What We Believe – Mount Calvary Missionary Baptist Church

I. The Scriptures

We believe that the Holy Bible was written by men divinely inspired, and is a perfect treasure of heavenly instruction; that it has God for its author, salvation for its end, and truth without any mixture of error for its matter; that it reveals the principles by which God will judge us, and therefore is, and shall remain to the end of the world, the true center of Christian Union, and the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds, and opinions shall be tried.

II Peter 1:21 “For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.”
II Timothy 3:16-17 “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: (17) “That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.”

II. The True God

We believe the Scriptures teach that there is one, and only one, living and true God, an infinite, intelligent Spirit, whose name is Jehovah, the Maker and Supreme Ruler of heaven and earth; inexpressibly glorious in holiness, and worthy of all possible honor confidence and love; that in the unity of the Godhead there are three persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost; equal in every divine perfection, and executing distinct but harmonious offices in the great work of redemption.

John 4:24“God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.”
Psalm 147:5 “Great is our Lord, and of great power: his understanding is infinite.”
Psalm 83:18 “That men may know that thou, whose name alone is JEHOVAH, art the most High over all the earth.”

III. The Fall of Man

We believe the Scriptures teach that Man was created in holiness, under the law of his Maker; but by voluntary transgressions fell from that holy and happy state; in consequence of which all mankind are now sinners, not by constraint but choice; being by nature utterly void of that holiness required by the law of God, positively inclined to evil; and therefore under just condemnation to eternal ruin, without defense or excuse.

Genesis 3:6 “And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.”
Romans 5:19 “ For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.”
Ephesians 2:3 “Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.”

IV. The Way of Salvation

We believe that the Scriptures teach that the salvation of sinners is wholly of grace; through the mediatorial offices of the Son of God; who by the appointment of the Father, freely took upon him our nature, yet without sin; honored the divine law by his personal obedience, and by his death made a full atonement for our sins; that have risen from the dead, he is now enthroned in heaven; and uniting in his wonderful person the tenderest sympathies with divine perfection, he is in every way qualified to be a suitable, a compassionate, an all-sufficient Savior.

Ephesians 2:4-5 “But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us.” (5) “Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved”;)
John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
Isaiah 53:4-5 “Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows; yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.” (5) “But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.”

V. Justification

We believe the Scriptures teach that the great Gospel blessing which Christ secures to such as believe in him is justification; that justification includes the pardon of sin, and the promise of eternal life on principles of righteousness; that it is bestowed, not in consideration of any works of righteousness which we have done, but solely through faith in the Redeemer’s blood; by virtue of which faith his perfect righteousness is freely imputed to us of God; that it brings us into a state of most blessed peace and favor with God, and secures every other blessing needful for time and eternity.

Acts 13:39 “And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.”
Romans 5:19 “For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.”

VI. The Freeness of Salvation

We believe that the Scriptures teach that the blessings of salvation are made free to all by the Gospel; that it is the immediate duty of all to accept them by cordial, penitent and obedient faith; and that nothing prevents the salvation of the greatest sinner on earth, but his own determined depravity and voluntary rejection of the Gospel; which rejection involves him in an aggravated condemnation.

Isaiah 55:1 “Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.”
Revelation 22:17 “And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.”
Acts 17:30 “And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:”

VII. Regeneration

We believe the Scriptures teach that in order to be saved, sinners must be regenerated, or born again; that regeneration consists in giving a holy disposition to the mind that is effected in a manner above our comprehension by the power of the Holy Spirit in connection with divine truth, so as to secure our voluntary obedience to the Gospel; and that its proper evidence appears in the holy fruits of repentance and faith, and newness of life.

John 3:3 “Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the Kingdom of God.”

VIII. Repentance and Faith

We believe the Scriptures teach that Repentance and faith are sacred duties, and also inseparable graces, wrought in our souls by the regenerating Spirit of God; whereby being deeply convinced of our guilt, danger, and helplessness and of the way of salvation by Christ, we turn to God with unfeigned contrition, confession, and supplication for mercy; at the same time heartily receiving the Lord Jesus Christ as our prophet, priest and king, and relying on him alone as the only and all-sufficient Savior.

Mark 1:15 “And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the Kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.”
Ephesians 2:8-9 “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:” (9) “Not of works, lest any man should boast.”
Romans10:9-10 “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.” (10) “For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.”

IX. God’s Purpose of Grace

We believe the Scriptures teach that election is the eternal purpose of God, according to which he graciously regenerates, sanctifies and saves sinners; that being perfectly consistent with the free agency of man, it comprehends all the means in connection with the end; that it is a most glorious display of God’s sovereign goodness, being infinitely free, wise, holy and unchangeable; that it utterly excludes boasting and promotes humility, love, prayer, praise, trust in God, and active imitation of his free mercy; that it encourages the use of means in the highest degree; that it may be ascertained by its effects in all who truly believe the Gospel; that it is the foundation of Christian assurance; and that to ascertain it With regard to ourselves demands and deserves the utmost diligence.

II Timothy 1:8-9 “Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God”; (9) “Who hath saved us, and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began.”
II Thessalonians 2:13-14 “But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth.” (14) “Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

X. Sanctification

We believe the Scriptures teach that Sanctification is the process by which, according to the will of God, we are made partakers of his holiness; that it is progressive work; that it is begun in regeneration; and that it is carried on in the hearts of believers by the presence and power of the Holy Spirit, the Sealer and Comforter, in the continual use of the appointed means especially the word of God, self-examination, self-denial, watchfulness, and prayer.

I Thessalonians 4:3 and 5:23 “For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication:” (5:23) “And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Philippians 2:12-13 “Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” (13) “For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.”

XI. Perseverance of the Saints

We believe the Scriptures teach that such only are real believers as endure to the end; that their persevering attachment to Christ is the grand mark which distinguishes them from superficial professors; that a special Providence watches over their welfare; and they are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation.

John 8:31-32 “ Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, if ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed”; (32) “and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
John 2:19 “Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.”
I John 2:28 “And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.”
Philippians 1:6 “Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:”

XII. The Law and Gospel

We believe the Scriptures teach that the Law of God is the eternal and unchangeable rule of his moral government; that it is holy, just and good; and that the inability which the Scriptures ascribe to fallen men to fulfill its percepts, arise entirely from their love of sin; to deliver them from which, and to restore them through a Mediator to unfeigned obedience to the holy Law, is one great end of the Gospel, and of the Means of Grace connected with the establishment of the visible church.

Romans 3:31 “ Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law.”
Romans 7:12 “Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good.”
Romans 8:2-4 “For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.” (3) “For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:” (4) “That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.”

XIII. A Gospel Church

We believe the Scriptures teach that a visible church of Christ is a congregation of baptized believers, associated by covenant in the faith and fellowship of the Gospel; observing the ordinances of Christ; governed by his laws; and exercising the gifts, rights, and privileges invested in them by His Word; that its only scriptural officers are Bishops and Pastors, and Deacons whose Qualifications, claims and duties are defined in the Epistles to Timothy and Titus.

Acts 2:41-42 “Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.” (42) “And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.”
II Corinthians 8:5 “And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God.”
Philippians 1:1 “Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:”

XIV. Baptism and the Lord’s Supper

We believe the Scriptures teach that Christian baptism is the immersion in the water of a believer, into the name of the Father, and Son, and Holy Ghost; to show forth in a solemn and beautiful emblem, our faith in the crucified, buried, and risen Savior, with its effect, in our death to sin and resurrection to a new life; that is prerequisite to the privileges of a church relation; and the Lord’s Supper, in which the members of the church, by the sacred use of bread and wine, are to commemorate together the dying love of Christ, preceded always by solemn self-examination.

Acts 8:36-39 “And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, see, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?” (37) “And Philip said, if thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.” (38) “And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.” (39) “And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing.”
Matthew 18:19 “Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.”
Romans 6:4 “Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.”
Luke 22:19-20 “And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me.” (20) “Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.”
I Corinthians 11:26 “For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come.”

XV. The Christian Sabbath

We believe the Scripture teach that the first day of the week is the Lord’s Day, or Christian Sabbath, and is to be kept sacred to religious purposes, abstaining from all secular labor and sinful recreations, by the devout observance of all the means of grace, both private and public, and by preparation for that rest that remaineth for the people of God.

Act 20:7 “And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight.”
Acts 13:44 “And the next Sabbath day came almost the whole city together to hear the word of God.”
Exodus 20:8 “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.”
Hebrews 10:24-25 “And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:” (25) “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another : and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.”

XVI. Civil Government

We believe the Scriptures teach that civil government is of divine appointment, (for the interest and good order of human society; and the magistrates are to be prayed for, conscientiously honored, and obeyed; except only in things opposed to the will of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is the only Lord of the conscience, and the Prince of the Kings of the earth.)

Romans 13:1 “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.”
Matthew 22:21 “They say unto him, Caesar’s. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s.”
I Peter 2:13-19 “Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake; whether it be to the king, as supreme.” (14) Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well.” (15) For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men:” (16) “As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God.” (17) “Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.” (18) “Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward.” (19) “For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully.”

XVII. Righteous and Wicked

We believe the Scriptures teach that there is a radical and essential difference between the righteous and the wicked; that such only as through faith are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and sanctified by the Spirit of God, are truly righteous in his esteem; while all such as continue in impenitence and unbelief are in his sight wicked, and under the curse; and this distinction holds among men both in and after death.

Malachi 3:18 “Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteousness and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not.”
I John 5:19 “And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness.”
Proverbs 14:32 “The wicked is driven away in his wickedness: but the righteous hath hope in his death.”

XVIII. The World to Come

We believe the Scriptures teach that the end of the world is approaching; that the last day’ Christ will descend from heaven, and raise the dead from the grave for final retribution; that a solemn separation will then take place; that the wicked will be judged to endless punishment, and the righteous to endless joy; and that this judgment will fix forever the final state of men in heaven or hell, on principles of righteousness.

I Peter 4:7-8 “ But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.” (8) “And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.”
Acts 2:11 “Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God.”
Matthews 25:41-46 “Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:” (42) “For I was a hungred, and ye have me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink:” (43) “ I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not.” (44) “ Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee?” (45) “ Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me.” (46) “ And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.”