Faith Statement Though these topics are not exhaustive, we believe they cover the biblical principles that serve as a foundation for all we do and all we are at First Baptist Church. THE BIBLE     We believe that the Bible, consisting of the 66 books of the Old and New Testament, is the inspired and authoritative word of God.  Scripture, in its entirety, originated with God and was given through the instrumentality of chosen humans.  The Bible is the unique, full and final authority on all matters of faith and practice. GOD    We believe in one true God existing eternally in three persons--Father, Son, and Holy Spirit--each of whom possesses equally all the attributes of deity.  God is the Creator and Sustainer of all things, manifesting power, wisdom, and goodness in working throughout history for the redemption of all creation. JESUS CHRIST    We believe Jesus Christ is the eternal second person of the Trinity.  He was begotten of the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, and is true God and true man.  Jesus Christ lived a sinless life in perfect obedience to God.  He atoned for the sins of people by His voluntary death on the cross as our substitute, thus accomplishing salvation for all who trust in Him alone.  He rose from the dead, ascended to heaven, and took his place at the right hand of the Father where he is the only mediator between God and people, interceding for those who trust in Him. HOLY SPIRIT    We believe that the Holy Spirit is the eternal third person of the Trinity, and the Spirit works to reveal Christ in people through the work of regeneration and sanctification.  The Holy Spirit empowers people with gifts for the work of ministry and fills people with the fruit of Christ-like character including love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. SALVATION    We believe that humankind was created in the image of God, but sinned by defying God and thus incurred physical death and spiritual death, which is eternal separation from God.  All human beings suffer the consequences of this sin which took place at the beginning of human history and are in need of the saving grace of God.  Salvation is wholly a work of God's free grace through the work of Jesus Christ and not the result of human works or goodness.  THE CHURCH    We believe that the church is the body of Christ, composed of all believers, and that the local church reflects the church universally in ministry of the gospel of Jesus Christ including worship, teaching, prayer, fellowship, observing the ordinances of the baptism of believers and the Lord's Supper, and service. HUMAN DESTINY    We believe that death ushers all people into their eternal destiny.  There will be bodily resurrection and judgment for each individual.  Unbelievers will enter a state of eternal separation from God and believers will enter a state of eternal communion with God. THE FUTURE    We believe in the personal and visible return of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ to consummate history and the eternal plan of God.