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What We Believe: Our
Statement of Faith
- We believe the Bible to be the inspired infallible word of GOD
without the slightest possibility of error in the original autographs.
Because we believe the Bible to be the word of GOD, we confess
that it is the only saving revelation of GOD. Therefore we reject
any other claim of saving revelation from GOD what ever it may
be. See Isaiah 8.20.
- Thus for GRACE BIBLE CHURCH the WORD OF GOD is the only RULE
for our FAITH and PRACTICE. But more than this we believe the
message of this book. That the triune GOD, FATHER, SON, and HOLY
SPIRIT is the one true GOD. That the triune GOD is an infinitely
Sovereign Spirit that encompasses eternity and rules over all
things.
- This GOD is the creator of all things and no creature at anytime
is ever or shall ever be outside of the immediate control and
influence of the WILL of this Sovereign GOD. As incomprehensible
as this may be, it must necessarily be this way if we truly believe
the Bible to be the WORD of GOD. For it plainly declares that
whatsoever THE LORD pleaseth that DOETH HE. HE has created all
things, and for HIS pleasure they are and were created. ALL THINGS!
So that all things that come to pass is ultimately the Will of
GOD.
- Furthermore we believe that the theme of this book is one of
Redemption. Redemption through the shed blood of GOD'S eternal
SON JESUS CHRIST. That GOD had decreed from before the foundation
of the world to have a people for Himself, who would be the objects
of His Love and Grace in Jesus Christ. These are called the ELECT
of GOD chosen in CHRIST before the foundation of the world out
of Adams ruined race. The ELECT of GOD are sinners like all mankind
vile and corrupt by nature and without any redemptive qualities
or virtue within themselves whatsoever. And like all men only
deserving of condemnation and wrath under the just judgment of
GOD.
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- We believe in the DOCTRINES OF GRACE which rightly reflect the
nature of man and the nature of GOD in this matter of Redemption.
Man is Totally Depraved in his nature (including His imaginary
free will). Therefore those who are elected to salvation in CHRIST
are elected unconditionally.
- The Atoning work of JESUS CHRIST was for the ELECT alone and
none other. Because man is totally depraved and incapable of saving
himself GOD must irresistibly draw him to himself. This is accomplished
in the work of sanctification whereby the SPIRIT of GOD works
through the preaching of Jesus Christ and Him CRUCIFIED to give
chosen sinners life and faith in the Savior.
- The Child of GOD upon regeneration remains that way forever.
He as a new creature in CHRIST cannot fall away, not because of
what he does or does not do, but because of what CHRIST did at
Calvary. HE accomplished eternal Redemption for His people and
by it hath forever perfected those that are sanctified This is
the perseverance of the saints.
- To sum up this brief commentary on our rule of faith and our
doctrine of salvation this is what we wish to make very clear.
That salvation is the divine working of a Sovereign GOD who alone
satisfied divine justice, established everlasting righteousness,
and accomplished eternal redemption for His people at the cross
of JESUS CHRIST. And by the preaching of THIS SOVEREIGN GRACE
all of His elect shall be saved.
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