Doctrinal Statement of Almond Branch Baptist Church
The Scriptures
- We believe the Holy Bible, consisting of the Old and New Testaments, is the inspired, infallible, and authoritative Word of God. It is the ultimate and final authority in all matters of faith and practice. (2 Timothy 3:16-17, 2 Peter 1:20-21)
The Trinity
- We believe in one God, eternally existent in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. These three are co-equal and co-eternal, each possessing all the attributes of deity. (Matthew 28:19, 2 Corinthians 13:14)
God the Father
- We believe in God the Father, the Creator of heaven and earth, who is sovereign over all things. He is all-powerful, all-knowing, ever-present, and eternally unchanging. He loves and cares for His creation and desires a relationship with all people. (Genesis 1:1, Ephesians 4:6)
Jesus Christ
- We believe in Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God, who became fully human while remaining fully divine. Born of a virgin, He lived a sinless life, performed miracles, and taught with authority. His death on the cross provided the atoning sacrifice for our sins. He rose bodily from the dead, ascended to heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father, interceding for believers. (John 1:1,14; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4; Hebrews 1:3)
The Holy Spirit
- We believe in the Holy Spirit, who proceeds from the Father and the Son. He convicts the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment. He regenerates, sanctifies, and empowers all who believe in Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit indwells every believer, guiding them in truth and equipping them for service. (John 16:7-11; Acts 1:8; 1 Corinthians 12:13)
Salvation
- We believe that salvation is a gift of God’s grace, received through faith in Jesus Christ alone. It is not based on human merit or works. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus provided the only way for forgiveness of sins and reconciliation with God. We believe that once a person accepts Christ as Savior, they are eternally secure in their salvation. (Ephesians 2:8-9; John 10:28-29; Romans 8:38-39)
The Church
- We believe that the Church is the body of Christ, composed of all true believers. The Church’s mission is to glorify God by proclaiming the Gospel, making disciples, and serving others in love. We are committed to the local church as a community of believers who gather for worship, instruction, fellowship, and outreach. (Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 2:42-47; 1 Corinthians 12:12-27)
Ordinances
- We believe in the two ordinances instituted by Jesus Christ: Baptism and the Lord’s Supper. Baptism by immersion symbolizes the believer’s identification with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection. The Lord’s Supper is a memorial of Christ’s sacrifice and a celebration of our communion with Him and with fellow believers. (Matthew 28:19; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26)
The Second Coming
- We believe in the personal, visible, and imminent return of Jesus Christ to establish His kingdom. He will judge the living and the dead, rewarding believers and condemning the unrepentant. We look forward to the resurrection of the body and life everlasting in the presence of God. (Acts 1:11; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17; Revelation 20:11-15)
Christian Living
- We believe that every believer is called to live a life of holiness and obedience to God’s Word. Empowered by the Holy Spirit, we are to grow in Christlikeness, bear fruit in good works, and witness to the world through our love and actions. (Romans 12:1-2; Galatians 5:22-23; 1 Peter 1:15-16)