Core Beliefs
The following are the core beliefs of Faith Bible Church - TX based on the foundational truths taught in the Bible. All of our teaching and ministry is rooted in and flows out of these biblical doctrines.
THE HOLY SCRIPTURES
We believe and teach that the Holy Scriptures of both the Old and New Testament are the verbally inspired Word of God, absolutely without error in the original documents. We also believe and teach that the Scriptures are the supreme and final authority in doctrine and practice (John 17:17; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:21).
THE TRINITY
We believe and teach there is one living and true God, eternally existing in three equal persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Though these possess the same divine nature and attributes, they are distinct in office and activity (Deuteronomy 6:4; Matthew 28:19; 2 Corinthians 13:14).
GOD THE FATHER
We believe and teach that God the Father is Father over all creation, Father of the nation Israel, Father of the Lord Jesus Christ, and Father of believers in Christ Jesus (Galatians 3:26; Exodus 4:22; Matthew 3:17).
We believe and teach that God the Father orders and disposes all things according to His own purpose and grace (Psalm 145:8-9; 1 Corinthians 8:6). As the absolute and highest ruler in the universe, He has supreme power over all things—creation, providence, and redemption (Job 1:6; Psalm 103:19; Romans 11:33). He has graciously chosen from all eternity those whom He would have as his own (Ephesians 1:3-6) and He saves from sin all who come to Him through Jesus Christ (Psalm 145:8-9; 1 Corinthians 8:6; Psalm 103:19; Romans 11:33; Ephesians 1:3-6; John 1:12,18).
We believe and teach that God the Father orders and disposes all things according to His own purpose and grace (Psalm 145:8-9; 1 Corinthians 8:6). As the absolute and highest ruler in the universe, He has supreme power over all things—creation, providence, and redemption (Job 1:6; Psalm 103:19; Romans 11:33). He has graciously chosen from all eternity those whom He would have as his own (Ephesians 1:3-6) and He saves from sin all who come to Him through Jesus Christ (Psalm 145:8-9; 1 Corinthians 8:6; Psalm 103:19; Romans 11:33; Ephesians 1:3-6; John 1:12,18).
THE LORD JESUS CHRIST
We believe and teach that the Lord Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God, became a man, without ceasing to be God, having been conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary, in order that He might reveal God and redeem sinful man. We believe and teach that Christ accomplished our redemption through His death on the cross as a substitutionary sacrifice for our sins in obedience to the Father's will. We believe and teach that our redemption and salvation are guaranteed to us by His literal physical resurrection from the dead (Luke 1:35; John 1:1,14,18; Romans 3:24-26, 4:25; 1 Corinthians 15:50-55; Ephesians 1:20-21).
We believe and teach that the Lord Jesus Christ is now in heaven, exalted at the right hand of God, where as High Priest He fulfills the ministry of intercession and advocacy for His people. (Philippians 2:9-10; Colossians 1:17-19; Hebrews 1:3, 3:1, 7:23-25, 9:24, 12:2; 1 John 2:1-2).
We believe and teach that the Lord Jesus Christ is now in heaven, exalted at the right hand of God, where as High Priest He fulfills the ministry of intercession and advocacy for His people. (Philippians 2:9-10; Colossians 1:17-19; Hebrews 1:3, 3:1, 7:23-25, 9:24, 12:2; 1 John 2:1-2).
THE HOLY SPIRIT
We believe and teach that the Holy Spirit is a divine person, eternal, possessing all the divine attributes, and that in these, He is co–equal with God the Father and God the Son (Matthew 28:19; Acts 5:3-4; 2 Corinthians 13:14).
We believe and teach that the Holy Spirit took up His abode in the world in a special sense on the Day of Pentecost, that He permanently indwells and enables every believer at salvation, unites all believers into one body in Christ, and strengthens and guides believers into acceptable worship and service (John 14:16-17, 26, 16:7-15; 1 Corinthians 6:19; Ephesians 2:22; Romans 8:26-27; Ephesians 3:16-17; Ephesians 4:3).
We believe and teach that the Holy Spirit restrains evil in the world; convicts the world with respect to sin, righteousness, and judgment; seals believers unto the Day of Redemption and bestows spiritual gifts (2 Thessalonians 2:7; John 16:7-11; Ephesians 4:30; Romans 8:9; Romans 12:4-8).
We believe and teach that speaking in tongues was never the common nor necessary sign of the baptism nor of the filling of the Spirit, and that emphasis should be on that which edifies and unifies the Church. We believe and teach that the practice of speaking in tongues should not be expressed in corporate worship, since it is not a gift given to edify the Body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:13, 14:22-24).
We believe and teach that the Holy Spirit took up His abode in the world in a special sense on the Day of Pentecost, that He permanently indwells and enables every believer at salvation, unites all believers into one body in Christ, and strengthens and guides believers into acceptable worship and service (John 14:16-17, 26, 16:7-15; 1 Corinthians 6:19; Ephesians 2:22; Romans 8:26-27; Ephesians 3:16-17; Ephesians 4:3).
We believe and teach that the Holy Spirit restrains evil in the world; convicts the world with respect to sin, righteousness, and judgment; seals believers unto the Day of Redemption and bestows spiritual gifts (2 Thessalonians 2:7; John 16:7-11; Ephesians 4:30; Romans 8:9; Romans 12:4-8).
We believe and teach that speaking in tongues was never the common nor necessary sign of the baptism nor of the filling of the Spirit, and that emphasis should be on that which edifies and unifies the Church. We believe and teach that the practice of speaking in tongues should not be expressed in corporate worship, since it is not a gift given to edify the Body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:13, 14:22-24).
ANGELS, FALLEN AND HOLY
We believe and teach that angels are spiritual beings who were created as sinless personalities and that they occupy different orders and ranks. They presently exist in both fallen and holy states, the former including Satan and his demons (Hebrews 1:13,14; 2 Peter 2:4; Revelation 7:11-12).
We believe and teach that Satan, by his own choice the enemy of God and of the people of God, is the originator of sin, that he led our first parents into sin and now rules as the god of this world. We believe and teach that he was judged at the cross and that ultimately he will be cast into the Lake of Fire (Genesis 3:1-19; Isaiah 14:12-14; Matthew 25:41; Revelation 20:10).
We believe and teach that Satan, by his own choice the enemy of God and of the people of God, is the originator of sin, that he led our first parents into sin and now rules as the god of this world. We believe and teach that he was judged at the cross and that ultimately he will be cast into the Lake of Fire (Genesis 3:1-19; Isaiah 14:12-14; Matthew 25:41; Revelation 20:10).
CREATION OF THE WORLD AND MAN
We believe and teach that all things in heaven and earth were created by God and exist by His power (Genesis 1:1; Colossians 1:16-17).
We believe and teach that man was originally created innocent and in the image and likeness of God but that he sinned, bringing both physical and spiritual death upon himself and his descendants. We believe and teach that man has inherited a sinful nature, is alienated from God and is in need of salvation (Genesis 1:27, 2:17, 3:19; Ephesians 2:1-3).
We believe and teach that man was originally created innocent and in the image and likeness of God but that he sinned, bringing both physical and spiritual death upon himself and his descendants. We believe and teach that man has inherited a sinful nature, is alienated from God and is in need of salvation (Genesis 1:27, 2:17, 3:19; Ephesians 2:1-3).
SIN
We believe and teach that sin is a transgression against God’s character and commands, a commitment to self-centeredness, an over-riding concern for one’s own desires. Because of sin, the sinner has missed the mark of God’s righteousness, he is opposed to God, and helpless to save himself. The sinner is responsible for his ruined condition and before God deserves judgment. Ultimately, that judgment results in death which is eternal separation from God (Isaiah 53:6; Romans 3:10-20; Revelation 21:8).
SALVATION
We believe and teach that God, in His mercy, has provided a way of rescue for sinful mankind—forgiveness of sins, deliverance from His judgment, and a return to a right relationship with Him to enjoy the full benefits of His grace both in this life and forever in His presence (Ezekiel 36:24–27; John 1:12, 3:3–8; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Ephesians 1:7).
This He accomplished through the atoning death of Jesus on the cross to pay the penalty of our transgression against Him, and through His resurrection which provides eternal life for those who freely receive this gift of grace, acknowledging that there is no other means of redemption and salvation (John 5:24; Romans 3:21–26; Hebrews 2:17; Ephesians 2:8–9).
This He accomplished through the atoning death of Jesus on the cross to pay the penalty of our transgression against Him, and through His resurrection which provides eternal life for those who freely receive this gift of grace, acknowledging that there is no other means of redemption and salvation (John 5:24; Romans 3:21–26; Hebrews 2:17; Ephesians 2:8–9).
ETERNAL SECURITY
We believe and teach that all believers are kept by God’s power and are thus secure in Christ forever. This security is guaranteed by the eternal life imparted by God the Father through His Son and by the sealing ministry of the Holy Spirit, which is a finished, unchangeable work (John 5:24, 6:37–47, 10:27–30; Romans 8:38–39; Ephesians 1:13–14; 1 Peter 1:5).
SANCTIFICATION
We believe and teach that sanctification is a setting apart unto God by the death of the Lord Jesus Christ. This sanctification is positional, progressive, and ultimate. Positionally it is already complete since the believer is in Christ and is set apart unto God as Christ is set apart unto God. Since, however, the believer retains his sinful nature, there is need for progressive sanctification, whereby the Christian grows in grace through the ministry and power of the Holy Spirit. Ultimately, the child of God will be set apart completely from sin when taken to be with Christ, and shall become like Him (John 17:17; 2 Corinthians 3:18; Ephesians 5:25–27; 1 Thessalonians 5:23; Hebrews 10:10, 14, 12:10).
THE CHURCH
We believe and teach that the Church is a spiritual organism, the Body and Bride of Christ, made up of all believers. We believe and teach that the Church began on the Day of Pentecost and that a believer is placed into the Church by the baptizing work of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:12-13; Ephesians 1:22-23, 5:25-27).
We believe and teach that a local church, such as Faith Bible Church, is an assembly of believers in Jesus Christ, who voluntarily join together to glorify God by worshiping together, studying the Word of God, correcting one another in love, observing the ordinances, fellowshipping together, by being equipped for Christian service, and spreading the Gospel to the ends of the earth, with a common spiritual goal to grow into Christ’s likeness (Acts 2:42-47; Romans 8:29-30; 1 Corinthians 1:1-2; Ephesians 4:11-13).
We believe and teach that all believers should seek to walk by the Spirit, separating themselves from worldly practices. We believe and teach that it is the obligation of every believer to witness, by life and by word, to the truths of the Holy Scriptures and to proclaim the gospel to all the world. We believe and teach it is the responsibility of all believers to remember the work of the Lord in prayer and to support it with their means as the Lord has prospered them. We believe and teach that the Holy Spirit gives spiritual gifts to every believer which should be exercised to strengthen the body of Christ (Acts 1:8; Romans 12:1–2, 14:13; 1 Corinthians 12:14, 16:2; 2 Corinthians 6:14, 7:1, 9:7; Ephesians 4:11–16).
We believe and teach that a local church, such as Faith Bible Church, is an assembly of believers in Jesus Christ, who voluntarily join together to glorify God by worshiping together, studying the Word of God, correcting one another in love, observing the ordinances, fellowshipping together, by being equipped for Christian service, and spreading the Gospel to the ends of the earth, with a common spiritual goal to grow into Christ’s likeness (Acts 2:42-47; Romans 8:29-30; 1 Corinthians 1:1-2; Ephesians 4:11-13).
We believe and teach that all believers should seek to walk by the Spirit, separating themselves from worldly practices. We believe and teach that it is the obligation of every believer to witness, by life and by word, to the truths of the Holy Scriptures and to proclaim the gospel to all the world. We believe and teach it is the responsibility of all believers to remember the work of the Lord in prayer and to support it with their means as the Lord has prospered them. We believe and teach that the Holy Spirit gives spiritual gifts to every believer which should be exercised to strengthen the body of Christ (Acts 1:8; Romans 12:1–2, 14:13; 1 Corinthians 12:14, 16:2; 2 Corinthians 6:14, 7:1, 9:7; Ephesians 4:11–16).
THE ORDINANCES OF BAPTISM AND THE LORD'S SUPPER
We believe and teach that the Lord Jesus Christ instituted the ordinances of water baptism and the Lord’s Supper which are to be observed by believers until He returns (Matthew 28:19-20; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26).
We believe and teach that by water baptism a believer is publicly identified with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection; that the mode of baptism is by immersion; that infants of believing parents may be dedicated to the Lord, but not baptized (Acts 8:38; Romans 6:3-7).
We believe and teach that the Lord’s Supper is a memorial of Christ’s death, the elements being symbols of His body and blood. We believe and teach that every Christian, regardless of church affiliation, has a right to partake of the elements of the Lord’s Supper, but that participation should always be preceded by solemn self-examination (Luke 22:19–20).
We believe and teach that by water baptism a believer is publicly identified with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection; that the mode of baptism is by immersion; that infants of believing parents may be dedicated to the Lord, but not baptized (Acts 8:38; Romans 6:3-7).
We believe and teach that the Lord’s Supper is a memorial of Christ’s death, the elements being symbols of His body and blood. We believe and teach that every Christian, regardless of church affiliation, has a right to partake of the elements of the Lord’s Supper, but that participation should always be preceded by solemn self-examination (Luke 22:19–20).
RAPTURE AND SECOND COMING OF CHRIST
We believe in the personal and imminent return of our Lord Jesus Christ. We believe in the bodily resurrection of the dead, of the believer to everlasting glory and the unbeliever to judgment and everlasting conscious punishment (I Thessalonians 4:13–18; I Corinthians 15:51,52; Titus 2:11–13; John 14:1–6; Matthew 25:46; Revelation 20:11–15; II Peter 3:10).
THE ETERNAL STATE
We believe that a Christian should walk in holiness and not after the flesh, with the goal of being conformed to the image of Christ. As a new creation, walking in the Spirit, the Christian learns to grow in faith, in obedience to Scripture, in prayer, in fellowship with the Saints, and in a life of service. We believe that the Christian will stand before the judgment seat of Christ there to have his life evaluated according to his deeds (Galatians 5:16–26; Hebrews 10:25; Ephesians 4:20–24; Hebrews 11:6, 12:1,2; John 17:17; Ephesians 6:18; Romans 8:29; II Corinthians 5:10).
position papers
In addition to our Core Beliefs, the Elders have adopted several position papers over the years.
These can be found here and include:
Marriage, Divorce and Remarriage
Caring Enough to Correct
Human Sexuality
Women in Ministry
Defense of Multi-ethnic Ministry
These can be found here and include:
Marriage, Divorce and Remarriage
Caring Enough to Correct
Human Sexuality
Women in Ministry
Defense of Multi-ethnic Ministry