The following statements outline the primary beliefs and convictions that drive us as a church. While there are many issues where we can agree to disagree, these doctrines are foundational to our fellowship and unity.
The Bible
The Bible is the written Word of God. As such, it is divinely inspired, authoritative, sufficient, infallible, reliable, and free from error in all that it teaches. All Christian doctrine should flow from and be tested against God’s Word.
God
There is one God. He is infinite, eternal, almighty, and perfect in holiness, truth, and love. He exists in three persons – the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. The godhead is co-equal, co-existent, and co-eternal.
The Father is the Creator of heaven and earth. By the same word he created all things, he also sustains all things. He alone is sovereign and rules over all that he has made.
The Son, Jesus Christ, is begotten by the Father, not made. He is the eternal Word made flesh, supernaturally conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He is perfect in his nature, teaching, and obedience. He is fully God and fully man. He is the image of the invisible God, the first-born of all creation. He suffered, died, was buried, resurrected, and ascended. He now sits at the right-hand of the Father until he returns one day to consummate his Kingdom.
The Holy Spirit is the Lord and Giver of life who convicts the world concerning sin, righteousness, and judgment. Through the proclamation of the gospel, he persuades men to repent of their sins and confess Jesus as Lord. The Holy Spirit unites believers to Jesus Christ in faith and dwells within them.
Humanity & The Fall
God made humanity, male and female, in his own image as the crown of his creation. We were made for fellowship with him. Tempted by Satan, humanity rebelled against God. The entire human race inherits this corrupt nature that is opposed to God and his law. Therefore, all humans are under condemnation.
This corruption extends to our minds, wills, and affections. Apart from God’s saving work, humans live under the dominion of sin and Satan. We are at enmity with God, hostile and hateful toward him.
Our Salvation
Salvation is the free gift of God. It is provided by grace alone, through faith alone, because of Christ alone, and for the glory of God alone. Anyone turning from sin in repentance and looking to Christ receives eternal life and is declared righteous by God as a free gift. The righteousness of Christ is imputed to him. He is justified and fully accepted by God. He is reconciled to God as Father and becomes his child. There is no other name by which we are saved.
The Church
The church universal is comprised of those who have become genuine followers of Jesus Christ. The church exists to glorify God and serve him by faithfully doing his will. This involves a commitment to see the gospel preached and demonstrated throughout the world. All believers are called to be a committed part of a local church. In this context, we are meant to demonstrate the reality of the Kingdom of God. Christ has given various gifts to the members of the church for the equipping of his body, that it might mature and grow. Through these gifts, all members of the church are to be nurtured and equipped for the work of the ministry.
Baptism
Water baptism is intended for the individual who has received the gospel and become a disciple of Jesus. Therefore, in obedience to Christ’s command and as a testimony of his salvation, a believer should be immersed in water in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Water baptism is a visual demonstration of a person’s union with Christ. It signifies that his former way of life has been put to death and vividly depicts a person’s release from the mastery of sin.
The Lord’s Supper
The Lord’s Supper is to be observed by those who have become genuine followers of Christ. It symbolizes the sacrifice of Christ’s body and the shedding of his blood on our behalf. As we partake of the Lord’s Supper in faith and self-examination, we remember and proclaim the death of Christ, receive spiritual nourishment for our souls, and signify our unity with other members of Christ’s body.
The End
In his sovereign timing, Jesus will visibly, personally, and gloriously return for his people. The dead will be raised, and he will judge all men in righteousness. Christ’s Kingdom will be fulfilled in the new heavens and the new earth. Satan, with his hosts and all those who are not in Christ, will be separated from God, enduring eternal punishment. Meanwhile, the righteous will live and reign with Christ forever.
Our Affiliations
As a congregation, are affiliated and cooperate with the Southern Baptist Convention, the Baptist General Convention of Texas, and the Dallas Baptist Association.
Our Affirmations
Valwood Park Baptist Church affirms the Baptist Faith & Message 2000.