토론토 은혜 침례교회는 아래에 나오는 '우리의 믿음'을 믿고 실행과 사랑의 실천으로 성경적 · 자치적 · 근본주의 독립침례교회입니다 성경적이란 하나님의 완전 무오한 보존된 성경 킹제임스 성경으로 구령하고, 양육하고, 설교하며 가르치고, 그 성경을 믿음과 실행의 최종 권위로 삼는 것을 말합니다. 자치적이란 성경이외에 어떤 것에도 권위를 두지 않으며, 어떤 교회나 국가, 교단에도 영향을 받지 않고 오직 교회 회중들의 자발적인 참여와 자발적인 교제를 통해 회중들의 민주적 의사 결정에 따라 교회 운영이 이루어짐을 말합니다. 독립침례교회란 교단에 소속되지 않고, 다른 교회에 소속되거나 다른 교회를 소속시키지 않으며, 캐톨릭을 반대한다는 의미로 성경적 바른 실행을 함을 말합니다. < 우리는 믿음은 > 1. 성경에 관해서 하나님께서 최초의 원본과 똑같은 권위의 성경을 현재까지 보존하셨다고 믿습니다.(시12:6-7) 하나님께서 섭리로 보존하신 성경은 현재 세계 공용어인 영어로 된 킹 제임스 성경이라고 믿으며, 한글 성경은 이 성경에서 번역된 성경만을 바른 성경으로 인정합니다. 어느 누구도 하나님의 말씀인 성경에서 더하거나 빼거나 바꾸어서 해석하거나 가르칠 수 없다고 믿습니다. 성경의 권위보다 위에 있는 권위는 아무 것도 없다고 믿습니다. 2. 예수그리스도에 관해서 우리는 예수 그리스도의 신성과, 동정녀 탄생과, 죄인들을 위한 대속적인 죽음과, 육체적 부활과, 몸소이 땅으로 돌아오셔서 천년동안 통치하실 것을 믿습니다.(디모데 전서3:16) 3. 선행에 관해서 우리는 종교의식이나 황금률이나 교회나 십계명 즉 행위을 통해서는 구원받을 수 없다고 믿으며 예수그리스도의 의보다도(로마서4:5) 자신의 의를 더 신뢰함으로써, 하나님 앞에 자신을 의롭게 보이려하는어떤 종교인도 백보좌 심판에서 정죄받아 불못으로 던져질 것을 믿습니다. 4. 침례에 관해서 우리는 거듭난 성도가 받는 물 침례는 아버지와 아들과 성령의 이름으로 물 속에 잠기는 것임을 믿습니다.(마태복음28:19). 5. 교회의식에 관해서 침례식과 주의 만찬만이 오직 교회를 위한 두가지 성경적인 의식입니다. 그러나 이 의식들도 구원하는능력이 있는 것은 아닙니다.(누가복음22:19). 6. 구원의 방법에 관해서 - 당신은 구원받아야 합니다. "기록된 바와 같이 '의인은 없나니, 없도다, 한 사람도 없도다."(로마서3:10)" 이는 모든 사람이 죄를 지었으므로 하나님의 영광에 이르지 못하다가"(로마서3:23)　 -죄에 대한 형벌은 영원한 사망입니다. "이는 죄의 삯은 사망이요, 하나님의 선물은 예수 그리스도 우리 주로 말미암은 영원한 생명이기 때문이라."(로마서6:23) "한 번 죽는 것은 사람들에게 정해진 것이고 그 뒤에는 심판이 있는 것같이"(히브리서9:27) -하나님께서 당신의 죄에 대한 해결책을 마련하셨습니다 - 예수 그리스도 "하나님께서 세상을 이처럼 사랑하셔서 그의 독생자를 주셨으니, 이는 그를 믿는 사람은 누구든지 멸망하지 않고 영생을 얻게 하려 하심이라."(요한복음3:16) "우리가 아직 죄인이었을 때 그리스도께서 우리는 위하여 죽으심으로써 하나님께서는 우리를 향한 그의 사랑을 나타내셨느니라"(로마서5:8) -당신은 지금 바로 구원받을 수 있습니다. "네가 네 입으로 주 예수를 시인하고 또 하나님께서 그를 죽은 자들로부터 살리신 것을 네 마음에 믿으면 구원을 받으리라. 이는 사람이 마음으로 믿어 의에 이르고 입으로 고백하여 구원에 이르기 때문이라."(로마서10:9-10)" 주의 이름을 부르는 자는 누구나 구원을 받으리라"(로마서10:13)　 -지금 구원 받으십시요. 당신을 죄에서 구원하실 수 있는 분은 오직 한분 예수 그리스도이십니다. 구원받기를 원하신다면 다음과 같이 기도하며 주께 간구하십시오. "주 예수여 죄인인 저에게 자비를 베푸셔서 저를 구원하여 주소서. 지금 제가 회개하는 마음으로 주님을 저의 개인적인 구세주로 영접합니다." 7. 구원의 영원한 보장에 관해서 우리는 주 예수 그리스도의 몸의 지체인 성도의 구원이 영원히 보장된다는 사실을 믿으며, 반대로 구원을 잃어버릴 수 있다고 가르치는 것처럼 보이는 성경구절을 대할 때면, 우리는 그 구절들은 교회시대에 해당되는 것이 아니고 율법시대 혹은 대환란시대의 교리라고 믿습니다. 8. 성별에 관해서 우리는 그리스도인들은 반드시 경건한 삶을 살도록 해야하며, 그러기 때문에 세상의 정욕과 세상으로부터 얽매이게 하는 것에서 자신을 분리해야 한다고 믿습니다. 이는 그리스도인들이 서로 격려하고, 섬기며, 또 실제적으로 사람들을 예수 그리스도께로 인도하는 사역에 열심으로 지원하게 하려 합니다. 9. 교회와 국가에 관해서 우리는 교회와 국가는 절대적으로 분리되어야 하며 국가는 어떤 형태로든지 지역 교회의 예배와 섬김과 사역과 재정적인 문제(사도행전5:29)에 개입해서는 안된다고 믿습니다. 10. 예수그리스도의 재림에 관해서 우리는 주 예수 그리스도께서 대환란이 일어나기 전에 자신의 "신부"를 데려가실 것(휴거)과, "어린양의혼인식" 이후 이 땅에 돌아오셔서 예루살렘의 "다윗의 보좌"에서 "이스라엘"을 통치하실 것을 믿습니다. 11. 목자와 집사와 성도에 관하여 목자와 집사는 군림하는 자가 아니라 기도와 순수한 말씀으로 성도들을 양육할 책임이 있는 교회의 일꾼으로 섬기는 은사가 있는 성도라고 믿습니다. 성도는 서로를 내 몸처럼 사랑하고 섬기고 세워 주어야 하며 사람들을 예수 그리스도께로 인도하는 예수 그리스도의 일꾼이라고 믿습니다 ============================================================== 다음은 토론토 은혜침례교회가 캐나다 주 정부에 교회 등록시 제출한 "영문 교회 믿음"에 관한 자료입니다. Statement of faith 1. OF THE SCRIPTURES We believe that the Holy Bible is verbally and plenary inspired of God; that it has truth without any admixture of error for its matter; that consequently it is infallible and inerrant in all matters of which it speaks; and therefore is, and shall remain to the end of the age, the only complete and final revelation of the will of God to man; the true center of Christian union and the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds and opinions should be tried; and that the Holy Bible is preserved and available to us today. 2. OF THE TRUE GOD We believe that there is one, and only one, living and true God, an infinite, intelligent Spirit, the maker and supreme ruler of heaven and earth; inexpressibly glorious in holiness, and worthy of all possible honor, confidence and love; that in the unity of the Godhead there are three persons, the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost, equal in every divine perfection, and executing distinct but harmonious offices in the great work of redemption. 3. OF THE HOLY SPIRIT That the Holy Spirit is a divine person; equal with God the Father and God the Son and of the same nature; that He was active in the creation; that in His relation to the unbelieving world He restrains the evil one until God's purpose is fulfilled; that He convicts of sin, of judgment and of righteousness; that He bears witness to the Truth of the Gospel in preaching and testimony; that He is the agent in the New Birth; that He seals, endues, guides, teaches, witnesses, sanctifies and helps the believer; that He can be obeyed and resisted. 4. OF THE CREATION We believe in the Genesis account of creation, and that it is to be accepted literally, and not allegorically or figuratively; that man was created directly in God's own image and after His own likeness; that because of the fall of man that image has been marred, and we now bear the image of Adam; that man's creation was not a matter of evolution or evolutionary change of species, or development through interminable periods of time from lower to higher forms; that all animal and vegetable life was made directly, and God's established law was that they should bring forth only "after their kind."; that evolution is contrary to the Word and laws of God; that God’s work of creation was complete on the sixth day; 5. OF THE FALL OF MAN We believe that man was created in innocence under the law of his Maker, but by voluntary transgression fell from his sinless and happy state, in consequence of which, all mankind are now sinners, not by constraint, but of choice; and therefore under just condemnation without defense or excuse. 6. OF THE VIRGIN BIRTH We believe that Jesus Christ was begotten of the Holy Ghost in a miraculous manner; born of Mary, a virgin, as no other man was ever born or can ever be born of a woman, and that He is both the Son of God, and God, the Son. 7. OF THE ATONEMENT FOR SIN We believe that the salvation of sinners is wholly of grace; through the mediatorial offices of the Son of God, who by the appointment of the Father, freely took upon Him our nature, yet without sin, honored the divine law by His personal obedience, and by His death made a full and vicarious atonement for our sins; that His atonement consisted not in setting us an example by His death as a martyr, but was the voluntary substitution of Himself in the sinner's place, the Just dying for the unjust, Christ, the Lord, bearing our sins in His own body on the tree; that His atonement is not a limited atonement but is available to those sinners who repent and trust Christ for salvation; that, having risen from the dead, He is now enthroned in heaven, and uniting in His wonderful person the tenderest sympathies with divine perfection, He is every way qualified to be a suitable, a compassionate and an all-sufficient Saviour; that, the shed blood of Christ is necessary for salvation and that our great High Priest, the Lord Himself, sprinkled His precious blood on the mercy seat in Heaven as an eternal atonement for sin. 8. OF GRACE IN THE NEW CREATION We believe that in order to be saved, sinners must be born again; that the new birth is a new creation in Christ Jesus; that it is instantaneous and not a process; that in the new birth the one dead in trespasses and in sins is made a partaker of the divine nature and receives eternal life, the free gift of God; that the new creation brought about in a manner above our comprehension, not by culture, not by character, nor by the will of man, but wholly and solely by the power of the Holy Spirit in connection with the Word of God, so as to secure our voluntary obedience to the gospel; that its proper evidence appears in the holy fruits of repentance and faith and newness of life. 9. OF THE FREENESS OF SALVATION We believe in God's electing grace; 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 repentance and faith; and that nothing prevents the salvation of the greatest sinner on earth but his own inherent depravity and voluntary rejection of the gospel; which rejection involves him in an aggravated condemnation. 10. OF JUSTIFICATION We believe that the great gospel blessing which Christ secures to such as believe in Him is Justification; that Justification includes the pardon of sin, and the gift 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 faith in the Redeemer's blood, His righteousness is imputed unto us. 11. OF REPENTANCE AND FAITH We believe that Repentance and Faith are solemn obligations, and also inseparable graces, wrought in our souls by the quickening Spirit of God; thereby, being deeply convicted of our guilt, danger and helplessness, and of the way of salvation by Christ, we turn to God with unfeigned contrition, confession and supplication for mercy; at the same time heartily receiving the Lord Jesus Christ and openly confessing Him as our only and all-sufficient Saviour. 12. OF THE CHURCH We believe that a church of Christ is a congregation of baptized believers associated by a covenant of 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 officers of ordination are pastors or elders, whose qualifications, claims and duties are clearly defined in the Scriptures; we believe the true mission of the church is found in the Great Commission: First, to make individual disciples; Second, to build up the church by baptizing converts into membership; Third, to teach and instruct, as He has commanded. We do not believe in the reversal of this order; we hold that the local church has the absolute right of self government, free from the interference of any hierarchy of individuals or organizations; and that the one and only superintendent is Christ, through the Holy Spirit; that it is scriptural for true churches to cooperate with each other in contending for the faith and for the furtherance of the gospel; and that the Scriptures are the sole and only judge of the measure and method of church cooperation; that on all matters of membership, of polity, of government, of discipline, of benevolence, the will of the local church as guided by the Scriptures is final, and; that the New Testament church is a local, not universal, institution and is the only organization the Lord gave the authority to carry out the ‘great commission’. 13. OF BAPTISM AND THE LORD'S SUPPER We believe that Christian baptism is the immersion in water of a believer; in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, with the authority of the local church; to show forth in a solemn and beautiful emblem our faith in the crucified, buried and risen Saviour, with its effect in our death to sin and resurrection to a new life; that it does not wash away sin or play any part in the sinner’s salvation but is an obedient response to the Scriptures; that it is the means by which a child of God is brought into fellowship in a local church and the privileges of a church relation and the Lord's supper; in which the members of the church, by the sacred use of bread and the fruit of the vine are to commemorate together the dying love of Christ; preceded always by solemn self-examination; and that we are sure that Christ used the fruit of the vine or new wine, not fermented, intoxicating wine when He instituted the Lord’s Supper and that the ordinance was given to churches and in order to guard the supper from those not in harmony with the Lord, we hold to a closed communion. 14. OF THE PERSEVERANCE AND PRESERVATION OF THE SAINTS We believe that such only are real believers as have been born again by the Spirit of God; that their persevering attachment to Christ is the grand mark which distinguishes them from superficial professors; that it is possible for the saint to be backslidden, but this condition will always result in the chastening and correcting hand of our heavenly Father; that a special Providence watches over their welfare; and that salvation can never be lost and the saints of God are kept by the power of God through faith unto eternal salvation. 15. OF THE RIGHTEOUS AND THE WICKED We believe that there is a radical and essential difference between the righteous and the wicked; that such only as through faith are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and sanctified by the Spirit of our God, are truly righteous in His esteem; while all such as continue in impenitence and unbelief are in His sight wicked, and under the curse; and this distinction holds among men both in and after death, in the everlasting felicity of the saved, in a place called Heaven and the everlasting conscious suffering of the lost, in a place called the lake of fire. 16. OF THE RESURRECTION, RETURN OF CHRIST AND RELATED EVENTS We believe in and accept the sacred Scriptures upon these subjects at their face and full value. of the Resurrection, we believe that Christ rose bodily "the third day according to the Scriptures;" that He ascended "to the right hand of the throne of God;" that He alone is our "merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God;" that this same Jesus which is taken up from you into heaven shall so come in like manner as ye have seen Him go into heaven" -bodily, personally and visibly; that the "dead in Christ shall rise first;" that the living saints "shall all be changed in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump;" "that the Lord God shall give unto Him the throne of His Father David;" and that "Christ shall reign a thousand years in righteousness until He hath put all enemies under His feet." 17. OF MISSIONS We believe that the command to give the gospel to the world is clear and unmistakable and this Commission was given to the churches; we do not accept mission boards or any other ecclesiastical bodies, associations, or fellowships as Scriptural organizations for doing the Lord’s work; the local church is God’s organization for getting His work done here on earth; further, other methods for doing church work may produce results but do not enjoy the blessings of eternal reward; it is churches doing God’s will and work God’s way that bring Christ honour and glory. 18. OF THE GRACE OF GIVING We believe that scriptural giving is one of the fundamentals of the Faith; that we are commanded to bring our gifts into the storehouse (common treasury of the church) upon the first day of the week, as the Lord has prospered us, that under grace we give as the Lord has commanded us concerning tithes and offerings that we are commanded to bring our tithes and offerings into the common treasury of the church; that giving is a foundational doctrine and that tithing is only a part of what the Scriptures teach on this subject. 19. OF THE FAMILY, MARRIAGE AND DIVORCE We believe the family was ordained of God; that marriage is a life-long, exclusive covenant between one man and one woman; that human sexuality is a good gift from God to be enjoyed only in the bonds of marriage; that sexual activity outside of scriptural marriage is an abomination and sin; that homosexuality, lesbianism, incest, bestiality, adultery and premarital sexual relations do not constitute marriage nor can ever be pleasing to God; that divorce is not taught except for fornication (unscriptural marriage arrangements-ie; incest) or abandonment (where the offending individual leaves the marriage or sues for divorce); and, that because of the teaching of the scriptures a divorced person can never marry(which would be to commit adultery), be a pastor or a deacon. "THE GRASS WITHERETH, THE FLOWER FADETH: BUT THE WORD OF OUR GOD SHALL STAND FOR EVER." ISAIAH 40:8