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OUR BELIEFS

At the New Salem Baptist District Association (NSBDA), our beliefs are rooted in the teachings of the Bible and the life of Jesus Christ. We are committed to upholding the foundational truths of the Christian faith, which guide our worship, service, and fellowship. As a fellowship of Baptist churches, we embrace the following core beliefs:

THE BIBLE

GOD

JESUS
CHRIST

We believe that the Bible is the inspired, infallible, and authoritative Word of God. It is our ultimate guide for faith and practice, revealing God’s will and plan for humanity. Through the scriptures, we understand who God is and how we are called to live in relationship with Him and others.

  • Scripture Reference: 2 Timothy 3:16-17; Psalm 119:105

We believe in one God, eternally existing in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. God is sovereign, holy, and full of love and justice. He is the Creator of all things and sustains the universe by His power and grace.

  • Scripture Reference: Genesis 1:1; Deuteronomy 6:4; Matthew 28:19

We believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, fully divine and fully human. He was born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, and died on the cross for the sins of humanity. Through His death, burial, and resurrection, Jesus provided salvation for all who believe in Him. He is the only way to eternal life, and He reigns as Lord and Savior.

  • Scripture Reference: John 3:16; Romans 5:8; Philippians 2:5-11

THE HOLY
SPIRIT

We believe that the Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity, who convicts the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment. The Holy Spirit indwells believers, guiding, empowering, and equipping them for service and holy living. The Holy Spirit also bestows spiritual gifts to believers for the building up of the Church.

  • Scripture Reference: John 14:26; Acts 1:8; 1 Corinthians 12:7-11

SALVATION

We believe that salvation is a gift from God, offered by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. It is not earned by works but received through repentance and belief in Jesus’ atoning sacrifice on the cross. Through salvation, believers are forgiven of their sins and reconciled to God, entering into a new and eternal relationship with Him.

  • Scripture Reference: Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 10:9-10; Titus 3:5

THE CHURCH

We believe that the Church is the body of Christ, made up of all believers who have trusted in Jesus for salvation. The local church exists for worship, fellowship, discipleship, and the proclamation of the gospel. As a district association, we support and empower local churches to fulfill the Great Commission and serve as a light in their communities.

  • Scripture Reference: Matthew 16:18; Ephesians 1:22-23; Acts 2:42-47

BAPTISM AND
THE LORD'S
SUPPER

We believe in two ordinances: Baptism and the Lord’s Supper. Baptism is the outward expression of an inward faith, symbolizing the believer's identification with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection. The Lord’s Supper (Communion) is a time of remembrance of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross and an expression of our ongoing fellowship with Him.

  • Scripture Reference: Matthew 28:19; Romans 6:3-4; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26

THE GREAT COMMISSION

We believe that every believer is called to participate in the Great Commission, sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ with the world. We are committed to evangelism, discipleship, and missions as we seek to make disciples of all nations.

  • Scripture Reference: Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 1:8

THE RETURN
OF CHRIST

We believe that Jesus Christ will return personally and visibly to judge the living and the dead. His return will bring the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan, and believers will be united with Him for eternity.

  • Scripture Reference: 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17; Revelation 22:12-13

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