STATEMENT OF FAITH

THE HOLY SCRIPTURES

We believe the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testament to be the verbally and plenary inspired Word of God. The sixty-six books of the Old and New Testament are the complete and divine revelation of God to Man. We believe the Holy Bible was written by holy men of God, prepared, inspired, and supervised by the Holy Spirit, so that what was written was word for word and totally what God intended.  The Scriptures are given by inspiration of God; therefore, it is inerrant, infallible and God-breathed in the original writings, and preserved only in the Authorized King James Version for the English speaking world. Therefore, the King James Version of the Bible shall be the official and only translation used by Lynwood Baptist Church. The Scriptures shall be interpreted according to their normal grammatical-historical meaning.  We believe that the Bible is the sole and final authority in all matters of faith and practice, and sufficient for the full equipping of God’s people for His service (2 Timothy 3:15-17; 2 Peter 1:19-21; Psalm 12:6-7, 138:2; Matthew 25:18; John 12:48).

THE GODHEAD

We believe in one Triune God, eternally existing in three persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—each co-eternal in being, co-identical in nature, co-equal in power and glory, and having the same attributes and perfections while executing distinct but harmonious offices in the great work of redemption. (Deuteronomy 6:4-5; 1 Corinthians 8:6; 2 Corinthians 13:14; 1 Timothy 1:17; Matthew 28:19; John 14:10,26; 15:16, 26).

THE FATHER

We believe the Father is the one and living God; the infinite and intelligent Spirit.  He is perfect in holiness, infinite in wisdom, and measureless in power. He is merciful as well as just (Exodus 20:2-3; John 4:24).

THE SON—JESUS CHRIST

  1. We believe in the Deity and work of the Lord Jesus Christ.  He is the eternal Son of God Who became man, without ceasing to be God. We believe that He was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, and lived a sinless life in order that He might reveal God and redeem sinful men (Isaiah 7:14; 9:6;   Luke 1:35; John 1:1-2,14; 2 Corinthians 5:19-21; Galatians 4:4-5; Philippians 2:5-8; Hebrews 4:15).
  2. We believe in the blood atonement of Jesus Christ for sin; that the Lord Jesus Christ suffered and died for our sins.  He accomplished our redemption through his death on the cross as a representative, vicarious, substitutionary sacrifice; and, that our justification is made sure by His literal, physical resurrection from the dead (Acts 2:18-36; Romans 3:24-25; Ephesians 1:7; 1 Peter 1:3-5; 2:24;    1 John 1:7; Hebrews 10:12).
  3. We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ ascended visibly 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;        Hebrews 9:24; 7:25; Romans 8:34; 1 John 2: 1-2).
  4. We believe in the imminent pre-tribulation, pre-millennial coming of Christ for His Bride—the Church; and His coming again after the Tribulation to set up His millennial kingdom on the earth (1 Thessalonians 1:10; 4:13-18; Revelation 19).

THE HOLY SPIRIT

  1. We believe in the Deity and work of the Holy Spirit. We believe that the Holy Spirit is a person Who actively restrains evil and convicts the world of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment; and, that He is the Supernatural Agent in regeneration, baptizing all believers into the body of Christ by indwelling them at the moment of salvation and sealing them unto the day of redemption.  We believe that it is the privilege and duty of all saved believers to be filled with the Holy Spirit of God (John 16:8-11; Romans 8:9; 1 Corinthians 12:12-14; 2 Corinthians 3:6; Ephesians 1:13-14; 5:18).
  2. We believe that He inspired and supervised the recording of the Holy Scriptures and that He is the Divine Teacher who desires to teach and guide all believers in understanding and appropriating the Scriptures.  We believe He helps us to pray, and prays for us. (Ephesians 1:17-18; 1 John 2:20,27; Romans 8:26-27).
  3. We believe that God is sovereign in the bestowal of spiritual gifts to every believer and gives at least one spiritual gift according to His will. God uniquely uses evangelists, pastors, and teachers to equip believers in the assembly in order that they can do the work of the ministry (Romans 12:3-8; 1 Corinthians 12:4-11, 28; Ephesians 4:7-12).
  4. We believe the Holy Spirit’s gifts are for this Church Age, but are not to be confused with the modern Charismatic Movement.  We believe that the sign gifts of the Holy Spirit, such as speaking in tongues and the gift of healing were temporary. We believe that speaking in tongues was never the common or necessary sign of the baptism or filling of the Holy Spirit and that ultimate deliverance of the body from sickness or death awaits the consummation of our salvation in the resurrection, though God frequently chooses to answer the prayers of believers for physical healing (Acts 2:4-6; Romans 12:6-8; 1 Corinthians 1:22; 13:8; 14:21-22; James 5:13-16).

SALVATION

  1. We believe that before the world began, God had a plan to redeem fallen man.  Jesus Christ willingly participated in that plan as He took human form, lived a sinless life, and willingly shed His blood on the Cross of Calvary—dying as our substitute.  We believe that any and all who will confess their need of salvation and place their trust completely in the finished work of Jesus Christ alone will be saved (Genesis 3:15; John 1:12-13; 3:3-5, 16).
  2. We believe that salvation is a free gift of God brought to man by grace through repentance toward God and by personal faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.   Salvation is solely through faith in that shed blood and is not earned by any good works whatsoever.  All those who receive Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior are regenerated and become Sons of God (Acts 20:21; John 10:27-30; Ephesians 2:8-10).
  3. We believe salvation results in immediate cleansing of sin, immediate and permanent indwelling by the Holy Spirit of God, a certain home with God in Heaven, and a host of other blessings in this life and the next (Romans 3:24-25; 5:8; 10:9-13; Ephesians 1:7; 2:8-10; Titus 3:5; 1 Peter 1:18-19).

ETERNAL SECURITY AND ASSURANCE OF BELIEVERS

  1. We believe that all the redeemed, once saved, are kept by God’s power and are thus secure in Christ forever (John 6:37-40; 10:27-30; Romans 8:1, 38-39; 1 Corinthians 1:4-8; 1 Peter 1:4-5).
  2. We believe that it is the privilege of believers to rejoice in the assurance of their salvation through the testimony of God ‘s Word, which, however, clearly forbids the use of Christian liberty as an occasion to the flesh (Romans 6:1; 13:13-14; Galatians 5:13; Titus 2:11-15).

PRIESTHOOD OF THE BELIEVER

We believe that every person who has received Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior is a priest of God; that through Christ’s blood we are able to enter into the Holy of Holies, God’s presence, and present our praise and petitions in His name; that Jesus Christ is the Great High Priest of our faith, and that every believer has the spiritual capability and responsibility to discern the wisdom, knowledge, and will of God (1 Peter 2:5,9; Hebrews 10:10-20).

THE CHURCH

  1. Purpose.  We believe that Jesus Christ is the Founder and Builder of the church—the body and the espoused bride of Christ. We believe in the local church as an assembly of baptized believers gathered together for the purpose of carrying out the great commission.  We believe that the local church is the only agency that properly carries out the great commission and its purpose is to exalt the Savior, evangelize the lost, and edify and equip the saints.  We believe that the establishment and continuance of local churches is clearly taught and defined in the New Testament Scriptures (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15; Acts 2:41-47;14:27; 20:17, 28-32; Philippians 1:1; 1Timothy 3:1-13; Titus 1:5-11).
  2. Members.  We believe that the local church is solely made up of saved (born-again) persons who, at the moment of salvation, are placed into the Body of Christ by the Holy Spirit.  We believe that saved persons are to be baptized by immersion and instructed to identify with a local assembly of believers, called a church, and to support it by consistent attendance, prayer, giving, and use of their spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 12:12-14;                            2 Corinthians 11:2; Ephesians 1:22-23; 5:25-27; Hebrews 10:23-25).
  3. Government. We believe that the local church is autonomous and has the absolute right of self-government, which makes it free from interference of any hierarchy of individuals or organizations on the outside. We further believe that on all matters of membership, policy, government, or benevolence the will of the local church is final. We believe that Jesus Christ is the Head of each local assembly and that through the Holy Spirit He seeks to administrate all the affairs of that assembly. (Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 13:1-4; 14:27; 15:19-31; 20:28; Romans 16:1,4; 1 Corinthians 3:9, 16; 5:4-7,13; Galatians 1:2;          1 Peter 5:1-4).
  4. Offices.  We believe that Jesus Christ appoints an under-shepherd for each assembly called a pastor, and raises up men for the office of deacon to care for the temporal matters of the church.  We believe there are two biblical offices in the church, Pastor (called bishops, elders, or overseers in the Bible) and Deacon.  Pastors are responsible for the care and feeding of the flock of God, purity of doctrine, and oversight of the operation of the church.  Deacons are appointed as servants in the church to help meet the needs of the church, and to free the pastors to focus on prayer and the ministry of the Word of God. The church shall also ordain men to the Gospel ministry (Acts 6:1-7; 1 Timothy 3:1-13; Titus 1:5-9).
  5. Ordinances.  We believe that the two Scriptural ordinances of the local church are baptism and the Lord’s Supper.

A.   Baptism: The only Biblical mode of believer’s baptism is by total immersion; in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, by the command of God.  We believe that baptism is only for those who have already trusted Jesus Christ as Savior and is a public testimony to that fact and is not a part of salvation (Matthew 28:19; Acts 2:41; 18:18; Romans 6:4-5).

B.   The Lord’s Table: The commemoration of the Lord’s death, by the bread and the fruit of the vine, is preceded by self-examination (1 Corinthians 11:23-28). We believe that the Lord’s Table is only for those who are saved, baptized by immersion, a member of a church of like faith, and who are currently in obedience to His divine will. The Lord’s Supper is open to all who after careful self-examination, and under fear of God’s judgment, judge themselves saved, baptized, fit, and willing to participate.  We do not believe in closed communion (members only) but in close communion in that members of a church of like faith who have been saved, baptized, and a member of a church of like faith may join us in the Lord’s table. (Matthew 28:18-20; Romans 6:4-6; Matthew 26:26-30; 1 Corinthians 10:16-21, 11:17-34).

SEPARATION

  1. As beings created by and for God, and purchased with the blood of Christ, we believe it is every believer’s responsibility to maintain such practices as personal holiness, consistent Bible study and prayer, faithful church attendance, tithing, and witnessing to the lost.
  2. Since we are not our own, we believe that all the saved should live in such a manner as not to bring reproach upon their Savior and Lord; and, that we are to avoid practices that hinder us from being useful and mature Christians.
  3. We believe in separation individually, and as a church, from involvement and affiliation with organizations, which deny fundamental doctrines of the Christian faith, or espouse New Age, Humanism, Socialism, or Communism. We do not believe or accept any form of the ecumenical or charismatic movements of this day.
  4. We believe that the saved should not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers or any religious apostasy. We believe separation from all religious apostasy, all worldly and sinful pleasures, practices and associations as commanded of God, and to refrain from all immodest and immoderate appearances, piercings, and bodily markings.  Additionally, separation includes withdrawing fellowship from disobedient Christian brethren (Romans 12:1-2; 14:13-19; 16:17; 2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1; 2 Thessalonians 3:6; 2 Timothy 3:1-5; 1 John 2:15-17; 2 John 9-11; Leviticus 19:28; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20).
  5. We believe that persons who are saved after they are married should remain with their lost spouse to be a written epistle before them (1 Corinthians 7:10-15; 1 Peter 3:1-5).

THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST

We believe in that “blessed hope,” the visible, personal, and imminent pre-tribulational and pre-millennial rapture of His Church.  We believe that Jesus Christ will call up (the Rapture) His bride (the Church) before the seven-year Tribulation.  After the Tribulation, Christ will personally and visibly return with His saints, to establish His earthly Messianic Kingdom on earth to rule for one thousand years (Daniel 2:31-45; 9:24-27; Zechariah 14:4-11; 1 Corinthians 15:51-57; 1 Thessalonians 1:10; 4:13-18; 5:9; Titus 2:13; Revelation 3:10; 4:1; 19:11-16; 20:1-6).

THE ETERNAL STATE

  1. We believe in the reality and eternality of both a literal Heaven and Hell.  We believe that Heaven, being a place of eternal bliss and ultimate joy in the presence of God, is reserved for those who are redeemed by the blood of Christ.  We also believe that Hell and the Lake of Fire, being a place of unending torment and separation from God, is reserved for the devil, his angels, and unbelieving mankind (John 14:1-6; Revelation 20:11-15; 21:1-27).
  2. We believe in the bodily resurrection of all men, the saved to eternal life, and the lost to judgment and everlasting punishment (Matthew 25:46; John 5:28-29; 11:25-26; Revelation 20:5-6, 12-13).
  3. We believe that the souls of the redeemed are, at death, absent from the body and present with the Lord, where in conscious bliss they await the first resurrection (the Rapture), when spirit, soul, and body are reunited to be glorified forever with the Lord.  All believers will then stand before the Judgment Seat of Christ to determine gained or lost rewards (Luke 23:43; Romans 14:10-12; 1 Corinthians 3:11-16; 2 Corinthians 5:8; Philippians 1:23; 3:21; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17; Revelation 20:4-6).
  4. We believe that the souls of the lost (unbelievers) remain, after death, in conscious punishment and torment until the second resurrection, when with soul and body are reunited and appear at the Great White Throne Judgment.  They shall be cast into the Lake of Fire, not to be annihilated, but to suffer everlasting conscious punishment and torment (Matthew 25:41-46; Mark 9:43-48; Luke 16:19-26; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9; Jude 6-7; Revelation 20:11-15).

CREATION

We believe in the Genesis account of the direct creation of the universe and man by God.  We believe that God created the universe in six literal, 24-hour periods; all things visible and invisible. We believe that God created man in His own image, and for Himself and that God created spiritual beings called angels, who follow God and minister to His people. We reject evolution, the Gap Theory, the Day-Age Theory, and Theistic Evolution as unscriptural theories of origin (Genesis 1-2; Exodus 20:11; John 1:1-3; Hebrews 11:3).

CIVIL GOVERNMENT

We believe that God has ordained and created all authority consisting of three basic institutions: 1) the home; 2) the church; and 3) the state. Every person is subject to these authorities, and all (including the authorities themselves) are answerable to God and governed by His Word. God has given each institution specific Biblical responsibilities and balanced those responsibilities with the understanding that no institution has the right to infringe upon the other. The home, the church, and the state are equal and sovereign in their respective Biblically assigned spheres of responsibility under God (Romans 13:1-7; Ephesians 5:22-24; Hebrews 13:17; 1 Peter 2:13-14).

HUMAN SEXUALITY

  1. We believe that God has commanded that no intimate sexual activity be engaged in outside of a marriage between a man and a woman. We believe that any form of homosexuality, lesbianism, bisexuality, bestiality, incest, fornication, adultery and pornography are sinful perversions of God’s gift of sex.We believe that God disapproves of and forbids any attempt to alter one’s gender by surgery or appearance(Genesis 2:24; 19:5,13; 26:8-9; Leviticus 8:1-30; Romans 1:26-29; 1 Corinthians 5:1; 6:9; 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8; Hebrews 13:4).
  2. We believe that the only Scriptural marriage is the joining of one man and one woman (Genesis 2:24; Romans 7:2; 1 Corinthians 7:10; Ephesians 5:22-23).

FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS

  1. We believe that men and women are spiritually equal in position before God but that God has ordained distinct and separate spiritual functions for men and women in the home and the church. The husband is to be the leader of the home and men are to be the leaders (pastors and deacons) of the church. Accordingly, only men are eligible for ordination by the church (Galatians 3:28; Colossians 3:18; 1 Timothy 2:8-15; 3:4-5, 12).
  2. We believe that God has ordained the family as the foundational institution of human society.  The husband is to love his wife as Christ loves the church. The wife is to submit herself to the leadership of her husband as the church submits to the headship of Christ. Children are a heritage from the Lord. Parents are responsible for teaching their children spiritual and moral values and leading them, through consistent lifestyle example and appropriate discipline, including Scriptural corporal correction.  (Genesis 1:26-28; Exodus 20:12; Deuteronomy 6:4-9; Psalm 127:3-5; Proverbs 19:18; 22:15; 23:13-14; Mark 10:6-12; 1 Corinthians 7:1-16; Ephesians 5:21-33; 6:1-4; Colossians 3:18-21; Hebrews 13:4; 1 Peter 3:1-7).

 MISSIONS

We believe that God has given the church the great commission to proclaim the Gospel to all nations so that there might be a great multitude from every nation, tribe, ethnic group, and language group who believe on the Lord Jesus Christ.  As ambassadors of Christ, we must use all available means to reach foreign nations and not wait for them to come to us. We believe that all men are lost and bound for eternal punishment in a literal lake of fire, and that God has commanded us to be witnesses by life and word. We believe that the primary thrust of New Testament missions is sending out men to preach God’s Word and establish local, indigenous, self-supporting churches to the glory of God (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15; Luke 24:46-48; John 20:21; Acts 1:8; Romans 1:18-20; 10:14,17; 2 Corinthians 5:20).