We at First Baptist Church of Leominster, Massachusetts adopt as the fullest expression of our faith the Baptist Confession of 1689.
We understand the ultimate authority in all matters of faith, order and morals is and must be the Bible alone, as articulated in the opening article of the confession itself. This historic document is, however, an excellent summary of the "things most surely believed among us." We accept it not as an infallible rule or code of faith, but as assistance to us in doctrinal definition, a confirmation in faith, and a means of edification in righteousness. Here, our members have a body of theology in compact form and by means of scriptural proofs, are ready to give a reason for the hope that is within them (1 Peter 3:15).
We understand the ultimate authority in all matters of faith, order and morals is and must be the Bible alone, as articulated in the opening article of the confession itself. This historic document is, however, an excellent summary of the "things most surely believed among us." We accept it not as an infallible rule or code of faith, but as assistance to us in doctrinal definition, a confirmation in faith, and a means of edification in righteousness. Here, our members have a body of theology in compact form and by means of scriptural proofs, are ready to give a reason for the hope that is within them (1 Peter 3:15).
"1. The Holy Scripture is the only sufficient, certain, and infallible rule of all saving knowledge, faith, and obedience, although the light of nature, and the works of creation and providence do so far manifest the goodness, wisdom, and power of God, as to leave men inexcusable; yet are they not sufficient to give that knowledge of God and his will which is necessary unto salvation. Therefore it pleased the Lord at sundry times and in divers manners to reveal himself, and to declare that his will unto his church; and afterward for the better preserving and propagating of the truth, and for the more sure establishment and comfort of the church against the corruption of the flesh, and the malice of Satan, and of the world, to commit the same wholly unto writing; which maketh the Holy Scriptures to be most necessary, those former ways of God's revealing his will unto his people being now ceased.
(2 Timothy 3:15-17; Isaiah 8:20; Luke 16:29, 31; Ephesians 2:20; Romans 1:19-21; Romans 2:14,15; Psalms 19:1-3; Hebrews 1:1; Proverbs 22:19-21; Romans 15:4; 2 Peter 1:19,20)"
(2 Timothy 3:15-17; Isaiah 8:20; Luke 16:29, 31; Ephesians 2:20; Romans 1:19-21; Romans 2:14,15; Psalms 19:1-3; Hebrews 1:1; Proverbs 22:19-21; Romans 15:4; 2 Peter 1:19,20)"