What We Believe

"What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us."
- A.W. Tozer

Essential Beliefs

The Gospel

The gospel is the good news of God’s Kingdom that is and is to come. It is God’s grace shining brightly in this world’s present darkness, while pushing it aside. It is the grand narrative of creation, fall, redemption, and consummation ordained by God and orchestrated through the life, death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ.

Jesus’ crucifixion is the heart of the gospel. His resurrection is the power of the gospel. His ascension is the glory of the gospel. His return is the hope of the gospel.

We adhere to the Baptist Faith and Message 2000, the statement of faith of the Southern Baptist Convention. We have a copy for you, or you can read it in its entirety at bfm.sbc.net.

(Psalm 19:7-11; 2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20-21)
(Psalm 19:7-11; 2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20-21)

The Essentials

From a biblical and historical orthodox perspective, we draw these non-negotiable essential beliefs (close-handed doctrine) for anyone who would 
choose to be a member of Marietta First Baptist Church. While a full understanding and the ability to adequately articulate these 
beliefs is not required, the explicit rejection of any one of these particular beliefs disqualifies one from membership.

- The Scriptures are true, authoritative and sufficient.

(Psalm 19:7-11; 2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20-21)

- There is only one God.

(Deuteronomy 6:4; Isaiah 45:5-6; Isaiah 46:9-10; John 17:3; 1 Cor. 8:4-6; 1 Timothy 2:5)

- The Father is God. The Son is God. The Holy Spirit is God. The Father is neither the Son nor the Holy Spirit. The Son is neither the Father nor the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is neither the Father nor the Son.

(Genesis 1:26; Psalm 45:6-7; Psalm 110:1; Matthew 3:13-17; Matthew 28:17-20; 1 Cor. 12:4-6)

- I am, along with all humanity (Christ excluded), by birth and action a sinner. 

(Genesis 6:5; Psalm 51:5; Jeremiah 17:9; Romans 3:23; 5:8, 12-21; 7:18; Ephesians 2:1-3)

- The deserved penalty for sin is death, both physical and spiritual.

(Genesis 2:15-17; 3:19; Romans 5:12; 6:23; James 1:14-15)

- The deserved penalty for sin is death, both physical and spiritual.

(Genesis 2:15-17; 3:19; Romans 5:12; 6:23; James 1:14-15)

- Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God, was born of a virgin and is both fully God and fully human.

(Matthew 1:20; Luke 2:52; John 1:1-4, 14; Colossians 1:15-20; Hebrews 1;1-3)

- Jesus Christ died as my substitute to pay the penalty for my sin.

(John 1:29; 10:1-18; Romans 5:8; 1 Corinthians 15:1-4; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Galatians 1:4; 1 Peter 3:18)

- Jesus Christ physically rose from the dead.

(Matthew 28:1-20; Mark 16:1-8; Luke 24:1-53; John 20 & 21; 1 Cor. 15:12-34)

- Jesus Christ physically ascended into heaven and will one day physically return.

(John 14:3; Acts 1:11; 1 Thessalonians 4:16; Hebrews 9:28; 1 John 3:2; Revelation 1:7)

- There will be a future physical resurrection of the dead.Those who trust in Jesus Christ alone will be raised to eternal reward. Those who have not trusted in Jesus Christ will be raised to eternal punishment.

(Matthew 25:31-46; John 5:28-29; Acts 24:15)

- Only by trusting in the person and work of Jesus Christ alone can I be reconciled to God and experience true life and joy.

(John 3:18; 14:6; Acts 4:12; Romans 3:21-26; 1 Timothy 2:5-6)

Second and Third Order Beliefs

While the beliefs articulated in “The Essentials” are those that are recognized to be universal and primary within the Church,
there are secondary and tertiary beliefs held by MFBC. Although these beliefs are not required for salvation
nor membership, clarity and grace on non-essential beliefs should bring unity to the church body.

Secondary beliefs, while not necessary for salvation are often distinctives that call for separation.
Whereas tertiary beliefs are those held by those within the same church body that do not call for separation.

Secondary Beliefs

  • Baptism by immersion after a profession of faith. (Romans 6:1-14)
  • The role of men and women in the church and home. (See “The Role of Women at
  • MFBC)
  • God’s Sovereignty
  • Ecclesiology (structure of the church; governance)
  • The Lord’s Supper

Tertiary Beliefs

  • Gifts of the Holy Spirit
  • Eschatology (Millennium Beliefs)
  • Creation Narrative
  • Interpretation of Difficult Passages
  • Christian Liberty/Matters of Conscience
Leadership at Marietta First Baptist Church is diligent to guard against divisiveness over preferences and tertiary beliefs in order to preserve unity and
peace within the church. Membership requires a commitment to do the same…keeping “first things first” while in good faith believing the best
about others…”standing firm in one spirit, in one accord, contending together for the faith of the gospel.” (Philippians 1:27)