We are confessional. What we mean by that is that we believe that it is both wise and safe to adhere to a confession, both in an individual’s life, and even more important in the life of the church. We openly confess that Scripture alone is our standard for belief and practice. More accurately, Scripture rightly interpreted is our sole standard for belief and practice. It is this clarification that necessitates the use of confessions. Throughout history there have been counterfeit gospels and heretical teachings taught by people who claim to hold a high view of Scripture. Because of these ever present dangers the church has understood, from its infancy, that it is wise to have a set standard, clarifying, not only, that we will hold ourselves to the teachings of Scripture, but how we interpret key passages of Scripture.
Maynardville Fellowship has officially adopted two statements of faith with which we are in fundamental agreement: The Eighteen Articles of Faith and the 1689 Baptist Confession. By fundamental agreement we mean that all members agree with the core doctrines as explained in each article of each of these confessions, however each member may have minor points of contention. These disagreements must not be concerning cardinal doctrines of the Christian faith (i.e. Christology, Trinitarianism, Soteriology (doctrine of salvation by faith alone) etc.). To illustrate this point, even our current elders differ slightly from these confessions, as neither would interpret the sabbath requirements in exactly the same way as these confessions (you can listen to a sermon explaining their interpretation of the New Testament sabbath here). All disagreements must simply be clearly stated and biblically defended by any believer seeking acceptance as a member, and the prospective members interpretation must be deemed by the current pastors as orthodox (i.e. compatible with historic biblical Christianity) and non-salvithic in nature.
We doctrinally agree with both of these confessions, but we also have some very practical and pastoral reasons for adopting them as well. The Eighteen Articles of Faith is the most used and respected confession in most Maynardville area churches. Both serving elders were ordained into the Gospel ministry by affirming fundamental agreement with this wonderful and concise explanation of the Reformed Baptist Faith. We added the 1689 Baptist Confession for three reasons. First, the 1689 is the earliest comprehensive explanation of the historical baptist faith. We felt including it would add to people’s understanding of the lasting heritage and doctrinal precision of our baptist predecesors. Second, it goes into greater detail for those who desire more study concerning the biblical basis for these interpretations. Thirdly, it covers topics (especially marriage) which must be explicitly defined and defended, especially in our current cultural context. The Eighteen Articles of Faith will be written out below in their entirety with corresponding scriptures listed beneath each article, and a hard copy will be given to each prospective member for their prayerful and earnest study and contemplation. We invite any questions and are eager to provide clarity and/or guidance.
A copy of the 53 page 1689 Baptist Confession will not be provided, except upon request by those who have no internet access, and although a thorough examination and familiarity with it is not required as it is for the Eighteen Articles of Faith, we do encourage each member to examine its contents as time may allow. It is a more detailed, thorough, and complete explanation of the core doctrines to which our Church holds. You can link to this historic work below.
1689 Baptist Confession
_________________________________________________________________________
The Eighteen Articles of Faith
Article I
Of The Scriptures: We believe that the Holy Bible was written by men divinely inspired, and is a perfect treasure of heavenly instruction (1); that it has God for its author, salvation for its end (2), and truth without any mixture of error for its matter (3); that it reveals the principles by which God will judge us (4); and therefore is, and shall remain to the end of the world, the true center of Christian union (5), and the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds, and opinions should be tried (6). 2 Tim. 3:16-17; 2 Pet. 1:21; 1 Sam. 23:2; Acts 1:16; 3:21; John 10:35; Luke 16:29-31; Psa. 119:11; Rom. 3:1-2; 2 Tim. 3:15; 1 Pet. 1:10-12; Acts 11:14; Rom. 1:16; Mark 16:16; John 5:38-39; Prov. 30:5-6; John 17:17; Rev. 22:18-19; Rom. 3:4 Rom. 2:12; John 12:47-48; 1 Cor. 4:3-4; Luke 10:10-16; 12:47-48; Phil. 3:16; Eph. 4:3-6; Phil. 2:1-2; 1 Cor. 1:10; 1 Pet. 4:11; 1 John 4:1; Isa. 8:20; 1 Thess. 5:21; 2 Cor. 8:5; Acts 17:11; 1 John 4:6; Jude 3:5; Eph. 6:17; Psa. 119:59-60; Phil. 1:9-11
Article II
Of The True God: We believe 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 (1); inexpressibly glorious in holiness (2), and worthy of all possible honor, confidence, and love (3); that in the unity of the Godhead there are three persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit (4); equal in every divine perfection (5), and executing distinct and harmonious offices in the great work of redemption (6). Jn. 4:24; Ps. 147:5; 83:18; Heb. 3:4; Rom. 1:20; Jer. 10:10; Ex. 15:11; Isa. 6:3; 1 Pet. 1:15-16; Rev. 4:6-8;Mk. 12:30; Rev. 4:11; Matt. 10:37; Jer. 2:12-13; Matt. 28:19; John 15:26; 1 Cor. 12:4-6; 1 John 5:7 John 10:30; 5:17; 14:23; 17:5, 10; Acts 5:3-4; 1 Cor. 2:10-11; Phil. 2:5-6; Eph. 2:18; 2 Cor. 13:14; Rev. 1:4-5
Article III
Of The Fall of Man: We believe that man was created in holiness, under the law of his Maker (1); but by voluntary transgression fell from that holy and happy state (2); in consequence of which all mankind are now sinners (3), not by constraint, but choice (4); 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 (5), without defense or excuse (6). Gen. 1:27, 31; Ecc. 7:29; Gen. 2:16; Gen. 3:6-24; Rom. 5:12; Rom. 5:19; Jn. 3:6; Psa. 51:5; Rom. 5:15-19; 8:7; Isa. 53:6; Gen. 6:12; Rom. 3:9-18; Eph. 2:1-3; Rom. 1:18, 32; 2:1-16; Gal. 3:10; Ezekiel 18:19-20; Rom. 1:20; 3:19; Gal. 3:22
Article IV
Of The Way of Salvation: We believe that the salvation of sinners is wholly of grace (1); through the mediatorial offices of the Son of God (2); who by the appointment of the Father, freely took upon him our nature, yet without sin (3); honored the divine law by his personal obedience (4); and by his death made a full atonement for our sins (5); that having risen from the dead, he is now enthroned in heaven (5); and uniting in his wonderful person the most tender sympathies with divine perfections, he is every way qualified to be a suitable, a compassionate, and an all-sufficient Savior (7). Eph. 2:5; Mt. 18:11; 1 Jn. 4:10; 1 Cor. 3:5-7; Acts 15:11; Jn. 3:16; 1:1-14; Heb. 4:14-16; 12:24;Heb. 2:9; 14; 2 Cor. 5:21, Isa. 42:21; Phil. 2:8; Gal. 4:4-5; Rom. 3:21; Isa. 53:4-5; Mt. 20:28; Rom. 4:25; 3:21-26; 1 Jn. 4:10; 2:2; 1 Cor. 15:1-3; Heb. 9:13-15; Heb. 1:8, 3; 8:1; Col. 3:1-4, Heb. 7:25; Col. 2:9; Heb. 2:18; 7:26; Ps. 89:19; Ps. 14
Article V
Of Justification: We believe that the great gospel blessing which Christ (1) secures to such as believe in him is Justification (2); that Justification includes the pardon of sin (3), and the promise of eternal life on principles of righteousness (4); 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 (5); by virtue of which faith his perfect righteousness is freely imputed to us of God (6); 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 (7). John 1:16; Eph. 3:8; Acts 13:39; Isa. 3:11-12; Rom. 8:1; Rom. 5:9; Zech. 13:1; Matt. 9:6; Acts 10:43;Rom. 5:17; Titus 3:5-6; 1 Pet. 3:7; 1 John 2:25; Rom. 5:21;Rom. 4:4-5; 5:21; 6:28; Phil. 3:7-9;Rom. 5:19; 3:24-26; 4:23-25; 1 John 2:12; Rom. 5:1-3, 11; 1 Cor. 1:30-31; Matt. 6:33; 1 Tim. 4:8
Article VI
Of The Freeness of Salvation: We believe that the blessings of salvation are made free to all by the gospel (1); that it is the immediate duty of all to accept them by a cordial, penitent, and obedient faith (2); and that nothing prevents the salvation of the greatest sinner on earth but his own inherent depravity and voluntary rejection of the gospel (3); which rejection involves him in an aggravated condemnation (4). Isa. 55:1; Rev. 22:17; Luke 14:17;Rom. 16:26; Mark 1:15; Rom. 1:15-17;John 5:40; Matt. 23:37; Rom. 9:32; Prov. 1:24; Acts 13:46;John 3:19; Matt. 11:20; Luke 19:27; 2 Thes. 1:8
Article VII
Of Grace in Regeneration: We believe that, in order to be saved, sinners must be regenerated, or born again (1); that regeneration consists in giving a holy disposition to the mind (2); that it is effected in a manner above our comprehension by the power of the Holy Spirit, in connection with divine truth (3), so as to secure our voluntary obedience to the gospel (4); and that its proper evidence appears in the holy fruits of repentance, and faith, and newness of life (5). John 3:3, 6-7; 1 Cor. 1:14; Rev. 8:7-9; 21:27;2 Cor. 5:17; Ezekiel 36:26; Deut. 30:6; Rom. 2:28-29; 5:5; 1 John 4:7;John 3:8; 1:13; James 1:16-18; 1 Cor. 1:30; Phil. 2:13; I Peter 1:3; 1 Pet. 1:22-25; 1 John 5:1; Eph. 4:20-24; Col. 3:9-11;Eph. 5:9; Rom. 8:9; Gal. 5:16-23; Eph. 3:14-21; Matt. 3:8-10; 7:20; 1 John 5:4, 18
Article VIII
Of Repentance and Faith: We believe that Repentance and Faith are sacred duties, and also inseparable graces, wrought in our souls by the regenerating Spirit of God (1); whereby being deeply convinced of our guilt, danger, and helplessness, and of the way of salvation by Christ (2), we turn to God with unfeigned contrition, confession, and supplication for mercy (3); 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 Savior (4). Mark 1:15; Acts 11:18; Eph. 2:8; 1 John 5:1; John 16:8; Acts 2:37-38; 16:30-31; Luke 18:13; 15:18-21; James 4:7-10; 2 Cor. 7:11; Rom. 10:12-13; Psa. 51; Rom. 10:9-11; Acts 3:22-23: Heb. 4:14; Psa. 2:6; Heb. 1:8; 8:25; 2 Tim. 1:12
Article IX
Of God’s Purpose and Grace: We believe that Election is the eternal purpose of God, according to which he graciously regenerates, sanctifies, and saves sinners (1); that being perfectly consistent with the free agency of man, it comprehends all the means in connection with the end (2); that it is a most glorious display of God’s sovereign goodness, being infinitely free, wise, holy, and unchangeable (3); that it utterly excludes boasting, and promotes humility, love, prayer, praise, trust in God, and active imitation of his free mercy (4); that it encourages the use of means in the highest degree (5); that it may be ascertained by its effects in all who truly believe the gospel (6); that it is the foundation of Christian assurance (7); and that to ascertain it with regard to ourselves demands and deserves the utmost diligence (8). 2 Tim. 1:8-9; Eph. 1:3-14; 1 Pet. 1:1-2; Rom. 11:5-6; John 15:15; 1 John 4:19; Hos. 12:9; 2 Thes. 2:13-14; Acts 13:48; John 10:16; Matt. 20:16; Acts 15:14; Ex. 33:18-19; Matt. 20:15; Eph. 1:11; Rom. 9:23-24: Jer. 31:3; Rom. 11:28-29; James 1:17-18; 2 Tim. 1:9; Rom. 11:32-36; 1 Cor. 4:7; 1:26-31; Rom. 3:27; 4:16; Col. 3:12; 1 Cor. 3:5-7; 15:10; 1 Pet. 5:10; Acts 1:24; 1 Thess. 2:13; 1 Pet. 2:9; Luke 18:7; John 15:16; Eph. 1:16; 1 Thes. 2:12; 2 Tim. 2:10; 1 Cor. 9:22; Rom. 8:28-30; John 6:37-40; 2 Pet. 1:10; 1 Thes. 1:4-10; Rom. 8:28-30; Isa. 42:16; Rom. 11:29; 2 Pet. 1:10-11; Phil. 3:12; Heb. 6:11
Article X
Of Sanctification: We believe that Sanctification is the process by which, according to the will of God, we are made partakers of his holiness (1); that it is a progressive work (2); that it is begun in regeneration (3); 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 (4). 1 Thess. 4:3; 5:23; 2 Cor. 7:1; 13:9; Eph. 1:4; Prov. 4:18; 2 Cor. 3:18; Heb. 6:1; 2 Pet. 1:5-8; Phil. 3:12-16; John 2:29; Rom. 8:5; John 3:6; Phil. 1:9-11; Eph. 1:13-14; Phil. 2:12-13; Eph. 4:11-12; 1 Pet. 2:2; 2 Pet. 3:18; 2 Cor. 13:5; Luke 11:35; 9:23; Matt. 26:41; Eph. 6:18; 4:30
Article XI
Of the Perseverance of Saints: We believe that such only are real believers as endure unto the end (1); that their persevering attachment to Christ is the grand mark which distinguishes them from superficial professors (2); that a special Providence watches over their welfare (3); and they are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation (4). John 8:31; 1 John 2:27-28; 3:9; 5:18; 1 John 2:19; John 13:18; Matt. 13:20-21; John 6:66-69; Job 17:9, Rom. 8:28; Matt. 6:30-33; Jer. 32:40; Ps. 121:3; 91:11-12; Phil. 1:6; 2:12-13; Jude 24-25; Heb. 1:14; 2 Kings 6:16; Heb. 13:5; 1 John 4:4
Article XII
Of the Harmony of the Law and the Gospel: We believe that the Law of God is the eternal and unchangeable rule of his moral government (1); that it is holy, just, and good (2); and that the inability which the Scriptures ascribe to fallen men to fulfill its precepts arises entirely from their love of sin (3); 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 the visible Church (4). Rom. 3:31; Matt. 5:17; Luke 16:17; Rom. 3:20; 4:15;Rom. 7:12, 7, 14, 22; Gal. 3:21; Psa. 119; Rom. 8:7-8; Josh. 24:19; Jer. 13:23; John 6:44; 5:44; Rom. 8:2, 4; 10:4; 1 Tim. 1:5; Heb. 8:10; Jude 20-21; Heb. 12:14; Matt. 16:17-18; 1 Cor. 12:28
Article XIII
Of a Gospel Church: We believe that a visible Church of Christ is a congregation of baptized believers (1), associated by covenant in the faith and fellowship of the gospel (2); observing the ordinances of Christ (3); governed by his laws (4), and exercising the gifts, rights, and privileges invested in them by his Word (5); that its only scriptural officers are Bishops, or Pastors, and Deacons (6), whose qualifications, claims, and duties are defined in the Epistles to Timothy and Titus. I Cor. 1:1-13; Matt. 18:17; Acts 5:11; 8:1; 11:31; 1 Cor. 4:17; 14:23; 3 John 9; 1 Tim. 3:5; Acts 2:41-42; 2 Cor. 8:5; Acts 2:47; 1 Cor. 5:12-13;1 Cor. 11:2; 2 Thes. 3:6; Rom. 16:17-20; 1 Cor. 11:23; Matt. 18:15-20; 1 Cor 5:6; 2 Cor. 2:7; 1 Cor. 4:17;Matt. 28:20; John 14:15; 15:12; 1 John 4:21; John 14:21; 1 Thes. 4.2; 2 John 6; Gal. 6:2;Eph. 4:7; 1 Cor. 14:12; Phil. 1:27; 1 Cor. 12:14;Phil. 1:1; Acts 14:23; 15:22; 1 Tim. 3; Titus 1
Article XIV
Of Baptism And The Lord’s Supper: We believe that Christian Baptism is the immersion in water of a believer (1), into the name of the Father, and Son, and Holy Spirit (2); 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 (3); that it is prerequisite to the privileges of a Church relation; and to the Lord’s Supper (4), in which the members of the Church, by the sacred use of bread and wine, are to commemorate together the dying love of Christ (5); preceded always by solemn self-examination (6). Acts 8:36-39; Matt. 3:5-6; John 3:22-23; 4:1-2; Matt. 28:19; Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; 8:12; 16:32-34; 18:8; Matt. 28:19; Acts 10:47-48; Gal. 3:27-28; Rom. 6:4; Col. 2:12; 1 Pet. 3:20-21; Acts 22:16; Acts 2:41-42; Matt. 28:19-20; 1 Cor. 11:26; Matt. 26:26-29; Mark 14:22-25; Luke 22:14-20 1 Cor. 11:28; 5:1, 8; 10:3-32; 11:17-32; John 6:26-71
Article XV
Of The Christian Sabbath: We believe that the first day of the week is the Lord’s Day, or Christian Sabbath (1); and is to be kept sacred to religious purposes (2), by abstaining from all secular labor and sinful recreations (3); by the devout observance of all the means of grace, both private (4) and public (5); and by preparation for that rest that remains for the people of God (6). Acts 20:7; Gen. 2:3; Col. 2:16-17; Mark 2:27; John 20:19; 1 Cor. 16:1- 2; Ex. 20:8; Rev. 1:10; Psa. 118:24;Isa. 58:13-14; 56:2-8;Psa. 119:15; Heb. 10:24-25; Acts 11:26; 13:44; Lev. 19:30; Ex. 46:3; Luke 4:16; Acts 17:2, 3; Ps. 26:8; 87:3; Heb. 4:3-11
Article XVI
Of Civil Government: We believe that civil government is of divine appointment, for the interests and good order of human society (1); and that magistrates are to be prayed for, conscientiously honored and obeyed (2); except only in things opposed to the will of our Lord Jesus Christ (3) who is the only Lord of the conscience, and the Prince of the kings of the earth (4). Rom. 13:1-7; Deut. 16:18; 1 Sam. 23:3; Ex. 18:23; Jer. 30:21;Matt. 22:21; Titus 3:1; 1 Pet. 2:13; 1 Tim. 2:1-8; Acts 5:29; Matt. 10:28; Dan. 3:15-18; 6:7-10; Acts 4:18-20; Matt. 23:10; Rom. 14:4; Rev. 19:16; Ps. 72:11; Ps. 2; Rom. 14:9-13
Article XVII
Of the Righteous and the Wicked: We believe that there is a radical and essential difference between the righteous and the wicked (1); 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 (2); while all such as continue in impenitence and unbelief are in his sight wicked, and under the curse (3); and this distinction holds among men both in and after death (4). Mal. 3:18; Prov. 12:26; Isa. 5:20; Gen. 18:23; Jer. 15:19;Acts 10:34- 35; Rom. 6:16;Rom. 1:17; 7:6; 1 John 2:29; 3:7; Rom. 6:18, 22; 1 Cor. 11:32; Prov. 11:31; 1 Pet. 4:17-18; 1 John 5:19; Gal. 3:10; John 3:36; Isa. 57:21; Ps. 10:4; Isa 55:6-7; Prov. 14:32; Luke 16:25; John 8:21-24; Pro. 10:24; Luke 12:4-5; 9:23- 26; John 12:25-26; Eccl. 3:17; Matt. 7:13-14
Article XVIII
Of the World to Come: We believe that the end of the world is approaching (1); that at the last day Christ will descend from heaven (2), and raise the dead from the grave to final retribution (3); that a solemn separation will then take place (4); that the wicked will be adjudged to endless punishment, and the righteous to endless joy (5); and that this judgment will fix forever the final state of men in heaven or hell, on principles of righteousness (6). 1 Pet. 4:7; 1 Cor. 7:29-31; Heb. 1:10-12; Matt. 24:35; 1 John 2:17; Matt. 28:20; 13:39-40; 2 Pet. 3:3-13; Acts 1:11; Rev. 1:7; Heb. 9:28; Acts 3:21; 1 Thess. 4:13-18;5:1-11; Acts 24:15; 1 Cor. 15:12-59; Luke 14:14; Dan. 12:2; John 5:28-29; 6:40; 11:25-26; 2 Tim. 1:10; Acts 10:42; Matt. 13:49, 37-43; 24:30-31; 25:31-33; Matt. 25:35-41; Rev. 22:11; 1 Cor. 6:9-10; Mark 9:43-48; 2 Pet. 2:9; Jude 7; Phil. 3:19; Rom. 6:32; 2 Cor. 5:10-11; John 4:36; 2 Cor. 4:18; Rom. 3:5-6; 2 Thess. 1:6-12; Heb. 6:1-2; 1 Cor. 4:5; Acts 17:31; Rom. 2:2-16; Rev. 20:11-12; 1 John 2:28; 4:17
