Articles of Faith
While our faith is founded upon the entirety of God's Word, the following Articles of Faith summarize the core biblical beliefs that guide the doctrine, ministry, and practice of Open Door Baptist Church. These statements represent the convictions upon which our church stands and provide a foundation for our unity as a church family. Therefore, all who desire to become and remain members of Open Door Baptist Church are expected to affirm and support these beliefs.
What Do We Believe About the Bible?
We believe that the Bible is the complete, written Word of God. We believe that all sixty-six (66) books, as originally written, comprising of the Old and New Testaments are verbally (every word) and plenarily (in their entirety) inspired (God-breathed) by the work of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, we believe that the Bible is infallible, free from error or contradiction, and that God has preserved His Word for us today. We believe the KJV reflects that preservation, therefore we will use it in all our preaching and teaching. We further believe that the Bible is accurate and reliable in science, history, and every other matter it discusses. As such, we believe that the Bible is the only reliable source of authority for all matters of faith and practice. Finally, we believe that anyone who adds to or takes away from this completed revelation is cursed of God. (Ps. 12:6-7; 19:7-11; 119:89, 105; Isa. 40:8; Mark 13:31; John 17:17; 2 Tim. 3:16-17; 1 Peter 1:24; 2 Peter 1:20-21; Rev. 22:18-19)
Who Is God?
We believe in one God who eternally exists in three Persons—God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Though distinct in person, they are one in nature, essence, and purpose, working together in perfect unity to accomplish God's will.
God the Father is the Creator of all things and lovingly cares for His creation. Jesus Christ, God the Son, became man, lived a sinless life, died for our sins, and rose again, providing the only way of salvation. The Holy Spirit convicts of sin, draws people to Christ, indwells believers, and empowers them to live for God's glory. Together, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit reveal God's love, accomplish His plan of redemption, and deserve our worship, obedience, and praise. (Genesis 1:1; Matthew 28:19–20; John 10:30; John 14:6; John 16:7–15).
God the Father is the Creator of all things and lovingly cares for His creation. Jesus Christ, God the Son, became man, lived a sinless life, died for our sins, and rose again, providing the only way of salvation. The Holy Spirit convicts of sin, draws people to Christ, indwells believers, and empowers them to live for God's glory. Together, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit reveal God's love, accomplish His plan of redemption, and deserve our worship, obedience, and praise. (Genesis 1:1; Matthew 28:19–20; John 10:30; John 14:6; John 16:7–15).
What Do We Believe About Creation?
We believe that the Genesis account of creation is a literal and historical record of God's direct creation of the universe, not a myth, allegory, or the result of evolutionary processes. We believe that God created all things in six literal, twenty-four-hour days and that mankind was uniquely created by Him in His image and likeness. As the pinnacle of God's creation, humanity was designed to know, worship, and glorify Him in every aspect of life. (Genesis 1:1–2:25; Deuteronomy 6:5; John 1:3; Colossians 1:16).
What Do We Believe About Humanity?
We believe that mankind was created in the image of God and is deeply loved by Him. Although sin entered the world through Adam's disobedience, every person still bears God's image and is accountable to Him. We believe that God created humanity as male and female, established marriage as a lifelong covenant between one man and one woman, and designed it to reflect His plan and purpose. We also believe that all human life is sacred from conception to natural death and should be protected and valued as a gift from God. (Genesis 1:26–27; Genesis 2:18–25; Romans 5:12; Ephesians 5:25–27; Psalm 139:13–16).
What Is Sin?
We believe that sin entered the world through rebellion against God and has affected every person. Sin separates us from God and brings physical, spiritual, and eternal death. Because all people are sinners, salvation can only be found through the shed blood of Jesus Christ and repentance from sin. Those who reject Christ remain under God's judgment, while those who place their faith in Him receive forgiveness and eternal life. (Genesis 2:17; Romans 3:23; Romans 6:23; John 3:18–21; Ephesians 2:1–5; Revelation 20:14–15).
How Can a Person Be Saved?
We believe that salvation is found in Jesus Christ alone. Through His sinless life, sacrificial death, and resurrection, He provided the only way for sinners to be forgiven and reconciled to God. Salvation is a free gift of God's grace, received through repentance and personal faith in Christ, not by works or human effort.
When a person is saved, they are born again, declared righteous before God, and set apart for His purposes. As believers grow in their faith, God continues the work of transforming them into the image of Christ. We also believe that those who place their faith in Jesus Christ are eternally secure in Him and can have full assurance of their salvation. (John 1:12; John 3:3–8; Ephesians 2:8–9; Titus 3:5; Romans 5:1; Philippians 1:6; John 10:28; 1 John 5:11–13).
When a person is saved, they are born again, declared righteous before God, and set apart for His purposes. As believers grow in their faith, God continues the work of transforming them into the image of Christ. We also believe that those who place their faith in Jesus Christ are eternally secure in Him and can have full assurance of their salvation. (John 1:12; John 3:3–8; Ephesians 2:8–9; Titus 3:5; Romans 5:1; Philippians 1:6; John 10:28; 1 John 5:11–13).
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