The church meeting at Evington Chapel holds to reformed, Calvinistic doctrines as summarised in the historic confessions of faith such as the 1689 Baptist Confession of Faith and the Westminster Confession of Faith.
Below is a summary of the key things we believe.
God
There is one God, who exists eternally in three distinct but equal persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. God is unchangeable in his holiness, justice, wisdom and love. He is the almighty Creator; Saviour and Judge, sustaining and governing all things for his own glory.
God has revealed himself in the Bible which comprises both Old and New Testaments. It is in its entirety the Word of God, without error, reliable, authoritative and sufficient for all matters of belief and practice.
Mankind
Men and women are created in the image of God to glorify and enjoy Him. The fall of mankind in Adam resulted in every aspect of human nature being corrupted by sin. All are under the just condemnation of God as guilty sinners and must be born again and forgiven in order to know and please Him.
The Lord Jesus Christ
The Lord Jesus Christ is fully God and fully man. Conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of a virgin, He lived a sinless life, taught with authority and all His words are true. On the cross, he died in the place of sinners, bearing God’s punishment for their sin. He rose bodily from the dead, ascended into heaven where he is exalted as Lord of all.
Salvation
Salvation is entirely a work of God’s grace and cannot be earned or deserved. It has been accomplished by the Lord Jesus Christ and is freely preached to all in the gospel. God in his love forgives sinners who come to him for salvation. These are they whom he has called, and given the gifts of repentance and faith. All who believe in Christ are justified by faith alone, and adopted into the family of God. Not one of them shall ever perish, but all shall have everlasting life.
The Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit glorifies Christ and applies His saving work to individuals. He shows them their sinfulness, imparts spiritual life and gives a true understanding of the Bible. He dwells within all believers, giving them assurance of salvation and producing increasing likeness to Christ.
The Church
Christ is the head of the universal church which comprises all true believers. Local churches are gatherings of believers committed to one another for the worship of God, the preaching of His Word, the administering of baptism and the Lord’s Supper (communion), pastoral care, discipline and sharing the good news of salvation with others.
Baptism and Communion
Baptism is a symbol of union with Christ, cleansing from sin and entry into His Church, but does not impart spiritual life. Communion is a commemoration of Christ’s death, promoting spiritual nourishment and growth, but is not a sacrifice for sin nor does it involve any change in the bread and wine. All its blessings are received by faith.
The Second Coming of the Lord Jesus Christ
The Lord Jesus will come again in power and glory to raise the dead and judge the world in righteousness. All believers will enjoy eternal blessedness. Unbelievers who have rejected Christ as Saviour will suffer eternal punishment. God will make all things new and will be glorified forever. |
