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STATEMENT OF FAITH

The New Hampshire Confession of Faith was composed by John Newton Brown of New Hampshire in 1833. It is a clear and concise statement of their faith in harmony with the 1689 London Baptist Confession. The Hope Movement would also identify with the London Baptist Confession of 1689, the Philadelphia Confession of 1742, and the Baptist Faith and Message of 2000. 

I. Of the Scriptures

We believe that the Holy Bible was written by men divinely inspired, and is a perfect treasure of heavenly instruction;1 that it has God for its author, salvation for its end,2 and truth without any mixture of error for its matter;3 that it reveals the principles by which God will judge us;4 and therefore is, and shall remain to the end of the world, the true center of Christian union,5 and the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds, and opinions should be tried.6

1.   2 Tim. 3:16-172 Pet. 1:211 Sam. 23:2Acts 1:163:21John 10:35Luke 16:29-31Psa. 119:11Rom. 3:1-2
2.   2 Tim. 3:151 Pet. 1:10-12Acts 11:14Rom. 1:16Mark 16:16John 5:38-39
3.   Prov. 30:5-6John 17:17Rev. 22:18-19Rom. 3:4
4.   Rom. 2:12John 12:47-481 Cor. 4:3-4Luke 10:10-1612:47-48
5.   Phil. 3:16Eph. 4:3-6Phil. 2:1-21 Cor. 1:101 Pet. 4:11
6.   1 John 4:1Isa. 8:201 Thess. 5:212 Cor. 8:5Acts 17:111 John 4:6Jude 3:5Eph. 6:17Psa. 119:59-60Phil. 1:9-11

II. Of the True God

We believe that there is one, and only one, living and true God, an infinite, intelligent Spirit, whose name is JEHOVAH, the Maker and Supreme Ruler of Heaven and earth;7 inexpressibly glorious in holiness,8 and worthy of all possible honor, confidence, and love;9 that in the unity of the Godhead there are three persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost;10 equal in every divine perfection,11 and executing distinct and harmonious offices in the great work of redemption.12

7.   John 4:24Psa. 147:583:18Heb. 3:4Rom. 1:20Jer. 10:10
8.   Exod. 15:11Isa. 6:31 Pet. 1:15-16Rev. 4:6-8
9.   Mark 12:30Rev. 4:11Matt. 10:37Jer. 2:12-13
10.   Matt. 28:19John 15:261 Cor. 12:4-61 John 5:7
11.   John 10:305:1714:2317:510Acts 5:3-41 Cor. 2:10-11Phil. 2:5-6
12.   Eph. 2:182 Cor. 13:14Rev. 1:4-5; comp. 2, 7

III. Of the Fall of Man

We believe that man was created in holiness, under the law of his Maker;13 but by voluntary transgression fell from that holy and happy state;14 in consequence of which all mankind are now sinners,15 not by constraint, but choice;16 being by nature utterly void of that holiness required by the law of God, positively inclined to evil; and therefore under just condemnation to eternal ruin,17 without defense or excuse.18

13.   Gen. 1:2731Eccl. 7:29Acts 17:26-29Gen. 2:16
14.   Gen. 3:6-24Rom. 5:12
15.   Rom. 5:19John 3:6Psa. 51:5Rom. 5:15-198:7
16.   Isa. 53:6Gen. 6:12Rom. 3:9-18
17.   Eph. 2:1-3Rom. 1:18322:1-16Gal. 3:10Matt. 20:15
18.   Ezek. 18:19-20Rom. 1:203:19Gal. 3:22

IV. Of the Way of Salvation

We believe that the salvation of sinners is wholly of grace,19 through the mediatorial offices of the Son of God;20 who by the appointment of the Father, freely took upon him our nature, yet without sin;21 honored the divine law by his personal obedience,22 and by his death made a full atonement for our sins;23 that having risen from the death, he is now enthroned in heaven;24 and uniting in his wonderful person the tenderest sympathies with divine perfections, he is every way qualified to be a suitable, a compassionate, and an all-sufficient Saviour.25

19.   Eph. 2:5Matt. 18:111 John 4:101 Cor. 3:5-7Acts 15:11
20.   John 3:161:1-14Heb. 4:1412:24
21.   Phil. 2:6-7Heb. 2:9142 Cor. 5:21
22.   Isa. 42:21Phil. 2:8Gal. 4:4-5Rom. 3:21
23.   Isa. 53:4-5Matt. 20:28Rom. 4:253:21-261 John 4:102:21 Cor. 15:1-3Heb. 9:13-15
24.   Heb. 1:838:1Col. 3:1-4
25.   Heb. 7:25Col. 2:9Heb. 2:187:26Psa. 89:19Psa. 14

V. Of Justification

We believe that the great gospel blessing which Christ26 secures to such as believe in him is Justification;27 that Justification includes the pardon of sin,28 and the promise of eternal life on principles of righteousness;29 that it is bestowed, not in consideration of any works of righteousness which we have done, but solely through faith in the Redeemer’s blood;30 by virtue of which faith his perfect righteousness is freely imputed to us of God;31 that it brings us into a state of most blessed peace and favor with God, and secures every other blessing needful for time and eternity.32

26.   John 1:16Eph. 3:8
27.   Acts 13:39Isa. 3:11-12Rom. 8:1
28.   Rom. 5:9Zech. 13:1Matt. 9:6Acts 10:43
29.   Rom. 5:17Titus 3:5-61 Pet. 3:71 John 2:25Rom. 5:21
30.   Rom. 4:4-55:216:28Phil. 3:7-9
31.   Rom. 5:193:24-264:23-251 John 2:12
32.   Rom. 5:1-3111 Cor. 1:30-31Matt. 6:331 Tim. 4:8

VI. Of the Freeness of Salvation

We believe that the blessings of salvation are made free to all by the gospel;33 that it is the immediate duty of all to accept them by a cordial, penitent, and obedient faith;34 and that nothing prevents the salvation of the greatest sinner on earth but his own inherent depravity and voluntary rejection of the gospel;35 which rejection involves him in an aggravated condemnation.36

33.   Isa. 55:1Rev. 22:17Luke 14:17
34.   Rom. 16:26Mark 1:15Rom. 1:15-17
35.   John 5:40Matt. 23:37Rom. 9:32Prov. 1:24Acts 13:46
36.   John 3:19Matt. 11:20Luke 19:272 Thess. 1:8

VII. Of Grace in Regeneration

We believe that, in order to be saved, sinners must be regenerated, or born again;37 that regeneration consists in giving a holy disposition to the mind;38 that it is effected in a manner above our comprehension by the power of the Holy Spirit, in connection with divine truth,39 so as to secure our voluntary obedience to the gospel;40 and that its proper evidence appears in the holy fruits of repentance, and faith, and newness of life.41

37.   John 3:36-71 Cor. 1:14Rev. 8:7-921:27
38.   2 Cor. 5:17Ezek. 36:26Deut. 30:6Rom. 2:28-295:51 John 4:7
39.   John 3:81:13James 1:16-181 Cor. 1:30Phil. 2:13
40.   1 Pet. 1:22-251 John 5:1Eph. 4:20-24Col. 3:9-11
41.   Eph. 5:9Rom. 8:9Gal. 5:16-23Eph. 3:14-21Matt. 3:8-107:201 John 5:418

VIII. Of Repentance and Faith

We believe that Repentance and Faith are sacred duties, and also inseparable graces, wrought in our souls by the regenerating Spirit of God;42 whereby being deeply convinced of our guilt, danger, and helplessness, and of the way of salvation by Christ,43 we turn to God with unfeigned contrition, confession, and supplication for mercy;44 at the same time heartily receiving the Lord Jesus Christ as our Prophet, Priest, and King, and relying on him alone as the only and all-sufficient Saviour.45

42.   Mark 1:15Acts 11:18Eph. 2:81 John 5:1
43.   John 16:8Acts 2:37-3816:30-31
44.   Luke 18:1315:18-21James 4:7-102 Cor. 7:11Rom. 10:12-13Psa. 51
45.   Rom. 10:9-11Acts 3:22-23Heb. 4:14Psa. 2:6Heb. 1:88:252 Tim. 1:12

IX. Of God’s Purpose of Grace

We believe that Election is the eternal purpose of God, according to which he graciously regenerates, sanctifies, and saves sinners;46 that being perfectly consistent with the free agency of man, it comprehends all the means in connection with the end;47 that it is a most glorious display of God’s sovereign goodness, being infinitely free, wise, holy, and unchangeable;48 that it utterly excludes boasting, and promotes humility, love, prayer, praise, trust in God, and active imitation of his free mercy;49 that it encourages the use of means in the highest degree;50 that it may be ascertained by its effects in all who truly believe the gospel;51 that it is the foundation of Christian assurance;52 and that to ascertain it with regard to ourselves demands and deserves the utmost diligence.53

46.   2 Tim. 1:8-9Eph. 1:3-141 Pet. 1:1-2Rom. 11:5-6John 15:151 John 4:19Hos. 12:9
47.   2 Thess. 2:13-14Acts 13:48John 10:16Matt. 20:16Acts 15:14
48.   Exod. 33:18-19Matt. 20:15Eph. 1:11Rom. 9:23-24Jer. 31:3Rom. 11:28-29James 1:17-182 Tim. 1:9Rom. 11:32-36
49.   1 Cor. 4:71:26-31Rom. 3:274:16Col. 3:121 Cor. 3:5-715:101 Pet. 5:10Acts 1:241 Thess. 2:131 Pet. 2:9Luke 18:7John 15:16Eph. 1:161 Thess. 2:12
50.   2 Tim. 2:101 Cor. 9:22Rom. 8:28-30John 6:37-402 Pet. 1:10
51.   1 Thess. 1:4-10
52.   Rom. 8:28-30Isa. 42:16Rom. 11:29
53.   2 Pet. 1:10-11Phil. 3:12Heb. 6:11

X. Of Sanctification

We believe that Sanctification is the process by which, according to the will of God, we are made partakers of his holiness;54 that it is a progressive work;55 that it is begun in regeneration;56 and that it is carried on in the hearts of believers by the presence and power of the Holy Spirit, the Sealer and Comforter, in the continual use of the appointed means–especially the Word of God, self-examination, self-denial, watchfulness, and prayer.57

54.   1 Thess. 4:35:232 Cor. 7:113:9Eph. 1:4
55.   Prov. 4:182 Cor. 3:18Heb. 6:12 Pet. 1:5-8Phil. 3:12-16
56.   1 John 2:29Rom. 8:5John 3:6Phil. 1:9-11Eph. 1:13-14
57.   Phil. 2:12-13Eph. 4:11-121 Pet. 2:22 Pet. 3:182 Cor. 13:5Luke 11:359:23Matt. 26:41Eph. 6:184:30

XI. Of the Perseverance of Saints

We believe that such only are real believers as endure unto the end;58 that their persevering attachment to Christ is the grand mark which distinguishes them from superficial professors;59 that a special Providence watches over their welfare;60 and they are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation.61

58.   John 8:311 John 2:27-283:95:18
59.   1 John 2:19John 13:18Matt. 13:20-21John 6:66-69Job 17:9
60.   Rom. 8:28Matt. 6:30-33Jer. 32:40Psa. 121:391:11-12
61.   Phil. 1:62:12-13Jude 24-25Heb. 1:142 Kings 6:16Heb. 13:51 John 4:4

XII. Of the Harmony of the Law and the Gospel

We believe that the Law of God is the eternal and unchangeable rule of his moral government;62 that it is holy, just, and good;63 and that the inability which the Scriptures ascribe to fallen men to fulfill its precepts arises entirely from their love of sin;64 to deliver them from which, and to restore them through a Mediator to unfeigned obedience to the holy Law, is one great end of the Gospel, and of the means of grace connected with the establishment of the visible Church.65

62.   Rom. 3:31Matt. 5:17Luke 16:17Rom. 3:204:15
63.   Rom. 7:1271422Gal. 3:21Psa. 119
64.   Rom. 8:7-8Josh. 24:19Jer. 13:23John 6:445:44
65.   Rom. 8:2410:41 Tim. 1:5Heb. 8:10Jude 20-21Heb. 12:14Matt. 16:17-181 Cor. 12:28

XIII. Of a Gospel Church

We believe that a visible Church of Christ is a congregation of baptized believers,66 associated by covenant in the faith and fellowship of the gospel;67 observing the ordinances of Christ;68 governed by his laws,69 and exercising the gifts, rights, and privileges invested in them by his Word;70 that its only scriptural officers are Bishops, or Pastors, and Deacons,71 whose qualifications, claims, and duties are defined in the Epistles to Timothy and Titus.

66.   1 Cor. 1:1-13Matt. 18:17Acts 5:118:111:311 Cor. 4:1714:233 John 91 Tim. 3:5
67.   Acts 2:41-422 Cor. 8:5Acts 2:471 Cor. 5:12-13
68.   1 Cor. 11:22 Thess. 3:6Rom. 16:17-201 Cor. 11:23Matt. 18:15-201 Cor 5:62 Cor. 2:71 Cor. 4:17
69.   Matt. 28:20John 14:1515:121 John 4:21John 14:211 Thess. 4.22 John 6Gal. 6:2; all the Epistles
70.   Eph. 4:71 Cor. 14:12Phil. 1:271 Cor. 12:14
71.   Phil. 1:1Acts 14:2315:221 Tim. 3; Titus 1

XIV. Of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper

We believe that Christian Baptism is the immersion in water of a believer,72 into the name of the Father, and Son, and Holy Ghost;73 to show forth, in a solemn and beautiful emblem, our faith in the crucified, buried, and risen Saviour, with its effect in our death to sin and resurrection to a new life;74 that it is prerequisite to the privileges of a Church relation; and to the Lord’s Supper,75 in which the members of the Church, by the sacred use of bread and wine, are to commemorate together the dying love of Christ;76 preceded always by solemn self-examination.77

72.   Acts 8:36-39Matt. 3:5-6John 3:22-234:1-2Matt. 28:19Mark 16:16Acts 2:388:1216:32-3418:8
73.   Matt. 28:19Acts 10:47-48Gal. 3:27-28
74.   Rom. 6:4Col. 2:121 Pet. 3:20-21Acts 22:16
75.   Acts 2:41-42Matt. 28:19-20; Acts and Epistles
76.   1 Cor. 11:26Matt. 26:26-29Mark 14:22-25Luke 22:14-20
77.   1 Cor. 11:285:1810:3-3211:17-32John 6:26-71

XV. Of the Christian Sabbath

We believe that the first day of the week is the Lord’s Day, or Christian Sabbath;78 and is to be kept sacred to religious purposes,79 by abstaining from all secular labor and sinful recreations;80 by the devout observance of all the means of grace, both private81 and public;82 and by preparation for that rest that remaineth for the people of God.83

78.   Acts 20:7Gen. 2:3Col. 2:16-17Mark 2:27John 20:191 Cor. 16:1- 2
79.   Exod. 20:8Rev. 1:10Psa. 118:24
80.   Isa. 58:13-1456:2-8
81.   Psa. 119:15
82.   Heb. 10:24-25Acts 11:2613:44Lev. 19:30Exod. 46:3Luke 4:16Acts 17:23Psa. 26:887:3
83.   Heb. 4:3-11

XVI. Of Civil Government

We believe that civil government is of divine appointment, for the interests and good order of human society;84 and that magistrates are to be prayed for, conscientiously honored and obeyed;85 except only in things opposed to the will of our Lord Jesus Christ86 who is the only Lord of the conscience, and the Prince of the kings of the earth.87

84.   Rom. 13:1-7Deut. 16:181 Sam. 23:3Exod. 18:23Jer. 30:21
85.   Matt. 22:21Titus 3:11 Pet. 2:131 Tim. 2:1-8
86.   Acts 5:29Matt. 10:28Dan. 3:15-186:7-10Acts 4:18-20
87.   Matt. 23:10Rom. 14:4Rev. 19:16Psa. 72:11Psa. 2Rom. 14:9-13

XVII. Of the Righteous and the Wicked

We believe that there is a radical and essential difference between the righteous and the wicked;88 that such only as through faith are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and sanctified by the Spirit of our God, are truly righteous in his esteem;89 while all such as continue in impenitence and unbelief are in his sight wicked, and under the curse;90 and this distinction holds among men both in and after death.91

88.   Mal. 3:18Prov. 12:26Isa. 5:20Gen. 18:23Jer. 15:19Acts 10:34- 35Rom. 6:16
89.   Rom. 1:177:61 John 2:293:7Rom. 6:18221 Cor. 11:32Prov. 11:311 Pet. 4:17-18
90.   1 John 5:19Gal. 3:10John 3:36Isa. 57:21Psa. 10:4Isa 55:6-7
91.   Prov. 14:32Luke 16:25John 8:21-24Prov. 10:24Luke 12:4-59:23- 26John 12:25-26Eccl. 3:17Matt. 7:13-14

XVIII. Of the World to Come

We believe that the end of the world is approaching;92 that at the last day Christ will descend from heaven,93 and raise the dead from the grave to final retribution;94 that a solemn separation will then take place;95 that the wicked will be adjudged to endless punishment, and the righteous to endless joy;96 and that this judgment will fix forever the final state of men in heaven or hell, or principles of righteousness.97

92.   1 Pet. 4:71 Cor. 7:29-31Heb. 1:10-12Matt. 24:351 John 2:17Matt. 28:2013:39-402 Pet. 3:3-13
93.   Acts 1:11Rev. 1:7Heb. 9:28Acts 3:211 Thess. 4:13-185:1-11
94.   Acts 24:151 Cor. 15:12-59Luke 14:14Dan. 12:2John 5:28-296:4011:25-262 Tim. 1:10Acts 10:42
95.   Matt. 13:4937-4324:30-3125:31-33
96.   Matt. 25:35-41Rev. 22:111 Cor. 6:9-10Mark 9:43-482 Pet. 2:9Jude 7Phil. 3:19Rom. 6:322 Cor. 5:10-11John 4:362 Cor. 4:18
97.   Rom. 3:5-62 Thess. 1:6-12Heb. 6:1-21 Cor. 4:5Acts 17:31Rom. 2:2-16Rev. 20:11-121 John 2:284:17

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