The Bible tells us in 2 Timothy 3:16 that all scripture is inspired of God. Everything that God wants man to know is in the Bible. We are governed solely and ultimately by God’s word.
AUTONOMY OF THE LOCAL CHURCH.
Each church is self governing and is not subject to any council or organization that might try to ursurp authority over it. Christ is Head and Lawgiver. We only execute those laws He has commanded.
PRIESTHOOD OF THE BELIEVER.
Revelation 1:5-6 refers to all believers as priests. 1 Peter 2:5-9 speaks of us as “holy priest” and “royal Priest.” This means that we can go directly to the Lord. Christ being our intercessor.
TWO CHURCH ORDINANCES OF THE LOCAL CHURCH.
By ordinance we mean a symbolic right that is taught in scripture, and is given to believers.
1. Immersion of believers Acts 2:41
2. The Lord’s Supper 1 Cor. 11:23-29
INDIVIDUAL SOUL LIBERTY.
Man is saved by grace alone, and the salvation that is offered must be accepted before death. It is the responsibility of each individual to obtain mercy in God’s eyes by trusting in the finished work of Christ
SAVED CHURCH MEMBERSHIP.
By this is meant that the membership of a New Testament local church consists of only those who have openly confessed Jesus Christ as Savior and demonstrated a willingness to obey the teachings of the Bible and agree to the doctrine and standards of the local church
TWO CHURCH OFFICES OF THE LOCAL CHURCH.
1. Pastors 1 Timothy 3:1-7
2. Deacons 1 Timothy 3:8-13