Statement of Faith

Here at Anchor Baptist Church, we stand firmly on the truths of Scripture as expressed in the King James Version of the Bible, which we believe to be the inerrant and inspired Word of God. Our statement of faith outlines the core doctrines we uphold in our commitment to the teachings of Jesus Christ but is not all-inclusive.

Independent

As an independent Baptist church, we operate autonomously, free from external ecclesiastical control. Our independence allows us to maintain the purity of our doctrine and practice directly under the authority of Jesus Christ, the head of the Church (Ephesians 1:22-23). We believe in the local church as a self-governing body of believers, accountable only to God and Scripture (Matthew 18:20).

Fundamental

We identify as fundamental because we adhere to the essential truths of Christianity as revealed in the Bible. These fundamentals include the deity of Christ (John 1:1, 14), the virgin birth (Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:23), the substitutionary atonement of Christ for our sins (1 Peter 2:24), His bodily resurrection (Luke 24:6-7), and His imminent return (Acts 1:11). We stand against modernist interpretations of Scripture and hold to the literal, historical, and grammatical interpretation of the Bible.

King James Only

Our church exclusively uses the King James Bible, as we believe it to be the most accurate and faithful translation available in the English language. We uphold this translation for its textual reliability and doctrinal soundness, believing it to be preserved by God for the English speaking people (Psalm 12:6-7).

Premillennial

We hold a premillennial view concerning end times, believing that Jesus Christ will return to earth before the millennial reign, as described in Revelation 20:1-6. This view includes the belief in a pre-tribulation rapture, where all believers will be caught up to meet the Lord in the air before the time of tribulation begins (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17). We anticipate His return with hope and readiness, knowing it could happen at any moment.

Major Beliefs

Creation

We believe that God is the Creator of the universe and all that is in it, having spoken everything into existence by His powerful Word (Genesis 1:1; Hebrews 11:3). We affirm that creation was accomplished in six literal days and that humanity was specially created in the image of God (Genesis 1:26-27).

The Bible

The Bible is central to our faith and practice. We believe it to be the complete and final authority on all matters of faith and conduct. The Scripture provides the foundation for understanding who God is and His will for our lives. We uphold the Bible's teachings as the ultimate truth, guiding us in doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16-17). The Word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, discerning the thoughts and intents of the heart (Hebrews 4:12).

The Trinity

We believe in one God, eternally existent in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19; 2 Corinthians 13:14). Each person of the Trinity is fully God and equal in essence and power.

Salvation

Salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone (Ephesians 2:8-9). We believe that Jesus Christ's death on the cross and His resurrection provide the only means of salvation for humanity. Repentance from the sin of unbelief and faith in Christ lead to the forgiveness of sins and eternal life (John 14:6; Acts 4:12). We believe that salvation is available to all people, regardless of their past or present circumstances. The Bible teaches that God desires all to come to repentance and be saved (2 Peter 3:9). Salvation is not limited by race, background, or social status; it is a gift offered to anyone who believes in Jesus Christ as their Savior (Romans 10:13). By grace through faith, anyone who calls upon the name of the Lord can be saved (Ephesians 2:8-9). We encourage everyone to accept this free gift of salvation and experience the transformative power of Christ in their lives.

Baptism

We believe that baptism is an ordinance of the church, instituted by Jesus Christ. It is a public testimony of a believer's faith in Christ and a symbol of the believer's identification with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus (Romans 6:3-4). Baptism is by immersion, following the example set by Jesus and the early church (Matthew 3:16; Acts 8:38-39). It is a prerequisite to church membership and an outward expression of an inward faith.

WHAT I LOVE ABOUT ANCHOR BAPTIST CHURCH

"I appreciate how quickly the folks at Anchor welcome newcomers and how genuinely they love and treat one another like family. I'm also encouraged by their eagerness to apply God's Word to their lives."

— Pastor

Heaven

We believe that Heaven is a real, eternal place where believers will dwell with God forever. It is a place of joy, peace, and worship, prepared by Jesus for those who trust in Him (John 14:2-3). In Heaven, there will be no more death, sorrow, or pain, and God Himself will be with His people (Revelation 21:4).

Hell

We believe that Hell is a literal place of eternal separation from God for those who reject Jesus Christ as their Savior. It is a place of conscious torment and regret (Luke 16:23-24). The Bible teaches that Hell was prepared for the devil and his angels (Matthew 25:41), but it is also the eternal destiny of those who do not believe in Jesus (2 Thessalonians 1:8-9).

ETERNAL SECURITY

We believe in the eternal security of the believer, meaning once a person is truly saved, they cannot lose their salvation (John 10:28-29). This assurance rests on the promises of God, who is faithful to keep His children unto the end.

THE CHURCH

The local church is a community of baptized believers, committed to the teachings of Christ, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer (Acts 2:42). We practice two ordinances: baptism by immersion as a public testimony of faith (Matthew 28:19) and the Lord's Supper as a remembrance of Christ's sacrifice (1 Corinthians 11:23-26).

GOVERNMENT

We acknowledge that governing authorities are instituted by God for the purpose of maintaining order and justice (Romans 13:1-2). While we respect and submit to these authorities, we believe that our ultimate allegiance is to God and His commandments, especially when human laws conflict with divine laws (Acts 5:29).

MARRIAGE

We believe that marriage is a sacred union instituted by God, defined as a covenant between one man and one woman. It is designed to be a lifelong commitment, reflecting the relationship between Christ and His Church (Ephesians 5:31-32). We uphold the sanctity of marriage as a foundational institution for family and society and believe it should be honored and preserved according to biblical principles (Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:4-6).

By holding to these beliefs, we seek to honor God and faithfully proclaim His truth until Christ returns. We invite you to join us in worship and service for His glory.

Psalm 12:6-7; Ephesians 2:8-10