WE BELIEVE

Harvest Baptist Fellowship is founded on a core of beliefs derived from, and supported by, the Bible. The Baptist Faith and Message, adopted by the Southern Baptist Convention in 2000, is our doctrinal guideline. These statements are not inclusive of every area of theology (the study of God and religious doctrines) and life, but they are core beliefs around which we can rally. Other doctrines and teachings that impact life, but which are not definitively delineated by the Bible, are left to the individual’s interpretation.

We believe the Holy Scriptures of the Old Testament and New Testament are the inerrant, inspired, and infallible Word of God. God’s Word is the final authority for faith and life.

We believe there is only one God, and He has chosen to reveal Himself as God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.

We believe man was created in the image of God and the sin of Adam (the first man) marred that image, creating an eternal divide between God and man. Every person is born in sin.

We believe the only way a person can have a true, forgiven relationship with God is through Jesus Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. Jesus was born of the Virgin Mary and conceived by the Holy Spirit. Jesus became man without ceasing to be God. Our right standing with God is made sure because of His literal, physical resurrection.

We believe in the literal, physical return of Jesus to judge the living and the dead.

We believe God offers eternal life as a free gift and that it must be received by faith alone through God’s grace alone. The life that comes from this gift is a permanent possession of the one receiving it.

We believe the church of the Lord Jesus Christ is a local body of believers on mission to enlarge God’s kingdom. The local church is autonomous, free of any external authority of control.

We believe believer’s baptism and the Lord’s Supper are the two ordinances of the church.

In addition to the above statement of faith, we are also in general agreement with the Baptist Faith and Message 2000.

We believe that all human life is sacred and created by God in His image. Human life is of inestimable worth in all its dimensions, including pre-born babies, the aged, the physically or mentally challenged, and every other stage or condition from conception through natural death. We are therefore called to defend, protect, and value all human life. (Psalm 139)