What We Believe

The following are the core beliefs of First Baptist Church Harrah based on the foundational truths taught in the bible. All of our teaching and ministry is rooted in and flows out of these biblical doctrines.

God is the creator and Ruler of the universe. He has eternally existed in three persons; God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. These three are co-equal, co-eternal, and are one God.

Genesis 1:1-2, 26-27, 3:22; Psalm 90:2; Matthew 28:19; 1 Peter 1:2; II Corinthians 13:14; Deuteronomy 6:4

Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He is co-equal and co-eternal with the Father. Jesus was born of a virgin, lived a sinless human life, and offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all people by dying on the Cross. He arose from the dead after three days to demonstrate His power over sin and death. He ascended to Heaven's glory and will return again someday to judge the living and the dead.

Matthew 1:22-23; Isaiah 9:6; John 1:1-5; 14:10-30;
Hebrews 4:14-15; I Corinthians 15:3-4; Romans 1:3-4; Acts 1:9-11;
 I Timothy 6:14-15; Titus 2:13

The Holy Spirit is co-equal and co-eternal with the Father and the Son of God. He is present in the world to make men aware of their need for Jesus Christ. He also lives in every Christian from the moment of salvation. He provides the Christian with power for living, understanding of Bible, and guidance in doing what is right. He gives every believer spiritual gifts when they are saved. As Christians, we seek to live under His control daily.
 
II Corinthians 3:17; John 16:7-13; 14:16-17; Acts 1:8;
I Corinthians 2:12, 3:16; Ephesians 1:13; 5:18; Galatians 5:25

The Bible is God's Word to us. Written by human authors under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit, the Bible is the supreme source of truth for Christian beliefs and living. Being inspired by God, it is the truth without any mixture of error in the original autographs.
 
II Timothy 3:16; II Peter 1:20-21; II Timothy 1:13;
Psalm 119:105, 160; Psalm 12:6; Proverbs 30:5

People are made in the image of God, to be like Him in character. People are the supreme object of God's creation. All are marred by a disobedient nature toward God called sin. This nature separates people from God.
 
Genesis 1:26-27, 9:6; Romans 6:23; Galatians 3:22;
 Ephesians 1:7, 4:26

Salvation is God's free gift to us, but we must accept it. We can never make up for our sin by self-improvement or good works. Only by trusting in Jesus Christ as God's offer of forgiveness can anyone be saved from sin's penalty. When we turn from our self-ruled life and turn to Jesus in faith we are saved. Salvation begins the moment one receives Jesus Christ into their life by faith. After this we begin to develop a closer relationship with Jesus Christ through prayer, Bible Study, and fellowship with other believers through the process of sanctification. Finally, when our earthly lives are over, we spend eternity with God in heaven, also called glorification.
 
Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8-9; John 14:6, 1:12; Titus 3:5;
Galatians 3:26; Romans 5:1

Because God gives us eternal life through Jesus Christ, the true believer is secure in that salvation for eternity. If you have been genuinely saved, you cannot lose it. Salvation cannot be achieved by works and it cannot be lost by works. Salvation is maintained by the grace and power of God, not the self effort of the Christian. It is the grace and keeping power of God that gives us this security.

John 10:27-29; II Timothy 1:12; Hebrews 7:25, 10:10, 14; I Peter 1:3-5 Because God gives us eternal life through Jesus Christ, the true believer is secure in that salvation for eternity. If you have been genuinely saved, you cannot lose it. Salvation cannot be achieved by works and it cannot be lost by works. Salvation is maintained by the grace and power of God, not the self effort of the Christian. It is the grace and keeping power of God that gives us this security.

John 10:27-29; II Timothy 1:12; Hebrews 7:25, 10:10, 14;
I Peter 1:3-5

People were created to exist forever. We will either exist eternally separated from God by sin, or eternally with God through forgiveness and salvation. To be eternally separated from God is Hell. To be eternally in union with Him is eternal life. Heaven and hell are real places of eternal existence.

John 3:16; John 14:17; Romans 6:23; Romans 8:17-18; Revelation 20:15; I Corinthians 2:7-9