Augustine has been credited with saying, “In essentials unity, in non-essentials liberty, in all things charity.” At Norris Ferry we are unified around the essential beliefs of Christian orthodoxy while enjoying a loving diversity in all other non-essential beliefs. The following beliefs represent the essential beliefs around which we are unified. Anyone pursuing membership and baptism at Norris Ferry Church must agree with these beliefs.
We Believe:
- the Scriptures are true, authoritative and sufficient.
- there is only one true God, Creator of heaven and earth, who eternally exists in three distinct persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
- all things exist for the glory of God.
- all humanity—Christ excluded—is sinful.
- the deserved penalty for sin is physical and spiritual death.
- Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God, was born of a virgin and is both fully God and fully human.
- Jesus Christ died as the sacrificial substitute to pay the penalty for sin.
- Jesus Christ physically rose from the dead, ascended into heaven and will one day physically return.
- there will be a future physical resurrection of the dead. Only those who turn from sin and to Jesus in faith and repentance will be raised to eternal reward. Those who do not turn from sin and to Jesus will be raised to eternal punishment.
- only through faith in the person and work of Jesus Christ and repentance from sin can one be reconciled to God and experience true life and joy.
Click below to read our full statements of faith
New Hampshire Confessions of Faith
2000 Baptist Faith and Message
