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PLEASANT HILL BAPTIST CHURCH
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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 it 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 deserves the utmost diligence.
X. Sanctification.
We believe the Scriptures teach that Sanctification is the process
by which, according to the will of God, we are made par takers
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.
XI. Perseverance of the Saints.
We believe the Scriptures teach that such only are real believers
as endure to 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 they are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation.
XII. The Law and Gospel.
We believe the Scriptures teach that the Law of God is the
eternal and unchangeable rule of his moral government; that it
is holy, just and good; and that the inability which the Scriptures
ascribe to fallen men to fulfill its precepts, arise 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.
XIII. A Gospel Church.
We believe the Scriptures teach 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 who’s Qualifications,
claims and duties are defined in the Epistles to Timothy and Titus.
XIV. Baptism and the Lord’s Supper.
We believe the Scriptures teach that Christian baptism is the
immersion in water of a believer, into the name of the Father, and