Articles of Faith (Written and adopted in 1867)

1st Of The Scriptures

"We believe the Holy Bible was written by men divinely inspired and is a perfect treasure of Heavenly instruction; that it has God for its author, Salvation for its aim and truth without mixture of error for its matter; that it reveals the principles by which God will judge us and therefore is and shall remain to the end of the world, the true center of Christian union and Supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds and unions should be tried."

2nd Of the True God

"That there is one and only one true and living God, whose name is Jehovah, the Maker and Supreme ruler of Heaven and earth; inexpressibly glorious in holiness, worthy of all possible honor; confidence and love; revealed under the personal and relative distinctions of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit; equal in every divine perfection and executing distinct but harmonious offices in the great work of redemption."

3rd Of the Fall of Man

"That man was created in a state of holiness under the law of his Maker; but by voluntary transgression, fell from that holiness required by the law of God; wholly given to the gratification of the world of Satan, of their own sinful passions and therefore under just condemnation to eternal ruin without defense or excuse."

4th The Way of Salvation

"That the salvation of sinners is wholly of Grace; through the mediational offices of the Son of God, who took upon Him our nature, yet without sin; honored the law by His personal obedience and made atonement for our sins by His death; being risen from the dead. He is now enthroned in Heaven and uniting in His wonderful person the tenderest sympathies with divine perfections, is every way qualified, suitable, a compassionate and all sufficient Savior.

5th Of Justification

"That the great Gospel blessing, which Christ of His fullness bestows on such as believe in Him, is justification; that justification consists in the pardon of sin and the promise of eternal life, on principles of righteousness, that it is bestowed, not in consideration of any works of righteousness, which we have done, but solely through His own redemption and righteousness that it binds us into a state of most blessed peace and favor with God and secures every other blessing needful for time and eternity."

6th Of the Freeness of Salvation

"That the blessings of Salvation are made free to all by the Gospel; that it is the immediate duty of all to accept them by a cordial and obedient faith; and that nothing prevents the Salvation of the greatest sinner on earth, except his own voluntary refusal to submit to the Lord Jesus Christ, which refusal will subject him to an aggravated condemnation."

7th Of Grace in Regeneration

"That in order to be saved we must be regenerated or born again, that regeneration consists in giving a holy disposition to the mind and is effected in a manner above our comprehension or calculation, by the power of the Holy Spirit, so as to secure voluntary obedience to the Gospel and that its proper evidence is found in the holy fruit which we bring forth in the glory of God."

8th Of God's Purpose of Grace

"That election is the gracious purpose of God according to which He regenerates, sanctifies and saves sinners; that being perfectly consistent with the free agency of man, it comprehends all the means in connection with the end; that it is a most glorious display of God's sovereign goodness, being infinitely wise, holy and unchangeable; that it utterly excludes boasting and promotes humility, prayer, praise, trust in God and active imitation of His free mercy; that it encourages the use of means in the highest degree; that it is ascertained by the effects in all who believe the Gospel; it is the foundation of Christian assurance and that to ascertain it, with regard to ourselves, demands and deserves our utmost diligence."

9th Of the Perseverance of the Saints

"That such only are real believers as endure unto the end; that their persevering attachment to Christ is the true mark which distinguishes them from mere professions; that especial Providence watches over their welfare; and they are kept by the power of God through faith unto Salvation."


10th Of the Harmony of the Law and the Gospel

"That the Law of God is the eternal and unchangeable rule of His moral government; that it is holy, just and good; and that the inability which the Scriptures ascribe to fallen men to fulfill its precepts, arises entirely from their love of sin; 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 a visible church."

11th Of a Gospel Church

"That a visible church of Christ is a congregation of baptized believers, associated by covenant in the faith and fellowship of the Gospel; observing the ordinances of Christ, governed by His laws and exercising the gifts, rights and privileges invested in them by His word; that its only proper officers are Bishops or Pastors and Deacons, whose qualifications, claims and duties are defined in the Epistles of Timothy and Titus."

Bourbon Baptist Church Covenant

Bourbon Baptist Church Covenant

Adopted in 1867

Having been led, as we believe, by the Spirit of God, to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior, and on profession of our faith, having been baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, we do now, in the presence of God, angels and this assembly, most solemnly and joyfully, enter into a covenant with one another, as one body in Christ.

We engage, therefore, by the aid of the Holy Spirit, to walk together in Christian love; to strive for the advancement of this church in knowledge, holiness and comfort; to promote its prosperity and spirituality; to sustain its Worship, Ordinances, Discipline and Doctrines; to contribute cheerfully and regularly to the support of the ministry, the expenses of the church, the relief of the poor, and the spread of the Gospel through all the nations.

We also engage to maintain family and secret devotions; to religiously educate our children; to seek the salvation of our kindred and acquaintances; to walk circumspectly in the world; to be just in our dealings, faithful in our engagements, exemplary in our deportment; to avoid all tattling, back biting, and excessive anger; to abstain from the sale and use of intoxicating drink, as a beverage; and to be zealous in our efforts to advance the Kingdom of our Savior.

We further engage to watch over one another in brotherly love; to remember each other in prayer; to aid each other in sickness and distress; to cultivate Christian sympathy in feeling and courtesy in speech; to be slow to take offense, but always ready for reconciliation, and mindful of the rules of our Savior to secure it without delay.

We moreover engage that when we remove from this place, we will as soon as possible, unite with some other Church, where we can carry out the spirit of this Covenant and the principles of God’s Word.