Our Beliefs

Green Pond Baptist Church is affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC), the South Carolina Baptist Convention, and the Spartanburg County Baptist Network. Hence, we endorse and are in total agreement with The Baptist Faith and Message (2000). A link to this document is provided below.  

Because one of the hallmarks of the SBC is the autonomy of the local church (as was the case with churches in the New Testament), Southern Baptist congregations may vary in church polity, governance, style and order in a worship service, etc.; yet, we hold fast to the belief of the inerrancy and infallibility of Scripture and that Scripture is the sole authority for the believer in this world.

Therefore, while we at GPBC may have some small areas of practice that differ from other churches in the SBC, our belief  in the doctrines of Scripture, God, Man, Sin, Salvation, the Church, Marriage and Family, Grace, the Ordinances, etc. is in full agreement with The Baptist Faith
and Message (2000).  

1. The Scriptures

  • The Bible is the inspired, infallible Word of God and the final authority for all matters of faith and practice.

  • It is complete and sufficient for salvation and living a godly life.

2. God

  • There is one God, who exists in three persons: God the Father, God the Son (Jesus Christ), and God the Holy Spirit.

  • God is sovereign, holy, loving, and just.

3. Man

  • Humans are created in the image of God but are fallen and sinful due to Adam and Eve’s disobedience.

  • All people are in need of salvation, which is only possible through faith in Jesus Christ.

4. Salvation

  • Salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone. It is a gift from God, not based on human works.

  • Believers are justified by faith and are regenerated by the Holy Spirit, who empowers them to live a godly life.

5. God’s Purpose of Grace

  • Salvation is initiated by God and is an expression of His grace. The elect are called to faith and repentance, and God works to preserve their salvation.

  • Believers are assured of eternal security in Christ, and the Holy Spirit sanctifies them for Christlikeness.

6. The Church

  • The church is a local congregation of baptized believers who gather for worship, fellowship, ministry, and evangelism.

  • The church’s mission is to spread the gospel and make disciples. The church practices two ordinances: Baptism and The Lord’s Supper.

  • The church should be autonomous but cooperate with other churches in missions and ministry.

7. Baptism and the Lord's Supper

  • Baptism is by immersion, following the example of Jesus, and is for believers as a public testimony of faith.

  • The Lord’s Supper is a memorial of Christ's death and a symbol of the new covenant, to be observed by the church until Christ’s return.

8. The Lord’s Day

  • The first day of the week (Sunday) is set apart for worship, rest, and spiritual renewal. It is a time to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus.

9. The Kingdom

  • The kingdom of God is both a present reality and a future hope. Believers are called to live in the kingdom by advancing God's purposes on earth.

  • The kingdom will be fully realized when Christ returns to establish His eternal reign.

10. Last Things

  • Christ will return bodily to judge the living and the dead.

  • Believers will enjoy eternal life with God in heaven, while unbelievers will face eternal separation from God in hell.

11. Evangelism and Missions

  • Evangelism and missions are essential responsibilities of the church, and believers are called to share the gospel and make disciples of all nations.

12. Stewardship

  • Christians are stewards of God’s creation and are called to manage their resources, time, and talents in a way that honors Him.

13. Cooperation

  • Southern Baptists are committed to cooperating with one another in advancing the gospel, particularly through the Cooperative Program, which funds missions and ministries.

14. The Family

  • The family is ordained by God as a foundational institution. Marriage is defined as the union of one man and one woman, and parents are responsible for nurturing their children in the faith.

Conclusion:

The Baptist Faith and Message 2000 serves as a concise summary of the essential beliefs of Southern Baptists, emphasizing the authority of Scripture, the necessity of faith in Christ for salvation, the importance of the local church, and the mission of evangelism and discipleship. It reflects a conservative evangelical theology with a commitment to biblical inerrancy and the doctrines of grace.