We Believe...

  •   The Scriptures

    •  We believe the Holy Scripture of the Old and New Testaments to be the verbal, plenary inspired Word of God.  The Scriptures are inerrant, infallible, and perfectly preserved and, thus, the absolute and only authority by which we may rely for truth and guidance in this life.  We believe that God, according to His promises, has provided a perfectly preserved and inspired translation of His Word into the English language in the Authorized Version, or King James Version.  Therefore, the King James Bible is the only version that will be used in any manner in the ministries of Providence Baptist Church.  

      • 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21; Psalms 12:6-7; Matthew 4:4; Psalm 119:89

  • The True God

    • We believe in the one true God of the Bible.  We believe that the Godhead is comprised of one God in three distinct persons, what is commonly referred to as the Trinity.  We believe that the three persons of the Godhead are individual in their expression and interaction with mankind through the ages, yet unified in holiness, power, authority, and perfection.  The persons of the Trinity are God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost.  

      • Deuteronomy 6:4-5; 1 John 5:7; Matthew 28:19; John 4:24; Genesis 2:26-27; Mark 12:29-30

  • God the Father

    • God the Father is seen in the Bible as Creator and Master of the Universe.  He is known as Jehovah to His chosen people, the Israelites.  He eternally abides in Heaven, sitting on the throne of the universe, existing outside of the constraints of time or space, divinely orchestrating the course of human history.  God the Father is worthy of our worship, reverence, and obedience.  

      • Psalm 83:18; 1 Timothy 1:17; Romans 1:18-20; Revelation 4:1-17

  • Jesus Christ

    • Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is seen in the Bible as the Lamb of God, slain from the foundation of the world.  We believe that Jesus Christ is eternally existent, all powerful, and our only hope for redemption.  We believe that Jesus is very God, and yet, while on earth, wholly man.  We believe that, in fulfillment to the prophecies of the Old Testament, Jesus was supernaturally conceived in the womb of a virgin, and born in Bethlehem.  We believe that Jesus Christ “was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.”  We believe the Biblical accounts of His miracles, and take them in their literal sense to be actual events that defy the understanding of natural law.  We believe that Jesus came “to seek and to save that which was lost.” We believe that His death on the cross was a willing sacrifice made to redeem us from the wages of sin, and restore our fellowship with the Father.  We believe that Jesus Christ was physically dead for three days, buried in a borrowed tomb, and that He conquered death and Hell by His victorious resurrection.  We believe that He visibly ascended to heaven to the right hand of the Father to make intercession for us, and to await His soon return to this earth as the King of kings and Lord of lords.  

      • John 1:1-12; 10:30; 1 Corinthians 8:6; 1 Timothy 2:5; Luke 19:10; Hebrews 4:15; Romans 3:25; 1 John 2:2, 4:10; 1 Corinthians 15:1-6; Hebrews 7:25; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Revelation 19:11-16

  • The Holy Ghost

    • The Holy Ghost is seen in the Scriptures as the member of the Trinity most directly involved with the Christian.  It is the Holy Ghost that convicts the sinner, regenerates the convert, indwells, guides, comforts, and seals the child of God until the day of redemption.  We believe that the Holy Spirit then begins a work of preparation and sanctification in the life of the Christian.  It is the work of the Spirit of God that illuminates the Scripture to our minds, confirms the truth in our hearts, and emboldens the Christian’s words and actions to conform to the truth of the Word.  We believe that the Holy Ghost both enables and empowers the surrendered Christian to effectively minister to others, and that this is not only available to, but commanded of every Christian.  However, the belief that the Holy Ghost causes Christians to speak in tongues, or perform other supernatural feats, is not a correct Biblical position.  The “sign gifts” were only available until “that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.”  Once the Scriptures were available, these sign gifts became unnecessary, and thus nullified.

      • John 14:16, 17, 26; 15:26, 27; 16:7-14; 1 Corinthians 3:16, 17; Ephesians 1:13, 14; 5:18-21; Romans 12:3-8; Galatians 5:16-26; 1 Corinthians 13:8-11; 14:21-33

  • Creation

    • We believe the Biblical account of creation found in the Book of Genesis.  We believe that the worlds were framed by a direct, intentional act of God that was both miraculous and instantaneous.  We believe that the days of creation were six literal solar days, and that God rested on the seventh.  We believe that all creation was designed to reproduce “after their kind.” We believe that man was created in the image of God, uniquely designed by God, and instilled with capacity and desire to commune with his Creator.  We categorically reject any theory that seeks to modify or rationalize the Biblical account of origins of mankind, nature, or the universe.

      • Genesis 1:1-2:25; Exodus 20:11; Job 26:7; Psalms 33:6; John 1:3; Colossians 1:17

  • Satan

    • We believe in the personality of Satan, a fallen heavenly being once called Lucifer.  The Bible records his fall from Heaven being a direct result of pride and sin causing him to lead a revolt in heaven.  That rebellion against God caused the downfall of one-third of the angels of God, which became devilish spirits which possess and torment mankind.  Satan is the god of this world, the prince of the power of the air, the author of confusion, the accuser of the brethren, and the declared enemy of God and all things holy.  He will continue to deceive the world with false religions until he meets his judgment: eternal torment in the Lake of Fire.

    • Isaiah 14:12-17; Revelation 20:10; Ezekiel 28:11-19; Matthew 4:1-11; 2 Corinthians 4:3, 4

  • Eternity

    • We believe that man is created with an eternal soul which cannot be destroyed, but at physical death will either go to Heaven or to Hell.  We believe that both are literal, physical places.  Heaven is the home of God and the eternal reward for the redeemed.  Hell will be the eternal torment of Satan and the fallen angels, and all who were deceived by him.  

      • John 14:1-3; 2 Corinthians 5:6-9; Luke 16:19-24; Revelation 20:11-15

  • Salvation

    • We believe that all men are born in sin, lost, and condemned to punishment in eternal torment.  Furthermore, we believe that has created mankind with a free will, and a desire to know their Creator.  We believe that it is God’s ultimate desire that every soul would live with Him in Heaven for eternity, and to never condemn a single soul to Hell.  We believe that the love of God toward mankind is so great, that He determined to send His only Son, Jesus Christ, to earth to be “the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.”  We believe that the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, according to the Scriptures, is the message of the Gospel, and the “power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth.”  The Bible teaches that salvation is by grace, through faith, and that faith comes through hearing the Gospel from the Word of God.  We believe that the Bible is paramount in the act of salvation.  We believe that the Holy Spirit uses the message of the Gospel to being about conviction of sin, repentance from works, and faith toward Christ in the regenerative act.  The Bible calls salvation “being born again,” for it is a spiritual birth into the family of God.  The Holy Spirit takes up residence within the Christian, and seals him until the day of redemption.  We believe in the eternal security of the believer, or that, once a person is saved, they will never lose that salvation under any circumstances.  

      • Psalm 51:5; John 1:29; 3:1-16; Romans 1:16, 19, 20; 5:12; 8:1; 10:9-17; 2 Peter 3:9; 1 Corinthians 15:1-4; Ephesians 2:8, 9; 4:30; 1 Peter 1:23; Acts 20:21

  • Ordinances of the Church

    • We believe that the Bible teaches the church to observe only two ordinances, both having great spiritual meaning, and neither holding any power to save a soul.  The first ordinance is that of baptism.  Baptism is the very first act commanded of a Christian after salvation, and authority to perform baptism is given to the church alone.  Baptism is a picture that represents the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ, which is the message of the Gospel that affected salvation.  It is an act of obedience toward Christ, an open confession of faith in Christ to others, and a requirement for membership in the church.  Baptism is performed by immersion in water.  The second ordinance of the church is the observance of the Lord’s Supper.  The Lord’s Supper is a symbolic ordinance picturing the broken body and shed blood of Jesus on the cross.  It is a time of reverence and reflection for the members of the church.  The elements of the Lord’s Supper are unleavened bread and unfermented grape juice, both picturing the sinless body of Christ.  

      • Matthew 28:19, 20; Acts 2:41, 42; 8:26-38; Colossians 2:12; 1 Corinthians 11:23-31

  • Sanctification

    • We believe that the Bible clearly teaches sanctification.  Sanctification is a spiritual work that begins in the life of a Christian after salvation and is carried on throughout their physical life.  It is the process by which the Holy Spirit prepares the Christian to effectively serve God with his gifts and talents.  Sanctification requires separation from sin and worldliness and a devotion to Biblical truth and personal righteousness.  Sanctification neither affects the Christian’s salvation nor membership in the church, but will affect their relationship with God and their eligibility to hold leadership positions in the church. 

      • John 17:14-26; Romans 8:5-17; 12:1, 2; 1 Corinthians 6:12-20; I Thessalonians 4:1-8; 2 Peter 3:18

  • Church

    • We believe that the New Testament Church is a local assembly of baptized believers covenanted together for the purpose of carrying out the Great Commission.  We believe the New Testament Church has an unbroken history from the personal ministry of Christ to this present day.  This church is a self-governed, independent body having Christ Jesus as its Head, the Holy Spirit as its Guide, and the Bible as its ruling authority.  We believe the primary purpose of a church is to carry the message of the Gospel to the lost, baptize the converted, and instruct the saved.  The Bible teaches that there are only two ordinances of the church: baptism and the Lord’s Supper.  The Bible also teaches that there are only two offices in the governing of the church: pastors and deacons.  The Bible is clear that only men hold these offices.  

      • Matthew 16:18; 18:15-17; 28:19, 20; Mark 16:15-18; Luke 24:46-48; Acts 1:8; 20:28; Ephesians 1:22, 23; Colossians 1:18; 1 Timothy 3:1-16; Titus 1:5-9

  • Giving

    • We believe that the Bible teaches the stewardship of the believer.  The Bible teaches that everything is God’s, and that He has entrusted us with a portion of the wealth.  We believe that every Christian has an obligation to give a portion of their income to support the local church financially.  God has established the tithe, or ten percent, as the basic unit of giving, but that there is a pattern in the Bible of sacrificially giving offerings above the tithe.  Tithes and offerings will be used by the church to meet the church’s financial obligations, assist those in need, and spread the Gospel.  

      • Genesis 14:20; 2 Corinthians 9:6, 7; Ephesians 4:28; Hebrews 7:5-8; 1 Timothy 5:17, 18; 1 John 3:17

  • The End Times

    • We believe that the present age in which we live could at any moment come to an end due to the rapture of the saved.  We believe in the “blessed hope” of the bodily return of Christ to extract His Church prior to the seven-year tribulation period.  The Great Tribulation will be a time of great judgment and sorrow, and it is focused on the nation of Israel.  During this time, the saints of all ages will stand before the Judgment Seat of Christ, and then enjoy the Marriage Supper of the Lamb.  After this, Christ will return to the earth with the saints to battle the Antichrist and his army at the battle of Armageddon.  Jesus will then establish His kingdom on earth for 1,000 years.  When the Millennium has passed, the unbelievers of all ages will stand before the Great White Throne of Judgment, and be sentences to the Lake of Fire for eternity.  The old heaven and earth will be consumed with fire, and God will make all things new.  

      • Titus 2:13; Acts 1:11; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18; Revelation 3:10; 19:11-16; 20:1-15

  • The Family, Marriage and Human Sexuality

    • We believe that the Bible teaches very clearly of God’s design for the family.  God established marriage in the beginning as a covenant between one man and one woman.  Marriage is intended to last until one spouse dies.  Divorced and remarried people may still be used of God greatly, however, they may not hold church office as a pastor or deacon.  God has also designated roles and responsibilities within the family.  The husband is held accountable by God for the actions and obligations of the family.  The wife is to be treated with great honor and love, and she is to be supportive and submissive to the leadership of her husband.  The children are to honor and obey their parent’s authority. Parents are to lovingly raise their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.  Any family dynamic outside of Biblical parameters is against the plan of God.  

    • We believe that no intimate physical activity be engaged in outside of the marriage between a man and a woman. We believe that all forms of sexual impurity are sinful perversions of God’s design and original intent, and that Christians must abstain from them entirely.  This includes, but is not limited to, fornication, adultery, pornography, incest, bestiality, homosexuality, bisexuality, lesbianism, and transsexualism. 

      • Genesis 2:18-25; Leviticus 18:1-30; Malachi 2:14-17; Matthew 19:3-12; Romans 1:26-29; 7:1-3; 1 Corinthians 5:1; 6:9; 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8; 1 Timothy 3:1, 12; Titus 1:6

  • The Sanctity of Life

    • We believe that life is precious, and that God alone gives and takes life.  The willful taking of life by any means- murder, suicide, abortion, and euthanasia- violate the teaching of the Bible.  We believe that life begins at conception, and that the unborn child is a living human being. We believe that no person has the right to end a life, even their own, and that such actions are selfishly and sinfully motivated.  

      • Genesis 2:7; 9:5, 6; Psalm 139:14-16; Jeremiah 1:5; Exodus 20: 13; Proverbs 6:16, 17

  • Civil Government

    • We believe that the civil government is one of three God-ordained institutions, the others being the family and the church.  We believe that God intends for every person to be subject to these three, and those three to be answerable to God and governed by His Word.  We believe that God has given each institution specific Biblical responsibilities, and that no other institution has the right to infringe upon another.  

      • Romans 13:1-7; Ephesians 5:22-24; Hebrews 10:25; 13:17; 1 Peter 2:13, 14, 17

  •  Lawsuits Between Believers

    • We believe that Christians are prohibited from bringing civil lawsuits against other Christians or the church to resolve personal disputes.  We believe that the church possesses all necessary resources to resolve personal disputes between its members.  We do believe that a Christian may seek compensation for injuries from another Christian’s insurance company as long as the claim is pursued without malice or slander.

      • 1 Corinthians 6:1-8; Ephesians 4:31, 32; Matthew 18:15-17