Biblicalist Doctrinal Statement
What We Believe
A clear summary of the biblical convictions that guide every Biblicalist study.
The Standard Is Scripture
Doctrine Must Be Examined by the Written Word of God
Biblicalist is an independent, Scripture-centered Bible study ministry. This statement summarizes the doctrinal convictions that shape its teaching. It does not replace the Bible, and it does not claim that human explanations are inspired or infallible. Every teaching should be read carefully, considered in context, and tested by Scripture.
All Bible quotations and references on Biblicalist are taken from the King James Bible. Scripture remains the final authority.
Contents
Eighteen Foundational Convictions
The Doctrinal Statement
What Biblicalist Believes
Doctrinal Statement
The Holy Scriptures
Biblicalist believes that the Holy Scriptures were given by inspiration of God, that God has preserved His words, and that the Bible is true, authoritative, sufficient, and the final standard for doctrine, faith, and conduct. Biblicalist uses the King James Bible as its standard English Bible in all studies and teaching materials.
“All scripture is given by inspiration of God…”
2 Timothy 3:16 · King James Bible
Scripture References2 Timothy 3:16–17 · Psalm 12:6–7 · 2 Peter 1:20–21 · John 17:17
Doctrinal Statement
The One True God
Biblicalist believes in one living and true God, eternally existing as the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost. These three are one God—equal in divine nature, distinct in person, perfect in holiness, wisdom, power, justice, goodness, and truth.
“For there are three that bear record in heaven…”
1 John 5:7 · King James Bible
Scripture ReferencesDeuteronomy 6:4 · Matthew 28:19 · 1 John 5:7 · 2 Corinthians 13:14
Doctrinal Statement
The Lord Jesus Christ
Biblicalist believes that Jesus Christ is the eternal Word made flesh, fully God and fully man. He was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of a virgin, lived without sin, died for our sins, was buried, rose bodily from the dead, ascended into heaven, and will return personally and visibly.
“And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us…”
John 1:14 · King James Bible
Scripture ReferencesJohn 1:1, 14 · Matthew 1:18–25 · Colossians 2:9 · 1 Corinthians 15:3–4 · Acts 1:9–11
Doctrinal Statement
The Holy Ghost
Biblicalist believes that the Holy Ghost is God. He convicts the world of sin, regenerates those who believe, indwells every believer, seals the believer unto the day of redemption, gives spiritual gifts, and empowers Christians to live and serve according to the Word of God.
“…after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise.”
Ephesians 1:13 · King James Bible
Scripture ReferencesJohn 14:16–17, 26 · John 16:7–11 · Acts 5:3–4 · 1 Corinthians 12:13 · Ephesians 1:13–14
Doctrinal Statement
Creation and Mankind
Biblicalist believes that God created the heavens and the earth and all that is in them. God created Adam and Eve and gave mankind life, dignity, responsibility, and accountability before Him. Through Adam’s disobedience, sin and death entered the world, and all people are born into a fallen condition. Salvation and new life are found only in Jesus Christ, who restores what was lost through sin.
“For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.”
1 Corinthians 15:22 · King James Bible
Scripture ReferencesGenesis 1:26–27 · Genesis 2:7, 21–23 · Genesis 5:3 · Romans 5:12 · 1 Corinthians 15:22, 45–49 · Colossians 3:10
Doctrinal Statement
Sin and Judgment
Biblicalist believes that all people are sinners by nature and by choice. Sin separates humanity from God and brings guilt, spiritual death, physical death, and final judgment. Every person will give account to God, and no human work, religion, morality, or ceremony can remove sin.
“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.”
Romans 3:23 · King James Bible
Scripture ReferencesRomans 3:10–23 · Romans 6:23 · Hebrews 9:27 · Revelation 20:11–15
Doctrinal Statement
The Gospel
Biblicalist believes that the gospel is the good news that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, was buried, and rose again the third day according to the Scriptures. The gospel is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth.
“…Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures…”
1 Corinthians 15:3 · King James Bible
Scripture References1 Corinthians 15:1–4 · Romans 1:16 · Acts 13:38–39 · Romans 4:24–25
Doctrinal Statement
Salvation by Grace Through Faith
Biblicalist believes that salvation is the free gift of God, received by grace through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ alone. Salvation is not earned, maintained, or completed by human works, religious ceremonies, church membership, law-keeping, or personal merit.
“For by grace are ye saved through faith…”
Ephesians 2:8 · King James Bible
Scripture ReferencesEphesians 2:8–9 · Romans 4:4–5 · Titus 3:5 · Acts 16:30–31 · Romans 10:9–13
Doctrinal Statement
The New Birth, Justification, and Reconciliation
Biblicalist believes that every person who trusts Christ is born again by the Spirit of God, justified freely by grace, forgiven, reconciled to God, delivered from the power of darkness, and made a new creature in Christ. These blessings rest upon Christ’s finished work rather than the believer’s worthiness.
“Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God…”
Romans 5:1 · King James Bible
Scripture ReferencesJohn 3:3–7 · Romans 5:1 · 2 Corinthians 5:17–21 · Colossians 1:13–14
Doctrinal Statement
Eternal Security and Assurance
Biblicalist believes that every person who has truly trusted Christ is eternally secure in Him. The believer is kept by the power of God, sealed by the Holy Ghost, and may know from the written Word of God that eternal life has been received.
“…that ye may know that ye have eternal life…”
1 John 5:13 · King James Bible
Scripture ReferencesJohn 10:27–29 · Romans 8:38–39 · Ephesians 1:13–14 · 1 Peter 1:3–5 · 1 John 5:11–13
Doctrinal Statement
The Believer’s Two Natures
Biblicalist believes that a saved person possesses new life in Christ while still living in an unredeemed body affected by the flesh. The Christian life therefore involves an ongoing conflict between the flesh and the Spirit. Victory is found through faith, obedience to Scripture, dependence upon the Holy Ghost, and putting off the old manner of life.
“This I say then, Walk in the Spirit…”
Galatians 5:16 · King James Bible
Scripture ReferencesRomans 7:15–25 · Romans 8:1–13 · Galatians 5:16–17 · Ephesians 4:22–24 · Colossians 3:9–10
Doctrinal Statement
The Local New Testament Church
Biblicalist believes that the local church is a visible assembly of baptized believers who gather for doctrine, fellowship, the breaking of bread, prayer, worship, discipline, service, and the advancement of the gospel. Christ is the Head of the church, and Scripture is its final authority.
“…the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.”
1 Timothy 3:15 · King James Bible
Scripture ReferencesActs 2:41–42 · 1 Timothy 3:15 · Ephesians 4:11–16 · Colossians 1:18 · Hebrews 10:24–25
Doctrinal Statement
Baptism and the Lord’s Supper
Biblicalist believes that believer’s baptism by immersion follows salvation and publicly identifies the believer with the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. The Lord’s Supper is a memorial observed by believers in remembrance of Christ’s sacrifice. Neither ordinance provides salvation or adds to the finished work of Christ.
“…this do in remembrance of me.”
1 Corinthians 11:24 · King James Bible
Scripture ReferencesMatthew 28:19–20 · Acts 8:36–39 · Romans 6:3–4 · 1 Corinthians 11:23–26
Doctrinal Statement
Holy Living and Biblical Separation
Biblicalist believes that Christians are called to present themselves to God, walk in holiness, reject worldliness, and separate from sin, false doctrine, and unequal spiritual alliances. Biblical separation is not a means of earning salvation; it is the proper response of those who have been saved by grace.
“Be ye holy; for I am holy.”
1 Peter 1:16 · King James Bible
Scripture ReferencesRomans 12:1–2 · 2 Corinthians 6:14–18 · Titus 2:11–14 · 1 Peter 1:15–16 · 1 John 2:15–17
Doctrinal Statement
Soul Winning, Missions, and Discipleship
Biblicalist believes that the gospel is to be proclaimed to every person and every nation. Believers are called to be witnesses of Christ, to teach others the Word of God, to make disciples, and to commit biblical truth to faithful people who will teach others also.
“Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.”
Mark 16:15 · King James Bible
Scripture ReferencesMatthew 28:18–20 · Mark 16:15 · Acts 1:8 · 2 Corinthians 5:18–20 · 2 Timothy 2:2
Doctrinal Statement
Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth
Biblicalist believes that all Scripture is inspired and profitable, and that it must be read in context and rightly divided. Biblical interpretation should recognize the people addressed, the historical setting, the progress of revelation, and the distinctions God Himself makes. This approach rejects both careless interpretation and any system that dismisses portions of Scripture or divides the body of Christ.
“Study to shew thyself approved unto God…”
2 Timothy 2:15 · King James Bible
Scripture References2 Timothy 2:15 · Romans 15:4 · 1 Corinthians 10:32 · Ephesians 3:1–9 · Acts 20:27
Doctrinal Statement
The Blessed Hope and the Return of Christ
Biblicalist believes in the personal, imminent, pre-tribulation coming of Christ for His church, commonly called the rapture, and in His visible, bodily, premillennial return to the earth. Christ will judge, reign, fulfill His promises, and establish His righteous kingdom.
“Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing…”
Titus 2:13 · King James Bible
Scripture ReferencesJohn 14:1–3 · 1 Corinthians 15:51–52 · 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18 · Titus 2:13 · Revelation 19:11–20:6
Doctrinal Statement
Resurrection, Final Judgment, and Eternity
Biblicalist believes in the bodily resurrection of the saved and the lost. The saved will be with the Lord and enjoy everlasting life; the lost will face final judgment and everlasting punishment in the lake of fire. God will make all things new, and His redeemed people will dwell with Him forever.
“And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.”
Revelation 20:15 · King James Bible
Scripture ReferencesJohn 5:28–29 · 2 Corinthians 5:8–10 · Revelation 20:11–15 · Revelation 21:1–4 · Revelation 22:1–5
Search the Scriptures
Faith Must Rest in God’s Word, Not in a Ministry Name
Biblicalist exists to direct readers back to the Bible. The value of any lesson, explanation, or doctrinal statement depends upon whether it faithfully represents what God has written. Read carefully. Compare Scripture with Scripture. Receive what is true, and reject what cannot be established from the Word of God.