Our Fundamental Beliefs

Beulah embraces the following statements concerning the beliefs of our Church. "But Speak thou the things which become sound doctrine" (Titus 2:1). Beulah adopts the Holy Bible as the rule in the Church's faith, practice, and methods of operation. This Statement of Fundamental Beliefs is intended simply as a basis of fellowship among us (i.e. that we all speak the same thing). No claim is made that it is comprehensive of all Biblical truth, only that it covers our needs as to these fundamental doctrines. We do not presume to say the phraseology employed in this Statement of Fundamental Beliefs is inspired or that it is the final word on Biblical truth. However, we are persuaded it is proper and consistent with the Holy Scriptures to set forth in order a declaration of those things, which are most surely believed among us.

The Scriptures

We believe that the Holy Bible was written by men divinely inspired, and is a perfect treasure of heavenly instruction; that it has God for its author, salvation for its end, and truth without any mixture of error for its matter; that it reveals the principles by which God will judge us, and therefore is, and shall remain to the end of the world, the true center of Christian union, and the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds, and opinions shall be tried.

The True God

We believe the Scriptures teach that there is one, and only one, living and true God, an infinite, intelligent Spirit, whose name is Jehovah, the Maker and Supreme Ruler of heaven and earth; inexpressibly glorious in holiness, and worthy of all possible honor, confidence and love; that in the unity of the Godhead there are three persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost; equal in every divine perfection, and executing distinct but harmonious offices in the great work of redemption.

The Fall of Man

We believe that the Scriptures teach that Man was created in holiness, under the law of his Maker; but by voluntary transgression fell from the holy and happy state; in consequence of which all mankind are sinners, not by constraint but choice; being by nature utterly void of that holiness required by the law of God, positively inclined to evil; and therefore under just condemnation to eternal ruin, without defense or excuse.

The Way of Salvation

We believe that the Scriptures teach that the salvation of sinners is wholly of grace; through the mediatorial offices of the Son of God; who by the appointment of the Father, freely took upon him our nature, yet without sin; honored the divine law by his personal obedience, and by his death made a full atonement for our sins; that having risen from the dead, he is now enthroned in heaven; and uniting in his wonderful person the tenderest

sympathies with divine perfections, he is in every way qualified to be a suitable, a compassionate, and an all-sufficient Saviour.

Justification

We believe the Scriptures teach that the great Gospel blessing which Christ secures to such as believe in him is justification; that justification includes the pardon of sin, and the promise of eternal life on principles of righteousness; that it is bestowed, not in consideration of any works of righteousness which we have done, but solely through faith in the Redeemer's blood; by virtue of which faith his perfect righteousness is freely imputed to us of God; that it brings us into a state of most blessed peace and favor with God, and secures every other blessing needful for time and eternity.

The Freeness of Salvation

We believe that the Scriptures teach that the blessings of salvation are made free to all by the Gospel; that it is the immediate duty of all to accept them by cordial, penitent and obedient faith; and that nothing prevents the salvation of the greatest sinner on earth, but his own determined depravity and voluntary rejection of the Gospel; which rejection involves him in an aggravated condemnation.

Regeneration

We believe that the Scriptures teach that in order to be saved, sinners must be regenerated, or born again; that regeneration consists in giving a holy disposition to the mind that it is effected in a manner above our comprehension by the power of the Holy Spirit in connection with divine truth, so as to secure our voluntary obedience to the Gospel; and that its proper evidence appears in the holy fruits of repentance and faith, and newness of life.

Repentance and Faith

We believe the Scriptures teach that repentance and faith are sacred duties, and also inseparable graces, wrought in our souls by the regenerating Spirit of God; whereby being deeply convinced of our guilt, danger and helplessness and of the way of salvation by Christ, we turn to God with unfeigned contrition, confession and supplication for mercy; at the same time heartily receiving the Lord Jesus Christ as our prophet, priest and king, and relying on him alone as the only and all-sufficient Saviour.

God's Purpose of Grace

We believe the Scriptures teach that election is the eternal purpose of God, according to which he graciously regenerates, sanctifies and saves sinners; that being perfectly consistent with the free agency of man, it

comprehends all the means in connection with the end; that is a most glorious display of God's sovereign goodness, being infinitely free, wise, holy and unchangeable, that it utterly excludes boasting and promotes humility, love, prayer, praise, trust in God, and active imitation of his free mercy; that it encourages the use of means in the highest degree; that it may be ascertained by its effects in all who truly believe the Gospel; that it is the foundation of Christian assurance; and that to ascertain it with regard to ourselves demands and deserves the utmost diligence.

Sanctification

We believe the Scriptures teach that Sanctification is the process by which, according to the will of God, we are

made partakers of his holiness; that it is a progressive work; that it is begun in regeneration; and that it is carried on in the hearts of believers by the presence and power of the Holy Spirit, the Healer and Comforter, in the continual use of the appointed means especially the word of God, self-examination, self-denial, watchfulness, and prayer.

Perseverance of Saints

We believe the Scriptures teach that such only are real believers as endure to the end; that their persevering attachment to Christ is the grand mark which distinguishes them from superficial professors; that a special Providence watches over their welfare; and they are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation.

The Law and Gospel

We believe the Scriptures teach that the Law of God is the eternal and unchangeable rule of his moral government; that it is holy, just and good; and that the inability which the Scriptures ascribe to fallen men to fulfill its precepts, arise entirely from their love of sin; to deliver them from which, and to restore them through a Mediator to unfeigned obedience to the holy Law, is one great end of the Gospel, and of the means of Grace connected with the establishment of the visible church.

A Gospel Church

We believe the Scriptures teach that a visible church of Christ is a congregation of baptized believers, associated by covenant in the faith and fellowship of the Gospel; observing the ordinances of Christ; governed by his laws; and exercising the gifts, rights, and privileges invested in them by His Word; that its only scriptural officers are Bishops or Pastors, and Deacons and Deaconesses whose qualifications, claims and duties are defined in the Epistles to Timothy and Titus.

The Christian Sabbath

We believe the Scriptures teach that the first day of the week is the Lord's Day, or Christian Sabbath, and is to be kept sacred to religious purposes, by abstaining from all secular labor and sinful recreations, by the devout observances of all means of grace, both private and public, and by preparation for the rest that remain for the people of God.

Baptism and the Lord's Supper

We believe the Scriptures teach that Christian baptism is the immersion in water of a believer, into the name of the Father, and Son, and Holy Ghost; to show forth in a solemn and beautiful emblem, our faith in the crucified, buried, and risen Saviour, with its effect, in our death to sin and resurrection to a new life; that it is prerequisite to the privileges of a church relation; and to the Lord's Supper, in which the members of the church, by the sacred use of bread and wine, are to commemorate together the dying love of Christ; preceded always by solemn self-examination.

Civil Government

We believe the Scriptures teach that civil government is of divine appointment, for the interest and good order of human society; and that magistrates are to be prayed for, conscientiously honored and obeyed; except only in things opposed to the will of our Lord Jesus Christ who is the only Lord of the conscience, and the Prince of the Kings of the earth.

Righteous and Wicked

We believe the Scriptures teach that there is a radical and essential difference between the righteous and the wicked; that such only as through faith are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and sanctified by the Spirit of our God, are truly righteous in his esteem; while all such as continue in impenitence and unbelief are in his sight wicked, and under the curse, and this distinction holds among men both in and after death.

Blessed Hope

We believe Jesus is coming again to gather all His Saints to Heaven before the Great Tribulation (rapture).

The Great Tribulation

We believe that the Scriptures teach that after Jesus raptures the church, there will be a seven year period of tribulation. This period is called the Great Tribulation.

The Millennial Reign of Jesus

We believe that our Lord Jesus Christ with His Saints will return from I-leaven to rule and reign for one thousand years on the earth as the Scriptures promised.

The World to Come

We believe that the Scriptures teach that the end of the world is approaching; that at the. last day, Christ will descend from heaven, and raise the dead from the grave for final retribution; that a solemn separation will then take place; that the wicked will be adjudged to endless punishment, and the righteous to endless joy; and that this judgment will fix forever the final state of men in heaven or hell, on principles of righteousness.

The Lake of Fire

We believe those who have not accepted the redemptive work of Jesus Christ will suffer eternal separation from the Godhead. The devil and his angels, the beast and the false prophet, and anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life, shall be consigned to everlasting punishment in the lake of fire which bunts with brimstone. This is the second death, the lake of fire.

We do in the presence of Almighty God, the angels, and this assembly enter into covenant with one another, as we are here to reconfirm our faith in God through Christ and to reconfirm the works that follow our faith for the Bible says: “faith without works is dead” (James 2:26b).

We believe, upon the confession of our faith, we were baptized in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit uniting us into one faith. Therefore, our words and deeds exemplify the principles of the Word of God to ensure that we do not bring reproach upon God or the body of Christ.

We believe that the Holy Bible was written by divinely inspired men with God as the Author. We believe that it was written without error and with salvation for its end. Therefore, we hold the Holy Bible to be the absolute truth and the final authority in all things.

We believe in the Triune God: God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. We further believe that God the Father is the supreme Ruler and Creator of all things. We believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God who is the only way to salvation. We believe that the Holy Spirit serves as our seal until the day of Redemption. Therefore, we worship and embrace the Trinity as God in three persons.

We believe that as a local church we are united in Christian love for the expressed purpose of doing “it” God’s way. Therefore, we keep our hearts focused on God, endeavoring to learn His perfect will.

We believe, by following the vision of our Pastor, as he follows the way of God, that this church enhances its spirituality, prosperity, holiness, and high level of worship. Therefore, we willfully submit ourselves under the direction of the Man of God, as he submits himself under the direction of God.

We believe that it is our responsibility and duty to contribute faithfully and regularly to our storehouse (Beulah), because we are Malachi believers. Therefore, we bring our tithe which is 10% of our gross income along with a reasonable portion of our time and talents.

We also believe that over and above our tithes, we bring our offerings for the growth of the church, for the expansion of God’s kingdom and for meeting the needs of our outreach ministries. Therefore, as joyful stewards, we give back to God what He has entrusted to us.

We believe that as we look beyond the walls of this Church, we dedicate our time and resources to increase, revitalize, and meet the needs of the community. Therefore, through our community outreach ministries, we have committed ourselves to clothing, feeding, educating, and enhancing the quality of life of our neighbors.

We believe that all relationships are to be kept undefiled by abstaining from all sexual immorality. We also believe as Scripture teaches that marriage is a covenant solely between a man and a woman. Therefore, we will reverence all of our relationships and keep our marriages holy, as our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit.