At CRBC, we hold to the Second London Baptist Confession of Faith (1689) as a faithful summary of biblical doctrine. Because the doctrines expressed in the 1689 are drawn from Scripture, we believe that confessing them is an act of obedience to 2 Timothy 3:16. Our Confession has stood the test of time, being in substantial agreement with the other great confessions and Creeds, such as the Athanasian Creed (which we also confess). Therefore, we hold to the 1689 not merely in affirmation, but in both belief and practice. We also commend the Baptist catechism as a helpful tool for instruction in the faith. Listed below are a few core doctrines and beliefs consistent with the Confession, followed by a section of Reformed Baptist Distinctive’s.
The Holy Scriptures:
We believe that the sixty-six books of the Bible constitute the complete and sufficient revelation of God to mankind, and they are the final authority for all matters of faith and practice. Every word of Scripture is verbally inspired by God, and inerrant, infallible, and authoritative. Furthermore, by God’s providence the Scriptures have been preserved and kept pure throughout all generations, ensuring that His truth is made known in every age. (see 1689 LBCF, ch. 1)
The Triune God:
We worship one God who eternally exists in three distinct Persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—one in essence, equal in power and glory, and worthy of the same worship. (see 1689 LBCF, ch. 2)
Creation & the Fall:
God created the world in six literal days. Adam and Eve were real people whose sin brought all humanity into physical and spiritual death and the need for redemption. (see 1689 LBCF, ch. 4, 6)
Salvation:
Salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. Jesus lived a sinless life, died for sinners, and rose bodily from the dead. Salvation is entirely a work of God’s sovereign grace. (see 1689 LBCF, chs. 7–15; esp. ch. 8, 10, 11, 15)
The Lord’s Day:
We believe that the first day of the week, called the Lord’s Day, is the Christian Sabbath and the special day set aside for God’s people to worship and rest from their labors. (see 1689 LBCF, ch. 22.7–8)
Baptism & the Lord’s Supper:
Christ has given His Church two ordinances: Baptism by immersion for professing believers and the Lord’s Supper, to remember Christ’s atoning death and proclaim His return. We believe that the Lord’s Supper is a means of grace rather than a bare memorial. (see 1689 LBCF, chs. 28–30)
Leadership:
Christ appoints two offices in the church: Elders, who shepherd the flock through teaching and oversight, and Deacons, who serve the church by preserving unity, caring for widows and the poor, and addressing other practical needs, in order to free the Elders to devote themselves to the ministry of the word and prayer. (see 1689 LBCF, ch. 26.8–11)
Marriage & Sexuality:
We believe that God created only male and female, and that marriage is a lifelong covenant between one man and one woman. We oppose all forms of sexual immorality, including homosexuality and attempts to reject or alter one’s God-given sex, as violations of God’s good design. (see 1689 LBCF, ch. 25)
Biblical Duties of Men and Women:
We believe in biblical patriarchy, teaching that God has established only men to lead in the church, the home, and society. As patriarchal, not egalitarian or complementarian, we believe that men are called to exercise real and active headship in their households (not in name only), reflecting Christ’s love and authority over the church. Women are equally precious and honored by God, yet they have distinct duties that align with His created order. Both men and women are to serve God faithfully within these God-ordained callings, in order to build strong families, churches, and communities. (see 1689 LBCF, ch. 25; ch. 26.8–11; cf. ch. 24 for principles of order in society)
Sanctity of Life:
Since man is made in the image of God, all human life is sacred from the moment of conception. Therefore, Abortion is the unjust taking of innocent life and a violation of the Sixth Commandment. (see 1689 LBCF, ch. 4; ch. 6; ch. 19.5–6)
Membership & Discipline:
Church membership is for those who repent, believe, and are baptized. We practice church discipline in love, for the glory of God, purity of the church, and restoration of the sinner. (see 1689 LBCF, ch. 26.6–13)
Christ’s Return:
We believe in the visible, bodily return of Jesus Christ to judge the living and the dead. We reject the dispensationalist view of a secret rapture before the tribulation. At Christ’s coming, the righteous will be raised to eternal life and the wicked to eternal punishment. Christ will consummate His Kingdom, renew all things, and dwell forever with His redeemed people in the new heavens and new earth. (see 1689 LBCF, chs. 31–32)
Reformed Baptist Distinctives:
Here are the 5 distinctive’s of a Reformed Baptist Church.
Confessional: We adhere to the 1689 Confession of Faith.
Covenant Theology: Covenant theology/1689 Federalism is the Biblical framework that reveals God’s relationship with man. Covenant theology properly reveals both God’s and man’s nature, the person and work of Christ, justification by faith alone, the role obedience has in a Christian’s life, and the unfolding of God’s redemptive plan.
Five Solas: The five solas of the Reformation, distinguished the Reformers from the teachings of Rome. They are,
- Sola Scriptura (Scripture alone)
- Solus Christus (Christ alone)
- Sola Fide (faith alone)
- Sola Gratia (grace alone)
- Soli Deo Gloria (glory of God alone)
Doctrines of Grace:
- Total Depravity (Romans 3:10, 11).
- Unconditional election (Romans 9:11; I Timothy 1:9).
- Limited Atonement (John 10:15, 26).
- Irresistible grace (John 6:37; Colossians 1:13).
- Perseverance of the saints (John 6:39; Philippians 1:6).
Regulative Principle of Worship: According to the Scripture, God has regulated the ways that we are to worship Him. God has graciously revealed the principles of true worship in His word, and Christians are obligated to be diligent in following these principles set down for us in the Scripture alone.
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