What shapes us

Baptist Faith and Message 2000

Sojourn Church affirms the Baptist Faith and Message 2000 as one of the documents that describes our theological convictions. It is read alongside the historic creeds and the New Hampshire Confession of Faith.

I. The Scriptures

The Bible is God's trustworthy revelation and the supreme standard for faith, Christian unity, and human conduct. It points us to Christ and teaches us how God judges and saves.

II. God

There is one true, holy, personal, and sovereign God who created and sustains all things. He has revealed himself as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, distinct in person and united in divine nature.

III. Man

Human beings are created in God's image as male and female, possessing dignity and responsibility. Sin has affected every person, and only God's grace can restore us to fellowship with him.

IV. Salvation

Salvation is offered freely through Jesus Christ and involves the whole person. God's saving work includes new birth, justification, sanctification, and final glorification, and it is received through personal faith in Christ.

V. God's Purpose of Grace

God graciously saves and keeps his people, accomplishing his purposes without denying human responsibility. His grace excludes boasting, produces humility, and enables believers to persevere in faith.

VI. The Church

A local church is a covenant community of baptized believers under Christ's lordship, gathered for worship, discipleship, mission, and mutual accountability. Its biblical offices are pastor or elder and deacon.

VII. Baptism and the Lord's Supper

Baptism and the Lord's Supper are the church's ordinances. Baptism portrays a believer's union with Christ in his death and resurrection, while the Supper remembers Christ's death and anticipates his return.

VIII. The Lord's Day

The first day of the week is set apart for Christian worship and spiritual devotion in remembrance of Jesus' resurrection. Its observance should be shaped by conscience under Christ's lordship.

IX. The Kingdom

God rules over all creation, and his saving reign is entered through humble trust in Jesus Christ. Christians pray and work for God's will to be done while awaiting the kingdom's final consummation.

X. Last Things

God will bring history to its appointed end. Christ will return visibly, raise the dead, and judge all people; the redeemed will live with him, while the unrighteous face everlasting punishment.

XI. Evangelism and Missions

Every Christian and every church shares the privilege and duty of making disciples among all peoples. Gospel proclamation should be supported by a life that reflects the message of Christ.

XII. Education

Christian learning seeks wisdom under the lordship of Christ. Education should cultivate knowledge, spiritual maturity, and responsible freedom shaped by Scripture and the purpose of the school.

XIII. Stewardship

Everything belongs to God, and Christians are entrusted with time, abilities, and possessions. They should use these gifts generously, regularly, and wisely for God's glory and the good of others.

XIV. Cooperation

Churches and Christian organizations may voluntarily cooperate for missions, education, benevolence, and other kingdom purposes. Such cooperation is advisory and must not replace the authority or conscience of the local church.

XV. The Christian and the Social Order

Christians should pursue righteousness, truth, compassion, and the good of their neighbors. Social action should flow from the gospel, uphold human dignity, care for the vulnerable, and remain loyal to Christ.

XVI. Peace and War

Christians should pursue peace and oppose the spirit of war through righteous action, prayer, and the reconciling message of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

XVII. Religious Liberty

God alone is Lord of the conscience. Churches and the state should remain institutionally separate, while every person is protected in the freedom to seek, hold, and share religious convictions without coercion.

XVIII. The Family

God designed the family as a foundational institution of society. Marriage, parenting, and family life should reflect God's purposes, honor the equal dignity of each person, and teach children to live by biblical truth.