What We Believe

The following confession of faith covers the tenets of our beliefs at SHBC. Those that are familiar with confessions will find a blending of statements from such confessions as The Abstract of Principles, The Baptist Confession of 1689 and the 2000 Baptist Faith and Message. 

The Scriptures

The Bible (Old and New Testaments) is the inspired Word of God. It is the only sufficient, certain, authoritative and infallible rule of all saving knowledge, faith and obedience.

God

The Lord our God is but one only living and true God. He is revealed to us as Father, Son and Holy Spirit - each with distinct personal attributes, but without division of nature, essence or being.

The Fall of Man

God originally created man in His own image, and free from sin. But, through the temptation of Satan, he transgressed the command of God, and fell from this original position. In that fall all mankind became dead in sin. That deadness has caused man to be wholly inclined to evil and incapable of redeeming himself.

Christ The Mediator

Jesus Christ is the divinely appointed mediator between God and man. Having taken upon Himself human nature, yet without sin, He perfectly fulfilled the Law, suffered and died upon the cross for the salvation of sinners. He was buried, and arose again the third day, and ascended to His Father, at whose hand He ever lives to make intercession for His people. He is the only mediator.

Saving Faith

The grace of faith is a work of the Holy Spirit in the hearts of men. Saving faith is the belief, on God's authority, of whatsoever is revealed in His Word concerning Christ; accepting and resting upon Him alone for forgiveness and eternal life. True faith leads to a life that grows in obedience. Saving faith is a gift from God -- not because of foreseen merit, but of His mercy.

Repentance

Repentance is a grace where a person is made aware and sensible regarding his sin. It is a work of the Holy Spirit (not of man) causing a humbling of one's spirit, a godly sorrow, a detestation of sin and a turning of one's heart with a purpose and endeavor to walk before God so as to please Him in all things.

Regeneration 

Regeneration is a change of heart, brought about by the Holy Spirit, who quickens the dead in their trespasses and sins, enlightening their minds spiritually and bringing them to a saving understanding of the Word of God.

Justification

Justification is God's gracious and full acquittal of sinners from all sin through the satisfaction provided by Christ's death on the cross. Justification is granted by faith - not by any merit of man. It is accomplished by the obedience and satisfaction of Christ alone.

The Judgment

God has appointed a day, wherein He will judge the world by Jesus Christ. The wicked shall go into everlasting punishment and the righteous into everlasting life. The righteous will not be able to claim any righteousness of their own. It will be an imputed righteousness that comes from a saving faith in Christ.