Our Beliefs
1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith
The 1689 Baptist Confession of Faith, also called the Second London Baptist Confession, was written by Particular Baptists, who held to a Calvinistic soteriology in England to give a formal expression of their Christian faith from a Baptist perspective. Because it was adopted by the Philadelphia Association of Baptist Churches in the 18th century, it is also known as the Philadelphia Confession of Faith. The Philadelphia Confession was a modification of the Second London Confession that added an allowance for singing of hymns, psalms and spiritual songs in the Lord’s Supper and made optional the laying on of hands in baptism.
“This little volume is not issued as an authoritative rule, or code of faith, whereby you are to be fettered, but as an assistance to you in controversy, a confirmation in faith, and a means of edification in righteousness. Here the younger members of our church will have a body of divinity in small compass, and by means of Scriptural proofs, will be ready to give an account for the hope that is in them. Be not ashamed of your faith; remember it is the ancient gospel of martyrs, confessors, reformers and saints. Above all, it is “the truth of God”, against which the gates of Hell cannot prevail. Let your lives adorn your faith, let your example adorn your creed. Above all live in Christ Jesus, and walk in Him, giving credence to no teaching but that which is manifestly approved of Him, and owned by the Holy Spirit. Cleave fast to the Word of God which is here mapped out for you.”
— Charles Spurgeon, in his preface to the 1689 London Baptist Confession
It is important to note that while some may narrowly interpret “only elect babies go to heaven” to suggest that some babies are lost (10:3), we hold the biblical position that all babies and mentally disabled individuals are included among God’s elect and are therefore secure in heaven. Pastor Steve addresses this issue in his sermon “What Happens to Babies Who Die?”
It is also important to note that we do not identify the Pope as “the” Antichrist, though we may regard him as “an” antichrist among many. We acknowledge that faithful believers hold varying positions on the identity of the Antichrist (26:4). Listen to Pastor Steve teach on “The Antichrist is Coming (Pt.1)”