: : THE SCRIPTURES : :

We believe the Bible, which includes 39 books of the Old Testament and 27 books of the New Testament, to be the infallible record of God disclosing Himself to all mankind. This Bible is verbally inspired by God and inerrant in the original writings. By inspiration we mean God’s superintendence of human authors so that using their own individual personalities, they composed and recorded without error His revelation to man in the words of the original autographs. We believe it to be the supreme, and final authority in doctrine and practice. Every doctrinal formulation, whether of creed, confession or theology, must be put to the test of the full counsel of God in Holy Scripture. We further believe that there is but one method of Bible interpretation-the literal, or historical-grammatical method. This method recognizes the fact that the authors of Scripture meant what they said. Therefore, we consistently apply the rules of grammar, literature, history, and culture to Scripture in order to unlock and understand the author’s meaning (Matt. 5:16-18; II Tim. 3:16, 17; II Pet. 1:20, 21). All believers are strongly encouraged to study the Scriptures and diligently apply them to their lives. The Scriptures are the authoritative and standard rule and guide of all Christian life, practice and doctrine. The Bible is totally sufficient and must never be added to, superseded or altered by later tradition, extra-biblical revelation or worldly wisdom.