Section 1 - Of the Scriptures
We believe that the Holy Bible as originally written was verbally inspired and the product of Spirit-controlled men, and therefore, has truth without admixture of error for its matter. We believe the Bible to be the true center of Christian union and the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds and opinions, shall be tried. The existence, purpose, and function of Faith Baptist Church of Iowa City is founded and directed by truth set forth in the Bible. 2 Timothy 3:16;
2 Peter 1:19-21.
Section 2 - Of the True God
We believe there is one and only one living and true God, an infinite Spirit, 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. Exodus 20:2, 3; I Corinthians 8:6; Revelation 4:11;
I John 5:7.
Section 3 - Of the Person and Work of Christ
We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God, became Man without ceasing to be God. God the Son was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary in order that He might reveal God and redeem sinful men. He is the one and only God-Man. Matthew 1:18-25; 14; Luke 1:35; John 1:1-4
We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ died on the cross for all mankind as a representative, substitutionary sacrifice and that the sufficiency of this sacrifice is assured by His literal, physical resurrection from the dead. Romans 3:24-25; Ephesians 1:7; Hebrews 2:9; 1 Peter 1:3-5
We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ ascended to heaven and is now exalted at the right hand of God, where, as our High Priest, He fulfills the ministry of Representative, Intercessor, and Advocate.
Acts 1:9-10; Romans 8:34; Hebrews 7:25, 9:24; 1 John 2:1-2
Section 4 - Of the Holy Spirit
We believe that the Holy Spirit is a divine person, equal with God the Father and God the Son and of the same nature; that He was active in the creation; that in His relation to the unbelieving world he restrains the evil one until God’s purpose is fulfilled; that He convicts of sin, of righteous, and of judgment; that he bears witness to the truth of the Gospel in preaching and testimony; that He is the agent in the new birth; that He seals, endues, guides, teaches, witnesses, sanctifies and helps the believer. John 14:16,17; Matthew 28:19; Hebrews 9:14; John 14:26; Luke 1:35; Genesis 1:1-3; John 16:8-11; Acts 5:30-32; John 3:5,6; Ephesians 1:13,14; Mark 1:8; John 1:33; Acts 11:16; Luke 24:49; Romans 8:14; Romans 8:16;; Romans 8:26,27.
Section 5 - Of the Devil, Or Satan
We believe in the personality of Satan, that he is the unholy god of this age, and the author of all the powers of darkness, and is destined to the judgment of an eternal justice in the lake of fire. Matthew 4:1-3;
2 Corinthians 4:4; Revelation 20:10.
Section 6 - Of Creation
We accept the Genesis account of creation and believe that man came by direct creation of God and not by evolution. Genesis 1 & 2; Colossians 1:16, 17; John 1:3.
Section 7 - Of the fall of Man
We believe that man was created in innocence under the law of his Maker, but by voluntary transgression fell from his sinless and happy state in consequence of which all mankind are now sinners, not only by constraint, but by choice; and therefore under just condemnation without defense or excuse. Genesis 3:1-6, 24; Romans 5:19; Romans 5:12; Romans 5:10-19; Romans 1:18; Romans 1:32.
Section 8 - Of the Atonement for Sin
We believe 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 and vicarious atonement for our sins; that His atonement consisted not in setting us an example by His death as a martyr, but was a voluntary substitution of Himself in the sinner’s place, the Just dying for the unjust; Christ, the Lord, bearing our sin in His own body on the tree, that having risen from the dead, He is now enthroned in heaven, and uniting in His wonderful person the tenderest sympathies with divine perfection, He is in every way qualified to be a suitable, a compassionate and an all-sufficient Savior. Ephesians 2:8; Acts 15:11; Romans 3:24; John 3:16; Matthew 18:11; Philippians 2:7; Hebrews 2:14; Isaiah 53:4-7; Romans 3:25; 1 John 4:10; I Corinthians 15:3; 2 Corinthians 5:21.
Section 9 - Of Grace in the New Creation
We believe that in order to be saved, sinners must be born again; that the new birth is a new creation in Christ Jesus; that it is instantaneous and not a process; that in the new birth the one dead in
trespasses and in sins is made a partaker of the divine nature and
receives eternal life, the free gift of God; that the new creation is brought about in a manner above our comprehension, solely by the power of the Holy Spirit in connection with proper evidence, and appears in the holy fruits of repentance and faith and newness of life. John 3:3;
2 Corinthians 5:17; I John 5:1; John 3:6; Acts 16:30-33; 2 Peter 1:4; Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:1; 2 Corinthians 5:19; Colossians 2:13;
John 3:8.
Section 10 - Of Justification
We believe that the great gospel blessing which Christ secures to such as believe in Him is Justification; (a) that Justification includes the pardon of sin, and the gift of eternal life, on principles of righteous-ness; (b) 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, His righteousness is imputed to us. Acts 13:39; Isaiah 53:11; Zechariah 13:1; Romans 8:1 Romans 5:9; Romans 5:1.
Section 11 - Of Faith and Salvation
We believe that faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is the only condition of salvation. Acts16:31.
Section 12 - Of The Church, The Body of Christ
We believe in the unity of all true believers in the Church, which is the body of Christ. I Corinthians 12:27; Matthew 16:18; Ephesians 1:21-23.
Section 13- Of The Local Church
We believe that a local church is a congregation of immersed believers, associated by covenant of 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 officers are pastors and deacons, whose qualifications, claims, and duties, are clearly defined in the Scripture. We believe the true mission of the church is the faithful witnessing of Christ to all men as we have opportunity. We hold that the local church has the absolute right of self-government free from the interference of any hierarchy of individuals or organizations; that the one and only superintendent is Christ through the Holy Spirit; that it is scriptural for true churches to cooperate with each other in contending for the faith and for the furtherance of the Gospel; that each local church is the sole judge of the measure and method of its cooperation; on all matters of membership, of polity, of government, of discipline, of benevolence, the will of the local church is final. Acts 2:41, 42; I Corinthians 11:2; Ephesians 1:22, 23; Ephesians 4:11, Acts 20:17-28; I Timothy 3:1-7; Colossians 1:18; Ephesians 5:23, 24; Acts 15:13-18.
Section 14 - Of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper
We believe that Christian Baptism is the immersion of a believer in water 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. We believe that the Lord’s Supper is the com-memo ration of His death until he comes, and should be preceded always by solemn self-examination. Acts 8:26-39; John 3:23; Romans 6:3-5; Matthew 3:16; Colossians 2:12; I Corinthians 11:23-28.
Section 15 - Of the Security of the Saints
We believe that all that are truly born again are kept by God the Father for Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:6; John 10:28, 29; Romans 8:35-39; Jude 1.
Section 16 - Of the Righteous and the Wicked
We believe that there is a radical and essential difference be-tween the righteous and the wicked: that such only as through faith are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, 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, in the ever-lasting felicity of the saved and the everlasting conscious suffering of the lost. Malachi 3:18; Genesis 18:23; Romans 6:17, 18; I John 5:19; Romans 7:6; Romans 6:23; Proverbs 14:32; Luke 6:25; Matthew 25:34-41; John 8:21.
Section 17 - Of Civil Government
We believe that civil government is of divine appointment for the interests and good order of human society; that magistrates are to be prayed for, conscientiously honored and obeyed; except in things op-posed to the will of our Lord Jesus Christ who is the only Lord of the conscience, and the coming Prince of the Kings of the earth. Romans 13:1-7; 2 Samuel 23:3; Exodus 18:21, 22; Acts 23:5; Matthew 22:21; Acts 5:20; Acts 4:19, 20; Daniel 3:17, 18.
Section 18 – Of Last Things
We believe in the sovereign selection of Israel as God's eternal covenant people. Israel has a distinct and special future in God's redemptive plan. The promises that God made to Israel have not and cannot be nullified or re-appointed to any other group including the Church. The Abrahamic, Palestinian, Davidic, and New Covenant promises will be fulfilled as promised to Israel. All believing Israel will be saved at Christ’s second coming. Israel and the church are separate and distinct in the plan of God. Genesis 15:1-21; 17:4-8, 13, 19; 22:18; Deuteronomy 29-30; 1 Chronicles 17:1-15; Jeremiah 31:31-34; Romans 11
We believe in the pre-tribulation rapture of the Church. The rapture will occur imminently and unexpectedly at the end of the Church Age preceding the seven-year Tribulation. When Christ comes, He will resurrect and glorify the dead who believe in Him and will glorify the living who believe in Him. All the Church, both dead and alive, will be instantly caught up to meet Jesus Christ in the air and will be with Him forever. Revelation 6–19; 1 Thessalonians 4:13–5:2; Titus 2:13
We believe in the literal seven-year Tribulation. This period will occur immediately before Jesus Christ returns to earth in glory. During the Tribulation God will primarily focus His redemptive work on the ethnic nation of Israel bringing many Jews to faith in Jesus Christ. Daniel 9:27; Matthew 24; Revelation 6–19; Romans 11:25-27; Hosea 3:5; Zechariah 14:4, 9; Acts 1:11
We believe Jesus Christ will return again to earth in great glory. He will return physically and bodily to the Mount of Olives. At this time He will judge the nations, bind Satan, slay the wicked and rescue the righteous who believe in Him. At this time Christ will set up His literal earthly kingdom and reign from Jerusalem on the throne of David over the entire world for one thousand years. Matthew 25:31-34; Revelation 20:1-2; Isaiah 2:2-4; Micah 4:1-4; Zechariah 14:3-4; Acts 1:9-12; Revelation 19:11-16; 20:1-7
Section 19 - Of Marriage and Human Sexuality
We believe that marriage is the original and foundational institution of human society, established by God as a one-flesh, covenantal union between one man and one woman that is life-long, monogamous, and faithful. It is to reflect the relationship between Jesus Christ and His church. [Genesis 1-2, Ephesians 5:22-33]
We believe that God created human beings as male and female. The complementary nature of the human race as male and female reflects the created order given by God when He made human beings in His own image. Gender is manifested by God at conception and formed by God in the womb [Psalm 139:13-14]. It is with joy that we receive the gift of being either male or female as manifested at birth. Genesis 1:26-27; 5:1-2
We believe that sexual intimacy is to be expressed only within the bonds of a Biblically defined marriage and any other form of marriage or sexual intimacy is immoral and a perversion of God’s gracious will. We believe that any form of sexual immorality, including, but not limited to, adultery, fornication, homosexuality, bisexual conduct, incest, polygamy, bestiality or any attempt to change one’s gender or disagreement with one’s biological gender is sinful and offensive to God. Genesis 2:18-25; Matthew 19:4-6; Romans 1:22-32; 1 Corinthians 6:9, 18-20; Hebrews 13:4
We believe that the Holy Bible as originally written was verbally inspired and the product of Spirit-controlled men, and therefore, has truth without admixture of error for its matter. We believe the Bible to be the true center of Christian union and the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds and opinions, shall be tried. The existence, purpose, and function of Faith Baptist Church of Iowa City is founded and directed by truth set forth in the Bible. 2 Timothy 3:16;
2 Peter 1:19-21.
Section 2 - Of the True God
We believe there is one and only one living and true God, an infinite Spirit, 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. Exodus 20:2, 3; I Corinthians 8:6; Revelation 4:11;
I John 5:7.
Section 3 - Of the Person and Work of Christ
We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God, became Man without ceasing to be God. God the Son was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary in order that He might reveal God and redeem sinful men. He is the one and only God-Man. Matthew 1:18-25; 14; Luke 1:35; John 1:1-4
We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ died on the cross for all mankind as a representative, substitutionary sacrifice and that the sufficiency of this sacrifice is assured by His literal, physical resurrection from the dead. Romans 3:24-25; Ephesians 1:7; Hebrews 2:9; 1 Peter 1:3-5
We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ ascended to heaven and is now exalted at the right hand of God, where, as our High Priest, He fulfills the ministry of Representative, Intercessor, and Advocate.
Acts 1:9-10; Romans 8:34; Hebrews 7:25, 9:24; 1 John 2:1-2
Section 4 - Of the Holy Spirit
We believe that the Holy Spirit is a divine person, equal with God the Father and God the Son and of the same nature; that He was active in the creation; that in His relation to the unbelieving world he restrains the evil one until God’s purpose is fulfilled; that He convicts of sin, of righteous, and of judgment; that he bears witness to the truth of the Gospel in preaching and testimony; that He is the agent in the new birth; that He seals, endues, guides, teaches, witnesses, sanctifies and helps the believer. John 14:16,17; Matthew 28:19; Hebrews 9:14; John 14:26; Luke 1:35; Genesis 1:1-3; John 16:8-11; Acts 5:30-32; John 3:5,6; Ephesians 1:13,14; Mark 1:8; John 1:33; Acts 11:16; Luke 24:49; Romans 8:14; Romans 8:16;; Romans 8:26,27.
Section 5 - Of the Devil, Or Satan
We believe in the personality of Satan, that he is the unholy god of this age, and the author of all the powers of darkness, and is destined to the judgment of an eternal justice in the lake of fire. Matthew 4:1-3;
2 Corinthians 4:4; Revelation 20:10.
Section 6 - Of Creation
We accept the Genesis account of creation and believe that man came by direct creation of God and not by evolution. Genesis 1 & 2; Colossians 1:16, 17; John 1:3.
Section 7 - Of the fall of Man
We believe that man was created in innocence under the law of his Maker, but by voluntary transgression fell from his sinless and happy state in consequence of which all mankind are now sinners, not only by constraint, but by choice; and therefore under just condemnation without defense or excuse. Genesis 3:1-6, 24; Romans 5:19; Romans 5:12; Romans 5:10-19; Romans 1:18; Romans 1:32.
Section 8 - Of the Atonement for Sin
We believe 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 and vicarious atonement for our sins; that His atonement consisted not in setting us an example by His death as a martyr, but was a voluntary substitution of Himself in the sinner’s place, the Just dying for the unjust; Christ, the Lord, bearing our sin in His own body on the tree, that having risen from the dead, He is now enthroned in heaven, and uniting in His wonderful person the tenderest sympathies with divine perfection, He is in every way qualified to be a suitable, a compassionate and an all-sufficient Savior. Ephesians 2:8; Acts 15:11; Romans 3:24; John 3:16; Matthew 18:11; Philippians 2:7; Hebrews 2:14; Isaiah 53:4-7; Romans 3:25; 1 John 4:10; I Corinthians 15:3; 2 Corinthians 5:21.
Section 9 - Of Grace in the New Creation
We believe that in order to be saved, sinners must be born again; that the new birth is a new creation in Christ Jesus; that it is instantaneous and not a process; that in the new birth the one dead in
trespasses and in sins is made a partaker of the divine nature and
receives eternal life, the free gift of God; that the new creation is brought about in a manner above our comprehension, solely by the power of the Holy Spirit in connection with proper evidence, and appears in the holy fruits of repentance and faith and newness of life. John 3:3;
2 Corinthians 5:17; I John 5:1; John 3:6; Acts 16:30-33; 2 Peter 1:4; Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:1; 2 Corinthians 5:19; Colossians 2:13;
John 3:8.
Section 10 - Of Justification
We believe that the great gospel blessing which Christ secures to such as believe in Him is Justification; (a) that Justification includes the pardon of sin, and the gift of eternal life, on principles of righteous-ness; (b) 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, His righteousness is imputed to us. Acts 13:39; Isaiah 53:11; Zechariah 13:1; Romans 8:1 Romans 5:9; Romans 5:1.
Section 11 - Of Faith and Salvation
We believe that faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is the only condition of salvation. Acts16:31.
Section 12 - Of The Church, The Body of Christ
We believe in the unity of all true believers in the Church, which is the body of Christ. I Corinthians 12:27; Matthew 16:18; Ephesians 1:21-23.
Section 13- Of The Local Church
We believe that a local church is a congregation of immersed believers, associated by covenant of 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 officers are pastors and deacons, whose qualifications, claims, and duties, are clearly defined in the Scripture. We believe the true mission of the church is the faithful witnessing of Christ to all men as we have opportunity. We hold that the local church has the absolute right of self-government free from the interference of any hierarchy of individuals or organizations; that the one and only superintendent is Christ through the Holy Spirit; that it is scriptural for true churches to cooperate with each other in contending for the faith and for the furtherance of the Gospel; that each local church is the sole judge of the measure and method of its cooperation; on all matters of membership, of polity, of government, of discipline, of benevolence, the will of the local church is final. Acts 2:41, 42; I Corinthians 11:2; Ephesians 1:22, 23; Ephesians 4:11, Acts 20:17-28; I Timothy 3:1-7; Colossians 1:18; Ephesians 5:23, 24; Acts 15:13-18.
Section 14 - Of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper
We believe that Christian Baptism is the immersion of a believer in water 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. We believe that the Lord’s Supper is the com-memo ration of His death until he comes, and should be preceded always by solemn self-examination. Acts 8:26-39; John 3:23; Romans 6:3-5; Matthew 3:16; Colossians 2:12; I Corinthians 11:23-28.
Section 15 - Of the Security of the Saints
We believe that all that are truly born again are kept by God the Father for Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:6; John 10:28, 29; Romans 8:35-39; Jude 1.
Section 16 - Of the Righteous and the Wicked
We believe that there is a radical and essential difference be-tween the righteous and the wicked: that such only as through faith are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, 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, in the ever-lasting felicity of the saved and the everlasting conscious suffering of the lost. Malachi 3:18; Genesis 18:23; Romans 6:17, 18; I John 5:19; Romans 7:6; Romans 6:23; Proverbs 14:32; Luke 6:25; Matthew 25:34-41; John 8:21.
Section 17 - Of Civil Government
We believe that civil government is of divine appointment for the interests and good order of human society; that magistrates are to be prayed for, conscientiously honored and obeyed; except in things op-posed to the will of our Lord Jesus Christ who is the only Lord of the conscience, and the coming Prince of the Kings of the earth. Romans 13:1-7; 2 Samuel 23:3; Exodus 18:21, 22; Acts 23:5; Matthew 22:21; Acts 5:20; Acts 4:19, 20; Daniel 3:17, 18.
Section 18 – Of Last Things
We believe in the sovereign selection of Israel as God's eternal covenant people. Israel has a distinct and special future in God's redemptive plan. The promises that God made to Israel have not and cannot be nullified or re-appointed to any other group including the Church. The Abrahamic, Palestinian, Davidic, and New Covenant promises will be fulfilled as promised to Israel. All believing Israel will be saved at Christ’s second coming. Israel and the church are separate and distinct in the plan of God. Genesis 15:1-21; 17:4-8, 13, 19; 22:18; Deuteronomy 29-30; 1 Chronicles 17:1-15; Jeremiah 31:31-34; Romans 11
We believe in the pre-tribulation rapture of the Church. The rapture will occur imminently and unexpectedly at the end of the Church Age preceding the seven-year Tribulation. When Christ comes, He will resurrect and glorify the dead who believe in Him and will glorify the living who believe in Him. All the Church, both dead and alive, will be instantly caught up to meet Jesus Christ in the air and will be with Him forever. Revelation 6–19; 1 Thessalonians 4:13–5:2; Titus 2:13
We believe in the literal seven-year Tribulation. This period will occur immediately before Jesus Christ returns to earth in glory. During the Tribulation God will primarily focus His redemptive work on the ethnic nation of Israel bringing many Jews to faith in Jesus Christ. Daniel 9:27; Matthew 24; Revelation 6–19; Romans 11:25-27; Hosea 3:5; Zechariah 14:4, 9; Acts 1:11
We believe Jesus Christ will return again to earth in great glory. He will return physically and bodily to the Mount of Olives. At this time He will judge the nations, bind Satan, slay the wicked and rescue the righteous who believe in Him. At this time Christ will set up His literal earthly kingdom and reign from Jerusalem on the throne of David over the entire world for one thousand years. Matthew 25:31-34; Revelation 20:1-2; Isaiah 2:2-4; Micah 4:1-4; Zechariah 14:3-4; Acts 1:9-12; Revelation 19:11-16; 20:1-7
Section 19 - Of Marriage and Human Sexuality
We believe that marriage is the original and foundational institution of human society, established by God as a one-flesh, covenantal union between one man and one woman that is life-long, monogamous, and faithful. It is to reflect the relationship between Jesus Christ and His church. [Genesis 1-2, Ephesians 5:22-33]
We believe that God created human beings as male and female. The complementary nature of the human race as male and female reflects the created order given by God when He made human beings in His own image. Gender is manifested by God at conception and formed by God in the womb [Psalm 139:13-14]. It is with joy that we receive the gift of being either male or female as manifested at birth. Genesis 1:26-27; 5:1-2
We believe that sexual intimacy is to be expressed only within the bonds of a Biblically defined marriage and any other form of marriage or sexual intimacy is immoral and a perversion of God’s gracious will. We believe that any form of sexual immorality, including, but not limited to, adultery, fornication, homosexuality, bisexual conduct, incest, polygamy, bestiality or any attempt to change one’s gender or disagreement with one’s biological gender is sinful and offensive to God. Genesis 2:18-25; Matthew 19:4-6; Romans 1:22-32; 1 Corinthians 6:9, 18-20; Hebrews 13:4