WHAT WE BELIEVE
First Baptist Barlow is a member of the Southern Baptist Convention. More
importantly, we are a part of God’s universal church, the body of Christ, made up of all believers in
the world. Thus, we affirm the fact that there are other devoted Christians who
exist in a large number of other denominations. As Baptists, there are certain
distinct practices of the faith which we hold dear. Many of these are the same
practices that distinguish us from other denominations.
The Bible is the Word of God
We believe that the Bible was written by men under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. The Bible is literally
God-breathed and contains no mixture of error. The truth of Scripture and the
person of Christ are the foundations of the church and the life of the believer
(2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:21).
Salvation is by Grace Alone
We believe that we are saved by God’s grace when we put our faith and trust in Jesus Christ as Lord and
Savior. Man is sinful and does not have the ability to save himself, no matter how many good works he does.
However, once we place our faith and trust in Christ, our faith will be evidenced by good works, obedience,
and the fruit of the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 2:8-9; Galatians 5:22-23).
The Believer is Eternally Secure
We believe that if a person has made a true, heart-changing decision to accept Christ, then they can
never lose their salvation (John 10:27-28; Romans 8:38-39). When a believer sins, their fellowship with
God is interrupted, but never broken (1 John 1:9). However, the Bible is clear that those who do not
place their faith and trust in Christ in this lifetime will spend eternity in a Christless hell
(Revelation 21:8).
Every Believer has Access to God
We believe that every believer, both young and old, has direct access to God through Jesus Christ.
This is sometimes referred to as the Priesthood of the Believer. Because of Christ’s work on the cross,
the believer has no need for human intermediates, but can talk to God personally, as one of
His children (1 John 2:1; Hebrews 4:14-16).
Baptism is by Immersion for the Believer
We believe that baptism does not save anyone, but is a believer’s symbolic identification with
the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. It is done by immersion as an act of obedience by
those who have put their faith and trust in Christ (Matthew 28:19-20; Romans 6:3-5).
Church Government is Congregational
We believe that Christ is the Head of the church and that the congregation, under the leadership
of the Holy Spirit, is the most basic unit of church government. Through prayerful submission
to God and His Word, members are responsible for selecting their leaders, developing the
church constitution, preserving unity and purity in the church, as well as exercising church
discipline when necessary (Colossians 1:18; Acts 13, 15).
Under the direction of Christ, First Baptist Barlow is pastor-led, deacon-served, committee-functioned, and congregationally-approved.
First Baptist Barlow is a member of the Southern Baptist Convention. More
importantly, we are a part of God’s universal church, the body of Christ, made up of all believers in
the world. Thus, we affirm the fact that there are other devoted Christians who
exist in a large number of other denominations. As Baptists, there are certain
distinct practices of the faith which we hold dear. Many of these are the same
practices that distinguish us from other denominations.
The Bible is the Word of God
We believe that the Bible was written by men under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. The Bible is literally
God-breathed and contains no mixture of error. The truth of Scripture and the
person of Christ are the foundations of the church and the life of the believer
(2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:21).
Salvation is by Grace Alone
We believe that we are saved by God’s grace when we put our faith and trust in Jesus Christ as Lord and
Savior. Man is sinful and does not have the ability to save himself, no matter how many good works he does.
However, once we place our faith and trust in Christ, our faith will be evidenced by good works, obedience,
and the fruit of the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 2:8-9; Galatians 5:22-23).
The Believer is Eternally Secure
We believe that if a person has made a true, heart-changing decision to accept Christ, then they can
never lose their salvation (John 10:27-28; Romans 8:38-39). When a believer sins, their fellowship with
God is interrupted, but never broken (1 John 1:9). However, the Bible is clear that those who do not
place their faith and trust in Christ in this lifetime will spend eternity in a Christless hell
(Revelation 21:8).
Every Believer has Access to God
We believe that every believer, both young and old, has direct access to God through Jesus Christ.
This is sometimes referred to as the Priesthood of the Believer. Because of Christ’s work on the cross,
the believer has no need for human intermediates, but can talk to God personally, as one of
His children (1 John 2:1; Hebrews 4:14-16).
Baptism is by Immersion for the Believer
We believe that baptism does not save anyone, but is a believer’s symbolic identification with
the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. It is done by immersion as an act of obedience by
those who have put their faith and trust in Christ (Matthew 28:19-20; Romans 6:3-5).
Church Government is Congregational
We believe that Christ is the Head of the church and that the congregation, under the leadership
of the Holy Spirit, is the most basic unit of church government. Through prayerful submission
to God and His Word, members are responsible for selecting their leaders, developing the
church constitution, preserving unity and purity in the church, as well as exercising church
discipline when necessary (Colossians 1:18; Acts 13, 15).
Under the direction of Christ, First Baptist Barlow is pastor-led, deacon-served, committee-functioned, and congregationally-approved.