CONSTITUTION OF INDEPENDENCE REFORMED BIBLE CHURCH
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DECLARATION
Out of our sincere desire to glorify God and advance His kingdom here on earth, and trusting in His sovereign mercy and grace that we have become members of the true body of Christ, we do now, in the presence of God and men, solemnly and willingly submit ourselves to Jesus Christ in the fellowship of this church, Independence Reformed Bible Church, and according to the terms of this Constitution. Independence Reformed Bible Church, "IRBC", is not a man-made institution but exists by divine mandate and is established and will persevere in accordance with biblical principles. AUTHORITY IRBC recognizes only one source of divine truth and that is the inerrant Bible -- the divine revelation of the mind of God. Jesus Christ is the Head of the church. His Word as revealed to us in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments is the ultimate and final authority in all matters of faith and practice (Ephesians 1:22; 5:23-24;John 8:31; Matthew 28:18-20; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; Deuteronomy 11:1; 12:32). We believe that IRBC stands directly under Christ and His Word, and that IRBC has the authority to conduct its ministry free from the control of other churches, persons, or the state (Acts 20:17, 28; 5:29; Matthew 22:21). We affirm the need, as a church body, to seek fellowship with other churches of like faith and practice that we might be support and encouragement to one another; and that at certain times it is advisable to seek counsel and wisdom from the leadership of other churches (Acts 15:6-35; Proverbs 15:22; Romans 16: 5, 19). CONFESSION We believe in the only true God, distinct in three Persons, Father, Son and Holy Spirit who out of nothing has made heaven and earth and all that is in them, and still upholds and governs them, so that nothing comes to pass, either in heaven or on earth, outside of His divine will (Genesis 1:26; 18: 16-22; Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 2:4-9; John 5:23; 8:57, 58; 10:25-30; 14:8-11; 17; 16:5-15; Acts 5:4; 9:3-5; Colossians 1:15-17; Philippians 2:5-11 I Timothy 3:16; 6:13-16: Titus 3:4,5; Hebrews 1:8; I John 5:7; Revelation 1:8, 17,18). We believe that we are conceived and born in sin, and therefore, children of wrath by nature, wholly incapable of doing any good and prone to all evil; and that we, in thought, word, and deed, have frequently transgressed the commandments of the Lord (Genesis 6:5; 19: 4,5; Deuteronomy 32:15; Romans 1-3; Ephesians 2:1-3). We believe that Jesus Christ, who is both true and eternal God and very man, who assumed His human nature from the flesh and blood of the virgin Mary, is given to us of God as our Savior, and that we by this faith receive repentance and remission of sins in His blood, and that we by the effectual power of the Holy Spirit have become children of God and members of both Jesus Christ and His Church (Mark 1:4; Luke 3:3; 24:47; Romans 12: 3-8; Philippians 2:5-11; Ephesians 4:7-16). We believe that the elect of the true church are saved unto good works, for the proclaiming of the gospel, the subduing of the earth, and the discipling of all nations; all for the glory of the Triune God. When Christ’s worldwide redemption is sufficiently complete, He will return for His bride, the church, and deliver her up to God the Father (Ephesians 2:10; Genesis 1:28; Matthew 28:18-20; 1 Corinthians 15:24). DOCTRINE Our common confession to God’s truth must be based on the whole counsel of God which is either expressly set down in Scripture, or by good and necessary consequence may be deduced from Scripture; unto which nothing at any time is to be added, whether by new revelations or traditions of men (Acts 20:7; Deuteronomy 4:2; Jeremiah 23:16; Matthew 15:3; 22:29-32). The church is dependent upon the illumination of the Holy Spirit for a correct interpretation of Scripture, and only as each member is responsive to the Spirit speaking in the Word and humbly submissive to His instruction can we hope for a common confession of the truth (Psalm 119:18, 26; 1 Corinthians 2:10-16; 1 John 2:27). IRBC is a creedal Church. We assent to all the articles of the orthodox Christian religion in its creeds and confessions, as they are taught here in this Christian Church and from the Word of God. We promise to continue steadfastly in the same doctrine to the end of our lives. We also reject all heresies and errors conflicting with this doctrine, and persevere in the fellowship of this Christian Church, not only in the hearing of the Divine Word, but in diligent study and application of God's Word to our lives (Numbers 31:16; Proverbs 4:2; Matthew 7: 28, 29; Acts 2:42; II Timothy 3:16; 4:2, 3; Titus 2:1; 3:10, 11). IRBC stands in defense of the Orthodox Reformed Doctrine, which is based on the Word of God and expressed in the Heidelberg Catechism, the Cannons of Dort, and the Belgic Confession. This Church further stands in defense of the London Baptist Confession of Faith and the Ecumenical Creeds which are accepted by nearly all of the churches of Christendom, namely the Apostle's Creed, the Nicene Creed, the Athanasian Creed, the Council of Orange and the Council of Chalcedon. Regarding these confessions, we realize that these are not inspired, therefore, not infallible, yet are the most beneficial and accurate man-made documents ever given to the Church apart from Scripture. The true meaning of Scripture can only be discerned by a careful consideration of the context (both literary and historical) and the grammar of the text or passage in question. The infallible rule of interpretation of Scripture is the Scripture itself. Therefore, questions about the true and full sense of any Scripture (which is not manifold, but one) must be searched and known by other places in the Bible that speak more clearly (2 Timothy 2:15; 2 Corinthians 4:2; 2 Peter 3:16). We believe that Jesus Christ, who is both true and eternal God and very man, who assumed His human nature from the flesh and blood of the virgin Mary, is given to us of God as our Savior, and that we by this faith receive repentance and remission of sins in His blood, and that we by the effectual power of the Holy Spirit have become children of God and members of both Jesus Christ and His Church (Mark 1:4; Luke 3:3; 24:47; Romans 12: 3-8; Philippians 2:5-11; Ephesians 4:7-16). We believe that the elect of the true church are saved unto good works, for the proclaiming of the gospel, the subduing of the earth, and the discipling of all nations; all for the glory of the Triune God. When Christ’s worldwide redemption is sufficiently complete, He will return for His bride, the church, and deliver her up to God the Father (Ephesians 2:10; Genesis 1:28; Matthew 28:18-20; 1 Corinthians 15:24). The church is dependent upon the illumination of the Holy Spirit for a correct interpretation of Scripture, and only as each member is responsive to the Spirit speaking in the Word and humbly submissive to His instruction can we hope for a common confession of the truth (Psalm 119:18, 26; 1 Corinthians 2:10-16; 1 John 2:27). |
IRBC is a creedal Church. We assent to all the articles of the orthodox Christian religion in its creeds and confessions, as they are taught here in this Christian Church and from the Word of God. We promise to continue steadfastly in the same doctrine to the end of our lives. We also reject all heresies and errors conflicting with this doctrine, and persevere in the fellowship of this Christian Church, not only in the hearing of the Divine Word, but in diligent study and application of God's Word to our lives (Numbers 31:16; Proverbs 4:2; Matthew 7: 28, 29; Acts 2:42; II Timothy 3:16; 4:2, 3; Titus 2:1; 3:10, 11). IRBC stands in defense of the Orthodox Reformed Doctrine, which is based on the Word of God and expressed in the Heidelberg Catechism, the Cannons of Dort, and the Belgic Confession. This Church further stands in defense of the London Baptist Confession of Faith and the Ecumenical Creeds which are accepted by nearly all of the churches of Christendom, namely the Apostle's Creed, the Nicene Creed, the Athanasian Creed, the Council of Orange and the Council of Chalcedon. Regarding these confessions, we realize that these are not inspired, therefore, not infallible, yet are the most beneficial and accurate man-made documents ever given to the Church apart from Scripture. WORSHIP We affirm our duty and privilege to gather on the Lord’s Day to worship God in the assembly of His people, to praise Him in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs; to join in prayer with our brothers and sisters; to partake of the Lord’s Supper and Baptism; to receive instruction through the preaching of God’s Word; and to keep the Lord’s Day as a holy Sabbath for the glory of God and the refreshment of our bodies and souls (Psalm 95:1-7; 122:1; Colossians 3:16; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26; Acts 2:42; Exodus 20:8-11; Revelation 1:10; Isaiah 58:13-14). Worship services shall be held in the morning and/or afternoon/evening each Sunday. Since God has set aside Sunday as the Day of Worship, IRBC leadership will be responsible for the conduct of these services. A Sunday School may be provided for the teaching of the Word. Weekday Worship services may be called as necessary, but not to substitute the Sunday Worship. All members shall be enjoined and admonished insofar as possible to avail themselves of all these Sunday activities. Only work of necessity and work of mercy shall be done on Sunday. MEMBERSHIP Those who would be admitted to the membership of this church must give testimony to repentance and faith in Jesus Christ and have received Christian baptism according to the command of Christ and His Apostles. They must agree to submit themselves to Jesus Christ in the fellowship of this church and be in substantial agreement with the terms of this church’s constitution and doctrinal standards (2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1; Acts 2:41, 47; Romans 16:17; Matthew 18:17; 2 Thessalonians 3:6, 14; 1 Corinthians 5:12-13). Members assent never to ascribe more authority to this Church, its teaching of decrees, than we do to the Word of God. Rather, we will rely on the Bible for the regulation, foundation, and confirmation of our faith, believing without any doubt, all things contained in the inerrant authoritative Word of God. We also promise to establish and maintain a church where the pure doctrine of the Gospel is preached, and where church discipline is exercised. Furthermore, we promise to labor fervently and devotedly in the building of the Heavenly Kingdom through the preaching of the Law-Word of God unto Reformation, Reconstruction and Dominion as commanded in both Genesis 1:28 and Matthew 28:18-20. LEADERSHIP Christ mediates His rule in the church through a plurality of godly men called “Elders.” These men are prepared by Christ, and having distinguished themselves in both conduct and doctrine as being worthy of imitation, they are to be chosen and appointed by the church to serve as overseers. The work of Elders is to shepherd the church of God by teaching the Word of God, administering the sacraments, governing the church’s affairs, acting as judges on her behalf, evangelizing the lost, and by giving whatever care is necessary for the spiritual well-being of the members, including preaching and teaching the Scriptures for the defense of the faith and the edification of believers. Deacons are appointed by the church to assist the Elders in caring for the needs of the members, and to help in the administration and work of the local church (Acts 20:17, 28; 1 Timothy 3:1-13; 5:17; Titus 1:5-9; Acts 6:1-7; 1 Peter 5:1-4; 1 Corinthians 6:1-6; James 5:14). Christ gives to His church elders for the equipping of the saints for the work of the ministry. They are, in accord with their gifts, to govern the church and to labor in the Word and doctrine (Ephesians 4:11-16; 1 Timothy 4:6-16; 5:17; 2 Timothy 2:23-26; 3:14-4:5). RESPONSIBILITIES The church, as the ground and pillar of truth, is responsible to discern, declare, and live the truth of the Word of God. As a local church we will hold forth a common confession as a light and testimony to the truth in this dark world (1 Timothy 3:15; Jude 3; Matthew 5:14-16; Deuteronomy 4:5-8). The duty of the Christian is to glorify God by seeking first the kingdom of God, by keeping God’s commandments, by denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, and by living soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age. We affirm that the believer in Christ is to make his calling and election sure by giving all diligence to the disciplines and graces of the Christian life such as: frequent, earnest, and fervent prayer, both for his own life and that of others; fasting; meekness; virtue; knowledge; patience; brotherly kindness; and love, including love of enemies. These disciplines and graces are to flow from a life dedicated to the pursuit of God, and desiring to please and obey Him (Ephesians 2:10; Titus 2:14; Philippians 2:12-13; Romans 8:l-4; 2 Peter 1:4-10; Proverbs 25:21-22; Matthew 5:16; 6:33; John 14:15; Deuteronomy 4:6-8; Titus 2:12; Romans 12:1-2). DISCIPLINE We affirm that we are to obey Christ by admonishing one another for unfaithfulness to the Word of God and to hold one another accountable to the terms of our covenant with God. Those who sin are to be admonished according to the teaching of Scripture. Those who repent are to be forgiven and restored. Church admonishment is necessary for the reclaiming and gaining of offending brethren. Should admonishment fail, Church discipline is necessary for the deterring of others from like offences, for purging out that leaven which might infect the whole church, for vindicating the honor of Christ, and for preventing the wrath of God which might justly fall on the church if we allow His covenant to be profaned by notorious and obstinate sinners (Matthew 18:15-20; Galatians 6:1; 1 Corinthians 5:1-13; 2 Thessalonians 3:14-15; Titus 3:10-11; James 5:19-20). ORDINANCES IRBC acknowledges that baptism is an ordinance commanded by Christ. We acknowledge, also, that the physical act of baptism in itself has no saving effect. God’s election and the subsequent baptism of the Spirit effect an inward change of heart requiring a public confession of the change. IRBC encourages believers to be baptized in obedience to the command of Christ. Membership in IRBC, however, will not be withheld to true believers in Christ because of their method of baptism (Matthew 3: 15, 16; Luke 3:16; John 4:1; Acts 2:41; 1 Corinthians 1:14-16; 10:2; Colossians 2:11-13). The celebration of the Lord’s Supper was instituted by Jesus Christ as a remembrance of His passion for His people and His saving work on our behalf. IRBC will offer to its members and professing believers the regular opportunity to partake of the Lord’s table as a bond and pledge of their communion with Him and with each other. IRBC acknowledges that the elements in this ordinance, namely bread and wine, represent the body and blood of Christ, yet in substance and nature they still remain truly and only bread and wine (Matthew 26:26-28; I Corinthians 11: 17-24). |
