterly excludes boasting, and promotes humility, love, prayer, praise, trust in God, and active imitation of his free mercy (4); that it encourages the use of means in the highest degree (5); that it may be ascertained by its effects in all who truly believe the gospel (6); that it is the foundation of Christian assurance (7); and that to ascertain it with regard to ourselves demands and deserves the utmost diligence (8). 

  1. 2 Timothy 1:8-9; Ephesians 1:3-14; 1 Peter 1:1-2; Romans 11:5-6; 1 John 4:19; Romans 8:29-30; 9:18
  2. 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14; Acts 13:48; John 10:16
  3. Exodus 33:18-19; Matthew 20:15; Ephesians 1:11; Romans 9:23-24; Jeremiah 31:3; Romans 11:28-29; James 1:17-18; 2 Timothy 1:9; Romans 11:32-36; Isaiah 46:9-11
  4. 1 Corinthians 4:7; 1:26-31; Romans 3:27; 4:16; Colossians 3:12; 1 Corinthians 3:5-7; 15:10; 1 Peter 5:10; 1 Thessalonians 2:13; 1 Peter 2:9; Luke 18:7; John 15:16; 1 Thessalonians 2:12 
  5. 2 Timothy 2:10; 1 Corinthians 9:22; Romans 8:28-30; John 6:37-40; 2 Peter 1:10; Romans 10:14-17 
  6. 1 Thessalonians 1:4-10 
  7. Romans 8:28-30; Isaiah 42:16; Romans 11:29 
  8. 2 Peter 1:10-11; Philippians 2:12-13; 3:12; Hebrews 6:11 

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Article 10. Of Sanctification  

We believe that Sanctification is the process by which, according to the will of God, we are made partakers of his holiness (1); that it is a progressive work (2); that it is begun in regeneration (3); 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 (4). 

  1. 1 Thessalonians 4:3; 5:23; 2 Corinthians 7:1; 13:9; Ephesians 1:4 
  2. Proverbs 4:18; 2 Corinthians 3:18; Hebrews 6:1; 2 Peter 1:5-8; Philippians 3:12-16 
  3. Romans 8:5; John 3:6; Philippians 1:9-11; Ephesians 1:13-14 
  4. Philippians 2:12-13; Ephesians 4:11-12; 1 Peter 2:2; 2 Peter 3:18; 2 Corinthians 13:5; Luke 11:35; 9:23; Matthew 26:41; Ephesians 6:18; 4:30 

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Article 11. Of the Perseverance of Saints

We believe that such only are real believers as endure unto the end (1); that their persevering attachment to Christ is the grand mark which distinguishes them from superficial professors (2); that a special Providence watches over their welfare (3); and they are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation (4). 

  1. John 8:31; 1 John 2:27-28; 3:9; 5:18 
  2. 1 John 2:19; John 13:18; Matthew 13:20-21; John 6:66-69; Job 17:9 
  3. Romans 8:28; Matthew 6:30-33; Jeremiah 32:40; Psalm 121:3; 91:11-12 
  4. Philippians 1:6; 2:12-13; Jude 24-25; Hebrews 1:14; 2 Kings 6:16; Hebrews 13:5; 1 John 4:4 

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Article 12. Of the Harmony of the Law and the Gospel

We believe that the Law of God is the eternal and unchangeable rule of his moral government (1); that it is holy, just, and good (2); and that the inability which the Scriptures ascribe to fallen men to fulfill its precepts arises entirely from their love of sin (3); 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 (4). 

  1. Romans 3:31; Matthew 5:17; Luke 16:17; Romans 3:20; 4:15 
  2. Romans 7:12, 7, 14, 22; Galatians 3:21; Psalm 119 
  3. Romans 8:7-8; Joshua 24:19; Jeremiah 13:23; John 6:44; 5:44  
  4. Romans 8:2, 4; 10:4; 1 Timothy 1:5; Hebrews 8:10; Jude 20-21; Hebrews 12:14; Matthew 16:17-18; 1 Corinthians 12:28 

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Article 13. Of a Gospel Church

We believe that a visible Church of Christ is a congregation of baptized believers (1), associated by covenant in the faith and fellowship of the gospel (2); observing the ordinances of Christ (3); governed by his laws (4), and exercising the gifts, rights, and privileges invested in them by his Word (5); that its only scriptural officers are Elders (or called Pastors, Bishops, or Overseers) and Deacons, whose qualifications, claims, and duties are defined in the Epistles to Timothy and Titus (6). 

  1. 1 Corinthians 1:1-13; Matthew 18:17; Acts 5:11; 8:1; 1 Corinthians 4:17; 14:23; 3 John 9; 1 Timothy 3:5 
  2. Acts 2:41-42; 2 Corinthians 8:5; Acts 2:47; 1 Corinthians 5:12-13 
  3. 1 Corinthians 11:2; 2 Thessalonians 3:6; Romans 16:17-20; 1 Corinthians 11:23; Matthew 18:15-20; 1 Corinthians 5:6; 1 Corinthians 4:17 
  4. Matthew 28:20; John 14:15; 15:12; 1 John 4:21; John 14:21; 1 Thessalonians 4.2; 2 John 6; Galatians 6:2
  5. Ephesians 4:7; 1 Corinthians 14:12; Philippians 1:27; 1 Corinthians 12:14-31
  6. Philippians 1:1; Acts 14:23; 15:22; 1 Timothy 3; Titus 1 

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Article 14. Of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper

We believe that there are only two ordinances of the Church, namely Baptism and the Lord’s Supper (1); that Christian Baptism is the immersion in water of a believer (2), into the name of the Father, and Son, and Holy Spirit (3); 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 (4); that it is prerequisite to the privileges of a Church relation; and to the Lord’s Supper (5), in which the members of the Church, by the sacred use of bread and wine, are to commemorate together the dying love of Christ (6); preceded always by solemn self-examination (7). 

  1. Matthew 28:19; Matthew 26:26-28; Mark 14:22-24; Luke 22:19-20; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26
  2. Acts 8:36-39; Matthew 3:5-6; John 3:22-23; 4:1-2; Matthew 28:19; Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; 8:12; 16:32-34; 18:8 
  3. Matthew 28:19; Acts 10:47-48; Galatians 3:27-28 
  4. Romans 6:4; Colossians 2:12; 1 Peter 3:20-21; Acts 22:16 
  5. Acts 2:41-42; Matthew 28:19-20 
  6. 1 Corinthians 11:26; Matthew 26:26-29; Mark 14:22-25; Luke 22:14-20 
  7. 1 Corinthians 11:28; 5:1, 8; 10:3-32; 11:17-32; John 6:26-71 

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Article 15. Of the Christian Sabbath  

We believe that the first day of the week is the Lord’s Day, or Christian Sabbath (1); and is to be kept sacred to religious purposes (2), by the devout observance of all the means of grace, both private (3) and public (4); and by preparation for that rest that remains for the people of God (5). 

  1. Acts 20:7; Genesis 2:3; Colossians 2:16-17; Mark 2:27; John 20:19; 1 Corinthians 16:1- 2 
  2. Exodus 20:8; Revelation 1:10; Psalm 118:24 
  3. Psalm 119:15 
  4. Hebrews 10:24-25; Acts 11:26; 13:44; Leviticus 19:30; Luke 4:16; Acts 17:2, 3; Psalm 26:8; 87:3 
  5. Hebrews 4:3-11 

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Article 16. Of Civil Government  

We believe that civil government is of divine appointment, for the interests and good order of human society (1); and that magistrates are to be prayed for, conscientiously honored and obeyed (2); except only in things opposed to the will of our Lord Jesus Christ (3) who is the only Lord of the conscience, and the Prince of the kings of the earth (4). 

  1. Romans 13:1-7; Deuteronomy 16:18; 2 Samuel 23:3; Exodus 18:22-23; Jeremiah 30:21 
  2. Matthew 22:21; Titus 3:1; 1 Peter 2:13; 1 Timothy 2:1-8 
  3. Acts 5:29; Matthew 10:28; Daniel 3:15-18; 6:7-10; Acts 4:18-20 
  4. Matthew 23:10; Romans 14:4; Revelation 19:16; Psalm 72:11; Psalm 2; Romans 14:9-13 

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Article 17. Of the Righteous and the Wicked

We believe that there is a radical and essential difference between the righteous and the wicked (1); that such only as through faith are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and sanctified by the Spirit of our God, are truly righteous in his esteem (2); while all such as continue in impenitence and unbelief are in his sight wicked and under the curse (3); and this distinction holds among men both in and after death (4). 

  1. Malachi 3:18; Proverbs 12:26; Isaiah 5:20; Genesis 18:23; Jeremiah 15:19; Acts 10:34- 35; Romans 6:16 
  2. Romans 1:17; 7:6; 1 John 2:29; 3:7; Romans 6:18, 22; 1 Corinthians 11:32; Proverbs 11:31; 1 Peter 4:17-18 
  3. 1 John 5:18-19; Galatians 3:10; John 3:36; Isaiah 57:21; Psalm 10:4; Isaiah 55:6-7 
  4. 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 

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Article 18. Of the World to Come  

We believe that the end of the world is approaching (1); that at the last day Christ will descend from heaven (2), and raise the dead from the grave to final retribution (3); that a solemn separation will then take place (4); that the wicked will be adjudged to endless punishment, and the righteous to endless joy (5); and that this judgment will fix forever the final state of men in heaven or hell, both of which are real and eternal places, on principles of righteousness (6). 

  1. 1 Peter 4:7; 1 Corinthians 7:29-31; Hebrews 1:10-12; Matthew 24:35; 1 John 2:17; Matthew 28:20; 13:39-40; 2 Peter 3:3-13 
  2. Acts 1:11; Revelation 1:7; Hebrews 9:28; Acts 3:20-21; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; 5:1-11 
  3. Acts 24:15; 1 Corinthians 15:12-59; Luke 14:14; Daniel 12:2; John 5:28-29; 6:40; 11:2526; 2 Timothy 1:10; Acts 10:42 
  4. Matthew 13:49, 37-43; 24:30-31; 25:31-33 
  5. Matthew 25:35-41; Revelation 22:12; 1 Corinthians 6:9-10; Mark 9:43-48; 2 Peter 2:9; Jude 7; Philippians 3:18-20; Romans 6:23; 2 Corinthians 5:10-11; John 4:36; 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 
  6. Romans 3:5-6; 2 Thessalonians 1:6-12; Hebrews 6:1-2; 1 Corinthians 4:5; Acts 17:31; Romans 2:2-16; Revelation 20:11-12; 1 John 2:28; 4:17

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Article 19. Of Gender

We believe that in the beginning God created them male and female; that there is no other gender or sex and such creation was very good (1); that all persons are of equal worth in the sight of God (2); that this equal worth does not mean that God does not ordain different roles and responsibilities within the family (3).

  1. Genesis 1:26-28; Matthew 19:4
  2. Galatians 3:28; 1 Corinthians 12:13; Colossians 3:11
  3. 1 Corinthians 7:1-16; Ephesians 5:21-33; Colossians 3:18-19; Titus 2:3-5: 1 Peter 3:1-7; 1 Corinthians 7:39

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Article 20. Of Marriage

We believe that the family is the foundational institution of human society; that God has ordained and instituted marriage as to be between a husband and a wife, one man and one woman, united in covenant for life; that marriage ought to be defined only by God, our Creator, as revealed in his Scripture (1).

  1. Genesis 2:23-25; Matthew 19:3-9; Proverbs 5:15-20; 18:22; Malachi 2:14-16; Matthew 5:31-32; Hebrews 13:4

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Article 21. Of the Family

We believe that a husband has the duty to love his wife as Christ loves the church; that a wife has the duty to graciously submit to her husband even as the church submits to the headship of Christ; that a wife’s submission is to her husband and not to all men generally; that such godly submission does not entail submitting to abuse of any kind or obedience unto sin (1); that children, from the moment of conception, are a blessing from God; that children are commanded to honor and obey their parents, which is the first commandment with a promise (2); that parents have a responsibility to raise their children in the fear and admonition of the Lord, teaching them to obey the commandments of God (3).

  1. 1 Corinthians 7:1-16; Ephesians 5:21-33; Colossians 3:18-19; Titus 2:3-5: 1 Peter 3:1-7; 1 Corinthians 7:39
  2. Exodus 20:12; Psalm 139:13-16; Proverbs 6:20-22; 17:6; Ephesians 6:1-3; Colossians 3:20
  3. Deuteronomy 6:4-9; Psalm 78:1-8; Proverbs 13:24; 22:6; Ephesians 6:4; Colossians 3:21

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