At First Baptist Church, Bedford we believe…

1. The Bible is our sole authority.

 The Bible is God’s Word and is the final authority for what we believe and how we live.

2. Jesus Christ is Lord and Savior.

 Jesus is the Son of God, fully God and fully man. He died for our sins, rose bodily from the dead, and salvation is found through Him alone.

  3. Salvation is by grace through faith.

We cannot earn salvation through good works, baptism, church membership, or religious activity. We are saved by God’s grace through personal faith in Jesus Christ.

4. Every person must personally respond to the Gospel.

Christianity is not inherited through family, culture, church membership, or denominational affiliation. Each person is called to repent of sin and trust in Christ.

5. Baptism is for believers.

Those who have personally trusted Christ should publicly identify with Him through baptism by immersion in water.

6. The church belongs to Christ.

A local church is a body of believers gathered to worship Christ, teach Scripture, make disciples, serve others, and share the Gospel.

7. Every believer has direct access to God.

Through Christ, believers can approach God directly. No earthly priest or mediator is required.

8. The local church is responsible before Christ.

First Baptist Church emphasizes local-church autonomy. Our congregation governs her own affairs under the lordship of Christ and the authority of Scripture.

9. The Lord’s Supper and believer’s baptism are biblical ordinances.

They are commanded by Christ and testify to the Gospel, but they do not earn or impart salvation.

  10. We are called to make disciples.

First Baptist Church exists not simply for herself, but to proclaim the Gospel, make disciples, serve others, and take the message of Jesus Christ to the world.

11. Biblical marriage is between one man and one woman.

Marriage is a covenant established by God between one biological man and one biological woman, designed for a lifelong union of faithfulness and love.