Preamble

The Holy Bible is the inspired and inerrant Word of God and is the sole and final authority for all we believe and practice. As its confession of faith and doctrinal standard, Redeemed Community Church adopts the New Hampshire Confession of Faith (1833; the articles on Repentance and Faith and on Sanctification added in 1853), which it reads and teaches from a historic, Reformed perspective.

The articles below set forth what the Elders of this Church teach as the sound doctrine of God’s Word. Where the New Hampshire Confession speaks generally, or does not speak directly to matters our culture now contests, the Church states its settled teaching more fully. For that reason, throughout this statement we say, “We teach.”

For membership and fellowship, full agreement with every point is not required; what is asked is that members affirm the gospel and the essential doctrines of the Christian faith, receive this as the Church’s teaching, and not labor against it in a divisive way. Those who teach, or lead others in the Church are held to a higher standard, being in substantial agreement with this confession and these positions.

I. Of the Holy Scriptures

We teach that the Holy Bible was written by men divinely inspired, and is a perfect treasure of heavenly instruction; that it has God for its author, salvation for its end, and truth without any mixture of error for its matter; that it reveals the principles by which God will judge us; and therefore is, and shall remain to the end of the world, the true center of Christian union, and the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds, and opinions should be tried.

We teach that all Scripture is breathed out by God and is equally His authoritative Word, no part more or less inspired than another; and that Scripture is to be interpreted by Scripture—clearer passages opening those that are less clear, and each text read in the light of the whole counsel of God. We do not weigh one portion of God’s Word against another, nor use any lens—including the words or example of Jesus set over against the rest of Scripture—to soften, relativize, or set aside what any passage plainly teaches; for all of Scripture is the Word of the one Lord, who cannot contradict Himself.

We teach that the Scriptures are rightly read according to God’s unfolding covenants, as one continuous story of redemption in Christ, rather than according to a dispensational framework.

Scripture: 2 Tim. 3:16–17; 2 Pet. 1:21; 1 Sam. 23:2; Acts 1:16; 3:21; John 10:35; Luke 16:29–31; Psa. 119:11; Rom. 3:1–2; 2 Tim. 3:15; 1 Pet. 1:10–12; Rom. 1:16; Mark 16:16; John 5:38–39; Prov. 30:5–6; John 17:17; Rev. 22:18–19; Rom. 3:4; John 12:47–48; 1 Cor. 4:3–4; Phil. 3:16; Eph. 4:3–6; 1 Cor. 1:10; 1 Pet. 4:11; 1 John 4:1, 6; Isa. 8:20; 1 Thess. 5:21; Acts 17:11; Jude 3; Eph. 6:17; Phil. 1:9–11

II. Of the True God

We teach 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; inexpressibly glorious in holiness, and worthy of all possible honor, confidence, and love; that 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 and harmonious offices in the great work of redemption.

Scripture: John 4:24; Psa. 147:5; 83:18; Heb. 3:4; Rom. 1:20; Jer. 10:10; Exod. 15:11; Isa. 6:3; 1 Pet. 1:15–16; Rev. 4:6–8, 11; Mark 12:30; Matt. 10:37; Jer. 2:12–13; Matt. 28:19; John 15:26; 1 Cor. 12:4–6; 1 John 5:7; John 10:30; 5:17; 14:23; 17:5, 10; Acts 5:3–4; 1 Cor. 2:10–11; Phil. 2:5–6; Eph. 2:18; 2 Cor. 13:14; Rev. 1:4–5

III. Of Creation and Humanity

We teach that God created the heavens and the earth, and all that is in them, in the six days of the creation week, and that they were very good; holding a young-earth understanding of the book of Genesis.

We teach that God created humanity in His own image, male and female; that a person’s biological sex is a gift from God and is the God-given basis of his or her identity as male or female; and that this design is good, and is not to be rejected or altered.

Scripture: Gen. 1:1, 27, 31; 2:1–3, 7, 21–24; Exod. 20:11; Neh. 9:6; Psa. 33:6–9; 139:13–16; Matt. 19:4; Col. 1:16; Heb. 11:3

IV. Of the Fall of Man

We teach that man was created in holiness, under the law of his Maker; but by voluntary transgression fell from that holy and happy state; in consequence of which all mankind are now sinners, not by constraint, but choice; 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, without defense or excuse.

Scripture: Gen. 1:27, 31; Eccl. 7:29; Acts 17:26–29; Gen. 2:16; 3:6–24; Rom. 5:12, 15–19; John 3:6; Psa. 51:5; Rom. 8:7; Isa. 53:6; Gen. 6:12; Rom. 3:9–18; Eph. 2:1–3; Rom. 1:18, 20, 32; 2:1–16; 3:19; Gal. 3:10, 22; Ezek. 18:19–20; Matt. 20:15

V. Of the Way of Salvation

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

Scripture: Eph. 2:5; Matt. 18:11; 1 John 4:10; 1 Cor. 3:5–7; Acts 15:11; John 3:16; 1:1–14; Heb. 4:14; 12:24; Phil. 2:6–8; Heb. 2:9, 14; 2 Cor. 5:21; Isa. 42:21; 53:4–5; Gal. 4:4–5; Rom. 3:21–26; 4:25; Matt. 20:28; 1 John 2:2; 1 Cor. 15:1–3; Heb. 9:13–15; 1:3, 8; 8:1; Col. 3:1–4; Heb. 7:25–26; 2:18; Col. 2:9; Psa. 89:19

VI. Of Justification

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

Scripture: John 1:16; Eph. 3:8; Acts 13:39; Rom. 8:1; 5:9, 17, 19, 21; Zech. 13:1; Matt. 9:6; Acts 10:43; Titus 3:5–6; 1 Pet. 3:7; 1 John 2:12, 25; Rom. 4:4–5, 23–25; 3:24–26; 6:23; Phil. 3:7–9; Rom. 5:1–3, 11; 1 Cor. 1:30–31; Matt. 6:33; 1 Tim. 4:8

VII. Of the Freeness of Salvation

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

Scripture: Isa. 55:1; Rev. 22:17; Luke 14:17; Rom. 16:26; Mark 1:15; Rom. 1:15–17; John 5:40; Matt. 11:20; 23:37; Rom. 9:32; Prov. 1:24; Acts 13:46; John 3:19; Luke 19:27; 2 Thess. 1:8

VIII. Of Grace in Regeneration

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

Scripture: John 3:3, 6–8; 1:13; 1 Cor. 1:30; 2 Cor. 5:17; Ezek. 36:26; Deut. 30:6; Rom. 2:28–29; 5:5; 1 John 4:7; 5:4, 18; James 1:16–18; Phil. 2:13; 1 Pet. 1:22–25; Eph. 4:20–24; 5:9; Col. 3:9–11; Rom. 8:9; Gal. 5:16–23; Eph. 3:14–21; Matt. 3:8–10; 7:20

IX. Of Repentance and Faith

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

Scripture: Mark 1:15; Acts 11:18; Eph. 2:8; 1 John 5:1; John 16:8; Acts 2:37–38; 16:30–31; Luke 18:13; 15:18–21; James 4:7–10; 2 Cor. 7:11; Rom. 10:9–13; Psa. 51; Acts 3:22–23; Heb. 1:8; 4:14; 2 Tim. 1:12

X. Of God’s Purpose of Grace

We teach that Election is the eternal purpose of God, according to which he graciously regenerates, sanctifies, and saves sinners; that being perfectly consistent with the free agency of man, it comprehends all the means in connection with the end; that it is a most glorious display of God’s sovereign goodness, being infinitely free, wise, holy, and unchangeable; that it utterly excludes boasting, and promotes humility, love, prayer, praise, trust in God, and active imitation of his free mercy; that it encourages the use of means in the highest degree; that it may be ascertained by its effects in all who truly believe the gospel; that it is the foundation of Christian assurance; and that to ascertain it with regard to ourselves demands and deserves the utmost diligence.

We teach these truths from a historic, Reformed perspective, gladly affirming with the wider Reformed and Particular Baptist tradition the sovereignty of God in salvation and the doctrines of grace. Where the New Hampshire Confession speaks generally, we understand and teach it in this fuller, God-exalting light, as expressed more amply in confessions such as the Second London Baptist Confession of 1689.

Scripture: 2 Tim. 1:8–9; Eph. 1:3–14; 1 Pet. 1:1–2; Rom. 11:5–6, 28–29, 32–36; John 15:15–16; 1 John 4:19; 2 Thess. 2:13–14; Acts 13:48; John 10:16; Matt. 20:15–16; Exod. 33:18–19; Rom. 9:23–24; Jer. 31:3; James 1:17–18; 2 Tim. 1:9; 2:10; 1 Cor. 1:26–31; Rom. 3:27; 4:16; 8:28–30; Col. 3:12; 1 Pet. 2:9; 5:10; 1 Thess. 1:4–10; John 6:37–40; 2 Pet. 1:10–11; Phil. 3:12; Heb. 6:11

XI. Of Sanctification

We teach that Sanctification is the process by which, according to the will of God, we are made partakers of his holiness; that it is a progressive work; that it is begun in regeneration; 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.

Scripture: 1 Thess. 4:3; 5:23; 2 Cor. 7:1; 13:9; Eph. 1:4; Prov. 4:18; 2 Cor. 3:18; Heb. 6:1; 2 Pet. 1:5–8; 3:18; Phil. 3:12–16; 1 John 2:29; Rom. 8:5; John 3:6; Phil. 1:9–11; 2:12–13; Eph. 1:13–14; 4:11–12, 30; 6:18; 1 Pet. 2:2; 2 Cor. 13:5; Luke 9:23; 11:35; Matt. 26:41

XII. Of the Perseverance of the Saints

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

Scripture: John 8:31; 1 John 2:19, 27–28; 3:9; 5:18; John 13:18; 6:66–69; Matt. 13:20–21; Job 17:9; Rom. 8:28; Matt. 6:30–33; Jer. 32:40; Psa. 121:3; 91:11–12; Phil. 1:6; 2:12–13; Jude 24–25; Heb. 1:14; 13:5; 1 John 4:4

XIII. Of the Harmony of the Law and the Gospel

We 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 love of sin; 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.

Scripture: Rom. 3:20, 31; 4:15; Matt. 5:17; Luke 16:17; Rom. 7:7, 12, 14, 22; Gal. 3:21; Psa. 119; Rom. 8:2, 4, 7–8; 10:4; Josh. 24:19; Jer. 13:23; John 5:44; 6:44; 1 Tim. 1:5; Heb. 8:10; 12:14; Jude 20–21; Matt. 16:17–18; 1 Cor. 12:28

XIV. Of a Gospel Church

We teach that a visible Church of Christ is a congregation of baptized believers, associated by covenant in the faith and fellowship of the gospel; observing the ordinances of Christ; governed by his laws, and exercising the gifts, rights, and privileges invested in them by his Word; 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.

We teach that the office of Elder (Overseer or Pastor), which carries the responsibility to teach and to govern the Church, together with the office of Deacon, is reserved to qualified men, as the Scriptures direct; and that God has ordained distinct and complementary roles for men and women in the church and in the home.

Scripture: 1 Cor. 1:1–13; 4:17; 5:6, 12–13; 11:2, 23; 12:14; 14:12, 23; Matt. 18:15–20; Acts 2:41–42, 47; 14:23; 15:22; 1 Tim. 2:12–13; 3:1–13; Titus 1:6–9; Phil. 1:1, 27; 2 Thess. 3:6; Rom. 16:17–20; Matt. 28:20; John 14:15; 15:12; 1 John 4:21; Gal. 6:2; Eph. 4:7

XV. Of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper

We teach that Christian Baptism is the immersion in water of a believer, into the name of the Father, and Son, and Holy Ghost; to show forth, in a solemn and beautiful emblem, our faith in the crucified, buried, and risen Saviour, with its effect in our death to sin and resurrection to a new life; that it is prerequisite to the privileges of a Church relation, and to the Lord’s Supper, in which the members of the Church, by the sacred use of bread and wine, are to commemorate together the dying love of Christ; preceded always by solemn self-examination.

Scripture: Acts 8:36–39; Matt. 3:5–6; 28:19–20; John 3:22–23; 4:1–2; Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38, 41–42; 8:12; 10:47–48; 16:32–34; 18:8; 22:16; Gal. 3:27–28; Rom. 6:4; Col. 2:12; 1 Pet. 3:20–21; 1 Cor. 11:26, 28; 11:17–32; Matt. 26:26–29; Mark 14:22–25; Luke 22:14–20

XVI. Of the Lord’s Day

We teach that the first day of the week is the Lord’s Day, or Christian Sabbath; and is to be kept sacred to religious purposes, by abstaining from all secular labor and sinful recreations; by the devout observance of all the means of grace, both private and public; and by preparation for that rest that remaineth for the people of God.

Scripture: Acts 20:7; Gen. 2:3; Col. 2:16–17; Mark 2:27; John 20:19; 1 Cor. 16:1–2; Exod. 20:8; Rev. 1:10; Psa. 118:24; 119:15; Isa. 56:2–8; 58:13–14; Heb. 4:3–11; 10:24–25; Luke 4:16; Psa. 26:8; 87:3

XVII. Of Civil Government

We teach that civil government is of divine appointment, for the interests and good order of human society; and that magistrates are to be prayed for, 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 Prince of the kings of the earth.

Scripture: Rom. 13:1–7; 14:4, 9–13; Deut. 16:18; Exod. 18:23; Jer. 30:21; Matt. 22:21; 23:10; Titus 3:1; 1 Pet. 2:13; 1 Tim. 2:1–8; Acts 4:18–20; 5:29; Matt. 10:28; Dan. 3:15–18; 6:7–10; Rev. 19:16; Psa. 72:11; Psa. 2

XVIII. Of the Righteous and the Wicked

We teach that there is a radical and essential difference between the righteous and the wicked; 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; while all such as continue in impenitence and unbelief are in his sight wicked, and under the curse; and this distinction holds among men both in and after death.

Scripture: Mal. 3:18; Prov. 11:31; 12:26; 14:32; Isa. 5:20; 55:6–7; 57:21; Gen. 18:23; Jer. 15:19; Acts 10:34–35; Rom. 1:17; 6:16, 18, 22; 7:6; 1 John 2:29; 3:7; 5:19; 1 Cor. 11:32; 1 Pet. 4:17–18; Gal. 3:10; John 3:36; 8:21–24; 12:25–26; Psa. 10:4; Luke 9:23–26; 12:4–5; 16:25; Prov. 10:24; Eccl. 3:17; Matt. 7:13–14

XIX. Of the Return of Christ and the World to Come

We teach that the end of the world is approaching; that at the last day Christ will descend from heaven, and raise the dead from the grave to final retribution; that a solemn separation will then take place; that the wicked will be adjudged to endless punishment, and the righteous to endless joy; and that this judgment will fix forever the final state of men in heaven or hell, on principles of righteousness.

We teach, with the historic Reformed tradition, one personal, bodily, and visible second coming of the Lord Jesus Christ—followed by the resurrection of the dead, the final judgment, and the everlasting state. Within this shared conviction, amillennial, postmillennial, and other historic Reformed positions are held with liberty; and we receive one another in a peaceable and teachable spirit. We do not hold or teach a dispensational framework, with its separate stages of Christ’s coming.

Scripture: 1 Pet. 4:7; 1 Cor. 4:5; 15:12–58; Heb. 9:28; Matt. 13:39–40, 49; 24:30–31, 35; 25:31–41; 28:20; 1 John 2:17, 28; 2 Pet. 3:3–13; Acts 1:11; 3:21; 10:42; 17:31; 24:15; Rev. 1:7; 20:11–12; 22:11; 1 Thess. 4:13–18; 5:1–11; Dan. 12:2; John 5:28–29; 6:40; 11:25–26; 2 Cor. 5:10–11; 2 Thess. 1:6–12; Rom. 14:1–6; Eph. 4:1–3

XX. Of the Miraculous Gifts

We teach a practical cessationism: that God remains free to act in power and to heal in answer to the prayers of His people, yet the sign gifts that authenticated the apostles have not been God’s normative or primary means of confirming His Word since the apostolic age, and are neither taught nor sought as such.

Scripture: Heb. 2:3–4; 2 Cor. 12:12; Acts 2:22; Eph. 2:20; 1 Cor. 13:8–10; James 5:14–16; John 20:29

XXI. Of Marriage, Sexuality, and the Sanctity of Life

We teach that marriage is instituted by God as the covenantal union of one man and one woman for life, and that this union is the only context God has ordained for sexual intimacy. We teach that any sexual activity outside the covenant of such a marriage—including adultery, fornication, and homosexual conduct—is contrary to God’s design; and that God calls His people to chastity in singleness and faithfulness in marriage.

We teach that every human life bears the image of God and is sacred from conception to natural death; and we affirm the dignity of the unborn, the aged, the disabled, and the vulnerable, committing to defend and care for human life at every stage.

We teach that these truths are to be held with both conviction and compassion. Every person is loved by God and welcome to hear the gospel, and the grace of Jesus Christ offers full forgiveness and new life to every sinner—including us—who turns to Him in repentance and faith.

Scripture: Gen. 1:27; 2:24; Matt. 19:4–6; Rom. 1:26–27; 1 Cor. 6:9–20; Heb. 13:4; Psa. 139:13–16; Jer. 1:5; Exod. 20:14; 1 Thess. 4:3–5

A Note on This Confession

This Statement of Faith expresses what the Elders of Redeemed Community Church teach as the sound doctrine of God’s Word. It is binding on the Church’s doctrine, membership, ministry, employment, use of facilities, and the ministerial acts of its Elders and staff, including weddings.

The Church is autonomous and governs its own affairs under the Lordship of Jesus Christ, and voluntarily cooperates with, and is affiliated with, the Baptist Missionary Association, including the Baptist Missionary Association of Texas and of America. The Church affirms the Doctrinal Statement of the Baptist Missionary Association of America as a faithful summary of Baptist doctrine and practice, while holding it as secondary to the Holy Scriptures and to this confession of faith.

The New Hampshire Confession of Faith (1833; the articles on Repentance and Faith and on Sanctification added in 1853) is adopted by Redeemed Community Church as its confession of faith and doctrinal standard. Scripture quotations in the Church’s governing documents are from the ESV® Bible, copyright © 2001 by Crossway. Used by permission. All rights reserved.