Our church’s official statement of faith is the 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith.
We encourage you to look that over to get the specifics of who we are. To help give an overview- here are some highlights of what we believe the Bible teaches.
We affirm the 5 Solas of the Protestant Reformation:
Sola Scriptura (Scripture Alone): The Bible is the sole authoritative source of religious doctrine and guidance for faith and practice. Scripture is considered sufficient for understanding God’s will and is the ultimate authority, surpassing human traditions or interpretations.
Sola Fide (Faith Alone): Faith in Jesus Christ is the only means by which individuals can attain justification and salvation. Salvation is not earned through good works or human efforts but is received solely through faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
Sola Gratia (Grace Alone): Salvation is entirely a result of God’s grace and is not based on human merit or works. God’s unmerited favor and grace are the sole grounds for the forgiveness of sins and the gift of eternal life. Humans cannot earn salvation through their efforts but receive it solely as a divine gift.
Solus Christus (Christ Alone): Jesus Christ is the only mediator between God and humanity and salvation is achieved only through faith in Jesus Christ, emphasizing his unique role as the Savior and the one through whom individuals have access to God. It rejects the idea that additional intermediaries or human authorities are necessary for salvation, emphasizing the sufficiency of Christ’s work on behalf of believers.
Soli Deo Gloria (God’s Glory Alone): All glory, honor, and praise belong exclusively to God. The ultimate purpose of human existence is to bring glory to God in all aspects of life. This principle rejects the notion of attributing glory to human achievements or endeavors, asserting that God alone deserves acknowledgment and praise for all that is good and righteous. Soli Deo Gloria reflects the theological stance that the ultimate goal of humanity is to glorify and enjoy God forever.
In addition to these orthodox beliefs, we would add that we are Calvinistic in our understanding of salvation as conveyed in the TULIP acronym.
Total Depravity: Humanity is fallen into sin and has inherited a corrupt sinful nature. Every aspect of human existence is affected by sin, rendering individuals incapable of achieving righteousness or salvation on their own merit.
Unconditional Election: God’s sovereign and unconditional choice to elect certain individuals for salvation, not based on any foreseen merit or human action, but solely according to God’s will and purpose.
Limited or Particular Atonement: The redemptive work of Jesus Christ on the cross was intended specifically for the elect, and not for all of humanity. It asserts that Christ’s atonement is effective only for those whom God has chosen for salvation. It was sufficient to atone for the sins of all but is only effective for those who are saved.
Irresistible Grace: God’s grace, when extended to an individual for salvation, is so efficacious and irresistible that the chosen person cannot ultimately reject it, ensuring the success of God’s saving work in that individual’s life.
Perseverance of the Saints: Those who are genuinely saved or elected by God will persevere in faith until the end, and no true believer can lose their salvation.
We would also say that we are covenantal (as opposed to dispensational) in our theology. Covenant theology is a theological framework that emphasizes the concept of covenants, highlighting God’s relational agreements with humanity throughout history as a key organizing principle for understanding the biblical narrative and the nature of God’s dealings with His people.
All of these doctrines and more are again put forth in the 1689 Confession of Faith along with scripture proofs.
All of our Elders/ Deacons must substantially agree with the confession to serve in our church. Members are only required to acknowledge that the doctrines of the confession will be the ones that are taught and preached at our church and they agree to sit under that teaching.
Northside Reformed Baptist Church 