Our Beliefs

ABOUT SCRIPTURE

We believe that the Bible, consisting of the sixty-six books of the Old and New Testaments, is the inspired, infallible, and authoritative Word of God. It is the divine revelation of God to humanity, given so that we may know Him, understand the way of salvation through Jesus Christ, and live according to the eternal truths He has preserved for us. Therefore, Scripture, as given by God, is true and eternal, and it stands as the final authority in all matters of faith and practice. (Romans 15:4; 2 Timothy 3:15-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21)

ABOUT GOD

We believe that there is one God, living and true, who is an intelligent, spiritual, and personal Being—the Creator and supreme Ruler of heaven and earth. He is absolutely perfect in all His attributes and has revealed Himself as one God who exists eternally in three Persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—equal in deity, power, and glory, sharing one divine essence, yet distinct in Their roles.

ABOUT THE SON

Jesus, the second person of the triune God, is also known as God the Son. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. During His earthly life, He perfectly fulfilled the will of God, humbling Himself by relinquishing what was rightfully His as God and taking upon Himself human nature, with all its demands and difficulties—yet He remained without sin. He perfectly upheld the law and, through His substitutionary death on the cross, made provision for the redemption of humanity. He was buried, rose again, and is now seated at the right hand of the Father, where He serves as the Good Shepherd and mediator for all believers. He will return to judge the world and bring the plan of redemption to completion. (Isaiah 7:14; Isaiah 53; Luke 1:30-35; John 1:1-2; 14; John 3:16; John 10:11-16; 2 Corinthians 5:19-21; Philippians 2:5-8; Colossians 1:13-22; Revelation 5:9-14; 19:16)

ABOUT SIN

We believe that mankind was created in a state of innocence but, by their own choice, rebelled against God by disobeying His command. As a result, the curse and stain of sin were brought upon all who would come after them. This curse leads to a broken relationship with God, which can only be restored through salvation in Jesus Christ. Just as Adam is our federal head in sin, so Christ is our federal head in salvation. (Genesis 3; Romans 3:23; Romans 5:12)

ABOUT SERVICE

We believe that the local church is an independent congregation of saved and baptized believers, united by a covenant of faith and fellowship in the gospel, and empowered to exercise various gifts given by the Holy Spirit. The church is governed under the authority of Christ by elders and deacons—offices that are to be held by men who meet the qualifications set forth in Scripture. The mission of the church is the Great Commission, which includes evangelizing the lost and discipling believers toward spiritual maturity. The New Testament also speaks of the Church as the Body of Christ, encompassing all of the redeemed from every age. (Matthew 16:15-19;18:15-20; 28:18-20; Acts 2:41-42; 47; 1 Corinthians 12:12-14; Ephesians 1:22-23; 2:19-22; 1 Timothy 3:1-15; 1 Peter 5:1-4).

ABOUT THE END TIMES

We believe that God, in His own time and way, will bring the world to its appointed end. As Scripture states, Jesus will return physically and visibly in glory; the dead will be raised, and Christ will righteously judge all people. The unrighteous will be sent away to everlasting conscious punishment in hell, while the righteous will be raised to life, receive glorified bodies, and inherit their eternal reward, dwelling with the Lord forever in heaven. (Isaiah 2:4; Matthew 16:27; 19:28; Philippians 3:20-21; 1 Thessalonians 4:14-18; 2 Thessalonians 1:6-7; 1 Timothy 4:1-8; Titus 2:13; Revelation 20).

For the complete statement of faith document, please email nbcvt.info@gmail.com