This Statement of Common Faith reflects the beliefs of the congregation of Memorial Baptist Church. It is not a creed; rather, it is a confession and an expression of general doctrinal agreement.
Jesus Christ
We believe Jesus Christ is God, Savior, and Lord of all creation; he is the perfect revelation of God as well as God incarnate, the mediator between God the Father and humanity.
The Father
We believe The Father is the eternal creator of the universe, exists as one person of the Holy Trinity.
The Holy Spirit
We believe the Holy Spirit is the Promise of the Father, the Comforter who indwells and places every believer in the Body of Christ, bestows spiritual gifts upon the Church, is the assurance of salvation, and convicts the world of sin.
Humanity
We believe that people are created in God's image and likeness but all people come into the world under the curse of sin and need redemption from Christ Jesus.
Redemption
We believe the cross and resurrection of Jesus Christ provide the only redemption from sin and that Christ died for all people. Reconciliation and new life are only possible through his death and resurrection, and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
Salvation
We believe that salvation is by God's grace alone through faith and that people cannot save themselves by works of righteousness, but works of righteousness are products of the Holy Spirit who indwells believers by faith.
Scripture and Creeds
We believe that the sixty-six books of the Bible are inspired by the Holy Spirit and are the sole supreme authority under God for Christian belief and life. Jesus Christ is the lens in which we interpret scripture. Creeds and confessional statements are not for doctrinal accountability but expressions of common faith under the authority of Christ and Scripture
The Church
We believe the church was instituted by Jesus Christ to be the people of God and is made up of all believers regardless of race, gender, age, or station in life; the church visible is the local congregation of believers.
Distinctives
We believe in the autonomy of the local congregation, separation of church and state, and voluntary cooperation between congregations for evangelism and education. We believe in freedom of church government domination or control, and in the liberty and competency of every Christian to interpret Scripture and go directly to God in prayer.
Ordinances
We believe in two ordinances instituted by Christ Jesus to be observed by his people until he returns: water baptism by immersion and the Lord's Supper.
Conversion
We believe authentic Christan life begins with conversion to Christ which involves repentance and faith in him; conversion to Christ Jesus results in justification and regeneration. These are gifts that cannot be earned or inherited.
