{"id":116,"date":"2025-02-27T17:22:19","date_gmt":"2025-02-27T17:22:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/anchoredbaptist.co.za\/?page_id=116"},"modified":"2025-07-16T07:41:16","modified_gmt":"2025-07-16T07:41:16","slug":"what-we-believe","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/anchoredbaptist.co.za\/index.php\/what-we-believe\/","title":{"rendered":"What do we believe?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

You can download our printable statement of faith with Bible references HERE<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Statement of Faith<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

We believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible.

And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, begotten of the Father before all worlds; God of God, Light of Light, very God of very God; begotten, not made, being of one substance with the Father, by whom all things were made; who, for us humans and for our salvation, came down from heaven, and was incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the Virgin Mary, and was made man; and was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate; he suffered and was buried; and the third day he rose again, according to the Scriptures; and ascended into heaven, and sits on the right hand of the Father; and he shall come again, with glory, to judge the living and the dead; whose kingdom shall have no end.

And we believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord and Giver of Life; who proceeds from the Father and the Son; who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified; who spoke by the prophets.

And we believe in one holy catholic (universal) and apostolic church. We acknowledge one Baptism for the remission of sins, and we look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. The Scriptures<\/strong>

We believe that the Holy Bible was written by men, divinely inspired, and is a perfect treasure of heavenly instruction.

That it has God for its author, salvation for its end, and truth without any mixture of error for its matter.

It reveals the principles by which God will judge us.

Therefore, the Bible is, and will remain to the end of the world, the true centre of Christian union and the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds, and opinions should be tested.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. The True God<\/strong>

We believe that there is one and only one living and true God. He is an infinite and intelligent Spirit, the Maker and Supreme Ruler of heaven and earth.

Words are inadequate to describe His goodness and greatness in holiness. He is worthy of all possible honour, confidence, and love.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the unity of the Godhead there are three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit\u2014each equal in every divine perfection and executing distinct but harmonious offices in the great work of redemption.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. The Fall of Man<\/strong>

We believe that mankind was created in holiness, in God\u2019s image, and under the law of its Creator. But we chose to turn away from God, His law, and His blessings.

We fell from a holy and happy state, and consequently, all mankind are now sinners by nature and by choice.

Humans are entirely without the holiness required by the law of God and do not naturally desire what God requires.

Instead, we are drawn to evil, which goes against God and His desires for us.
Because of this, we are justly condemned to eternal ruin, with no defence or excuse in the face of God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. The Way of Salvation<\/strong>
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We believe that the salvation of sinners is wholly of grace, through the mediating work of the Son of God.

By the Father\u2019s appointment, He freely took upon Himself our nature\u2014yet without sin. He honoured the divine law by His personal obedience, and by His death made full atonement for our sins.

Having risen from the dead, He is now enthroned in heaven.

In His person, He unites perfect holiness with gentle graciousness and is in every way qualified to be our suitable, compassionate, and all-sufficient Saviour.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Justification (Being Made Right with God)<\/strong>

We believe that the great gospel blessing which Christ secures for those who believe in Him is Justification.

That Justification includes the pardon of sin, and the promise of eternal life.
It is lovingly given, not in consideration of any works of righteousness which we have done, but solely through faith in the Redeemer\u2019s blood.

Because of this faith, Jesus’ perfect righteousness is freely imputed to us by God.
This brings us into a position of blessed peace and favour with God, and secures every other blessing that we need for time and eternity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. The Freeness of Salvation<\/strong>

We believe that the blessings of salvation are made free to all by the gospel.
It is the immediate responsibility of all to accept this Gospel by a warm and serious, repentant, and obedient faith.

Nothing prevents the salvation of the greatest sinner on earth except their own inherent depravity and voluntary rejection of the gospel.

This rejection involves the person in compounded condemnation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

7. The Grace in Regeneration<\/strong>

We believe that in order to be saved, sinners must be regenerated, or born again.
That regeneration is, in part, a new and holy disposition of the mind.

Regeneration is accomplished by the power of the Holy Spirit in connection with divine truth, resulting in our willing obedience to the gospel.

The evidence of regeneration appears in the holy fruit of repentance, faith, and newness of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

8. Repentance and Faith<\/strong>
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We believe that Repentance and Faith are sacred responsibilities and also inseparable graces, wrought in our souls by the regenerating Spirit of God.

Being deeply convinced of our guilt, danger, helplessness, and of the way of salvation by Christ, we turn to God with genuine contrition, confession, and supplication for mercy.

At the same time, we wholeheartedly receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our Prophet, Priest, and King \u2013 relying on Him alone as the only and all-sufficient Saviour.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

9. God\u2019s Purpose of Grace<\/strong>

We believe that election is the eternal purpose of God, according to which He graciously regenerates, sanctifies, and saves sinners.

Election is perfectly consistent with the free will of mankind, and it embraces all the means in connection with the end.

It is a most glorious display of God\u2019s sovereign goodness, being infinitely free, wise, holy, and unchangeable.

It eliminates boasting, and promotes humility, love, prayer, praise, trust in God, and active imitation of His mercy.

God\u2019s calling people to Himself encourages the use of all means so that their fruit may be seen in those who truly believe the gospel.
It is the foundation of Christian assurance and deserves our diligent reflection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

10. Sanctification<\/strong>

We believe that Sanctification is the process by which, according to the will of God, we are made partakers of His holiness.

It is a progressive work that begins in regeneration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is carried on in believers by the presence and power of the Holy Spirit\u2014the Sealer and Comforter\u2014through the continual use of the means God has appointed: especially the Word of God, self-examination, self-denial, watchfulness, and prayer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

11. The Steadfastness of God\u2019s Grace<\/strong>

We believe that true believers will persevere to the end.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Their steadfast attachment to Christ is the primary mark which distinguishes them from meaningless confessions.

There is a special providence that watches over their welfare, and they are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

12. The Harmony of the Law and the Gospel<\/strong>

We believe that the Law of God is the eternal and unchangeable rule of His moral government. It is holy, just, and good.

The inability of fallen people to fulfil its commands arises entirely from their love of sin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To deliver them from this love of sin and to restore them, through a Mediator, to true obedience to the holy law, is one great end of the gospel and of the means of growth connected with the creation of the visible church.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

13. A Gospel Church<\/strong>

We believe that a visible church of Christ is a congregation of baptised believers, associated by covenant in the faith and fellowship of the Gospel.

Together, they observe the ordinances of Christ, are governed by His commands, and exercise the gifts, rights, and privileges invested in them by His word.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The only scripturally required officers are Elders (or Pastors) and Deacons, whose qualifications, calling, and duties are set forth in the New Testament.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

14. Baptism and the Lord\u2019s Supper<\/strong>

We believe that Christian Baptism is an ordinance of the New Testament given by Christ and is to be administered to each person professing faith.

The believer should be baptised in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

The regular mode of baptism is by immersion in water.

This act pictures our faith in the crucified, buried, and risen Saviour and symbolises our death to sin and new life in Christ.

Baptism is a prerequisite to the privileges of a church relationship and to the Lord\u2019s Supper.

In the Lord’s Supper, the members of the church, by the reverent use of bread and wine, are to commemorate together the steadfast love of Christ, always preceded by serious self-examination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

15. The Lord\u2019s Day<\/strong>

We believe that the first day of the week is the Lord’s Day or Christian Sabbath, and it is to be kept sacred for religious purposes.

This includes abstaining from unnecessary secular work and sinful recreation, devoting ourselves to the means of grace both privately and publicly, and preparing for the eternal rest that awaits God\u2019s people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

16. The Civil Government<\/strong>

We believe that civil government is divinely appointed for the benefit and order of human society.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Authorities are to be prayed for, conscientiously honoured, and obeyed\u2014except where obedience to civil authorities would contradict the will of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is the only Lord of the conscience and the Prince of the kings of the earth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

17. The Righteous and the Wicked<\/strong>

We believe that there is a radical and essential difference between the righteous and the wicked.

Only through faith is a person justified (seen as truly righteous) in the name of the Lord Jesus and sanctified by the Spirit of God.

Anyone who continues without repentance and in unbelief is in His sight wicked and under the curse.

This distinction holds among all people, both in and after death.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

18. The World to Come<\/strong>

We believe that the end of the world is approaching.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the last day, Christ will descend from heaven and raise the dead to final judgement.

Then a solemn separation will take place; the wicked will be sentenced to endless punishment and the righteous to endless joy.

This judgement will fix forever the final state of men in heaven or hell.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

You can download our printable statement of faith with Bible references HERE. Statement of Faith We believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible. And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, begotten of the Father before all worlds; God of … <\/p>\n

Continue reading “What do we believe?”<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-116","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"yoast_head":"\nA church in Hermanus where Christ is first<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Anchored Baptist Church is a Christ-centred church in Hermanus, offering gospel-focused worship, sound teaching, and genuine fellowship.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/anchoredbaptist.co.za\/index.php\/what-we-believe\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_GB\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"A church in Hermanus where Christ is first\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" 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