Our Beliefs

Mt. Emory Baptist Church is part of the National Baptist Convention USA Inc., Wood River Baptist District Association, and the Baptist General State Convention of Illinois. We believe that:

 

We believe 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 the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds, and opinions shall be tried.

 

We believe the scriptures teach there is one, and only one, living and true GOD, an infinite, intelligent Spirit, whose name is Jehovah, that Maker and Supreme ruler of heaven and earth; inexpressible glorious in holiness, and worthy of all possible honor, confidence and love; that in the unity of the GODhead there are three (3) 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.

 

We believe the Scriptures teach Man was created in holiness under the law of his Maker; but by voluntary transgressions fell from the holy and happy state; in 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.

 

We believe the scriptures teach 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 sins; that having risen from the dead, He is now enthroned in heaven; and uniting in his wonderful person the tender sympathies with divine perfection, he is every way qualified to be a suitable, a compassionate, and an all sufficient Savior.

V.   JUSTIFICATION

We believe the scriptures teach 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 solely through faith in the Redeemer’s Blood; by virtue of which faith his perfect righteousness if freely imputed to us of GOD; that it brings us into blessing needful for time and eternity.

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

 

We believe the Scriptures teach 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, relying on him alone as the only and all sufficient Savior.

 

We believe the Scriptures 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 in 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 believe the Scriptures teach 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 GOD, self-examination, self-denial, watchfulness, and prayer.

 

We believe the Scriptures teach that such only are real believers as endure to 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.

XI.   THE LAW AND GOSPEL

We believe the Scriptures teach 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 Scriptures ascribe to fallen men to fulfill its precepts, arise 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 establishment of the visible church.

 

We believe the Scriptures 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; governing 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.

 

XIII.   BAPTISM AND THE LORD’S SUPPER

We believe the Scriptures teach Christian baptism is the immersion in water of a believer, in the name of Jesus, the Father, and Son, and Holy Ghost; 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; 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.

 

We believe the Scriptures teach 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 remain for the people of GOD.

 

We believe the Scriptures teach civil government is of divine appointment, for the interest 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.

 

We believe the Scriptures teach 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.