What We Believe

Welcome to Welcome Grove Baptist Church. Here you’ll find the heart of who we are — our core beliefs and our Church Covenant. These convictions guide our faith, our fellowship, and how we seek to live out the gospel together. We invite you to explore what we believe and why it matters to us as a body of believers committed to following Jesus Christ.

Our Church Covenant

Having been led, as we believe, by the Spirit of God, to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior, and on the profession of our faith, having been baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, we do now in the presence of God, and this assembly, most solemnly and joyfully enter into covenant with one another as one body in Christ.

We engage, therefore, by the aid of the Holy Spirit, to walk together in Christian love; to strive for the advancement of this church in knowledge, holiness, and comfort; to promote its prosperity and spirituality; to sustain its worship, ordinances, discipline and doctrines; to contribute cheerfully and regularly to the support of the ministry, the expense of the church, the relief of the poor and the spread of the gospel through all nations.

We also engage to maintain family and secret devotions; to religiously educate our children; to seek the salvation of our kindred and acquaintances; to walk circumspectly in the world; to be just in our dealings, faithful in our engagements and exemplary in our deportment; to avoid all tattling, backbiting and excessive anger; to abstain from the sale of, and use of, intoxicating drink as a beverage, to shun pornography; to be zealous in our efforts to advance the Kingdom of our Savior.

We further engage to watch over one another in brotherly love; to remember one another in prayer; to aid one another in sickness and distress; to cultivate Christian sympathy in feelings and Christian courtesy in speech; to be slow to take offense, but always ready for reconciliation, and mindful of the rules of our Savior to secure it without delay.

We moreover engage that when we remove from this place, we will, as soon as possible, unite with some other church, where we can carry out the spirit of this covenant and the principles of God's Word.

Our covenant is scriptural, as may be seen from the following study outline.
  1. I. Salvation and Baptism
    (John 1:11–12; Matthew 28:19–20)
  2. II. Duties to the Church
    • To walk together in Christian love (John 13:34–35)
    • To strive for the advancement of the church and promote its prosperity and spirituality (Philippians 1:27; 2 Timothy 2:15; 2 Corinthians 7:1; 2 Peter 3:11)
    • To sustain its worship, ordinances, discipline, and doctrine (Hebrews 10:25; Matthew 28:19; 1 Corinthians 11:23–26; Jude 3)
  3. III. Duties in Personal Christian Living
    • To maintain family and secret devotions (1 Thessalonians 5:17–18; Acts 17:11)
    • To religiously educate the children (2 Timothy 3:15; Deuteronomy 6:4–7)
    • To seek the salvation of the lost (Acts 1:8; Matthew 4:19; Psalm 126:5–6; Proverbs 11:30)
    • To walk circumspectly in the world, and to be just in our dealings (Ephesians 5:15; Philippians 2:14–15; 1 Peter 2:11–12)
    • To avoid gossip and excessive anger (Ephesians 4:31; 1 Peter 2:21; Colossians 3:8)
    • To abstain from sale or use of liquors (Ephesians 5:18; Hebrews 2:15)
    • To be zealous in our efforts for Christ (Titus 2:14)
  4. IV. Duties to Fellow Members
    • To watch over one another in love (1 Peter 1:22)
    • To pray for one another (James 5:16)
    • To aid in sickness and distress (Galatians 6:2; James 2:14–17)
    • To cultivate sympathy and courtesy (1 Peter 3:8)
    • To be slow to take offense, always ready to reconciliation (Ephesians 4:30–32)
Articles of Faith

18 Articles of Faith

The 18 Articles of Faith are a clear summary of the core beliefs held by many Baptist churches. They outline what Scripture teaches about God, salvation through Jesus Christ, the church, and the Christian life. These articles affirm the Bible as God’s inspired Word and the final authority for faith and practice, salvation by grace through faith in Christ alone, and the importance of living out the Gospel. They also define Baptist distinctives such as believer’s baptism, the Lord’s Supper, and the mission of the church to share Christ with the world.

1) Of The Scriptures

We believe that the Holy Bible was written by men divinely inspired 1; that it has God for its author, salvation for its end 2, and truth without any mixture of error, for its matter 3; that it reveals the principles by which God will judge us 4; and therefore is, and shall remain to the end of the world, the true center of Christian union 5, and the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds, and opinions should be tried 6.

Scripture for Confirmation of Belief

  1. 2 Timothy 3:16–17; 2 Peter 1:21; 2 Samuel 23:2; Acts 1:16; Acts 3:21; John 10:35; Luke 16:29–31; Psalm 119:111; Romans 3:1–2
  2. 2 Timothy 3:15; 1 Peter 1:10–12; Acts 11:14; Romans 1:16; Mark 16:16; John 5:38–39
  3. Proverbs 30:5–6; John 17:17; Revelation 22:18–19; Romans 3:4
  4. Romans 2:12; John 12:47–48; 1 Corinthians 4:3–4; Luke 10:10–16; Luke 12:47–48
  5. Philippians 3:16; Ephesians 4:3–6; Philippians 2:1–2; 1 Corinthians 1:10; 1 Peter 4:11
  6. 1 John 4:1; Isaiah 8:20; 1 Thessalonians 5:21; 2 Corinthians 13:5; Acts 17:11; 1 John 4:6; Jude 3; Ephesians 6:17; Psalm 119:59–60; Philippians 1:9–11
2) Of The True God

We believe 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 1; inexpressibly glorious in holiness 2, and worthy of all possible honor, confidence, and love 3; that in the unity of the Godhead there are three persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost 4; equal in every divine perfection 5, and executing distinct but harmonious offices in the great work of redemption 6.

Scripture for Confirmation of Belief

  1. John 4:24; Psalm 147:5; Psalm 83:18; Hebrews 3:4; Romans 1:20; Jeremiah 10:10
  2. Exodus 15:11; Isaiah 6:3; 1 Peter 1:15–16; Revelation 4:6–8
  3. Mark 12:30; Revelation 4:11; Matthew 10:37; Jeremiah 2:12–13
  4. Matthew 28:19; John 15:26; 1 Corinthians 12:4–6; 1 John 5:7
  5. John 10:30; John 5:17; John 14:23; John 17:5,10; Acts 5:3–4; 1 Corinthians 2:10–11; Philippians 2:5–6
  6. Ephesians 2:18; 2 Corinthians 13:14; Revelation 1:4–5; Revelation 2; Revelation 7
3) Of The Fall of Man

We believe that man was created in holiness, under the law of his Maker 1; but by voluntary transgression fell from that holy and happy state 2; in consequence of which all mankind are now sinners 3, not by constraint, but choice 4; 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 5, without defense or excuse 6.

Scripture for Confirmation of Belief

  1. Genesis 1:27,31; Ecclesiastes 7:29; Acts 17:26–29; Genesis 2:16–17
  2. Genesis 3:6–24; Romans 5:12
  3. Romans 5:19; John 3:6; Psalm 51:5; Romans 5:15–19; Romans 8:7
  4. Isaiah 53:6; Genesis 6:12; Romans 3:9–18
  5. Ephesians 2:13; Romans 1:18,32; Romans 2:1–16; Galatians 3:10; Matthew 20:15
  6. Ezekiel 18:19–20; Romans 1:20; Romans 3:19; Galatians 3:22
4) Of The Way of Salvation

We believe that the salvation of sinners is wholly of grace 1; through the mediatorial offices of the Son of God 2; who by the appointment of the Father, freely took upon him our nature, yet without sin 3; honored the divine law by his personal obedience 4; and by his death made a full atonement for our sins 5; that having risen from the dead, he is now enthroned in Heaven 6; and uniting in his wonderful person the tenderest sympathies with divine perfections, he is every way qualified to be a suitable, a compassionate, and an all‑sufficient Saviour 7.

Scripture for Confirmation of Belief

  1. Ephesians 2:8; Matthew 18:11; 1 John 4:10; 1 Corinthians 3:5–7; Acts 15:11
  2. John 3:16; John 1:1–14; Hebrews 4:14; Hebrews 12:24
  3. Philippians 2:6–7; Hebrews 2:9,14; 2 Corinthians 5:21
  4. Isaiah 42:21; Philippians 2:8; Galatians 4:4–5; Romans 3:21
  5. Isaiah 53:4–5; Matthew 20:28; Romans 4:25; Romans 3:21–26; 1 John 4:10; 1 John 2:2; 1 Corinthians 15:1–3; Hebrews 9:13–15
  6. Hebrews 1:3,8; Hebrews 8:1; Colossians 3:1–4
  7. Hebrews 7:25; Colossians 2:9; Hebrews 2:18; Hebrews 7:26; Psalm 89:19; Psalm 34
5) Of Justification

We believe that the great gospel blessing which Christ 1 secures to such as believe in him is Justification 2; that Justification includes the pardon of sin 3, and the promise of eternal life on principles of righteousness 4; that it is bestowed, not in consideration of any works of righteousness which we have done, but solely through faith in the Redeemer’s blood 5; by virtue of which faith his perfect righteousness is freely imputed to us of God 6; 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 7.

Scripture for Confirmation of Belief

  1. John 1:26; Ephesians 3:8
  2. Acts 13:39; Isaiah 53:11–12; Romans 8:1
  3. Romans 5:9; Zechariah 13:1; Matthew 9:6; Acts 10:43
  4. Romans 5:17; Titus 3:5–6; 1 Peter 3:7; 1 John 2:25; Romans 5:21
  5. Romans 4:4–5; Romans 5:21; Romans 6:23; Philippians 3:7–9
  6. Romans 5:19; Romans 3:24–26; Romans 4:23–25; 1 John 2:12
  7. Romans 5:1–3,11; 1 Corinthians 1:30–31; Matthew 6:33; 1 Timothy 4:8
6) Of The Freeness of Salvation

We believe that the blessings of salvation are made free to all by the gospel 1; that it is the immediate duty of all to accept them by a cordial, penitent, and obedient faith 2; and that nothing prevents the salvation of the greatest sinner on earth but his own inherent depravity and voluntary rejection of the gospel 3; which rejection involves him in an aggravated condemnation 4.

Scripture for Confirmation of Belief

  1. Isaiah 55:1; Revelation 22:17; Luke 14:17
  2. Romans 16:25–26; Mark 1:15; Romans 1:15–17
  3. John 5:40; Matthew 23:37; Romans 9:32; Proverbs 1:24; Acts 13:46
  4. John 3:19; Matthew 11:20; Luke 19:27; 2 Thessalonians 1:8
7) Of Grace in Regeneration

We believe that, in order to be saved, sinners must be regenerated, or born again 1; that regeneration consists in giving a holy disposition to the mind 2; that it is effected in a manner above our comprehension by the power of the Holy Spirit, in connection with divine truth 3, so as to secure our voluntary obedience to the gospel 4; and that its proper evidence appears in the holy fruits of repentance, and faith, and newness of life 5.

Scripture for Confirmation of Belief

  1. John 3:3,6–7; 1 Corinthians 1:14; Revelation 14:3; Revelation 21:27
  2. 2 Corinthians 5:17; Ezekiel 36:26; Deuteronomy 30:6; Romans 2:28–29; Romans 5:5; 1 John 4:7
  3. John 3:8; John 1:13; James 1:16–18; 1 Corinthians 1:30; Philippians 2:13
  4. 1 Peter 1:22–25; 1 John 5:1; Ephesians 4:20–24; Colossians 3:9–11
  5. Ephesians 5:9; Romans 8:9; Galatians 5:16–23; Ephesians 2:14–21; Matthew 3:8–10; Matthew 7:20; 1 John 5:4,18
8) Of Repentance and Faith

We believe that Repentance and Faith are sacred duties, and also inseparable graces, wrought in our souls by the regenerating Spirit of God 1; whereby being deeply convinced of our guilt, danger, and helplessness, and of the way of salvation by Christ 2, we turn to God with unfeigned contrition, confession, and supplication for mercy 3; 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 Saviour 4.

Scripture for Confirmation of Belief

  1. Mark 1:15; Acts 11:18; Ephesians 2:8; 1 John 5:1
  2. John 16:8; Acts 2:37–38; Acts 16:30–31
  3. Luke 18:13; Luke 15:18–21; James 4:7–10; 2 Corinthians 7:11; Romans 10:12–13; Psalm 51
  4. Romans 10:9–11; Acts 3:22–23; Hebrews 4:14; Psalm 2:6; Hebrews 1:8; Hebrews 7:25; 2 Timothy 1:12
9) Of God’s Purpose and Grace

We believe that Election is the eternal purpose of God, according to which he graciously regenerates, sanctifies, and saves sinners 1; that being perfectly consistent with the free agency of man, it comprehends all the means in connection with the end 2; that it is a most glorious display of God’s sovereign goodness, being infinitely free, wise, holy, and unchangeable 3; that it utterly excludes boasting, and promotes humility, love, prayer, praise, trust in God, and active imitation of his free mercy 4; that it encourages the use of means in the highest degree 5; that it may be ascertained by its effects in all who truly believe the gospel 6; that it is the foundation of Christian assurance 7; and that to ascertain it with regard to ourselves demands and deserves the utmost diligence 8.

Scripture for Confirmation of Belief

  1. 2 Timothy 1:8–9; Ephesians 1:3–14; 1 Peter 1:1–2; Romans 11:5–6; John 15:16; 1 John 4:19
  2. 2 Thessalonians 2:13–14; Acts 13:48; John 10:16; Matthew 20:16; Acts 15:14
  3. Exodus 33:18–19; Matthew 20:15; Ephesians 1:11; Romans 9:23–24; Jeremiah 31:3; Romans 11:28–29; James 1:17–18; 2 Timothy 1:9; Romans 11:32–36
  4. 1 Corinthians 4:7; 1 Corinthians 1:26–31; Romans 3:27; Romans 4:16; Colossians 3:12; 1 Corinthians 15:10; 1 Peter 5:10; 1 Peter 2:9; Luke 18:7
  5. 2 Timothy 2:10; 1 Corinthians 9:22; John 6:37–40; 2 Peter 1:10
  6. 1 Thessalonians 1:4–10
  7. Romans 8:28–31; Isaiah 42:16; Romans 11:29
  8. 2 Peter 1:10–11; Philippians 3:12; Hebrews 6:11
10) Of Sanctification

We believe that Sanctification is the process by which, according to the will of God, we are made partakers of his holiness 1; that it is a progressive work 2; that it is begun in regeneration 3; 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 4.

Scripture for Confirmation of Belief

  1. 1 Thessalonians 4:3; 1 Thessalonians 5:23; 2 Corinthians 7:1; 2 Corinthians 13:9; Ephesians 1:4
  2. Proverbs 4:18; Hebrews 6:1; 2 Peter 1:5–8; Philippians 3:12–16
  3. 1 John 2:29; Romans 8:5; John 3:6; Philippians 1:9–11
  4. Philippians 2:12–13; Ephesians 4:11–12,30; 1 Peter 2:2; 2 Peter 3:18; 2 Corinthians 13:5; Luke 11:35; Luke 9:23; Matthew 26:41; Ephesians 6:18; Ephesians 4:30
11) Of the Perseverance of Saints

We believe that such only are real believers as endure unto the end 1; that their persevering attachment to Christ is the grand mark which distinguishes them from superficial professors 2; that a special Providence watches over their welfare 3; and that they are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation 4.

Scripture for Confirmation of Belief

  1. John 8:31; 1 John 2:27–28; 1 John 3:9; 1 John 5:18
  2. 1 John 2:19; John 13:18; Matthew 13:20–21; John 6:66–69
  3. Romans 8:28; Matthew 6:30–33; Jeremiah 32:40; Psalm 121:2; Psalm 91:11–12
  4. Philippians 1:6; Philippians 2:12–13; Jude 24–25; Hebrews 1:14; Hebrews 13:5; 1 John 4:4
12) Of the Harmony of the Law and the Gospel

We believe that the Law of God is the eternal and unchangeable rule of his moral government 1; that it is holy, just, and good 2; and that the inability which the Scriptures ascribe to fallen men to fulfill its precepts arises entirely from their love of sin 3; 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 4.

Scripture for Confirmation of Belief

  1. Romans 3:31; Matthew 5:17; Luke 16:17; Romans 3:20; Romans 4:15
  2. Romans 7:12,7,14,22; Galatians 3:21; Psalm 119
  3. Romans 8:7–8; Joshua 24:19; Jeremiah 13:23; John 6:44; John 5:44
  4. Romans 8:2–4; Romans 10:4; Hebrews 8:10; Jude 20–21
13) Of a Gospel Church

We believe that a visible Church of Christ is a congregation of baptized believers 1, associated by covenant in the faith and fellowship of the gospel 2; observing the ordinances of Christ 3; governed by his laws 4, and exercising the gifts, rights, and privileges invested in them by his Word 5; that its only scriptural officers are Bishops, or Pastors, and Deacons 6, whose qualifications, claims, and duties are defined in the Epistles to Timothy and Titus.

Scripture for Confirmation of Belief

  1. 1 Corinthians 1:1–13; Matthew 18:17; Acts 5:11; Acts 8:1; Acts 11:21–23; 1 Corinthians 4:17; 1 Corinthians 14:23; 3 John 9
  2. Acts 2:41–42; 2 Corinthians 8:5; Acts 2:47; 1 Corinthians 5:12–13
  3. 1 Corinthians 11:2; 2 Thessalonians 3:6; Romans 16:17–20; 1 Corinthians 11:23–24; Matthew 18:15–20; 2 Corinthians 2:7; 1 Corinthians 4:17
  4. Matthew 28:20; John 14:15; John 15:12; 1 John 4:21; John 14:21; 1 Thessalonians 4:2; 2 John 6; Galatians 6:2; all the Epistles
  5. Ephesians 4:7; 1 Corinthians 14:12; Philippians 1:27
  6. Philippians 1:1; Acts 14:23; Acts 15:22; 1 Timothy 3; Titus 1
14) Of Baptism And The Lord’s Supper

We believe that Christian Baptism is the immersion in water of a believer 1, into the name of the Father, and Son, and Holy Ghost 2; to show forth, in a solemn and beautiful emblem, our faith in the crucified, buried, and risen Saviour, with its effect in our death to sin and resurrection to a new life 3; that it is prerequisite to the privileges of a Church relation; and to the Lord’s Supper 4, in which the members of the Church, by the sacred use of bread and wine, are to commemorate together the dying love of Christ 5; preceded always by solemn self‑examination 6.

Scripture for Confirmation of Belief

  1. Acts 8:36–39; Matthew 3:5–6; John 3:22–23; John 4:1–2; Matthew 28:19; Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; Acts 8:12; Acts 16:32–34; Acts 18:8
  2. Matthew 28:19; Acts 10:47–48; Galatians 3:27–28
  3. Romans 6:4; Colossians 2:12; 1 Peter 3:20–21; Acts 22:16
  4. Acts 2:41–42; Matthew 28:19–20; Acts and Epistles
  5. 1 Corinthians 11:26; Matthew 26:26–29; Mark 14:22–25; Luke 22:14–20
  6. 1 Corinthians 11:28; 1 Corinthians 5:1,8; 1 Corinthians 10:3–32; 1 Corinthians 11:17–32; John 6:26–71
15) Of The Christian Sabbath

We believe that the first day of the week is the Lord’s Day, or Christian Sabbath 1; and is to be kept sacred to religious purposes 2, by abstaining from all secular labor and sinful recreation 3; by the devout observance of all the means of grace, both private 4 and public 5; and by preparation for that rest that remaineth for the people of God 6.

Scripture for Confirmation of Belief

  1. Acts 20:7; Genesis 2:3; Colossians 2:16–17; Mark 2:27; John 20:19; 1 Corinthians 16:1–2
  2. Exodus 20:8; Revelation 1:10; Psalm 118:24
  3. Isaiah 58:13–14
  4. Psalm 118:15
  5. Hebrews 10:24–25; Acts 11:26
  6. Hebrews 4:3–11
16) Of Civil Government

We believe that civil government is of divine appointment, for the interests and good order of human society 1; and that magistrates are to be prayed for, conscientiously honored and obeyed 2; except only in things opposed to the will of our Lord Jesus Christ 3 who is the only Lord of the conscience, and the Prince of the kings of the earth 4.

Scripture for Confirmation of Belief

  1. Romans 13:1–7; Deuteronomy 16:18; 2 Samuel 23:3; Exodus 18:23; Jeremiah 30:21
  2. Matthew 22:21; Titus 3:1; 1 Peter 2:13; 1 Timothy 2:1–3
  3. Acts 5:29; Matthew 10:28; Daniel 3:15–18; Daniel 6:7–10; Acts 4:18–20
  4. Matthew 23:10; Romans 14:4; Revelation 19:16; Psalm 72:11; Psalm 2; Romans 14:9–13
17) Of the Righteous and the Wicked

We believe that there is a radical and essential difference between the righteous and the wicked 1; 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 2; while all such as continue in impenitence and unbelief are in his sight wicked, and under the curse 3; and this distinction holds among men both in and after death 4.

Scripture for Confirmation of Belief

  1. Malachi 3:18; Proverbs 12:26; Isaiah 5:20; Genesis 18:23; Acts 10:34–35; Romans 6:16
  2. Romans 1:27; Romans 7:6; 1 John 2:29; 1 John 3:7; Romans 6:18,22; 1 Corinthians 11:32; Proverbs 11:31; 1 Peter 4:17–18
  3. 1 John 5:19; Galatians 3:10; John 3:36; Isaiah 57:21; Psalm 10:4; Isaiah 55:6–7
  4. Proverbs 14:32; Luke 16:25; John 8:21–24; Proverbs 10:24; Luke 12:4–5; Luke 9:23–26; John 12:25–26; Ecclesiastes 3:17; Matthew 7:13–14
18) Of the World to Come

We believe that the end of the world is approaching 1; that at the last day Christ will descend from Heaven 2, and raise the dead from the grave to final retribution 3; that a solemn separation will then take place 4; that the wicked will be adjudged to endless punishment, and the righteous to endless joy 5; and that this judgment will fix forever the final state of men in Heaven or Hell, on principles of righteousness 6.

Scripture for Confirmation of Belief

  1. 1 Peter 4:7; 1 Corinthians 7:29–31; Hebrews 1:10–12; Matthew 25:31; 1 John 2:17; Matthew 28:20; Matthew 13:39–40; 2 Peter 3:3–13
  2. Acts 1:11; Revelation 1:7; Hebrews 9:28; Acts 3:21; 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18; 1 Thessalonians 5:1–11
  3. Acts 24:15; 1 Corinthians 15:12–58; Luke 14:14; Daniel 12:2; John 5:28–29; John 6:40; John 11:25–26; Acts 10:42
  4. Matthew 13:49,37–43; Matthew 24:30–31; Matthew 25:31–33
  5. Matthew 25:31–46; Revelation 22:11; 1 Corinthians 6:9–10; Mark 9:43–48; 2 Peter 2:9; Jude 7; Philippians 3:19; Romans 6:23; 2 Corinthians 5:10–11; John 4:36; 2 Corinthians 4:18
  6. Romans 3:5–6; 2 Thessalonians 1:6–12; Hebrews 6:1–2; 1 Corinthians 4:5; Acts 17:31; Romans 2:2–16; Revelation 20:11–12; 1 John 2:28; 1 John 4:17; 2 Peter 3:11–12