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Mountain Grove Missionary
Baptist Church
Baptist Church
These are considered by the Missionary Baptists to be called the 18 Articles of Faith!
1. Of The Scriptures
The belief that the Holy Bible was written by men divinely inspired, and it is a perfect treasure of
heavenly instruction; that it has God for its author, salvation for its end, and truth without any mixture
of error for its matter; that it reveals the principles by which God will judge us; and therefore is, and
shall remain to the end of the world, the true center of Christian union, and the supreme standard by
which all human conduct, creeds, and opinions should be tried. II Tim. 3:16-17; II Tim. 3:15; Prov. 30:
5-6; Rom. 2-12; Phil. 3:16; I John 4:1, and many more.
2. Of The True God
The belief that there is one, and only one living and true God, an infinite intelligent Spirit, whose name
is JEHOVAH, the Maker and Supreme Ruler of heaven and earth; inexpressibly glorious in holiness,
and worthy of all possible honor, confidence and love; that in the unity of the Godhead there are three
persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost; equal in every divine perfection, and executing
distinct but harmonious officers in the great work of redemption. John 4:24; Ps. 83:18; Heb. 3:4; Rom.
1:20; Jer. 10:10; Ex. 15:11; and many more.
3. Of The Fall Of Man
The belief that man was created in holiness, under the law of his Maker, but by voluntary transgression
fell from that holy and happy state; in consequence of which all mankind are now sinners, not by
constraint but choice; being by nature utterly void of that holiness required by the law of God,
positively inclined to evil; and therefore under just condemnation to eternal ruin, without defense or
excuse. Gen 1:27; Gen 1:31; Ecc. 7:29; Acts 15:26; and many more.
4. Of The Way Of Salvation
The belief that the salvation of sinners is wholly of grace; through the Mediatorial office of the Son of
God; who by the appointment of the Father, freely took upon him our nature, yet without sin; honored
the divine law by his personal obedience; and by his death made a full atonement for our sins; that
having risen from the dead, he is now enthroned in heaven; and uniting in his wonderful person the
tenderest sympathies with divine perfections, he is every way qualified to be a suitable, a
compassionate, and all sufficient Savior. Eph. 2:5; Matt. 18:11; I John 4:10; I Cor. 3:5-7; Acts 15:11;
John 3:16; John 1:1-14; and many more.
5. Of Justification
The belief that the great gospel blessing which Christ secures to such as believe in him is justification;
that justification includes the pardon of sin, and the promise of eternal life on principles of
righteousness; that it is bestowed not in consideration of any works of righteousness which we have
done, but solely through faith in the Redeemers’ blood, by virtue of which faith his perfect
righteousness if freely imputed to us of God; that it brings us into a state of most blessed peace and
favor with God, and secures every other blessing needful for time and eternity.
John 1:16; Eph. 3:8; Acts 13:39; Isa. 3:11-12; Rom. 8:1; and many more.
6. Of The Freeness Of Salvation
The belief that the blessings of salvation are made free to all by the gospel; that it is the immediate
duty of all to accept them by a cordial penitent and obedient faith; and that nothing prevents the
salvation of the greatest sinner on earth, but his own inherent depravity and voluntary rejection of the
gospel; which rejection involves him in an aggravated condemnation.
Isa. 55:1; Rev. 22:17; Luke 14-17; Rom. 16:26; Mark 1:15; Rom. 1:15-17; and many more.
7. Of Grace In Regeneration
The belief that in order to be saved, sinners must be regenerated, or born again; that regeneration
consists in giving a holy disposition to the mind; that it is effected in a manner above our
comprehension by the power of the Holy Spirit, in connection with divine truth, so as to secure our
voluntary obedience to the gospel; and that it’s proper evidence appears in the holy fruits of
repentance, and faith and newness of life. John 3:3; John 3:6-7; I Cor. 1:14; Rev. 8:7-9; Rev. 21:27; II
Cor. 5:17; Ezek. 36:26; and many more.
8. Of Repentance And Faith
The belief that repentance and faith are sacred duties and also inseparable graces, wrought in our
souls by the regenerating spirit of God; whereby being deeply convinced of our guilt, danger, and
helplessness, and of the way of salvation by Christ, we turn to God with unfeigned contrition,
confession, and supplication for mercy; at the same time heartily receiving the Lord Jesus Christ as our
Prophet, Priest and King, and relying on him alone as the only and all-sufficient Savior. Mark 1:15;
Acts 11:18; Eph. 2:8; I John 5:1; John 16:8; and many more.
9. Of God’s Purpose Of Grace
The belief that election is the eternal purpose of God, according to which he graciously regenerated,
sanctifies, and saves sinners; that being perfectly consistent with the free agency of man, it
comprehends all the means in connection with the end; that it is a most glorious display of God’s
sovereign goodness, being infinitely free, wise, holy and unchangeable; that it utterly excludes
boasting, and promotes humility, love, prayer, praise, trust in God, and active imitation of his free
mercy; that it encourages the use of means in the highest degree; that is may be ascertained by its
effects in all who truly believe the gospel, that it is the foundation of Christian assurance; and that to
ascertain it with regard to ourselves demands and desires the utmost diligence. II Tim. 1:8-9; Eph. 1:3-
14; I Peter 1:1-2; Rom. 11:5-6; John 15:16; and many more.
10. Of Sanctification
The belief that sanctification is the Process by which, according to the will of God, we are made
partakers of his holiness; that it is a progressive work; that it is begun in regeneration; and that it is
carried on in the hearts of believers by the presence and power of the Holy Spirit, the Sealer and
Comforter, in the continual use of the appointed means – especially the Word of God, self-
examination, self-denial, watchfulness and prayer. I Thess. 4:3; I Thess 5:23; II Cor. 7:1; II Cor. 13:9;
Phil. 3:12; John 2:29; Rom 8:5; and many more.
11. Of The Perseverance Of Saints
The belief that such only are real believers as endure unto the end; that their persevering attachment to
Christ is the grand mark which distinguishes them from superficial professors; that a special
providence watches over their welfare, and that they are kept by the power of God through faith unto
salvation. John 8:31; I John 2:27-28; I John 3:9; I John 5:18; and many more.
12. Of The Harmony Of The Law And The Gospel
The belief that the law of God is the eternal and unchangeable rule of this moral government; that it is
holy, just and good; and that the inability which the Scripture ascribe to fallen man to fulfill its
precepts, arises entirely from their love of sin; to deliver them from which, and to restore them through
a Mediator to unfeigned obedience to the holy law is one great end of the gospel and of the means of
grace connected with the establishment of the visible church. Rom. 3:31; Matt. 5:17; Luke 16:17; Rom.
3:20; Rom 7:12; Rom. 7:7; and many more.
13. Of A Gospel Church
The belief that a visible church of Christ is a congregation of baptized believers, associated by
covenant in the faith and fellowship of the gospel; observing the ordinances of Christ; governed by his
laws; and exercising the gifts, rights, and privileges invested in them by his word; that its only
scriptural officers are Bishops or pastors and deacons, whose qualifications, claims, and duties are
defined in the Epistle to Timothy and Titus. I Cor. 1:13; Matt. 18:17; Acts 5:11; Acts 8:1; Acts 11:31;
I Cor. 4:17; I Cor. 14:23; III John 9; I Tim. 3:5; and many more.
14. Of Baptism And The Lords’ Supper
The belief that Christian baptism is the immersion in water of a believer, in the name of the Father,
and Son, and Holy Ghost; to show forth in a solemn and beautiful emblem, our faith in the crucified,
buried and risen Savior, with its effect, in our death to sin and resurrection to a new life; that it is
prerequisite to the privileges of a church relation; and to the Lords Supper in which the members of
the church by the sacred use of bread and wine, are to commemorate together the dying love of Christ;
preceded always by solemn self-examination. Acts 8:36-39; Matt. 3:5-6; John 3:22-23; John 4:12;
Matt. 28:19-20; Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; and many more.
15. Of The Christian Sabbath
The belief that the first day of the week is the Lord’s Day or Christian Sabbath; and it is to be kept
sacred to religious purposes, by abstaining from all secular labor and sinful recreations, by the devout
observance of all the means of grace, both private and public; and by preparation for that rest that
remaineth for the people of God. Acts 20:7; Gen 2:3; Co. 2:16-17; and many more.
16. Of Civil Government
The belief that civil government is of divine appointment, for the interests and good order of human
society; and that magistrates are to be prayed for, conscientiously honored, and obeyed; except only in
things opposed to the will of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is the only Lord of the conscience, and the
Prince of the kings of the earth. Rom 13:1-7; Deu. 16:18; II Sam. 23:3; Ex. 18:23; Jer. 30:21; Matt 22:
21; and many more.
17. Of The Righteous And The Wicked
The belief that there is a radical and essential difference between the righteous and the wicked; that
such only as through faith are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and sanctified by the Spirit of our
God, are truly righteous in his esteem; while all such as continue in impenitence and unbelief are in his
sight wicked, and under the curse, and this distinction holds among men both in and after death. Mal. 3:
18; Pro. 12:26; Isa. 5:20; Gen. 18:23; Jer. 15:19; and many more.
18. Of The World To Come
The belief that the end of this world is approaching; that at the Last Day Christ will descend from
heaven, and raise the dead from the grave to the final retribution; that a solemn separation will then
take place; that the wicked will be adjudged to endless punishment, and the righteous to endless joy;
and that this judgment will fix forever the final state of men in heaven or hell, on principles of
righteousness. I Peter 4:7; I Cor. 7:29-21; Heb. 1:10-13; Matt. 24:35; and many more.
1. Of The Scriptures
The belief that the Holy Bible was written by men divinely inspired, and it is a perfect treasure of
heavenly instruction; that it has God for its author, salvation for its end, and truth without any mixture
of error for its matter; that it reveals the principles by which God will judge us; and therefore is, and
shall remain to the end of the world, the true center of Christian union, and the supreme standard by
which all human conduct, creeds, and opinions should be tried. II Tim. 3:16-17; II Tim. 3:15; Prov. 30:
5-6; Rom. 2-12; Phil. 3:16; I John 4:1, and many more.
2. Of The True God
The belief that there is one, and only one living and true God, an infinite intelligent Spirit, whose name
is JEHOVAH, the Maker and Supreme Ruler of heaven and earth; inexpressibly glorious in holiness,
and worthy of all possible honor, confidence and love; that in the unity of the Godhead there are three
persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost; equal in every divine perfection, and executing
distinct but harmonious officers in the great work of redemption. John 4:24; Ps. 83:18; Heb. 3:4; Rom.
1:20; Jer. 10:10; Ex. 15:11; and many more.
3. Of The Fall Of Man
The belief that man was created in holiness, under the law of his Maker, but by voluntary transgression
fell from that holy and happy state; in consequence of which all mankind are now sinners, not by
constraint but choice; being by nature utterly void of that holiness required by the law of God,
positively inclined to evil; and therefore under just condemnation to eternal ruin, without defense or
excuse. Gen 1:27; Gen 1:31; Ecc. 7:29; Acts 15:26; and many more.
4. Of The Way Of Salvation
The belief that the salvation of sinners is wholly of grace; through the Mediatorial office of the Son of
God; who by the appointment of the Father, freely took upon him our nature, yet without sin; honored
the divine law by his personal obedience; and by his death made a full atonement for our sins; that
having risen from the dead, he is now enthroned in heaven; and uniting in his wonderful person the
tenderest sympathies with divine perfections, he is every way qualified to be a suitable, a
compassionate, and all sufficient Savior. Eph. 2:5; Matt. 18:11; I John 4:10; I Cor. 3:5-7; Acts 15:11;
John 3:16; John 1:1-14; and many more.
5. Of Justification
The belief that the great gospel blessing which Christ secures to such as believe in him is justification;
that justification includes the pardon of sin, and the promise of eternal life on principles of
righteousness; that it is bestowed not in consideration of any works of righteousness which we have
done, but solely through faith in the Redeemers’ blood, by virtue of which faith his perfect
righteousness if freely imputed to us of God; that it brings us into a state of most blessed peace and
favor with God, and secures every other blessing needful for time and eternity.
John 1:16; Eph. 3:8; Acts 13:39; Isa. 3:11-12; Rom. 8:1; and many more.
6. Of The Freeness Of Salvation
The belief that the blessings of salvation are made free to all by the gospel; that it is the immediate
duty of all to accept them by a cordial penitent and obedient faith; and that nothing prevents the
salvation of the greatest sinner on earth, but his own inherent depravity and voluntary rejection of the
gospel; which rejection involves him in an aggravated condemnation.
Isa. 55:1; Rev. 22:17; Luke 14-17; Rom. 16:26; Mark 1:15; Rom. 1:15-17; and many more.
7. Of Grace In Regeneration
The belief that in order to be saved, sinners must be regenerated, or born again; that regeneration
consists in giving a holy disposition to the mind; that it is effected in a manner above our
comprehension by the power of the Holy Spirit, in connection with divine truth, so as to secure our
voluntary obedience to the gospel; and that it’s proper evidence appears in the holy fruits of
repentance, and faith and newness of life. John 3:3; John 3:6-7; I Cor. 1:14; Rev. 8:7-9; Rev. 21:27; II
Cor. 5:17; Ezek. 36:26; and many more.
8. Of Repentance And Faith
The belief that repentance and faith are sacred duties and also inseparable graces, wrought in our
souls by the regenerating spirit of God; whereby being deeply convinced of our guilt, danger, and
helplessness, and of the way of salvation by Christ, we turn to God with unfeigned contrition,
confession, and supplication for mercy; at the same time heartily receiving the Lord Jesus Christ as our
Prophet, Priest and King, and relying on him alone as the only and all-sufficient Savior. Mark 1:15;
Acts 11:18; Eph. 2:8; I John 5:1; John 16:8; and many more.
9. Of God’s Purpose Of Grace
The belief that election is the eternal purpose of God, according to which he graciously regenerated,
sanctifies, and saves sinners; that being perfectly consistent with the free agency of man, it
comprehends all the means in connection with the end; that it is a most glorious display of God’s
sovereign goodness, being infinitely free, wise, holy and unchangeable; that it utterly excludes
boasting, and promotes humility, love, prayer, praise, trust in God, and active imitation of his free
mercy; that it encourages the use of means in the highest degree; that is may be ascertained by its
effects in all who truly believe the gospel, that it is the foundation of Christian assurance; and that to
ascertain it with regard to ourselves demands and desires the utmost diligence. II Tim. 1:8-9; Eph. 1:3-
14; I Peter 1:1-2; Rom. 11:5-6; John 15:16; and many more.
10. Of Sanctification
The belief that sanctification is the Process by which, according to the will of God, we are made
partakers of his holiness; that it is a progressive work; that it is begun in regeneration; and that it is
carried on in the hearts of believers by the presence and power of the Holy Spirit, the Sealer and
Comforter, in the continual use of the appointed means – especially the Word of God, self-
examination, self-denial, watchfulness and prayer. I Thess. 4:3; I Thess 5:23; II Cor. 7:1; II Cor. 13:9;
Phil. 3:12; John 2:29; Rom 8:5; and many more.
11. Of The Perseverance Of Saints
The belief that such only are real believers as endure unto the end; that their persevering attachment to
Christ is the grand mark which distinguishes them from superficial professors; that a special
providence watches over their welfare, and that they are kept by the power of God through faith unto
salvation. John 8:31; I John 2:27-28; I John 3:9; I John 5:18; and many more.
12. Of The Harmony Of The Law And The Gospel
The belief that the law of God is the eternal and unchangeable rule of this moral government; that it is
holy, just and good; and that the inability which the Scripture ascribe to fallen man to fulfill its
precepts, arises entirely from their love of sin; to deliver them from which, and to restore them through
a Mediator to unfeigned obedience to the holy law is one great end of the gospel and of the means of
grace connected with the establishment of the visible church. Rom. 3:31; Matt. 5:17; Luke 16:17; Rom.
3:20; Rom 7:12; Rom. 7:7; and many more.
13. Of A Gospel Church
The belief that a visible church of Christ is a congregation of baptized believers, associated by
covenant in the faith and fellowship of the gospel; observing the ordinances of Christ; governed by his
laws; and exercising the gifts, rights, and privileges invested in them by his word; that its only
scriptural officers are Bishops or pastors and deacons, whose qualifications, claims, and duties are
defined in the Epistle to Timothy and Titus. I Cor. 1:13; Matt. 18:17; Acts 5:11; Acts 8:1; Acts 11:31;
I Cor. 4:17; I Cor. 14:23; III John 9; I Tim. 3:5; and many more.
14. Of Baptism And The Lords’ Supper
The belief that Christian baptism is the immersion in water of a believer, in the name of the Father,
and Son, and Holy Ghost; to show forth in a solemn and beautiful emblem, our faith in the crucified,
buried and risen Savior, with its effect, in our death to sin and resurrection to a new life; that it is
prerequisite to the privileges of a church relation; and to the Lords Supper in which the members of
the church by the sacred use of bread and wine, are to commemorate together the dying love of Christ;
preceded always by solemn self-examination. Acts 8:36-39; Matt. 3:5-6; John 3:22-23; John 4:12;
Matt. 28:19-20; Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; and many more.
15. Of The Christian Sabbath
The belief that the first day of the week is the Lord’s Day or Christian Sabbath; and it is to be kept
sacred to religious purposes, by abstaining from all secular labor and sinful recreations, by the devout
observance of all the means of grace, both private and public; and by preparation for that rest that
remaineth for the people of God. Acts 20:7; Gen 2:3; Co. 2:16-17; and many more.
16. Of Civil Government
The belief that civil government is of divine appointment, for the interests and good order of human
society; and that magistrates are to be prayed for, conscientiously honored, and obeyed; except only in
things opposed to the will of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is the only Lord of the conscience, and the
Prince of the kings of the earth. Rom 13:1-7; Deu. 16:18; II Sam. 23:3; Ex. 18:23; Jer. 30:21; Matt 22:
21; and many more.
17. Of The Righteous And The Wicked
The belief that there is a radical and essential difference between the righteous and the wicked; that
such only as through faith are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and sanctified by the Spirit of our
God, are truly righteous in his esteem; while all such as continue in impenitence and unbelief are in his
sight wicked, and under the curse, and this distinction holds among men both in and after death. Mal. 3:
18; Pro. 12:26; Isa. 5:20; Gen. 18:23; Jer. 15:19; and many more.
18. Of The World To Come
The belief that the end of this world is approaching; that at the Last Day Christ will descend from
heaven, and raise the dead from the grave to the final retribution; that a solemn separation will then
take place; that the wicked will be adjudged to endless punishment, and the righteous to endless joy;
and that this judgment will fix forever the final state of men in heaven or hell, on principles of
righteousness. I Peter 4:7; I Cor. 7:29-21; Heb. 1:10-13; Matt. 24:35; and many more.