"In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; in all things, charity"
–Martin Luther

These four primary points are the core Essentials of what is believed and communicated at King Hill Baptist Church. We don’t require people to believe all of these things in order to become church members, but we do expect everyone to accept that these are our core beliefs. Furthermore, we expect church members not to contradict these essentials in any teaching position they may hold in the church. If you have any question or disagreement about any of the above, please speak with the person teaching the new members’ class or one of the church elders.

Essential Beliefs

• 1. The Bible
• 2. God
  • A. God the Father
  • B. God the Son
  • C. God the Holy Spirit
• 3. Humanity, Sin and Salvation
• 4. Eternity

Beyond these essentials, there may exist a wide variety of beliefs and opinions about which we wish to show humility, respect, tolerance and understanding for one another. With such an attitude our unity will be achieved and God will be pleased.

1. The Bible

The Bible is God’s Word, his message to humanity. It was written by men under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is the supreme source of truth for spiritual life and contains the only infallible record of God’s revelation of himself. It is truth without mixture of error. As it testifies of itself (2 Timothy 3.16), “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.”

See also Romans 15.4; 2 Peter 1.20-21; 2 Timothy 1.13; Psalm 12.6, 119.105, 160; Proverbs 30.5

2. God

God is the eternal creator, sustainer, and ruler of the universe. The one true living God has revealed himself to us as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, three distinct personal attributes without division of nature, essence, or being. He alone is worthy of all our attention, praise, obedience, and trust.

See Genesis 1.1,26-27; Deuteronomy 6.4; Psalm 90.2; 1 Peter 1.2; 2 Corinthians 13.14

A. God the Father

The Father is infinite in holiness and all other perfections, all-powerful, all-knowing, present everywhere at all times. He is guiding the stream of human history according to his graceful purposes. God is father to all persons in the sense that he created them and provides for their needs, and beyond that is also father in a unique sense only to those who are re-created when their sins are forgiven through his work of salvation.

See Exodus 6.2-3; Deuteronomy 32.6; Isaiah 43.15, 64.8; Jeremiah 10.10; Matthew 7.11, 23.9; John 4.24; Romans 8.14-15; 1 Corinthians 8.6; Galatians 4.6; Ephesians 4.6; 1 Timothy 1.17; Hebrews 12.9; 1 Peter 1.17

B. God the Son

Jesus is named both Son of God and Word of God. He is coequal with the Father, and he existed with the Father prior to his birth as a human by the virgin Mary. During his sojourn on earth Jesus lived a sinless human life and offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of the world by dying on the cross. He arose from the dead after three days to demonstrate His power over sin and death. He ascended to Heaven’s glory and is our advocate before the Father. Jesus will return someday to earth to reign as King of kings and Lord of lords.

See John 1.1, 14.6-11; Hebrews 4.14-15; Philippians 2.5-11; Colossians 1.15, 2.9-17; 1 John 2.1; Revelation 11.15

C. God the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit is co-equal with the Father and the Son. He is present in the world to make men aware of their need for Christ. He lives within every Christian. He empowers, directs, convicts, and bestows gifts to all believers. He is the source of power that every spirit-filled Christian has to overcome the evil one.

See John 16.7-13, 14.16-17; Acts 1.8; Romans 8.26-27; 1 Corinthians 2.12, 3.16; 2 Corinthians 3.17; Galatians 5.25; Ephesians 1.13, 5:18

3. Humanity, Sin, and Salvation

Each person is worthy of respect and concern because each of us is made in God’s image possessing an eternal soul. However, mankind has a fallen nature that causes him to sin. That sin nature causes man to be separated from God. God has provided salvation as a free gift to all who believe that Jesus died for their sins. Everyone who accepts his saving work on their behalf becomes an adopted child of God. Because God gives us eternal life through Jesus Christ’s work on the cross and not our own work or abilities, we are secure in our salvation [we cannot lose our salvation]. Salvation is both given and maintained by the grace and power of God, not by the self-effort of the Christian. It is the grace and keeping power of God that gives us this security.

See Genesis 1.27; Psalm 8.3-6; Isaiah 53.6, 59:1-2; John 1.12, 10.29, 14.6, 17.3; Romans 3.23, 5.1, 6.23, 8.1-39, 10.9-10; Galatians 3.26; Ephesians 1.12-14, 2.8-9; 2 Timothy 1.12-13; Titus 3.5; Hebrews 7.25, 10.10,14, 11.6, 12:5; 1 Peter 1.3-5; 1 John 2.19; Jude 1.24-25

4. Eternity

See John 3.16, 14.17; Romans 6.23, 8.17-18; 1 Corinthians 2.7-9; Revelation 20.15