What We Believe

The main doctrinal views of Evangelical Baptist Christians, based on the Holy Scriptures, are formulated in the seven basic principles of Evangelical Baptist Christians.

We believe that the Bible, namely the canonical books of the Old (39 books) and New (27 books) Testaments, is the inspired Word of God, written by holy men of God as they were moved by the Holy Spirit (2 Peter 1:21; 2 Timothy 3:16). The Bible is the only infallible and inerrant source of Christian faith (John 20:31; Romans 10:17; 2 Timothy 3:16) and spiritual guidance regarding salvation, life, and ministry (Joshua 1:7-8; 2 Peter 1:19; Romans 15:4; Hebrews 4:12). Our doctrine is based on the study and preaching of the KJV, the Synodal translation, and the Ogienko translation. The Bible is the complete and singular revelation of God to humanity, the center of which is the incarnate Word of God - Jesus Christ (Hebrews 1:1-2; John 5:39). Adding to or subtracting from the Word of God entails severe punishment from God (Revelation 22:18-19; Deuteronomy 4:2, 12:32).

We believe that there is one, living, true, and eternal God (Isaiah 45:22; Jeremiah 10:10; John 17:3), who created heaven, earth, and everything in them in six days (Genesis 1:1-2; Psalm 24:1; Isaiah 45:12; Acts 17:24-29; Exodus 31:17). God is Spirit, perfect in all His attributes (John 4:24; Matthew 5:48). He reveals Himself as the infinite, incomprehensible, and unchangeable Lord (Exodus 3:14; Psalm 44:7). He is holy, omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent (Psalm 21:4; 1 Peter 1:16; Genesis 17:1; Psalm 93:11; Genesis 28:16; John 5:26; 1 Timothy 6:16). God is love. He is holy, righteous, just, desiring the salvation of all (1 John 4:16; Isaiah 6:3; 1 Peter 1:15-16; Deuteronomy 32:4; Psalm 119:137; 1 Timothy 2:4; 2 Peter 3:9; John 3:16). The Trinity of God We believe that God is one in His nature and exists in three Persons: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit (Isaiah 48:16; Matthew 28:19; 2 Corinthians 13:13). Each Person of the Trinity possesses all divine attributes equally. God the Father has a special role in creation, God the Son in salvation, and God the Holy Spirit in the building of the Church (Exodus 20:11; Luke 2:10-11; Ephesians 2:19-22). God the Father We believe that God the Father is the eternal God, Creator, and Lord of all creation and all people (Ephesians 4:6). For our salvation, God the Father sent His Son into the world - Jesus Christ (John 3:16). He is the caring and loving Father of all believers, who are called to worship Him in spirit and truth (John 1:13; 1 Corinthians 8:6; John 4:23). God the Son - Jesus Christ We believe that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is the eternal God (1 John 5:20; Titus 2:13), without beginning and infinite (Hebrews 7:3). He is also the Creator of the universe (Colossians 1:16). We confess that God the Son had an eternal birth from the Father (Psalm 2:7; John 1:18). God appointed the Son before the creation of the world to be a sacrifice for atonement for the redemption and salvation of all humanity (1 Peter 1:18-20, 2:24, 3:18; 1 John 2:2; Galatians 4:4). God the Son became human (1 Timothy 3:16; 1 Timothy 2:5), fully uniting in Himself both the divine and human nature (Luke 1:35), being born of a virgin through the immaculate conception by the Holy Spirit (Matthew 1:18). He was without sin (1 John 3:5; 1 Peter 2:22). Jesus Christ is the promised one of God, the only Savior of the world (Genesis 3:15; Luke 4:18-19; John 4:42; Acts 2:36; 4:12; Ephesians 5:2). He redeemed us with His Blood, becoming the only mediator between God and man (Colossians 1:20; 1 Timothy 2:5-6; Titus 2:14; Hebrews 7:24-25). By His death and resurrection, Christ defeated the devil and death (1 Corinthians 15:54-57). He delivered believers from eternal punishment (Revelation 3:21, 5:5; Hebrews 2:14; 2 Timothy 1:10; Romans 6:9). Christ is the Creator and Head of the Church (Matthew 16:18; Ephesians 1:22-23, 5:23; Colossians 1:18; 1 Timothy 3:16). The risen, ascended, and glorified Jesus Christ gives eternal life to those who believe in Him and intercedes for us before the Father (1 John 2:1, John 6:47). He will judge the universe and reign forever and ever (John 5:22; Acts 17:31; Revelation 11:15). God the Holy Spirit We believe that the Holy Spirit is God and possesses all divine attributes (Romans 15:19; 1 Corinthians 2:10; Psalm 139:7). The Holy Spirit is a Divine Person, having intellect, will, and emotions (Acts 5:3-4; Ephesians 4:30; Hebrews 10:29; Acts 15:28). Scripture warns us about sins against the Holy Spirit (Isaiah 63:10; Mark 3:29; Acts 5:3, 9; 7:51; Ephesians 4:30; 1 Thessalonians 5:19). The Holy Spirit inspired chosen men of God to write the Bible and gives enlightenment for its understanding (John 14:26; 2 Peter 1:21; 1 Corinthians 2:12-13). On the day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit was sent to testify about Christ, to glorify Him, and to build the Church (John 15:26; 16:7, 14; Acts 1:8). The Holy Spirit convicts the world of sin, righteousness, judgment, and prompts repentance (John 16:8; Hebrews 3:7-8). At the moment of conversion, the Holy Spirit indwells a person, regenerates, seals, and baptizes (immerses) them into one body, which is the Church (1 Corinthians 12:13; Ephesians 1:13; John 3:3-6; Acts 5:32; 1 Corinthians 6:19). The Holy Spirit dwells in the regenerated person as a guarantee (Romans 8:9; 1 Corinthians 3:16), endows them with power from on high (1 Corinthians 2:4; Acts 1:8), and provides guidance in spiritual life: filling (Ephesians 5:18; Acts 2:4, 4:8, 31), teaching, encouraging, and comforting (John 14:26, John 16:13; 1 Corinthians 2:12-13), convicting (John 16:8-9), producing spiritual fruit (Galatians 5:22-23; Ephesians 5:9). The Holy Spirit endows believers with gifts for service in the church (1 Corinthians 12:7-11, 28).

 

We believe that sin is the transgression of God's will, manifested in the fallen nature, thoughts, feelings, desires, words, and actions of every individual (Genesis 6:5; Psalm 18:34-37; Matthew 12:34-37; James 1:14-15; 1 John 3:4; Ephesians 2:3). Enticed by Satan, humanity fell into sin and was deprived of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). Every person, born of Adam, has inherited a sinful nature and, due to their personal sins and transgressions (Psalm 14:1-3; Jeremiah 17:9; Romans 3:10-12, 23, 5:12, 15-19; Ephesians 2:1, 5). Their mind and conscience are defiled, and they are slaves to sin (Jeremiah 13:23; Romans 6:17-18), thus requiring redemption (Titus 1:15; Ephesians 2:1-3). Sin has separated humanity from God (Isaiah 59:2), making them objects of God's wrath (Psalm 89:7-9; Romans 1:18; Ephesians 2:3), and subjected them to punishment in the form of spiritual and physical death (Genesis 2:16-17; 5:5; Romans 6:23; 1 Corinthians 15:21-22), as well as eternal damnation (2 Thessalonians 1:8-9; Revelation 20:11-15). The fall into sin led to a curse on all creation (Romans 8:22; Genesis 3:18).

We believe that salvation is the manifestation of God's love for humanity, liberating individuals from the bondage of sin and death for eternal life and restoring the relationship between God and humanity through repentance and faith in the redemptive sacrifice of Jesus Christ (John 3:16; Romans 5:8; Colossians 1:13-14; Titus 3:4-7). God desires the salvation of all people. Each person bears responsibility in accepting or rejecting God's grace (1 Timothy 2:4, Titus 2:11; Isaiah 43:11; 2 Corinthians 7:1; Ephesians 2:8-9).
Faith Faith is necessary for salvation, which comes from hearing the Word of God (Acts 4:4; Romans 10:17; Hebrews 11:6). Saving faith is an individual's response to God's offer of salvation, expressed in unconditional acceptance of the Gospel message and trust in Christ as the only Savior and Lord (Hebrews 11:1; Ephesians 2:8-9). Confessing Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior is a confirmation of true faith (Matthew 10:32-33; Luke 12:8-9; John 20:28; Acts 8:37; Romans 10:9-10; 2 Corinthians 4:13). Works of faith testify to genuine faith (James 2:26; Galatians 5:6; Hebrews 11).
Believers are called to grow in faith and knowledge of the Lord through hearing and studying the Word of God, prayer, and a Godly life (Ephesians 4:13, 2 Thessalonians 1:3).
Repentance Repentance is a deep awareness of one's sinfulness, acknowledgment of one's offenses before God, and remorse for sin and its confession. Repentance is the result of God's grace working through His Word in a person and leading them to conversion (Ezra 10:10-11; Proverbs 28:13; Luke 15:17-21; Acts 2:37-38, 26:20; 2 Corinthians 7:10; Titus 2:11-12).
Conversion Conversion is a conscious decision to turn away from evil ways, to turn from sin to God. The result of conversion and personal acceptance of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior is forgiveness of sins (Acts 10:42-43; 1 John 1:9; Colossians 1:13-14) and being born of the Word of God and the Holy Spirit (John 1:12-13, 3:5-6; James 1:18).
Regeneration Regeneration, or being born again, or spiritual rebirth, is the work of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believing person, by which God resurrects their spirit and gives them a new nature (John 1:12-13, 3:3-6; James 1:18; Ephesians 2:4-6; 1 Peter 1:23; Titus 3:5; 2 Corinthians 5:17). Through regeneration, a person becomes a child of God and a temple of the Holy Spirit (2 Peter 1:4; 1 Corinthians 6:19; Hebrews 2:14).
Justification Justification is God's action by which the believing person is credited with the righteousness of Christ. They are freed from punishment and guilt for sin and reconciled with God (Romans 3:24). Justification is given as a gift, by the grace of God, through faith in Jesus Christ and is not dependent on human works or merits (Romans 3:28, 5:18, 4:5, 5:1; Galatians 2:16).
Redemption Redemption is liberation from the bondage of sin by the price of Jesus Christ's shed blood on the cross to satisfy the demands of God's justice (Romans 3:24-25, 1 Peter 1:18; Matthew 20:28). Jesus Christ died for all, and now salvation by grace is available to all people through faith in Jesus Christ (Acts 28:28; 2 Peter 3:9; Romans 3:24; Titus 2:11).
Adoption Adoption is God's acceptance of regenerated individuals into His family (John 1:12-13; 1 John 3:1-2; Romans 8:15-16; Galatians 3:26; Ephesians 1:5; 2:19). It gives the believer the right to approach God as Heavenly Father and makes them heirs of God (1 Peter 1:4; Romans 8:17; Galatians 4:4-7; Ephesians 1:11; Titus 3:7).
Prayer Prayer is the means of communication between a person and God (Psalm 5:2-4; Philippians 4:6). In prayer, we worship and glorify God (1 Chronicles 29:11-15; Psalm 102:1-19). In prayer, we present our desires and needs to God, who is powerful to fulfill our requests (Philippians 4:6-7). He answers the prayers of those who call on Him with a pure heart, in faith, and according to His will (Psalm 49:15; 65:18; Mark 11:24; 1 John 3:21-22).
"God is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth. He fulfills the desire of those who fear Him; He also hears their cry and saves them" (Psalm 144:18-19). The Word of God teaches us to pray: for the hallowing of the name of our Heavenly Father (Matthew 6:9); for the coming of His Kingdom (Matthew 6:10); for His will to be done on earth as it is in heaven (Luke 11:1-2); for ourselves and our loved ones (Matthew 6:11-13; 15:22; 17:15); for the success of spreading the Gospel (1 Timothy 2:1-4; 1 Thessalonians 1:8; 2 Thessalonians 3:1); for all saints and for the church (Ephesians 6:18; Philippians 1:4); for ministers (Matthew 9:37-38; Romans 15:30; Ephesians 6:19); for the sick and suffering according to God's will (James 5:14-16; 1 Peter 4:19; Hebrews 13:3); for those who offend and persecute the children of God (Matthew 5:44); for rulers, authorities, and all people (Jeremiah 29:7; 1 Timothy 2:2).
Children of God are called to always give thanks to the Lord for all His intentions serve for the good of believers (Jeremiah 29:11; Romans 8:28; 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18). Apostles and disciples often prayed with fasting (Acts 13:2; 2 Corinthians 11:27). According to the Word of God, fasting prayers are performed: when there is a need for personal humility and a desire to be closer to the Lord (Ezra 8:21a; Isaiah 57:15; Daniel 10:12); when choosing and ordaining church ministers (Acts 13:2-3, 14:23); for the general needs of God's people (Ezra 8:21-23) and in disasters (Joel 1:14, 2:12-15); in times of distress, sorrow (2 Samuel 1:12; Psalm 34:13, 68:11), and other circumstances (Mark 9:29; 2 Corinthians 6:4-5). Fasting is not only abstaining from food and drink and remaining in prayer but also showing virtue, releasing "bonds of wickedness," and establishing proper relationships with people (Isaiah 58:3-12; Matthew 5:23-24).
Baptism in the Holy Spirit Baptism in the Holy Spirit is an action that Christ performs by the Holy Spirit, baptizing every believer at the moment of their regeneration (Luke 3:16; Romans 6:3; Galatians 3:27-28). Baptism in the Holy Spirit is the immersion of the regenerated person into the Body of Christ, which is His Church, and union with Christ. Every regenerated Christian is baptized in the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:13).
Sanctification Sanctification is becoming like Jesus Christ, expressed in God's action and the person's response, aimed at separating the regenerated person from sin and dedicating the believer to a new and holy life in God and His service (1 Peter 1:2, 14-16; Romans 6:22; 1 Corinthians 1:30; Ephesians 1:4).
Assurance of Salvation We believe that God keeps the believer, and they have assurance of salvation and God's election on the condition of perseverance in faith (John 10:27–29; 1 John 5:13; Romans 8:38–39; Hebrews 10:38–39; Revelation 3:5). Assurance of salvation is based on God's promises and the testimony of the Holy Spirit (1 John 5:11-12; Romans 8:16). We believe that the regenerated person, possessing free will, can fall away from salvation through persistent conscious sin, denial of Christ, or deviation into heresy, and lose the grace of God, leading to destruction (Ezekiel 18:24–32; 2 Peter 3:17; Romans 11:20–22; Galatians 5:4; 2 Timothy 2:12; Hebrews 2:1, 12:15; 1 Timothy 1:19).

We believe that the Church is an assembly of spiritually born-again individuals, redeemed by Christ, who have been joined to the Body of Christ through baptism by the Holy Spirit and are found both in heaven and on earth (Matthew 16:18; Hebrews 12:23). Its Creator and Head is Jesus Christ (Matthew 16:18, Acts 20:28; 1 Corinthians 12:27; Colossians 1:24). Universal Church Since the Day of Pentecost, there has existed the Universal (invisible) Church, created by Christ, which includes local churches (Acts 2:41-47; Ephesians 1:20-23). The Universal Church consists of the saved, born-again individuals (Acts 2:47; Titus 3:5), redeemed by the Blood of Christ from every tribe, language, people, and nation (Colossians 1:12-22; Hebrews 12:22-23; Revelation 5:9-10), having the testimony within themselves that they are children of God (1 John 5:10-11; Romans 8:16). The Universal Church is: the flock of Christ (John 10:16, 21:15-17; 1 Peter 5:2; Hebrews 13:20); the spiritual house, or temple of God (1 Peter 2:5; Ephesians 2:19-21; Hebrews 3:6); the bride of Christ (2 Corinthians 11:2; Ephesians 5:27; Revelation 19:7-9; 21:9-10); the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:12-13, 27; Ephesians 1:22-23; Colossians 1:17-27); the pillar and ground of truth (1 Timothy 3:15). All who believe and are born again, Jesus Christ baptizes (immerses) with the Holy Spirit into the body of Christ (John 1:33; Acts 2:47; 1 Corinthians 12:13; Galatians 3:27; Colossians 2:12). At the end of the grace period, the Church of Christ will be caught up from the earth to meet the Lord, to always be with Him, to see Him and share His glory (John 17:22, 24; 1 Corinthians 15:51-57; Philippians 3:20-21; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17).
Local Church The local church (congregation) is an assembly of regenerated souls living in one locality, united by one faith (one confession), joining together for mutual service to the Lord and one another and for spreading the Gospel (Matthew 18:17; Acts 2:42-47, 14:23; Ephesians 4:11-16; Philippians 2:1-2). The local church is a component part of the Universal Church, so every Christian should be a member of a local church, regularly attending meetings and participating in service (Acts 2:41-42; 1 John 1:7; Hebrews 10:25). Belonging to the Universal Church does not exempt from the necessity of belonging to a local church (Acts 2:41). Local churches are established by the Lord in various countries, cities, and villages (Hebrews 3:4-6). Their purpose is to proclaim the excellencies of Him who called us out of darkness into His marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9), to glorify God (Romans 15:9), to assist the growth of church members in the knowledge of God and Christ (Colossians 2:2), to help Christians grow in the life of faith and love (Ephesians 4:12-16), to spread the Kingdom of God on earth (Acts 13:1-3; Romans 10:15; Philippians 1:5), to facilitate mutual ministry to one another (1 Peter 4:10). The condition for joining the soul to the local church is faith in Jesus Christ, repentance, regeneration, and water baptism (Acts 2:38, 8:37, 19:2-5; Romans 10:9-10; 1 Timothy 6:12). Baptism is administered to those who have willingly accepted the Word of God and believe with all their hearts (Acts 2:41). Through baptism by faith, a person enters into a covenant with the Lord and becomes a member of the church (Acts 2:41-42; Hebrews 8:10). Each local church belongs to God (1 Corinthians 1:2). The Head of the Church - Jesus Christ - determines the order in the churches through the Word of God and the guidance of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 11:2, 14:33, 40; 16:1; Ephesians 4:11-12). God appoints ministers in the church by the Holy Spirit (Acts 13:2; 1 Corinthians 12:28; Ephesians 4:11). He calls for service men who are filled with the Holy Spirit and wisdom (Jeremiah 30:21; Acts 6:3; Hebrews 5:1-4), endows them with gifts and abilities for ministry (2 Corinthians 3:4-6). According to the signs marked in the Holy Scripture, the church determines those called by God and elects them for service (Acts 6:2-7, 13:1-3,15:22, 20:28; Ephesians 4:11-12; Titus 1:5). Elders and deacons, elected by the church, must meet the requirements of the Holy Scripture (1 Timothy 3:1-12; Titus 1:5-9). The ordination to ministry is carried out by the laying on of hands of ministers who have the right from the Lord and the church (2 Timothy 1:6, 4:5; Titus 1:5). In accordance with the New Testament teaching of Jesus Christ and the Apostles, the order of ordination of ministers by the laying on of hands is established on the basis of (Acts 6:3, 14:22-23; 1 Timothy 3:1-15; Titus 1:5-9.) Elders, as stewards of the Church of Christ, oversee the local church. They are obliged to be faithful (1 Corinthians 4:1-2), diligently and godly to take care of souls (1 Peter 5:1-4; 1 Corinthians 4:1-2; Hebrews 13:17). The task of elders is to shepherd the church (Acts 20:28-31), support the weak (Acts 20:35), instruct the members of the church in sound doctrine (2 Timothy 2:15), rebuke, forbid, exhort with all longsuffering and teaching (2 Timothy 4:2; Titus 1:9). Deacons assist the elders in ministry. Mostly they are entrusted with the work of material service and charity (Acts 6:1-4). Church workers may be supported by it (Matthew 10:10; 1 Corinthians 9:14; Galatians 6:6; 1 Timothy 5:17-18). Sinful ministers are subject to church discipline along with other church members (1 Timothy 5:19-20), but their case is considered with the participation of responsible church ministers (1 Timothy 5:19-20). Ordination may lose its force when the minister commits a serious sin (1 Corinthians 4:2; Hebrews 12:15-17). 
CHURCH DISCIPLINE Church members must: maintain obedience and faithfulness to the Lord (1 Samuel 15:22-23; Revelation 2:10); live among each other in peace and mutual love (2 Thessalonians 1:3); pray for ministers; maintain the unity of the church according to the teaching of Jesus Christ (Romans 15:5-6; Philippians 1:27; 2:2); actively participate in the life of the church, its needs, and material service (1 Peter 4:10; 1 Corinthians 12:25; 2 Corinthians 9:7; Hebrews 13:16). Every church member is called to attend worship services (Psalm 15:3, 26:4, 121:1; Hebrews 10:25) and participate worthily in the Lord's Supper (Acts 2:42; 1 Corinthians 11:26-28). Only those born again and instructed in the basics of biblical doctrine are accepted into the church (Romans 10:9-10). Acceptance is carried out by the decision of the church. Church members should be attentive to one another (Hebrews 10:24-25), considerate (Romans 12:10), lovingly accept admonition and admonish, without violating the Lord's ordinances (Matthew 18:15-17), and be watchful to prevent anyone from falling from the grace of God (Hebrews 12:15). Church ministers are required to keep the commandments pure and blameless. (1 Timothy 6:14), be an example to the believers (1 Timothy 4:12), teach children of God to observe all that the Lord has commanded (Matthew 28:20), be vigilant (2 Timothy 4:5), rebuke those who oppose the truth (Titus 1:9). Having food and clothing, Christians should be content with these (1 Timothy 6:8), obeying the love of God, which prompts them to sacrificial service for the success of preaching the Gospel (Matthew 6:25-34; 16:24). In worship and in daily life, children of God should have a demeanor befitting the saints, that is, dress with modesty and chastity (1 Timothy 2:9; Titus 2:3), not imitate the world in clothing, in indecent fashion, and in the general conduct of life (1 John 2:15-17). According to the Holy Scripture, women should cover their heads (1 Corinthians 11:5-10). A minister is called to zealously guard the purity of the church (2 Corinthians 11:2). To maintain purity and decency in the church (1 Corinthians 5:6-7; 2 Thessalonians 3:6), there are measures of church discipline: admonition (1 Timothy 1:5; Titus 2:15), rebuke (Matthew 18:15-18), warning (2 Thessalonians 3:14), and exclusion (1 Corinthians 5:12-13). Exclusion from the local church may occur in case of: falling away from faith in God (1 Corinthians 16:22), deviation into heresy (Titus 3:10), committing sin (Matthew 18:15-18; 1 Corinthians 5:11-13; 2 Thessalonians 3:6). The church accepts the excluded after their sincere repentance, abandonment of sin, and evidence of fruits of repentance (2 Corinthians 2:6-8).
NEW TESTAMENT ORDINANCES We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ commanded His Church to observe the following ordinances, obligatory for execution: water baptism and the Lord's Supper (Matthew 28:19; 1 Corinthians 11:28-32). Both baptism and the Lord's Supper are ordained only for regenerated believers and are performed by ordained ministers (Mark 14:22–24; Luke 22:14–15; Acts 20:7; Titus 1:5; Acts 16:4). 

We believe that water baptism by faith is a command of Jesus Christ and a testimony of faith and obedience to the Lord (Mark 16:15-16; Acts 2:38, 41). It is a solemn pledge to God of a good conscience (1 Peter 3:21). Baptism is administered to those who have been born again, willingly accepting the Word of God and Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord (John 1:12; Acts 2:41, 5:31). All who have been baptized into Christ Jesus have been baptized into His death (Romans 6:3-5; Galatians 3:26-27; Colossians 2:12). According to Scripture, only those who have reached the age of understanding can receive baptism (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:41). Baptism is performed by a single complete immersion in water. After water baptism, a prayer of blessing is offered with the laying on of hands (Acts 8:17, 19:6), and then the breaking of bread is observed.

We believe that the Lord's Supper (communion) is an ordinance instituted by Jesus Christ to remember and proclaim His sufferings and death on the cross (Matthew 26:26-28) and should be observed until His return for the Church (1 Corinthians 11:23-26). Those participating in the Lord's Supper testify to their unity with the Lord and with one another (1 Corinthians 10:16-17). Therefore, only regenerated souls who have testified to their death with Christ through water baptism and are in peace with the Lord and the church can partake of the body and blood of Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 11:27-29). The bread and wine symbolize the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 11:23-25).

We believe that Jesus Christ rose from the dead for our justification on the first day of the week (Matthew 28:1-6; Mark 16:9). This day heralds the victory and glorious triumph of our Redeemer and the future resurrection of all people (1 Corinthians 15:22-23). It is the Lord's day: "This is the day the Lord has made..." (Psalm 118:24; Revelation 1:10). The first and second appearance of the risen Christ to the disciples occurred on the first day of the week (John 20:19-26). The descent of the Holy Spirit also took place on the first day of the week (Acts 2:1). We honor Sunday as a special day when the church gathers for collective worship of God and the study of Sacred Scripture (Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 16:1-2).

We believe that marriage is ordained by God (Genesis 2:18-24). It is a union between a man (born as such) and a woman (born as such), created for mutual help and support, for the continuation of the human race (Genesis 1:28), and for journeying through life together in love and harmony. A husband may have only one wife, and a wife may have only one husband (1 Corinthians 7:1-5). God ordained that those who enter into the marriage covenant should not separate (Matthew 19:6-9), and that spouses should remain faithful to each other until death (Romans 7:2). The husband is the head of the family (1 Corinthians 11:3, 1 Timothy 2:11-13). Parents are responsible for the spiritual upbringing of their children (Deuteronomy 6:5-9; Psalm 78:3-7). Their Christian duty is to raise their children in the teaching and admonition of the Lord, setting a personal example of Christian life (Ephesians 6:4).

We believe that existing authorities are established by God. Therefore, in civil matters that do not contradict the commandments of the Lord, members of the church should submit to the authorities (Matthew 22:21; Romans 13:1-7). Christians are called to pray for rulers and those in authority so that the exercise of the power entrusted to them leads to the preservation of peace and justice, enabling us to lead a quiet and peaceful life in all godliness and purity. The separation of church and state and freedom of conscience align with the principles of the Gospel.
The head of the Church is Christ, and it is incumbent upon it to obey Him (Ephesians 5:23-24). The Church of Christ is not of this world (John 17:15-16, 18:36), and it cannot be subject to secular authority. The church is obligated to guard itself against any interference in its internal life and ministry (Acts 4:19, 5:29). Regarding the state, members of the church live by the principle proclaimed by Christ: "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's" (Matthew 22:21). We believe in human rights, based on which believers, as members of Baptist churches, can refuse oaths and the use of weapons according to the teachings of Jesus Christ. In exchange for the obligation to perform military service, they may perform alternative service, such as in medical institutions or civil defense enterprises (Matthew 5:34-37, 39:44-45).

About the second coming of Jesus Christ and judgment We believe in the second coming of our Lord Jesus Christ in power and glory. Acts 1:1; Matthew 25:31; 26:64; 1 Thessalonians 1:10; 2 Thessalonians 1:7; Revelation 1:7. The second coming of Jesus Christ should be preceded by the resurrection of the dead in Christ and the transformation of the faithful who remain alive, the rapture of the Church, and its meeting with Christ in the clouds. 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17; 1 Corinthians 15:51-67; Philippians 3:21; 1 John 3:2. We believe in the judgment seat of Christ for the saved. 2 Corinthians 3:14; 1 Peter 5:4; 1 Corinthians 9:24-25; 2 Timothy 4:7-8. We believe that the church will reign with Christ for a thousand years on earth. Revelation 20:3-6. We also believe in the resurrection of all the dead and in the righteous judgment of God before the Great White Throne. Revelation 20:11-12. After the judgment of the Great White Throne, eternity will come; for some, it will be blessed with Christ, for others, eternal torment. John 5:29; Daniel 12:2; Revelation 22:20.