Statement of Faith

The Foundation of Our Belief — Rooted in Christ, Guided by Scripture

The statements of Faith herein constitute the consensus of opinion of the Baptist body known as the Nigerian Baptist Convention and are meant for general instruction and guidance of her people.

The Holy Bible

The Bible, composed of thirty-nine books in the Old Testament and twenty-seven books in the New Testament, was written by divinely inspired persons over many years and in several languages.

Scripture References: Exodus 24:4; Deuteronomy 4:1-2

God

There is only one God and besides Him there is no other. He is the creator of heaven and earth and all therein.

Scripture References: Genesis 1:1; Exodus 19:5

The Trinity

The three revelations of God as Father, Son and Holy Spirit are a mystery which defies human understanding.

Scripture References: Genesis 1:26; John 1:1

The Father

God reveals Himself as Father with loving care over all his creation.

Scripture References: Genesis 1:1, 2:7; Exodus 3:14

The Son

The true God reveals Himself as the eternal Son of God. Conceived by the Holy Spirit in the womb of the virgin Mary, the Son of God was born into the world with complete divine and human natures, yet without sin.

Scripture References: Psalm 2:7; Isaiah 7:14

The Holy Spirit

God manifests Himself as Holy Spirit. God as Holy Spirit inspired the writer of both the Old and New Testaments.

Scripture References: Genesis 1:2; Judges 14:6

The Spirit Filled Life

The indwelling of the Holy Spirit is inseparable from salvation.

Scripture References: John 7:38-39; Acts 2:4

The Fruit of the Spirit

The Spirit-filled person unmistakably manifests the fruits of love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness and temperance.

Scripture References: Galatians 5:22-23

The Gift of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit gives to Christians certain gifts for the equipping of the believers for ministry and the building up of the church of Jesus Christ.

Scripture References: Romans 12:6-8; 1 Corinthians 12:4-11

The Man

Man was created by the special act of God in God's own image.

Scripture References: Genesis 1:26-30; Psalm 1:1-6

Evil

The Bible does not deal with the origin of evil. It assumes it, relates its destructive power, and shows how God deals with the problem of evil.


The Fall of Man

Man was created in a state of innocence and was neither righteous nor sinful.

Scripture References: Genesis 2:16-17; Romans 5:2

Sin

The Scriptures describe sin as crookedness, violence, lawlessness, iniquity, wickedness, offence and rebellion.

Scripture References: Genesis 2:17; Psalm 51:5

Satan

Satan, God's created angelic being, by his own free act lost his original supremacy and dignity and became the prince of darkness.

Scripture References: Job 1:1; Isaiah 14:12-14

Demons

Like Satan, demons were created angelic beings of good.

Scripture References: Matthew 9:34; Mark 9:20-26

Salvation

Salvation is God's redemption of the whole man.


Regeneration (The New Birth)

Repentance and faith are inseparable graces of God that result in man's spiritual incorporation into the life of Christ.


Justification

Justification is God's gracious and full acquittal upon the basis of His righteousness ascribed to sinful man.


Sanctification

Sanctification is the experience which begins with the new birth in which the believer is set apart.


Glorification

Glorification is the final and blessed state of the believer.

Scripture References: Genesis 3:15; Matthew 1:21

Deliverance

When one is united with Christ he is delivered from the kingdom of darkness into the Kingdom of God's marvelous light.

Scripture References: John 1:9; Romans 6:14