These are some of our basic beliefs... Bowdoinham
Second Baptist Church Maine
About God - God is the Creator and Ruler of the
universe. He has eternally existed in three persons: The Father, the
Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three are coequal and are one God.
(Genesis 1:1, 26, 27; 3:22; Psalm 90:2; Matthew 28:19; 1 Peter 1:2; 2
Corinthians 13:14)
About Mankind - We are all made in the spiritual image
of God, to be like Him in character. We are the supreme object of God's
creation. Although mankind had tremendous potential for good, we are
marred by an attitude of disobedience toward God called "sin". This
attitude separates us from God. (Genesis 1:27; Psalm 8:3-6; Isaiah
53:6a; Romans 3:23; Isaiah 59:1,2)
About Eternity - We all were created to exist forever.
We will either exist eternally separated from God by sin, or in union
with God through forgiveness and salvation. The place of eternal
separation from God is called Hell. Heaven in the place of eternal union
and eternal life with God. (John 3:16; Romans 6:23; Revelation 20:15;
Matthew 25:41; Revelation 21:27)
About Jesus Christ - Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He
is co-equal with the Father. Jesus lived a sinless human life and
offered himself as the perfect sacrifice for sins of all by dying on a
cross. He arose from the dead after three days to demonstrate his power
over sin and death. He ascended to Heaven's glory and will return again
to earth to reign as King of Kings, and Lord of Lords. (Matthew 1:22-23;
Isaiah 9:6; John 1:1-5; John 14:10-30; Hebrews 4:14-15; 1 Corinthians
15:3-4; Romans 1:3-4; Acts 1:9-11; 1 Timothy 6:14-15; Titus 2:13)
About Salvation - Salvation is a gift from God to
mankind. We can never make up for our sin by self-improvement or good
works. Only by trusting in Jesus Christ as God's offer of forgiveness
can we be saved from sin's penalty. Eternal life begins the moment we
receive Jesus Christ into our life by faith. (Romans 6:23; Ephesians
2:8-9; John 14:6; John 1:12; Titus 3:5-7; Galatians 3:26; Romans 5:21;
John 3:16; John 5:24)
About Eternal Security - Because God gave us eternal
life through Jesus Christ, the Believer is secure in the salvation for
eternity. Salvation is maintained by the grace and power of God, not by
the self-effort of the Christian. It is the grace and keeping power of
God that gives this security. (2 Timothy 1:12; Hebrews 7:25, 10:10, 14;
1 Peter 1:3-5; John 10:29)
About the Holy Spirit - The Holy Spirit is equal with
the Father and the Son as God. He is present in the world to make
mankind aware of our need for Jesus Christ. He also lives in every
Christian from the moment of salvation. He provides the Christian with
power for living, understanding of spiritual truth, and guidance in
doing what is right. The Christian seeks to live under His control
daily. (2 Corinthians 3:17; John 16:7-13; John 14:16-17; Acts 1:8; 1
Corinthians 2:12, 3:16; Ephesians 1:13; Galatians 5:25; Ephesians 5:1)
About the Bible - The Bible is God's Word to all
mankind. It was written by human authors under the supernatural guidance
of the Holy Spirit. It is the supreme source of truth for Christian
beliefs and living. Because it is inspired by God, it is truth without
any mixture of error. (2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20-21; 2 Timothy 1:13;
Psalm 119:105, 160, 12:6; Proverbs 30:5)
