“There is one body and one Spirit…one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.”
– Ephesians 4:4-6 (ESV)
“As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions…Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own masterthat he stands or falls…So then each of us will give an account of himself to God…”
– Romans 14:1,4,12 (ESV)
“And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.”
– 1 Corinthians 13:2 (ESV)
The Holy Bible was written by men divinely inspired and is God’s revelation of Himself to man. It is a perfect treasure of divine instruction. It has God for its author, salvation for its end, and truth, without any mixture of error, for its matter.
There is only one true and living God. He reveals Himself to us in the trinity as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. These three are distinct in personality but are one God.
God the Father
God as Father rules over all creation and history according to His purposes. He is fatherly toward all people and a true Father to those who become children of God through faith in Jesus Christ.
God the Son
Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God. In His incarnation He was conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. Jesus lived as a human yet was without sin. Through His perfect obedience to God and His death on the cross He made our salvation possible. He was raised from the dead and ascended into heaven as our mediator. He will return again one day in power and glory to complete God’s redemptive plan.
God the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit convicts people of sin, righteousness, and judgement and calls individuals to the Savior. He teaches and strengthens in worship, evangelism, and service.
Mankind is the greatest work of God’s creation made in the image of God. Through free choice humanity broke the command of God and now inherits a nature of sinfulness. So, all people are under condemnation and in need of the grace and salvation of God. God’s special creation of and sacrifice for mankind reveals that every person of every race is worthy of respect and Christian love.
Salvation is offered freely to all who accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. There is no salvation apart from personal faith in Jesus Christ as Lord. (Learn more about salvation through Jesus.)
Our full statement of beliefs can be found in the 2000 Baptist Faith and Message.
For much more on Southern Baptist beliefs, faith, and confessions, visit www.sbc.net.