A Statement Concerning Our Doctrine and Polity

Faith Bible Church of Mount Joy, Pennsylvania is...

1. 1. A.Independent
      

   1. 1.We are NOT associated with, or obligated to, any human external governing body or authority. (i.e. denomination, convention, synod, etc.)
      

   2. 2.Humanly speaking, we are autonomous (self-governing) by God’s design.
      

   2. B.Fundamental
      

   1. 1.We are “fundamentalists” because the word “fundamentalist” is commonly accepted as descriptive of those who hold to the foundational doctrines of Scripture.
      

   2. 2.We affirm and will earnestly contend for the biblical doctrines upon which our faith is based.
      

   3. 3.These fundamental doctrines include, but are not limited to:
      

   1. •The Bible, God’s Holy Word, is infallible, divinely inspired and preserved.
      

   2. •God exists eternally in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit, co-equal in power and glory.
      

   3. •God created the heavens and earth and all that is in them, in six literal days and rested on the seventh.
      

   4. •Jesus Christ is the eternal, virgin born Son of God and is very God.
      

   5. •Redemption was accomplished through Christ’s atoning work at the cross of Calvary.  (i.e. the death, burial and literal bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ)
      

   6. •Salvation comes to the believer by grace, through personal faith in the finished work of Christ.
      

   7. •The Holy Spirit of God indwells, seals, empowers, and teaches believers and convicts the world of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment.
      

   8. •Believers are eternally secure in Christ.
      

   9. •Christians should live godly and separated lives.
      

   10. •The church, made up of baptized believers, should glorify God through evangelism, discipleship and edification.
       

   11. •The future holds a Pre-tribulation Rapture of the Church and the Pre-millennial Return of Christ
       

   12. •Heaven and Hell are literal places.
       

   4. 4.Note:  A more comprehensive list of doctrinal holdings are presented in our Articles Of Faith.
      

   3. C.Baptistic
      

   1. 1.We are “baptistic” because the word “baptistic” is commonly accepted as descriptive of those who hold to the literal interpretation of Bible doctrine (which includes church polity).
      

   2. 2.i.e.
      

   1. a)Biblical Authority
      

   1. The Bible is the final authority in all matters of faith and practice.  No decree of men or of any council of churches can supersede the Bible.
      

   1. (a)Scripture:  2Timothy 3:16-17
      

   2. (b)FBC Constitution:  Article III, A
      

   2. b)Individual Soul Liberty
      

   1. Every individual has the liberty and responsibility to believe as his own conscience dictates, within the framework of the Word of God.  No one is forced to assent to any belief against his will.  However, this doctrine does not grant a license to sin, to be a stumbling block to others, or to continually oppose the practice of the church.
      

   1. (a)Scripture:  Romans 14:5-12
      

   2. (b)FBC Constitution:  Preamble
      

   3. c)Priesthood of All Believers
      

   1. Every believer today is a priest of God and may enter into His presence directly through our Great High Priest, Jesus Christ.  No human mediator is needed between God and Man.
      

   1. (a)Scripture:  1Peter 2:5-9; Hebrews 4:14-16
      

   2. (b)FBC Constitution:  Article III, D, 3
      

   4. d)Autonomy of the Local Church
      

   1. The local church is an independent body accountable only to the Lord Jesus Christ, the Head of the Church.  No religious hierarchy outside the local church may dictate a church’s beliefs or practices.
      

   1. (a)Scripture:  Colossians 1:18  Ephesians 5:24
      

   2. (b)FBC Constitution:  Article III, K, 5;   Article VII, A
      

   5. e)Separation of Church and State
      

   1. God established both the church and the civil government, and He gave each its own distinct sphere of operation.  Neither should control the other.
      

   1. (a)Scripture:  Matthew 22:15-22
      

   2. (b)FBC Constitution:  Article III, K, 5
      

   6. f)Two Offices in the Local Church
      

   1. Only two Biblically mandated offices exist in the church:  Pastor and Deacon.  These two offices exist within the local church, not as a hierarchy outside of or over the local church.
      

   1. (a)Scripture:  1Timothy 3:1-13
      

   2. (b)FBC Constitution:  Article IX, D and F
      

   7. g)Two Ordinances in the Local Church
      

   1. The local church should practice two ordinances – baptism by immersion in water and the Lord’s Supper, or communion.
      

   1. (a)Scripture:  Matthew 28:19-20;  1Corinthians 11:23-32
      

   2. (b)FBC Constitution:  Article XIV
      

   8. h)Saved Church Membership
      

   1. Local church membership is restricted to individuals who give believable testimony of a personal faith in Christ and have publicly identified themselves with Him in believer’s baptism.
      

   1. (a)Scripture:  Acts 2:41-47
      

   2. (b)FBC Constitution:  Article V, A, 1, a, b, e
      

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