As a place of “faith” it is critical to know what it is that we believe. Below is a summary of the main beliefs that we as followers of Christ and from the Baptist tradition believe. If there are other questions about what we believe, we invite you to contact and let us know how we can clarify further. Thank you for your interest in this vital aspect of getting acquainted with Una Baptist Church!
Our History
God is the one and only Creator and ruler of the universe. He is all powerful, all knowing, all loving, and all wise. He has eternally existed in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three are co-equal and are one God without division of nature, essence, or being.
Humanity is made in the spiritual image of God, to be like Him in character. God created them male and female as the supreme object of His creation. Although man has tremendous potential for good, he is marred by an attitude of disobedience toward God called “sin.” This attitude separates humanity from God.
Humanity was created to exist forever. We will either exist eternally separated from God by sin or in union with God through forgiveness and salvation. To be eternally separated from God is hell. To be eternally in union with Him is eternal life. Heaven and hell are real places of eternal existence.
Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He is co-equal with the Father. He was conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. Jesus lived a sinless human life and offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all men dying on a cross. He arose from the dead after three days to demonstrate His power over sin and death. He ascended to heaven’s glory and will return again to earth to reign as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
Salvation is a free gift from God to man who is responsible and accountable to Christ as Lord. Humanity can never make up for our sin by self-improvement or good works—only by trusting in Jesus Christ as God’s offer of forgiveness can man be saved from sin’s penalty. Eternal life begins the moment a person receives Jesus Christ into his life by faith.
Because God gives man eternal life through Jesus Christ, the believer is secure in salvation for eternity. Salvation is maintained by the grace and power of God and guaranteed by the Holy Spirit, not by the self-effort of the Believer.
The Holy Spirit is equal with the Father and the Son as God. He is present in the world to make men aware of their need for Jesus Christ. He also lives in every Believer from the moment of salvation. He provides the Christian with the power for living, understanding of spiritual truth, and guidance in doing what is right. The Christian seeks to live under His control.
The Bible is God’s Word to all humanity. It was written by human authors, under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is the supreme source of truth for Christian beliefs and living. Because it is inspired by God, it is truth without any mixture of error.
Baptism by immersion symbolizes the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus and is your public declaration that you have accepted Jesus Christ as your personal Savior. Baptism does not save you, but shows the world that you have already been saved. While baptism is not required for salvation, it is a biblical command and demonstrates your love and obedience to Christ.
The Lord’s Supper is an ordinance given to all believers by Jesus Christ to remember His sacrifice for us and to symbolize the new covenant. The elements of bread and the cup are symbols of Christ’s broken body and shed blood. The Lord’s Supper is not a means of salvation. Rather, it is a testimony or witness of a Believer’s faith in the atoning work of the cross.
The church is an assembly of professed believers in the Lord Jesus Christ who meet together in His name for baptism, the Lord’s Supper, worship, praise, fellowship, testimony, the ministry of the Word, discipline and the furtherance of the Gospel. We consider Jesus Christ to be the head of the church.
For a more detailed discussion of our beliefs as Southern Baptists, click here to see the Baptist Faith and Message.