Progressive New Hope Baptist Church - Houston, Texas

What We Believe The Fundamentals of Our Faith

The Scriptures: We believe that the Holy Bible was written by men divinely inspired, and is a perfect treasure of heavenly instruction; that God is its author, salvation is its end, and truth without any mixture of error is its content; that it reveals the principles by which God will judge us, and therefore is, and shall remain to the end of the world the true center of Christian fellowship, and the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds, and opinions shall be tried.
The True God: We believe the Scriptures teach that there is only one living and true God, an infinite, intelligent Spirit, whose name is Jehovah, the creator and sovereign ruler of heaven and earth; inexpressibly glorious in holiness, and worthy of all possible honor, confidence and love; that in the unity of the Godhead there are three persons - the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit; equal in every divine perfection, and executing distinct, but harmonious offices in the great work of redemption.
The Fall of Man: We believe the Scriptures teach that man was created in holiness, under the law of his creator; but by voluntary transgressions fell from that holy and blissful state; in consequence of which all mankind are now sinners, not by constraint but choice; being by nature utterly void of that holiness required by the law of God; inclined to evil; and therefore, under just condemnation to eternal ruin, without defense and excuse.
The Way of Salvation: We believe that the Scriptures teach that the salvation of sinners is totally by grace; through the mediatorial position of the Son of God (Jesus Christ); who by the appointment of the Father, freely took upon himself our human nature, yet without sin; honored the divine law by his personal obedience, and by his death made a full atonement for our sins; that having risen from the dead, he is now enthroned in heaven, and ever living to make intercession for us; he is in every way qualified to be a suitable, a compassionate, and an all-sufficient Savior.
Justification: We believe the Scriptures teach that the great gospel blessing, which Christ secures to those who believe in him is justification; that justification includes the pardon of sin, and the promise of eternal life on principles of righteousness; that it is bestowed, not in consideration of any works of righteousness which we have done, but solely through faith in the Redeemer's blood; by virtue of which faith, his perfect righteousness is freely imputed to us of God; that it brings us into a state of most blessed peace and favor with God, and secures every other blessing needful for time and eternity.
Repentance and Faith: We believe the Scriptures teach that repentance and faith are sacred duties, and also inseparable graces, produced in our souls by the regenerating Spirit of God; whereby being deeply convinced of our guilt, danger and helplessness and of the way of salvation, we turn to God with unfeigned contrition, confession, and supplication for mercy; at the same time whole-heartedly confessing and receiving the Lord Jesus Christ as our Redeemer, and relying upon him alone as the only and all-sufficient Savior.
Sanctification: We believe the Scriptures teach that Sanctification is the process by which, according to the will of God, we are made partakers of his holiness; that it is a progressive work; that it is begun in regeneration; and that it is carried on in the hearts of believers by the presence and power of the Holy Spirit as we avail ourselves to the word of God, self-examination, self-denial, watchfulness, and prayer.
The Law and Gospel: We believe the Scriptures teach that the Law of God is the eternal and unchangeable rule of his moral government; that it is holy, just and good; and that the inability which the Scriptures ascribe to fallen men to fulfill its precepts, arise entirely from their love of sin; to deliver them from which, and to restore them through a Mediator to unfeigned obedience to the holy Law, is one great end of the Gospel, and of the means of Grace connected with the establishment of the visible church.
The Church: We believe the Scriptures teach that a visible church is a congregation of baptized believers, associated by covenant in the faith and fellowship of the Gospel; observing the ordinances of Christ; governed by the Holy Bible; and exercising the spiritual gifts, rights, privileges, and responsibilities invested in them by His Word; that its only scriptural officers are Pastors and Deacons whose qualifications, claims and duties are defined in the Epistles addressed to Timothy and Titus.
Baptism and the Lord's Supper: We believe the Scriptures teach that Christian baptism is the immersion in water of a person who has confessed Jesus Christ as the Son of God and Redeemer of mankind; to show forth in a solemn emblem, our faith in the crucified, buried, and risen Savior, with its effect in our death to sin and resurrection to a new life; that it is prerequisite to the privileges of a church relation; and to the Lord's Supper, in which the members of the church, by the sacred use of bread and wine, are to commemorate together the dying love of Christ; preceded always by solemn self-examination.
Civil Government: We believe the Scriptures teach that civil government is of divine appointment, for the interest and good order of human society; and that magistrates are to be prayed for, conscientiously honored and obeyed; except only in things opposed to the will of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is the only Lord of the conscience, and the Prince of the Kings of the earth.
The World to Come: We believe the Scriptures teach that the end of the world is approaching; that at the last day Christ will descend from heaven, and raise the dead from the grave for final retribution; that a solemn separation will then take place; that the wicked will be adjudged to endless punishment, and the righteous to endless joy; and that this judgment will fix forever the final state of men in heaven or in hell, on principles of righteousness.