EBENEZER ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION OF PRIMITIVE OR OLD SCHOOL BAPTISTS
ARTICLES OF FAITH (Adopted at the 1981 Session)
1. We believe in one true and living God -- the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and these Three are One and equal in power, wisdom, justice, holiness, mercy, love, and truth. Proof: John 1:1, I John 5:7, II Cor. 13:14; Matt. 28:19.
2. We believe that the Scriptures comprising the Old and New Testaments, King James Version of the 1611 Translation, are of full, divine authority and are to be considered as the only rule of faith and practice. Proof: II Peter 1:21, II Tim. 3:16-17.
3. We believe that in the transgression of Adam he fell under the just condemnationofGod'sholylaw, and that all his posterity were corrupted in and by him, and so are justly condemned in sin, and have neither will nor power to deliver themselves from this state. Proof: John 6:44; Rom. 8:7; Zech. 4:6.
4. We believe in the doctrine of election by grace and that God chose a certain and definite number in Jesus Christ before the foundation of the world and ordained them to eternal life and glory, this choice being wholly unconditional upon the sinners’ part. Proof: Eph.1:4, 2:8; I Peter 1:2, 2:9; II Thess. 2:13; Rom. 8:30.
5. We believe that God predestinated the elect unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ according to the good pleasure of His will. Proof: Eph.1:5,11.
6. We believe that Jesus Christ was set up from everlasting as the Mediator of His elect people, and that in the fullness of time He took upon Himself a perfectly sinless human body and nature, and in that body suffered and died in the room and stead of His elect only, and thereby obtained eternal and perfect redemption for them. Proof: Heb. 9:15, 10:12, 10:14; John 6:37-39.
7. We believe that sinners are justified before God only through the gracious imputation of the righteousness of Jesus Christ. Proof: II Cor.5:21; Rom. 4:6-7; Phil.3:9.
8. We believe that God's elect are born again or regenerated while dead in trespasses and sins (or a spiritually lifeless state) by the Holy Spirit; they all shall be preserved through God's grace unto eternal glory. Proof: John 5:25; I Peter1:5,23; Eph.2:1; Col.1:13-14; Rom.8:33-39.
9. We believe that there will be a resurrection of all the dead and that the joys of the righteous and the punishment of the wicked will be eternal. Proof: John 5:28-29; I Cor. 15:22-23.
10. We believe that the gospel is to be preached publicly as a statement of the truth; as a witness of Jesus Christ for His praise; and for comfort and instruction, bringing life and immortality to light to regenerated persons. Proof: Matt. 28:19-20; Mark 16:15; Luke 24:47-48; II Tim. 1:10, 4:2.
11. We believe that good works, obedience to the commands of God, are well pleasing in His sight and should be maintained; but they are to be considered only as evidence of a gracious state and are not a condition of eternal salvation. Proof: James 2:17-18; I Sam. 15:22; Titus 3:5.
12. We believe that baptism is by immersion in water and is to be administered to believers only, and who give evidence of having been regenerated. Proof: Matt. 3:13-16, 28:19; John 3:23; Acts 8:37.
13. We believe that the Lord's Supper should be observed in the church until the coming of Jesus at the end of the world, and that unleavened bread and wine should be used, of which none are to be invited to partake but members of the church and other churches of like faith and order. Proof: Matt. 26:17, 26-28; I Cor. 11:23-29.
14. We believe that only regularly ordained Primitive Baptist elders in good standing have the right to administer gospel ordinances. Proof: Heb.5:4; I Tim. 4:14; Acts 13:2-3.
15. We believe that the church is an executive and not a legislative body, and we wish to fully acknowledge the Headship of Jesus Christ in all things pertaining to His Church. Proof: Eph.1:22-23; Col.1:18.
(These Articles of Faith of the Ebenezer Association were adopted at the 1981 session.)
