1 - Of the Scriptures
We believe that the Holy Bible was written by men divinely
inspired, and is a perfect treasure of heavenly instruction (Psa.
119:11; Luke 16:29-31; John 10:35; Acts 1:16, 3:21; Rom.
3:1-2; 2 Tim. 3:16-17; 2 Pet. 1:21); that it has God
for its author, salvation for its end (Mark
16:16; John 5:38-39; Acts 11:14; Rom. 1:16; 2 Tim. 3:15; 1
Pet. 1:10-12), and truth without any mixture of error
for its matter (Prov. 30:5-6; John
17:17; Rom. 3:4; Rev. 22:18-19); that it reveals the
principles by which God will judge us (Luke
10:10-16; 12:47-48; John 12:47-48; Rom. 2:12; 1 Cor. 4:3-4);
and therefore is, and shall remain to the end of the world,
the true center of Christian union (1
Cor. 1:10; Eph. 4:3-6; Phil. 2:1-2, 3:16; 1 Pet. 4:11),
and the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds,
and opinions should be tried (Psa.
119:59-60; Isa. 8:20; Acts 17:11; 2 Cor. 8:5; Eph. 6:17;
Phil. 1:9-11; 1 Thess. 5:21; 1 John 4:1, 6; Jude 3:5;).
2 - 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 (Psa.
83:18, 147:5; Jer. 10:10; John 4:24; Rom. 1:20; Heb. 3:4);
inexpressibly glorious in holiness (Exod.
15:11; Isa. 6:3; 1 Pet. 1:15-16; Rev. 4:6-8), and
worthy of all possible honor, confidence, and love (Jer.
2:12-13; Matt. 10:37; Mark 12:30; Rev. 4:11); that in
the unity of the Godhead there are three persons, the
Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost (Matt.
28:19; John 15:26; 1 Cor. 12:4-6; 1 John 5:7); equal
in every divine perfection (John
10:30; 5:17; 14:23; 17:5, 10; Acts 5:3-4; 1 Cor. 2:10-11;
Phil. 2:5-6), and executing distinct and harmonious
offices in the great work of redemption (Eph.
2:18; 2 Cor. 13:14; Rev. 1:4-5, comp. 2, 7).
3 - Of the Fall of Man
We believe that man was created in holiness, under the law
of his Maker (Gen. 1:27, 31, 2:16;
Eccl. 7:29; Acts 16:26); but by voluntary
transgression fell from that holy and happy state (Gen.
3:6-24; Rom. 5:12); in consequence of which all
mankind are now sinners (Psa. 51:5;
John 3:6; Rom. 5:15-19; 8:7 ), not by constraint, but
choice (Gen. 6:12; Isa. 53:6; Rom.
3:9-18); 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 (Matt.
20:15; Rom. 1:18, 32, 2:1-16; Gal. 3:10; Eph. 2:1-3),
without defense or excuse (Ezek.
18:19-20; Rom. 1:20; 3:19; Gal. 3:22).
4 - Of the Way of Salvation
We believe that the salvation of sinners is wholly of grace (Matt.
18:11; Acts 15:11; 1 Cor. 3:5-7; Eph. 2:5; 1 John 4:10),
through the mediatorial offices of the Son of God (John
3:16; 1:1-14; Heb. 4:14; 12:24); who by the
appointment of the Father, freely took upon him our nature,
yet without sin (2 Cor. 5:21; Phil.
2:6-7; Heb. 2:9, 14); honored the divine law by his
personal obedience (Isa. 42:21; Rom.
3:21; Gal. 4:4-5; Phil. 2:8), and by his death made a
full atonement for our sins (Isa.
53:4-5; Matt. 20:28; Rom. 3:21-26, 4:25; 1 Cor. 15:1-3; Heb.
9:13-15; 1 John 2:2, 4:10); that having risen from
the death, he is now enthroned in heaven (Col.
3:1-4; Heb. 1:8, 3; 8:1); and uniting in his
wonderful person the tenderest sympathies with divine
perfections, he is every way qualified to be a suitable, a
compassionate, and an all- sufficient Saviour (Psa.
14, 89:19; Col. 2:9; Heb. 2:18, 7:25-26).
5 - Of Justification
We believe that the great gospel blessing which Christ (John
1:16; Eph. 3:8) secures to such as believe in him is
Justification (Isa. 3:11-12; Acts
13:39; Rom. 8:1); that Justification includes the
pardon of sin (Zech. 13:1; Matt. 9:6;
Acts 10:43; Rom. 5:9), and the promise of eternal
life on principles of righteousness (Rom.
5:17, 21; Titus 3:5-6; 1 Pet. 3:7; 1 John 2:25); 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 (Rom. 4:4-5,
5:21, 6:28; Phil. 3:7-9); by virtue of which faith
his perfect righteousness is freely imputed to us of God (Rom.
3:24-26, 4:23-25, 5:19; 1 John 2:12); 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 (Matt. 6:33; Rom. 5:1-3, 11;
1 Cor. 1:30-31; 1 Tim. 4:8).
6 - Of the Freeness of Salvation
We believe that the blessings of salvation are made free to
all by the gospel (Isa. 55:1; Luke
14:17; Rev. 22:17); that it is the immediate duty of
all to accept them by a cordial, penitent, and obedient
faith (Mark 1:15; Rom. 1:15-17,16:26);
and that nothing prevents the salvation of the greatest
sinner on earth but his own inherent depravity and voluntary
rejection of the gospel (Prov. 1:24;
Matt. 23:37; John 5:40; Acts 13:46; Rom. 9:32); which
rejection involves him in an aggravated condemnation (Matt.
11:20; Luke 19:27; John 3:19; 2 Thess. 1:8).
7 - Of Grace in Regeneration
We believe that, in order to be saved, sinners must be
regenerated, or born again (John 3:3,
6-7; 1 Cor. 1:14; Rev. 8:7-9, 21:27); that
regeneration consists in giving a holy disposition to the
mind (Deut. 30:6; Ezek. 36:26; Rom.
2:28-29, 5:5; 2 Cor. 5:17; 1 John 4:7 ); that it is
effected in a manner above our comprehension by the power of
the Holy Spirit, in connection with divine truth (John
1:13, 3:8; 1 Cor. 1:30; Phil. 2:13; James 1:16-18),
so as to secure our voluntary obedience to the gospel (Eph.
4:20-24; Col. 3:9-11; 1 Pet. 1:22-25; 1 John 5:1);
and that its proper evidence appears in the holy fruits of
repentance, and faith, and newness of life (Matt.
3:8-10, 7:20; Rom. 8:9; Gal. 5:16-23; Eph. 3:14-21, 5:9; 1
John 5:4, 18).
8 - 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 (Mark 1:15;
Acts 11:18; Eph. 2:8; 1 John 5:1); whereby being
deeply convinced of our guilt, danger, and helplessness, and
of the way of salvation by Christ (John
16:8; Acts 2:37-38, 16:30-31), we turn to God with
unfeigned contrition, confession, and supplication for mercy
(Psa. 51; Luke 15:18-21, 18:13;
Rom.10:12-13; 2 Cor. 7:11; James 4:7-10); 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 Saviour (Psa.
2:6; Acts 3:22-23; Rom. 10:9-11; 2 Tim. 1:12; Heb. 1:8,
4:14, 8:25).
9 - Of God's Purpose of Grace
We believe that Election is the eternal purpose of God,
according to which he graciously regenerates, sanctifies,
and saves sinners (Hos. 12:9; John
15:15; Rom. 11:5-6; Eph. 1:3-14; 2 Tim. 1:8-9; 1 Pet. 1:1-2;
1 John 4:19); that being perfectly consistent with
the free agency of man, it comprehends all the means in
connection with the end (Matt. 20:16;
John 10:16; Acts 13:48, 15:14; 2 Thess. 2:13-14);
that it is a most glorious display of God's sovereign
goodness, being infinitely free, wise, holy, and
unchangeable (Exod. 33:18-19; Jer.
31:3; Matt. 20:15; Rom. 9:23-24, 11:28-29, 32-36; Eph. 1:11;
2 Tim. 1:9; James 1:17-18); that it utterly excludes
boasting, and promotes humility, love, prayer, praise, trust
in God, and active imitation of his free mercy (Luke
18:7; John 15:16; Acts 1:24; Rom. 3:27, 4:16; 1 Cor.
1:26-31, 3:5-7, 4:7, 15:10; Eph. 1:16; Col. 3:12; 1 Thess.
2:12-13; 1 Pet. 2:9, 5:10); that it encourages the
use of means in the highest degree (John
6:37-40; Rom. 8:28-30; 1 Cor. 9:22; 2 Tim. 2:10; 2 Pet.
1:10); that it may be ascertained by its effects in
all who truly believe the gospel (1
Thess. 1:4-10); that it is the foundation of
Christian assurance (Isa. 42:16; Rom.
8:28-30, 11:29); and that to ascertain it with regard
to ourselves demands and deserves the utmost diligence (Phil.
3:12; Heb. 6:11; 2 Pet. 1:10-11;).
10 - Of Sanctification
We believe that Sanctification is the process by which,
according to the will of God, we are made partakers of his
holiness (2 Cor. 7:1, 13:9; Eph. 1:4;
1 Thess. 4:3, 5:23); that it is a progressive work (Prov.
4:18; 2 Cor. 3:18; Phil. 3:12-16; Heb. 6:1; 2 Pet. 1:5-8);
that it is begun in regeneration (John
2:29, 3:6; Rom. 8:5; Eph. 1:13-14; Phil. 1:9-11); 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 (Matt.
26:41; Luke 11:35; 9:23; 2 Cor. 13:5; Eph. 4:11-12, 30,
6:18; Phil. 2:12-13; 1 Pet. 2:2; 2 Pet. 3:18).
11 - Of the Perseverance of Saints
We believe that such only are real believers as endure unto
the end (John 8:31; 1 John 2:27-28,
3:9, 5:18); that their persevering attachment to
Christ is the grand mark which distinguishes them from
superficial professors (Job 17:9;
Matt. 13:20-21; John 6:66-69, 13:18; 1 John 2:19);
that a special Providence watches over their welfare (Psa.
91:11-12, 121:3; Jer. 32:40; Matt. 6:30-33; Rom. 8:28);
and they are kept by the power of God through faith unto
salvation (2 Kings 6:16; Phil. 1:6,
2:12-13; Heb. 1:14, 13:5; 1 John 4:4; Jude 24-25).
12 - 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 (Matt.
5:17; Luke 16:17; Rom. 3:20, 31, 4:15); that it is
holy, just, and good (Psa. 119; Rom.
7:12, 7, 14, 22; Gal. 3:21); and that the inability
which the Scriptures ascribe to fallen men to fulfill its
precepts arises entirely from their love of sin (Josh.
24:19; Jer. 13:23; John 5:44, 6:44; Rom. 8:7-8); 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 (Matt.
16:17-18; Rom. 8:2, 4, 10:4; 1 Cor. 12:28; 1 Tim. 1:5; Heb.
8:10, 12:14; Jude 20-21).
13 - Of a Gospel Church
We believe that a visible Church of Christ is a congregation
of baptized believers (Matt. 18:17;
Acts 5:11, 8:1, 11:31; 1 Cor. 1:1-13, 4:17, 14:23; 1 Tim.
3:5; 3 John 9), associated by covenant in the faith
and fellowship of the gospel (Acts
2:41-42, 47; 1 Cor. 5:12-13; 2 Cor. 8:5); observing
the ordinances of Christ (Matt.
18:15-20; Rom. 16:17-20; 1 Cor. 4:17, 5:6, 11:2, 23; 2 Cor.
2:7; 2 Thess. 3:6); governed by his laws (Matt.
28:20; John 14:15, 21 15:12; Gal. 6:2; 1 Thess. 4.2; 1 John
4:21; 2 John 6; all the Epistles), and exercising the
gifts, rights, and privileges invested in them by his Word (1
Cor. 12:14, 14:12; Eph. 4:7; Phil. 1:27); that its
only scriptural officers are Bishops, or Pastors, and
Deacons (Acts 14:23, 15:22; Phil. 1:1;
1 Tim. 3; Titus 1), whose qualifications, claims, and
duties are defined in the Epistles to Timothy and Titus.
14 - Of Baptism and the Lord's Supper
We believe that Christian Baptism is the immersion in water
of a believer (Matt. 3:5-6, 28:19;
Mark 8:12; 16:16, 18:8, 32-34; John 3:22-23; 4:1-2; Acts
2:38, 36-39), into the name of the Father, and Son,
and Holy Ghost (Matt. 28:19; Acts
10:47-48; Gal. 3:27-28); to show forth, in a solemn
and beautiful emblem, our faith in the crucified, buried,
and risen Saviour, with its effect in our death to sin and
resurrection to a new life (Acts
22:16; Rom. 6:4; Col. 2:12; 1 Pet. 3:20-21); that it
is prerequisite to the privileges of a Church relation; and
to the Lord's Supper (Matt. 28:19-20;
Acts 2:41-42; Acts and Epistles), in which the
members of the Church, by the sacred use of bread and wine,
are to commemorate together the dying love of Christ (Matt.
26:26-29; Mark 14:22-25; Luke 22:14-20; 1 Cor. 11:26);
preceded always by solemn self-examination (John
6:26-71; 1 Cor. 5:1, 8, 10:3-32, 11:17-32).
15 - Of the Christian Sabbath
We believe that the first day of the week is the Lord's Day,
or Christian Sabbath (Gen. 2:3; Mark
2:27; John 20:19; Acts 20:7; 1 Cor. 16:1-2; Col. 2:16-17);
and is to be kept sacred to religious purposes (Exod.
20:8; Psa. 118:24; Rev. 1:10), by abstaining from all
secular labor and sinful recreations (Isa.
56:2-8, 58:13-14); by the devout observance of all
the means of grace, both private (Psa.
119:15) and public (Exod. 46:3;
Lev. 19:30; Psa. 26:8; 87:3; Luke 4:16; Acts 11:26, 13:44,
17:2-3; Heb. 10:24-25); and by preparation for that
rest that remaineth for the people of God (Heb.
4:3-11).
16 - Of Civil Government
We believe that civil government is of divine appointment,
for the interests and good order of human society (Exod.
18:23; Deut. 16:18; 1 Sam. 23:3; Jer.30:21; Rom. 13:1-7);
and that magistrates are to be prayed for, conscientiously
honored and obeyed (Matt. 22:21; 1
Tim. 2:1-8; Titus 3:1; 1 Pet. 2:13); except only in
things opposed to the will of our Lord Jesus Christ (Dan.
3:15-18, 6:7-10; Matt. 10:28; Acts 4:18-20, 5:29) who
is the only Lord of the conscience, and the Prince of the
kings of the earth (Psa. 2, 72:11;
Matt. 23:10; Rom. 14:4, 9-13; Rev. 19:16).
17 - Of the Righteous and the Wicked
We believe that there is a radical and essential difference
between the righteous and the wicked (Gen.
18:23; Prov. 12:26; Isa. 5:20; Jer. 15:19; Mal. 3:18; Acts
10:34-35; Rom. 6:16); 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 (Prov.
11:31; Rom. 1:17, 6:18, 22, 7:6; 1 Cor. 11:32; 1 Pet.
4:17-18; 1 John 2:29, 3:7); while all such as
continue in impenitence and unbelief are in his sight
wicked, and under the curse (Psa.
10:4; Isa. 55:6-7, 57:21; John 3:36; Gal. 3:10; 1 John 5:19);
and this distinction holds among men both in and after death
(Prov. 10:24, 14:32; Eccl. 3:17; Matt.
7:13-14; Luke 9:23-26, 12:4-5, 16:25; John 8:21-24,
12:25-26).
18 - Of the World to Come
We believe that the end of the world is approaching (Matt.
13:39-40, 24:35, 28:20; 1 Cor. 7:29-31; Heb. 1:10-12; 1 Pet.
4:7; 2 Pet. 3:3-13; 1 John 2:17); that at the last
day Christ will descend from heaven (Acts
1:11, 3:21; 1 Thess. 4:13-18, 5:1-11; Heb. 9:28; Rev. 1:7),
and raise the dead from the grave to final retribution (Dan.
12:2; Luke 14:14; John 5:28-29, 6:40, 11:25-26; Acts 10:42,
24:15; 1 Cor. 15:12-59; 2 Tim. 1:10); that a solemn
separation will then take place (Matt.
13:49, 37-43, 24:30-31, 25:31-33); that the wicked
will be adjudged to endless punishment, and the righteous to
endless joy (Matt. 25:35-41; Mark
9:43-48; John 4:36; Rom. 6:32; 1 Cor. 6:9-10; 2 Cor. 4:18,
5:10-11; Phil. 3:19; 2 Pet. 2:9; Jude 7; Rev. 22:11);
and that this judgment will fix forever the final state of
men in heaven or hell, on principles of righteousness (Acts
17:31; Rom. 2:2-16, 3:5-6; 1 Cor. 4:5; 2 Thess. 1:6-12; Heb.
6:1-2; 1 John 2:28, 4:17; Rev. 20:11-12).
(The New Hampshire
Confession of Faith - John Newton Brown, D.D. - 1833)
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