We recognize and believe in the authority of the Bible as the Word of God. We do not recognize creeds issued by man as authoritative and binding, but we do offer in humility and sincerity the following statement of doctrine:
1. The Scriptures, Old and New Testaments, are the divinely inspired Word of God and infallible in their original writings. They are perfect and complete, the only written revelation of God to man and authoritative in all matters. 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21; Galatians 1:11-12; 1 Peter 1:10-12; Luke 24:44.
2. There is only one God who as creator of the universe manifest Himself in three persons: God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. Genesis 1:1-2,26; Deuteronomy 6:4; Ephesians 4:6.
- God the Father, He is omnipotent, omnipresent and omniscient. He reveals Himself as a merciful and loving Father seeking fellowship with mankind. John 5:19-26; 2 Corinthians 6:18; Revelation 21:3.
- God the Son, He is revealed as Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God; born of a virgin, He is both God and man sent “to seek and to save that which was lost.” (Luke 19:10 KJV) John 1:1-2, 14,18; 3:16; Luke 1:35; Matthew 1:18-21.
- God the Holy Spirit, He is sent forth from the Father to indwell the saints, to be their counselor and comforter, to empower them for service, and to seal them to Himself. His work is to convict the world of sin, of righteousness and of judgment. He bestows spiritual gifts upon the believers for the perfecting of the saints. John 16:5-16; Acts 1:8; Ephesians 1:13-14; 4:7-14.
3. Man was created in the image of God without sin. He voluntarily fell from his sinless state and sin has passed on to all mankind alienating all from God resulting in physical and spiritual death. Genesis 1:27; 2:7; 3:1-19; Psalm 14:1-3; Jeremiah 17:9; Romans 3:23; 6:23; Revelation 20:11-15.
4. Because mankind is hopelessly lost, we are in need of a Savior. Salvation has been provided through the substitutionary death of Jesus upon the cross. Through the shedding of His blood we have the forgiveness of sin. Salvation is a gift entirely by the grace of God. Through repentance and faith in His death and resurrection we have a living hope and “through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.” (1 Peter 1:3-5 NIV) 1 John 1:7-9; 5:10-13; Hebrews 10:5-25; Revelation 1:5-6; 5:9-10.
5. Christ’s Church is composed of all born-again believers who are voluntarily united together for:
a. Worshiping God. John 4:23-24; Hebrews 10:25.
b. Ministering to the saints. Galatians 6:2; John 13:14; 1 Peter 4:10
c. Evangelizing and disciplining. John 21:15-17; 1 Corinthians 11:23-25
d. Keeping the ordinances of baptism and the Lord’s Supper.
e. We believe in, and practice baptism by immersion.
For a complete copy of our Constitution and Bylaws, please click here.
Country Oaks Baptist Church is a member of the Southern Baptist Convention.