The foundational beliefs of Northcote Baptist Church

NBC is a community of people who believe in God the Father, in His Son Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Spirit – one God; who are repentant of sin and have been saved by personal faith in Jesus Christ through His atoning death and resurrection; who publicly confess their faith and who are committed to the church’s aims and functions.

We believe in:

• The true humanity and deity of the Lord Jesus Christ.
• The person of the Holy Spirit as the one who sets apart, empowers, and imparts spiritual gifts to the church.
• The inspiration of the Bible and its authority in all matters of faith and practice.
• Salvation and membership in the Christian church by faith in Christ alone.
• The immersion of believers as the scriptural form of baptism.

What are the distinctive beliefs of the Baptist Church?

The Baptist Church is a Christian denomination represented in most nations throughout the world. While the churches vary greatly in style, and the Baptists who make them up come from many different ethnicities, cultures and economic groupings, all share four distinctive beliefs:

Biblical authority
Baptists believe the Bible is the inspired word of God given to humankind for guidance and instruction on how to live life to its fullest.

Congregational government
Baptists do not have a hierarchy of positions within their churches or their denomination. We believe all members are equal, all are able to hear the voice of God, and all have a contribution to make to the running of the church. We relate to one another and support one another, but each separate congregation makes decisions on how their church will function.

Believer’s baptism
Baptists believe baptism is for believers; a sign of an individual’s faith in Christ and their commitment to following Him. We believe that the preferred means of baptism is full immersion.

Liberty of conscience
Baptists believe in the freedom of religion and the separation of church and state.