Session Three

What We Believe

Doctrine simply means what we believe God has revealed in His Word. Healthy churches are built upon sound doctrine because our beliefs shape how we live, worship, and serve.

At Ridgemont Baptist Church, we desire to build our lives upon the truth of Scripture.

The Bible

We believe the Bible is God’s inspired Word and our final authority for faith and practice. God’s Word teaches us who He is, how we are saved, and how we are to live.

God

We believe there is one true and living God who eternally exists as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

God the Father is Creator, Sustainer, and sovereign over all things.

God the Son, Jesus Christ, is fully God and fully man. He lived a sinless life, died for our sins, rose again, and will one day return.

God the Holy Spirit indwells believers, produces spiritual growth, and equips Christians for service.

Man and Sin

Human beings were created in God’s image, but sin has separated mankind from God. Apart from God’s grace, we cannot save ourselves.

Salvation

Salvation is God’s gift received through faith in Jesus Christ. Through Christ we are forgiven, declared righteous, adopted into God’s family, and given eternal life.

God continues His work of sanctification in believers and will one day bring them into His presence.

The Church

The church is the body of Christ made up of believers who gather to worship, grow, serve, and proclaim the gospel. Jesus Christ alone is the Head of His church.

Christ’s Return

We believe Jesus Christ will personally return and that believers will spend eternity with Him. The certainty of His return gives us hope and motivates us to live faithfully.

Why We Are Baptist

While our identity is found in Christ, the name “Baptist” reflects biblical convictions we hold dear.

The Authority of Scripture

The Bible is our final authority above traditions and personal opinions.

Salvation by Grace

Salvation is received by faith alone and cannot be earned through works or religious activity.

Believer’s Baptism

We believe baptism follows personal faith in Christ and is administered by immersion.

The Priesthood of Believers

Every Christian has direct access to God through Jesus Christ. Because Christ is our High Priest, every believer has the privilege of prayer, service, and ministry.

Local Church Autonomy

Jesus Christ is the Head of the church. Each congregation is responsible under His authority to govern its affairs according to Scripture.

Cooperation for Missions

Ridgemont Baptist Church cooperates with Southern Baptists around the world to support church planting, missionaries, disaster relief, evangelism, and theological education.

Together, churches can accomplish far more than they could alone.

Unity Around Truth

Our unity is found in Jesus Christ and His Word. Though believers may differ on secondary matters, we seek to maintain unity while standing firmly upon biblical truth.