First Baptist Church of Walnut Hills, Cincinnati, Ohio

The Articles of Faith provide a summary of the biblical basis on which the First Baptist Church of Walnut Hills stands.

The Scriptures

We believe 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 ends, 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 shall be tried. Scripture References: Psalm 119:160; Luke 24:25-27; John 17:17; Acts 1:16; 2 Tim. 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:19-21; Luke 24:44-45, Psa. 119:89; Prov. 30:5-6, Rom. 3:4; 1 Pet. 1:23, 25; Rev. 22: 19; John 12:79,- 12.48; Isa. 8:20; Eph. 6:17; Rom. 15:4; 16:25-26; Luke 16.31; Psa. 19.7-11; John 5.45-47; 5:39; Ex. 24:4; Deut. 4:1-2; Deut. 17:19; Joshua 8:34; Psalm 19:7-10; 119:11, 89, 105, 140; Isaiah 34:16; 40:8; Jer. 15:16; 36; Matt. 5:17-18; 22:29; Luke 21:33; John 5:39; 16:13-15; Acts 2:16; Acts 17:11; Heb. 1:1-2; 4:12

The True God

We believe the Scriptures 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 but harmonious offices in the great work of redemption. Scripture References: Gen. 17:1; Ex. 20:2-3; Psalm 83:18; 90:2; 147:5; Jer. 10:10; Ex. 15:11; Rev. 4.11;l Tim 1:17; Rom. 11.33; Mark 12:30, Matt. 28: 19, John 15.26, I Cor. 12:4-6; 8:6; I John 4:24; 5:7, John 10:30, John 17:5; I Cor. 2: 10-11;Phil. 2:5-6; Eph. 2:18; 4:6; II Cor. 13. 14.

God the Father

God as Father reigns with providential care over His universe, His creatures, and the flow of the stream of human history according to the purposes of His grace. He is all powerful, all loving, and all wise. God is Father in truth to those who become children of God through faith in Jesus Christ. He is fatherly in His attitude toward all men. God the Son: Christ is the eternal Son of God. In His incarnation as Jesus Christ he was conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. Jesus perfectly revealed and did the will of God, taking upon Himself the demands and necessities of human nature and identifying Himself completely with mankind yet without sin. He honored the divine law by His personal obedience, and in His death on the cross He made provision for the redemption of men from sin. He was raised from the dead with a glorified body and appeared to His disciples as the person who was with them before His crucifixion. He ascended into heaven and is now exalted at the right hand of God where He is the One Mediator, partaking of the nature of God and of man, and in whose Person is effected the reconciliation between God and man. He will return in power and glory to judge the world and to consummate His redemptive mission. He now dwells in all believers as the living and ever present Lord. God the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of God. He inspired holy men of old to write the Scriptures. Through illumination He enables men to understand truth. He exalts Christ. He convicts of sin, of righteousness and of judgment. He calls men to the Saviour, and effects regeneration. He cultivates Christian character, comforts believers, and bestows the spiritual gifts by which they serve God through His church. He seals the believer unto the day of final redemption. His presence in the Christian is the assurance of God to bring the believer into the fulness of the stature of Christ. He enlightens and empowers the believer and the church in worship, evangelism, and service.

The Fall of Man

We believe the Scriptures teach that Man was created in holiness, under the law of his Maker; but by voluntary transgressions 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 References: Gen. 3:1-6; 3:24; Rom. 3:10-19; 5:12; 5:19; Eph. 2:1; Ezek. 18:19-20; Rom. 1:32; 1:20, 1:28; Gal. 3:22; Eph. 2:3.

The Way of Salvation

We believe that the Scriptures 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 of our sins; that having risen from the dead, he is now enthroned in heaven; and uniting in his wonderful person the tenderest sympathies with his divine perfection, he is in every way qualified to be a suitable, a compassionate, and an all-sufficient Savior. Scripture References: Eph. 2:8, Acts 15:11; Rom. 3:24; John 3:16; Mat. 78: 11, Phil, 2:7; Heb. 2:14, isa. 53.4-7, Rom. 3.25; I John 4. 10; I Cor. 15:3; II Cor. 5:21; John 70. 18; Phil. 2:8; Gal. 1:4; I Pet. 2:24; I Pet. 3:18; Isa. 53: 11; Heb. 12:2, I Cor. 15:20; Isa. 53:12; Heb. 9:12- 75; Heb. 7:25; I John 2:2; Gen. 3:15; Ex. 3:14-17; 6:2-8; Matt. 1:21; 4:17; 16:21-26; 27:22-28:6; Luke 1:68-69; 2:28-32; John 1:11-14, 29; 3:3-21, 36; 5:24; 10:9, 28-29; 15:1-16; 17:17; Acts 2:21; 4:12; 15:11; 16:30-31; 17:30-31; 20:32; Rom. 1:16-18; 2:4; 3:23-25; 4:3ff; 5:8-10; 6:1-23; 8:1-18, 29-39; 10:9-10, 13; 13:11-14; 1 Cor. 1:18, 30; 6:19-20; 15:10; 2 Cor. 5:17-20; Gal. 2:20; 3:13; 5:22-25; 6:15; Eph. 1:7; 2:8-22; 4:11-16; Phil. 2:12-13; Col. 1:9-22; 3:1ff; 1 Thess. 5:23-24; 2 Tim. 1:12; Titus 2:11-14; Heb. 2:1-3; 5:8-9;

Salvation involves the redemption of the whole man, and is offered freely to all who accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour, who by His own blood obtained eternal redemption for the believer. In its broadest sense salvation includes regeneration, sanctification, and glorification. Regeneration, or the new birth, is a work of God's grace whereby believers become new creatures in Christ Jesus. It is a change of heart wrought by the Holy Spirit through conviction of sin, to which the sinner responds in repentance toward God and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Repentance and faith are inseparable experiences of grace. Repentance is a genuine turning from sin toward God. Faith is the acceptance of Jesus Christ and commitment of the entire personality to Him as Lord and Saviour. Justification is God's gracious and full acquittal upon principles of His righteousness of all sinners who repent and believe in Christ. Justification brings the believer into a relationship of peace and favor with God. Sanctification is the experience, beginning in regeneration, by which the believer is set apart to God's purposes, and is enabled to progress toward moral and spiritual perfection through the presence and power of the Holy Spirit dwelling in him. Growth in grace should continue throughout the regenerate person's life. Glorification is the culmination of salvation and is the final blessed and abiding state of the redeemed.

Justification

We believe the Scriptures 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 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 References: Acts 13:39; Isa. 53:11; Zech. 13:1; Rom. 8:1; 5.9; 5:1; Tit. 3:5-7, Rom. 1:17; Hab. 2:4; Gal. 3:11; Rom. 4:1-8; Heb. 10:38. Rom. 3:24-25, 28; 8:33; 8:1; John. 5:24; Rom. 4:3-8; 6:6; 5:9; 5:1; Phil. 4:7; Rom. 8:31-33; Gen. 15:6; Heb. 2:4.

The Freeness of Salvation

We believe that the Scriptures 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 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. Scripture References: I Thess. 7:4; Col. 3:72; I Pet. 1:2; Titus 1:1; Rom. 8: 29-30; Matt. 77:28; Isa. 55:7; Rev. 22:77; Rom. 10:13; John 6:37; Isa. 55:6; Acts 2:38; Isa. 55:7; John 3:15-76; I Tim. 7: 15; I Cor. 75.10; Eph. 2:4-5;John 5:40; John 3:18; John 3.36.

Regeneration

We believe that the Scriptures 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 appear in the holy fruits of repentance and faith, and newness of life. Scripture References: John. 3:3-5,7; II Cor. 5:17; John. 3:8, 3:16; 1:12-13; Isa. 1:18; Titus 3:5-7; Eph. 2:1, 5; Rom. 6:23; John. 16:8-11; Matt. 7:16-18; James 2:17-20.

Repentance and Faith

We believe the Scriptures teach that repentance and faith are sacred duties, and also inseparable graces, wrought in our souls by the regenerating Spirit of God; whereby 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 References: Acts 20:21; Mark 1. 15; Acts 2:37-38; Luke 18: 73; Rom. 10:13; Psa. 51: 1-4; Psa. 51:7; Isa. 55:6-7,- Luke 72.8; Rom. 10:9-17. Acts 20:21-22; Mark 1:15; Acts 11:18; Eph. 2:8; Jn. 6:44; Jn. 16:8-11; Matt. 3:1-2, 8; Acts 3:19; uke 13:3; 18:9-14; Acts 9:6; Rom. 10:10.

God's Purpose of Grace

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 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

Election is the gracious purpose of God, according to which He regenerates, sanctifies, and glorifies sinners. It is consistent with the free agency of man, and comprehends all the means in connection with the end. It is a glorious display of God's sovereign goodness, and is infinitely wise, holy, and unchangeable. It excludes boasting and promotes humility. All true believers endure to the end. Those whom God has accepted in Christ, and sanctified by His Spirit, will never fall away from the state of grace, but shall persevere to the end. Believers may fall into sin through neglect and temptation, whereby they grieve the Spirit, impair their graces and comforts, bring reproach on the cause of Christ, and temporal judgments on themselves, yet they shall be kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation. Scripture References: Gen. 12:1-3; Ex. 19:5-8; 1 Sam. 8:4-7, 19-22; Isa. 5:1-7; Jer. 31:31ff; Matt. 16:18-19; 21:28-45; 24:22, 31; 25:34; Luke 1:68-79; 2:29-32; 19:41-44; 24:44-48; John 1:12-14; 3:16; 5:24; 6:44-45, 65; 10:27-29; 15:16; 17:6, 12, 17-18; Acts 20:32; Romans 5:9-10; 8:28-39; 10:12-15; 11:5-7, 26-36; 1 Cor. 1:1-2; 15:24-28; Eph. 1:4-23.

Sanctification

We believe the Scriptures teach that Sanctification is the process by which, according to the will of God, we are made partakers of his holiness; that it is 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 References: I Thess. 4:3; 5:23; Rom. 15:16; Jer. 1:5; Prov. 4:18; John. 17:17; II Cor. 3:18; I John. 2:29; Rom. 8:5; I Tim. 4:5; Luke 9:23; Matt. 24:42; 7:7-11.

Perseverance of the Saints

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. Scripture References: John 8.31-32; Gal 1:21-23; I John 2:19; Matt. 13:19- 21; Rom. 8:28; Psa. 121:3; Heb. 1:14; I Pet. 1:5; Phil. 1:6, John 10:28, 29; Rom. 8:35-39.

The Law and Gospel

We believe the Scriptures 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, 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 end of the Gospel, and of the Means of Grace connected with the establishment of visible church.

A Gospel 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; 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, Deacons whose Qualifications, claims and duties are defined in the Epistles to Timothy and Titus. Scripture References: Acts 2:41, 42, I Cor. 11:2; Eph. 1:22-23; 4:11; 1 Cor. 12.4, 8-11; Acts 14:23, 6:5-6; 15:23; 20:17-28; 1 Tim. 3:1-13; Matt. 28. 19-20, Ccl. 1:18; Eph. 5:23-24; 1 Pet. 5:1-4; Acts 15:22; Jude 3, 4, I2: 1 Cor. 8.23-24; 16.1, Mal. 3:10; Lev. 27:32; 1 Cor. 16:2; 6: 1-3; 5:11-13.

A New Testament church of the Lord Jesus Christ is a local body of baptized believers who are associated by covenant in the faith and fellowship of the gospel, observing the two ordinances of Christ, committed to His teachings, exercising the gifts, rights, and privileges invested in them by His Word, and seeking to extend the gospel to the ends of the earth. This Baptist church is an autonomous body, operating through democratic processes under the Lordship of Jesus Christ. In such a congregation members are equally responsible. Its Scriptural officers are pastors and deacons. The New Testament speaks also of the church as the body of Christ which includes all of the redeemed of all the ages. Scripture References: Matt. 16:15-19; 18:15-20; Acts 2:41-42, 47; 5:11-14; 6:3-6; 13:1-3; 14:23, 27; 15:1-30; 16:5; 20:28; Rom. 1:7; 1 Cor. 1:2; 1 Cor. 3:16; 5:4-5; 7:17; 9:13-14; Eph. 1:22-23; 2:19-22; 3:8-11, 21; 5:22-32; Phil. 1:1; Col. 1:18; 1 Tim. 3:1-15; 4:14; 1 Peter 5:1-4; Rev. 2-3; 21:2-3; Matt. 28:19-20; 1 Cor. 1:1-3; Acts 2:41-42; 2 Cor. 8:5; Matt. 16:19; 18:15-17; John. 14:16-17, 26; Acts 1:8; 13:1-4; Matt. 18:17-18; 26:19-20; I Tim. 3:15; Mark 3:13-14; Luke 6:12-13.

Baptism and the Lord's Supper

We believe the Scriptures 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 dearth 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 References: Acts 8:36-39; Matt. 3:6; John 3:23; Rom. 6:4-5, Matt. 3: 16, 28:19; Rom. 6:3-5; Gal. 2:12; Acts 2:41-42, Matt. 28. 19, 20, 1 Cor. 11:23-28.

Christian baptism is the immersion of a believer in water in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. It is an act of obedience symbolizing the believer's faith in a crucified, buried, and risen Saviour, the believer's death to sin, the burial of the old life, and the resurrection to walk in newness of life in Christ Jesus. It is a testimony to his faith in the final resurrection of the dead. Being a church ordinance, it is prerequisite to the privileges of church membership and to the Lord's Supper. The Lord's Supper is a symbolic act of obedience whereby members of the church, through partaking of the bread and the fruit of the vine, memorialize the death of the Redeemer and anticipate His second coming. Scripture References: Matt. 3:13-17; 26:26-30; 28:19-20; Mark 1:9-11; 14:22-26; Luke 3:21-22; 22:19-20; John 3:23; Acts 2:41-42; 8:35-39; 16:30-33; 20:7; Rom. 6:3-5; 1 Cor. 10:6, 21; 11:23-29; Col. 2:12

The Christian Sabbath

We believe the Scriptures 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.

Civil Government

We believe the Scriptures teach that 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 Price of the Kings of the earth. Scripture References: Rom. 13:7; II Sam. 23:3; Ex. 18.2 1-22; Acts 23.5; Matt. 22:21; Tit. 3.1, 1 Pet. 2:13, 14, 17; Acts 4:19-20; Dan. 3.17-18; Matt. 10.28; 23: 10, Phil. 2:10-11; Psa. 72:11.

Righteous and Wicked

We believe the Scriptures 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 References: Mal. 3:16-18; Gen. 18:23; Rom. 6:17-18; Prov 11:31; 1 Pet. 1:18; Rom 1. 17; 1 Cor. 15:22; Acts 10:34-35; I John 2:29; Rom. 6. 16; I John 5:19; Gal. 3:10; Rom. 7:6; 6.23; Prov. 14:32; Luke 16.25; Matt. 25:34, 41; John 8:21; Luke 9:26; John 12:25; Matt. 7. 13-14. John. 3:6; Rom. 3:22, 24; 4:3; 1:17; 8:1-17; Acts 20:32; John. 15:3; Rom. 8:17; 6:23; 2 Cor. 4:4; Rev. 21:8; Matt. 23:37; Prov. 29:1; Matt. 25:41.

The World to Come

We believe the scriptures 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 for 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.

First Baptist Church, Walnut Hills
2926 Park Avenue
Cincinnati, Ohio 45206
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: (513) 861-8885

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