We believe the Scriptures teach that the law of God is the eternal and unchangeable rule of his moral government;[1] that it is holy, just, and good;[2] and that the inability which the Scriptures ascribe to fallen men to fulfill its precepts arises entirely from their sinful nature;[3] to deliver them from which, and to restore them through a Mediator to unfeigned obedience to the holy law, is one great end of the Gospel, and of the means of grace connected with the establishment of the visible church.[4]
[1] Rom. 3:31. Do we make void the law through faith? God forbid. Yea, we establish the law. Matt. 5:17; Luke 16:17; Rom. 3:20; 4:15.
[2] Rom. 7:12. The law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good. Rom. 7:7, 14, 22; Gal. 3:21; Ps. 119.
[3] Rom. 8:7, 8. The carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.
[4] Rom. 8:2–4. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh; that the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
xiii. a gospel church
We believe the Scriptures teach that a visible Church of Christ is a company of baptized believers,[1] associated by covenant in the faith and fellowship of the Gospel;[2] observing the ordinances of Christ;[3] governed by His laws;[4] and exercising the gifts, rights, and privileges invested in them by His Word;[5] that its only Scriptural officers are bishops or pastors, and deacons,[6] whose qualifications, claims, and duties are defined in the Epistles to Timothy and Titus.
[1] Acts 2:41, 42. Then they that gladly received his word were baptized; and the same day there were added to them about three thousand souls.
[2] 2 Cor. 8:5. They first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God.
[3] 1 Cor. 11:2. Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances as I delivered them to you.