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4714 UNION AVE. NE, HOMEWORTH, OHIO 44634
(four miles south of Alliance on Rt. 183)
(330) 823-3010

Articles of Faith

(adopted July 14, 1996)

The Articles of Faith detail the Biblical standards and beliefs of the Mount Pleasant Baptist Church. We adhere to historical Baptist distinctives, considering them to be the essential makeup of a Bible-believing Baptist church. These are:

  1. The accuracy and authority of the Word of God
  2. Individual soul liberty
  3. The sovereignty of God
  4. A pure, regenerate, baptized church membership
  5. Independent, self-governing, local church
  6. Two offices - Pastor and Deacon
  7. Two ordinances — believer's baptism (by immersion) and the Lord's supper
  8. The priesthood of the believer
  9. Separation of church and state

  1. The Scriptures
    1. We believe the Bible is completely accurate and has authority because it is the Word of God.
    2. It consists of a total of sixty-six books. Genesis to Malachi (39 books) and Matthew to Revelation (27 books) constitute the Old and New Testaments. It is complete – there is no special or on-going revelation coming to us today. (Deuteronomy 4:2; Proverbs 30:5-6; Revelation 22:18-19)
    3. As originally written it was verbally inspired (every word was written by godly men superintended by the Holy Spirit). Therefore it is truth without any error.
    4. It is the true center and basis for Christian unity and fellowship.
    5. It is the final standard and rule for conduct, creed (doctrine) and opinions. There is no higher authority for the church today other than the written revelation of God in His Word. (II Timothy 3:16,17; II Peter 1:19-21)

  2. The True God
    1. We believe there is only one living and true God. He is spirit. (Exodus 20:2,3; Deuteronomy 6:4; John 4:24)
    2. He is intelligent, infinite, and the creator and supreme ruler of heaven and earth. (Genesis 1:1; John 1:3; Revelation 4:11)
    3. He is absolutely, gloriously holy (no sin or darkness in Him at all) and worthy of faith, love, honor, obedience and worship.
    4. God is eternal (existed from eternity past to eternity future) and unchanging, all-wise, all-powerful, and everywhere-present. He is always holy, righteous, just, merciful, loving and kind - without contradiction or conflict.
    5. In the unity of the Godhead there are three persons – Father, Son and Holy Spirit. (I John 5:7)
    6. We call this the Trinity (three-in-one) and believe that the three are one in substance, equal in divine perfection and executing distinct but harmonious offices in the great work of redemption. (Matthew 3:16-17; I John 5:7)

  3. Jesus Christ
    1. We believe Jesus Christ is the second person of the Godhead. He is the "Son of God." When He took upon Himself human flesh He was given the name "Jesus" (which means "Saviour") and as the long-awaited Messiah and Redeemer He is known as the "Christ." To those who have put their trust in Him as their Savior, He is "Lord."
    2. He is absolute deity, He is God, the Son. (John 1:1-2)
    3. He is God-man, at the same time both human and divine. (John 1:14)
    4. He has always existed (from eternity). (John 1:1-2; I John 5:20)
    5. He is co-equal with the Father and the Holy Spirit. (John 10:30)
    6. He never ceased to be God. (Philippians 2:5-8)
    7. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit in a miraculous manner and was born of Mary, a virgin. No other ever has or ever will be born in this manner. (Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:18-25; Luke 1:26-35; John 1:14)
    8. He lived a sinless life. (Hebrews 4:15)
    9. He provided, as the substitute for lost man, an atonement for their sin that would satisfy God's holiness. (II Corinthians 5:21)
    10. He rose bodily from the grave. (I Corinthians 15:4; Matthew 28; Mark 16; Luke 24)
    11. He ascended bodily into heaven where He now sits at the right hand of the Father interceding on behalf of believers. (Acts 1:11)
    12. He will return bodily. (Acts 1:11; John 14:1-4; Hebrews 9:28)

  4. Holy Spirit
    1. We believe the Holy Spirit is the third person of the trinity co-equal with God the Father and God the Son and of the same nature. (Matthew 28:19; II Corinthians 13:14)
    2. He was active in creation. (Genesis 1:1-3)
    3. Currently He is convicting of sin, righteousness and judgment; and bears witness to the truth of the Gospel. (John 16:8-11; John 15:26; Acts 5:32)
    4. He is the Agent in the new birth. (Hebrews 9:14; John 3:5-6)
    5. He indwells, seals, empowers, guides, teaches, witnesses to, sanctifies, and helps the believer. (John 14:16,17 & 26; Ephesians 1:13-14; Acts 1:8; and 5:30-32; Romans 8:14, 16, 26-27; II Corinthians 6:16)
    6. He bestows gifts of His grace upon believers at the time of their salvation. These gifts enable a believer to serve the Lord to a greater degree than is naturally possible apart from salvation. The gifts are listed in Romans 12:3-8 and I Corinthians 12. They include the following: Declaring truth (prophecy); serving or ministry; teaching; exhorting; giving; ruling (administration); and showing mercy.
    7. There were other gifts bestowed by the Holy Spirit upon believers of the early church before the Bible was completed. These were "sign gifts" to authenticate and authorize those genuinely doing the Lord's work. These gifts included miracles, prophecy (predicting the future), and tongues. We believe sign gifts ceased after the completion of Scripture since there was no need for further or new revelation from God. (Romans 12:4-8; I Corinthians 12:10; 13:8-13).
    8. The "baptism of the Spirit" is a one-time event occurring at the moment of an individual's salvation. By it, the individual is identified with and made a member of the body of Christ. (I Corinthians 12:13)
    9. The "filling of the Spirit" is a continual, daily process of yielding control of one's life to the Holy Spirit. That control can be "quenched" by saying "No!" to His control and the Spirit can be "grieved" by an unrepentant attitude and unforsaken sin in one's life. We are commanded to be filled and are cautioned against quenching or grieving the Holy Spirit. (Ephesians 5:18; 4:30; I Thessalonians 5:19)

  5. Angels
    1. We believe in the existence of angels who were created by God to bring honor and glory to His name and to serve Him. (Colossians 1:16; Hebrews 1:14; Isaiah 6:1-5)
    2. Although they are spirit beings they possess the characteristics of personhood — a will, the ability to reason, the capacity to choose between good and evil, and personal characteristics like humility (declining worship from men). (Daniel 10:10-14; Revelation 22:8-9)

  6. The Devil, or Satan and Fallen Angels
    1. We believe in the reality and personality of Satan, the Devil. (Matthew 4:1-3)
    2. He was created as an angel, but because of his rebellion and prideful desire to be like God, he fell into unrighteousness and drew a host of angels after him. (Isaiah 14:12-17; Jude 6; Revelation 12:3-4)
    3. God is and always has been absolutely Sovereign, but at this time Satan is the prince of this world and the god of this age. (II Corinthians 4:4; Ephesians 2:2)
    4. He is the ruler of all the powers of darkness and works in the children of disobedience. He is the tempter and accuser of the brethren. (Ephesians 2:2; I Peter 5:8; Job 1 and 2; Revelation 12:10)
    5. He and the host of demons (fallen angels) are destined to be judged and cast into the lake of fire for eternity. (II Peter 2:4; Revelations 20:10).

  7. Creation
    1. We accept and believe the Biblical account of creation of the physical universe, angels, and man. It is neither allegory nor myth, but a literal historical account of the direct, immediate, creative acts of God without any evolutionary process. (Genesis 1 and 2; Colossians 1:16-17; John 1:3)
    2. Man was created directly by God, not from previously existing life forms or by any kind of evolutionary process. (Genesis 1:26-27 and 2:7)
    3. All men are descended from the historical Adam and Eve, first parents of the entire human race.
    4. The work of creation was done by God in six, consecutive, literal 24-hour days. He then set an example for all of His creation by resting on the seventh day. (Genesis 1:1 - 2:3)

  8. The Fall of Man
    1. We believe that man was created in the image and likeness of God and in innocence (without personal sin). (Genesis 1 and 2)
    2. Man, in the person of the first man, Adam, voluntarily fell from his sinless and happy state into sin and as a consequence, death. (Genesis 3; Romans 6:23)
    3. The entire race is now sinful, partakers of Adam's fallen nature, and totally depraved both by nature, by conduct, and by choice. (Romans 5:10-19)
    4. Man is under just condemnation and is without defense or excuse before God. (Romans 1:18-20)

  9. Sin
    1. We believe sin came upon the human race because of the disobedience of Adam. (Romans 5:12; Genesis 2:17; 3:6-7)
    2. Sin is rebellion against God's will for our lives and defiance toward His moral law and revealed commands. (I John 3:4; Rom. 14:23; Proverbs 24:9; James 4:17; I John 5:17)
    3. Sin causes a break in a believer's fellowship with God and hinders the steady flow of blessing from God.
    4. Sin is the root cause of both physical death (the end of a human's life in this world) and spiritual death (separation from God for all of eternity). It is the cause of eternal punishment. (Romans 6:23; John 3:36)
    5. No one has been born exempt from sin, except the Lord Jesus Christ because He was conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of a virgin. (Romans 3:10 and 23; Luke 1:34 and 35)
    6. In order to receive eternal life and entrance into heaven one's sin must be atoned (God is holy and sin must be covered before there can be fellowship between God and the sinner). (John 3:3, 7; John 14:6)
    7. Despite man's sin, God loved the world and demonstrated that love by sending Jesus to pay sins penalty with His death on the cross. (John 3:16; Romans 5:8; II Corinthians 5:21; Luke 19:10)

  10. Salvation from Sin

    Redemption

    1. We believe the only escape from the condemnation of sin is through the redemption wrought by Jesus Christ.
    2. Jesus voluntarily took upon Himself a human body and nature, yet without sin, and by His suffering, death (shed blood), and resurrection made full satisfaction to the justice of God for the sin of man. (Hebrews 10:4-14)
    3. The blessings of this salvation are given on the grounds of grace (undeserved, unmerited favor) to all who receive and confess Jesus Christ as Lord. (John 1:12; Acts 16:31; Romans 10:9-13)
    4. It is the immediate duty of all to accept these offers of mercy. (Isaiah 55:6; II Corinthians 6:2)

    Salvation by Grace through Faith

    1. We believe that the salvation of sinners is initiated by God and is bestowed by grace (unmerited favor) on all who trust in Jesus Christ. (John 6:44)
    2. Faith in the finished work of Jesus is the only condition of salvation from sin. No works, however good, make that salvation more secure. (Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:5-7)
    3. Sinners must be "born again" (regeneration). (John 3:3-7)
    4. The new birth is a new creation in Christ Jesus. (II Corinthians 5:17)
    5. It is instantaneous birth – not a process. (Ephesians 2:1; John 3:16)
    6. One who is born again receives both the Divine nature (Romans 8:9) and eternal life (John 3:16).

    Justification

    1. We believe that justification is the matter of being made righteous before God. In other words, God pardons sin and gives the gift of eternal life on the basis of righteousness. (Romans 8:1; Isaiah 53:11)
    2. Since man is born into sin he has no righteousness within himself. Upon placing one's faith in the shed blood of Jesus Christ, Christ gives His own righteousness to that individual so that he can be justified. (Romans 5:1, 9)

    Reconciliation

    1. Those who have been saved have been changed from a position of hatred against God to a position of peace and love of the Heavenly Father. (Colossians 1:20-27; Romans 5:10)

    Security of the Believer

    1. We believe that all who are truly regenerated (born again), being born of the Spirit, will not fall away or perish. (Romans 8:35-39; John 3:16; Ecclesiastes 3:14)
    2. Believers are kept by the power of God and are eternally secure (cannot be lost or "unsaved" ) in Christ. (Philippians 1:6; John 10:28-29)
    3. The inseparable union to Christ is the grand distinction between a genuine believer and one who only makes a superficial profession. (Matthew 7:21-23; II timothy 1:12; Jude 1)

    Sactification

    1. We believe that sanctification is a setting apart that happens at the moment of salvation. The believer is set apart for God and set apart from the world and sin. (I Corinthians 1:2; 6:11; Hebrews 10:9, 10)
    2. This sanctification (setting apart) continues on as a process during the life of a believer through the work of the Holy Spirit. (II Corinthians 7:11; Hebrews 10:14)
    3. Final sanctification (setting apart) occurs in the future when a believer reaches glory. The believer's body will be resurrected and / or translated and set apart to God for all eternity. (I Thessalonians 3:12, 13)

  11. The Believer's Two Natures
    1. We believe that the Christian possesses two natures: one human and depraved, received from his earthly father and traceable to Adam; and one divine and regenerate received from the Holy Spirit at conversion, and these two are contrary. (Galatians 5:17)
    2. The body of the believer is the temple of the Holy Spirit (II Corinthians 6:16)
    3. There will be conflicts between these two natures throughout the life of the believer. (Galatians 5:16-25)
    4. The believer is to "put off" the old man and "put on" the new man. (Ephesians 4:22, 23). Since our "old man" is crucified with Jesus, that the body of sin might be destroyed, we are to reckon ourselves also to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God. (Romans 6:6-11).

  12. The Believer's Walk

    We believe it is the responsibility of believers to…

    1. Give God absolute authority in his life. (Colossians 3:22; Matthew 6:33; and 6:24)
    2. Confess Christ before men. (Romans 10:9, 10)
    3. Maintain a personal and devotional life of Bible study and prayer. (II Timothy 2:15; Psalm 1; Psalm 119:11)
    4. Walk circumspectly (alert and discreet) in the world. (Ephesians 5:15)
    5. Present their bodies a living sacrifice to God and not be pressed into the world's mold. (Romans 12:1, 2)
    6. Grow in faith and knowledge, measuring themselves by and aiming to be like Christ Himself. This is done by the process of a) putting off the old man (selfish, sinful conduct); b) developing a new way of thinking (Christ-like attitudes); and c) putting on the new man (Christ-like conduct). (Ephesians 4:13, 17-24)
    7. Be separate from the sinful pleasures and practices of the world. Also separate from religious error. (II Corinthians 6:17 and 7:1)
    8. Not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. (II Corinthians 6:14-17)
    9. Also, according to Scripture believers are to...
      • Walk according to the Spirit, not according to the flesh (Romans 8:4)
      • Walk by faith, not by sight (II Corinthians 5:7
        • )
      • Walk in love, like Christ loved us (Ephesians 5:2)
      • Walk as Christ walked (I John 2:6)

  13. The Local Church
    1. We believe that all New Testament believers from the day of Pentecost to the rapture are the Church which is the body of Christ. (I Corinthians 12:12, 13; Colossians 1:18)
    2. A local church is an assembly of regenerate (born again) and immersed (baptized) believers, duly organized and united together. (Acts 2:41-42)
    3. These immersed believers associate together on the basis of their confession of faith and fellowship of the Gospel. (Acts 2:42-47)
    4. They observe the two ordinances of Christ – baptism and the Lord's Supper. (I Corinthians 11:2)
    5. They are governed on the basis of the Word of God. (I Corinthians 7:17)
    6. They have two officers – Pastor and deacons, as qualified from the Word of God. (Ephesians 4:11; I Timothy 3:1-13; Acts 6; Acts 20:17-28; I Peter 5:1-4)
    7. They have the right of self-government as directed by the Holy Spirit. (Matthew 18:17; Acts 6:1-7; I Corinthians 5)
    8. They answer directly to Christ, not any human organization or individual. (Ephesians 1:22, 23)
    9. In all matters, the desire and the will of the local group is final. (I Corinthians 6:4, 5)

  14. The Ordinances

    Baptism

    1. We believe that baptism is a requirement for believers and that it is only for believers. (Acts 8:37 and 18:8)
    2. We believe that baptism is not what saves a person. (Acts 8:12-13 and 16:30-32; Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:5)
    3. The method is immersion of the believer in water. (Acts 8:38; Matthew 3:16)
    4. It is a picture of Christ's death, burial and resurrection. (Romans 6:3-5; Colossians 2:12)

    The Lord's Supper

    1. We believe that it is a requirement for believers and that it is only for believers. (I Corinthians 11:23-28)
    2. It is a commemoration and reminder of the Lord's death until He comes again. (I Corinthians 11:23-28; Matthew 26:26-29)
    3. It must always be preceded by solemn self-examination. (I Corinthians 11:28)

    We believe these are the only two ordinances that were commanded by Christ, practiced by the early church and taught in the epistles. The performance of these acts do not, of themselves, bring a special blessing or grace, but they do invoke God's blessing as He honors any and all obedience to Him and His Word.

  15. The Lord's Day
    1. We believe that the Scriptures teach the principle of a day of rest from the cares of this world (as modeled by God Himself when He rested after six days of creation). The New Testament believers, led by the apostles, set aside the first day of the week for worship, instruction, and fellowship. (Genesis 2:2-3; Isaiah 58:13,14; Acts 20:7; and I Corinthians 16:1-2)
    2. The first day of the week both commemorates and testifies of Jesus' resurrection from the dead, and serves as a weekly reminder that the Lord has first place in all areas of our life. (Matthew 28:1-6)
    3. We believe that it is important for our church family to follow this example and observe a day of rejoicing in the resurrection of our Lord, and giving of our time and resources to further our evangelistic outreach. (Hebrews 10:23-25)

  16. Missions and Evangelism
    1. We believe that the work of the local church from the beginning has been "The Great Commission": a) make disciples; b) baptize them; and c) teach them to observe all things which God has commanded. (Matthew 28:19, 20)
    2. A further application of this commission was given on the day Jesus ascended into heaven – "…ye shall be witnesses unto Me…" (Acts 1:8)
    3. Missions and evangelism are the ministries of God's people and the local church (II Corinthians 5:19-20, Ephesians 4:11-12)

  17. Fellowship
    1. We believe that all fellowship must be based on the Word of God. (I John 1:7)
    2. The Bible exhorts and directs our actions concerning those who do not adhere to the Word. (Romans 16:17, 18; II Thessalonians 3:6, 14; I Timothy 6:3-5)
    3. In no instance should a church fellowship with those who a) deny the complete inerrancy and infallibility of the Word of God; b) deny the doctrines of Christ – His virgin birth, deity, atoning death on the cross, and resurrection; or c) would cause the church to compromise its doctrinal stand as outlined in this "Articles of Faith." (I Corinthians 16:13; II Thessalonians 2:15; Proverbs 22:28; Jude)

  18. The Marriage Relationship
    1. We believe that the Bible specifically places man and woman in a God-ordained relationship. Marriage and the family were instituted by God, and it is totally against the command and teaching of the Word of God to change or pervert this order in any way. (Genesis 2:23-24; Ephesians 5:22-23)
    2. Homosexuality, lesbianism, and any other contra-Bible relationships are contrary to the Word of God and are not acceptable as alternate lifestyles. (Romans 1:18-32)

  19. The Church and Civil Government
    1. We believe that civil government is appointed by God for the good of human society. (Romans 13:1-7)
    2. We believe that there is to be a separation between the Church and government (State). (Matthew 22:21)
    3. We are to pray for rulers, as well as honor and obey them. The only exception is where there is clear contradiction to the Word of God and opposition to the will of Christ. (Acts 4:19 and 23:5; II Samuel 23:3)

  20. The Order of Things to Come

    We believe that we are currently in the "Church Age" also known as the "Age of Grace." At the close of this period the Lord Jesus Christ will come a second time.

    1. Christ will bodily and personally return for His bride, the Church (His saints). This will occur before the tribulation and Christ's one-thousand-year reign. This event is known as the "rapture." (I Thessalonians 4:13-18 and I Corinthians 15:52)
      • All the righteous, dead and living, will be caught up. (I Thessalonians 4:13-18)
      • The Judgment Seat of Christ for believers will take place in heaven. (Romans 14:10; I Corinthians 3:13-15; II Corinthians 5:10-11)
      • The Marriage Supper of the Lamb will take place. (Rev. 19:7-10)
    2. The tribulation period will take place on earth at the same time as the Judgment Seat and the Marriage Supper of the Lamb.
      • It will be a period of seven years; the first half relatively peaceful, the second half a time of great trial, tribulation, conflict, and upset. (Matthew 24:21; Revelation 4 - 19; Daniel 12:11-12)
      • The Antichrist will be manifest during this time. (II Thessalonians 2:8-12)
    3. The return of Christ (visibly and bodily with His church) will close the Tribulation period on earth. This is known as the "revelation." (Acts 1:11; Hebrews 9:28; Revelation 1:7 and 19:11-16)
      • He will judge the living nations. (Matthew 25:31-46)
      • He will set up His millennial reign. (Isaiah 11:4,5 and 32:1; I Corinthians 15:25; Revelation 20:4, 6)
    4. Christ will reign as King on earth for 1,000 years. This is the millennium. (Revelation 20:3)
    5. Satan will be let loose for a season at the close of the Millennium to try once more to gain a following and defeat Christ. (Revelation 20:3, 7-9)
    6. The Great White Throne Judgment will take place. (Revelation 20:11-14)
      • The wicked dead will be resurrected at this time as well as a gathering of all (both living and dead) who have never been born again.
      • Satan, his angels, and the wicked will be cast into Hell (the lake of fire). (Revelation 20:10, 15)
    7. A New Heaven and a New Earth will be created. (II Peter 3:12, 13; Revelation 21 and 22:7)
    8. Eternity will be ushered in. (Revelation 21:22; I Corinthians 15:28)