Core Beliefs
God
God is the Creator and Ruler of the universe. He has eternally existed in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three are co-equal and are one God.
Genesis 1:1, 26-27, Psalm 90:2, Matthew 28:19, 2 Corinthians 13:14, 1 Peter 1:2
Genesis 1:1, 26-27, Psalm 90:2, Matthew 28:19, 2 Corinthians 13:14, 1 Peter 1:2
Jesus Christ
Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He is co-equal with the Father. Jesus lived a sinless human life and offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all people by dying on a cross. He arose from the dead after three days to demonstrate His power over sin and death. He ascended to heaven’s glory and will return again someday to earth to reign as King of Kings, and Lord of Lords.
Matthew 1:22-23, Isaiah 9:6, John 1:1-5, 14:10-30, Hebrews 4:14-15, 1 Corinthians 15:3-4, Romans 1:3-4, Acts 1:9-11, 1 Timothy 6:14-15, Titus 2:13
Matthew 1:22-23, Isaiah 9:6, John 1:1-5, 14:10-30, Hebrews 4:14-15, 1 Corinthians 15:3-4, Romans 1:3-4, Acts 1:9-11, 1 Timothy 6:14-15, Titus 2:13
The Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is co-equal with the Father and the Son of God. He is present in the world to make mankind aware of their need for Jesus Christ. He also lives in every Christian from the moment of salvation. He provides the Christian with power for living, understanding of spiritual truth, and guidance in doing what is right. The Holy Spirit gives every believer a spiritual gift when he or she is saved. As Christians we seek to live under His control daily.
2 Corinthians 3:17, John 16:7-13, 14:16-17, Acts 1:8, 1 Corinthians 2:12, 3:16, Ephesians 1:13, Galatians 5:25, Ephesians 5:18
2 Corinthians 3:17, John 16:7-13, 14:16-17, Acts 1:8, 1 Corinthians 2:12, 3:16, Ephesians 1:13, Galatians 5:25, Ephesians 5:18
The Bible
The Bible is God’s Word to us. It was written by human authors, under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is the supreme source of truth for Christian beliefs and living. It is inspired by God and is the truth without any mixture of error.
2 Timothy 3:16, 2 Peter 1:20-21, 2 Timothy 1:13, Psalms 12:6; 119:105, 160, Proverbs 30:5
2 Timothy 3:16, 2 Peter 1:20-21, 2 Timothy 1:13, Psalms 12:6; 119:105, 160, Proverbs 30:5
Humans
People are made in the spiritual image of God, to be like Him in character. People are the supreme object of God’s creation. Every person has tremendous potential for good, BUT all people are stained with an attitude of disobedience toward God called "sin." This attitude separates people from God and causes many trials in life.
Genesis 1:27, Psalm 8:3-6, Isaiah 53:6a, Romans 3:23, Isaiah 59:1-2
Genesis 1:27, Psalm 8:3-6, Isaiah 53:6a, Romans 3:23, Isaiah 59:1-2
Salvation
Salvation is God’s free gift to us, but we must accept it. We can never make up for our sins by self-improvement or good works. Only by trusting in Jesus Christ as God’s offer of forgiveness can anyone be saved from sin’s penalty. Eternal life with God begins the moment an individual receives Jesus Christ into his life by faith.
Romans 6:23, Ephesians 2:8-9, John 1:12; 14:6, Titus 3:5, Galatians 3:26, Romans 5:1
Romans 6:23, Ephesians 2:8-9, John 1:12; 14:6, Titus 3:5, Galatians 3:26, Romans 5:1
Eternal Security
Because God gives us eternal life through Jesus Christ, the true believer is secure in
that salvation for eternity. If you have been genuinely saved, you cannot lose it. Salvation is maintained by the grace and power of God, not by the self-effort of the Christian. It is the grace and keeping power of God that gives us this security.
John 10:29, 2 Timothy 1:12, Hebrews 7:25; 10:10,14, 1 Peter 1:3-5
that salvation for eternity. If you have been genuinely saved, you cannot lose it. Salvation is maintained by the grace and power of God, not by the self-effort of the Christian. It is the grace and keeping power of God that gives us this security.
John 10:29, 2 Timothy 1:12, Hebrews 7:25; 10:10,14, 1 Peter 1:3-5
Eternity
People were created to exist forever. We will either exist eternally separated from God by sin or eternally with God by forgiveness and salvation through Jesus Christ. To be eternally separated from God is Hell. To be eternally in union with Him is eternal life. Heaven and Hell are real places of eternal existence.
Matthew 1:8; 2:44-46, John 2:25; 3:16; 5:11-13, Romans 6:23, Revelation 20:15
Matthew 1:8; 2:44-46, John 2:25; 3:16; 5:11-13, Romans 6:23, Revelation 20:15
Baptism
We believe baptism is for the believer in Christ, who has made a commitment to follow Jesus and has recieved Salvation. We practice full immersion baptism.
Matthew 28:19-20, Colossians 2:12, Romans 6:4, 1 Peter 3:21-22
Matthew 28:19-20, Colossians 2:12, Romans 6:4, 1 Peter 3:21-22
Marriage
Marriage is a union between one man and one woman, following Biblical principles outlined in God’s Word. Due to our belief in the Biblical teachings about marriage, same-sex couples will not be married or joined in any union, in any facilities or on any properties owned by New Salem Baptist Church. New Salem Baptist Church only recognizes a marriage that is compatible with God’s Word. Ministers of New Salem Baptist Church will not perform same-sex marriages or unions whether on or off Church properties.
Genesis 2:19-24, Leviticus 18:22, Matthew 19:4-6, Romans 1:18-27, Ephesians 5:22-33, Hebrews 13:4
Genesis 2:19-24, Leviticus 18:22, Matthew 19:4-6, Romans 1:18-27, Ephesians 5:22-33, Hebrews 13:4