Baptist Articles of Faith - Articles III - IV

Articles 3 and 4

Continuing with the discussion about the articles of faith we are going into the third and forth articles in the coming weeks. It is good scripture reading and gives us the ability to answer those that might ask about the Gospel. 

Ephesians 6:19

And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,

III Of the Fall of Man

We believe that man was created in holiness, under the law of his Maker; (Genesis 1:27; Genesis 1:31 Ecclesiastes 7:29; Acts 17:26-29; Genesis 2:16-17)

but by voluntary transgression fell from that holy and happy state; (Genesis 3:6-24; Romans 5:12)

in consequence of which all mankind are now sinners; (Romans 5:19; John 3:6; Psalms 51:5; Romans 5:15-19; Romans 8:7)

 not by constraint, but choice; (Isaiah 53:6; Genesis 6:12.Romans 3:18)

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; (Ephesians 2:1-3; Romans 1:18; Romans 1:32; Romans 2:1-16;  Galatians 3:10; Matthew 20:15)

without defense or excuse.  (Ezekiel 18:19-20; Romans 1:20; Romans 3:19; Galatians 3:22) 

   

IV The Way of Salvation

  

We believe that the salvation of sinners is wholly of grace;  (Ephesians 2:8; Matthew 18:11; 1 John 4:10; 1 Corinthians 3:5; 1 Corinthians 3:7; Acts 15:11)

through the mediatorial offices of the Son of God; (John 3:16; John 1:1-14; Hebrews 4:14; Hebrews 12:24)

who by the appointment of the Father, freely took upon him our nature, yet without sin; (Philippians 2:6-7; Hebrews 2:9; Hebrews 2:14; 2 Corinthians 5:21)

honored the divine law by his personal obedience,  (Isaiah 42:21; Philippians 2:8; Galatians 4:4-5; Romans 3:21)

and by his death made a full atonement for our sins;  (Isaiah 53:4-5; Matthew 20:28; Romans 4:25; Romans 3:21-26; 1 John 4:10; 1 John 2:2; 1 Corinthians 15:1-3; Hebrews 9:13-15) 
 

that having risen from the dead he is now enthroned in heaven; (Hebrews 1:8; Hebrews 1:3; Hebrews 8:1; Colossians 3:1-4)

and uniting in his wonderful person the tenderest sympathies with divine perfections, he is every way qualified to be a suitable, a compassionate, and an all-sufficient Savior.  (Hebrews 7:25; Colossians 2:9; Hebrews 2:18; Hebrews 7:26; Psalms 89:19; Psalms 34)