APPENDIX TO CHAPTER XIII
Adopted July, 1969
1. We believe that salvation is a present possession by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ as Savior and that a person's eternal destiny depends on whether he has this possession. This we hold in distinction from those who teach that salvation depends on human works or merit.
2. We believe that a saved individual may, in freedom of will, cease to trust in Christ for salvation and once again be lost. This we hold in distinction from those who teach that a believer may not again be lost.
3. We believe that any individual living in the practice of sin (whether he be called "backslider" or "sinner") must be judged by that evidence to be lost should he so die in his sins. This we hold in distinction from those who suggest that pernicious doctrine that a man may live in sin as he pleases and still claim Heaven as his eternal home.
4. We believe that any regenerate person who has sinned (again, whether he be called "backslider" or "sinner") and in whose heart a desire arises to repent may do so and be restored to favor and fellowship with God. This we hold in distinction from those who teach that when a Christian sins he cannot repent and be restored to favor and fellowship with God. 159
APPENDIX TO CHAPTER I
Adopted July, 1979
Free Will Baptists believe in the plenary, verbal inspiration of the Bible. By plenary we mean "full and complete." We hold that all parts of the Bible are inspired and that inspiration extends to all its subjects. 160 By verbal we mean that inspiration extends to the very words of the Scriptures, not just to the thoughts and ideas expressed by human authors. 161
We believe the Scriptures are infallible and inerrant. 162 The Bible is without error and trustworthy in all its teachings, including cosmogony, geology, astronomy, anthropology, history, chronology, etc., as well as in matters of faith and practice. Being the very Word of God, it is God's final revelation and our absolute authority. 163
APPENDIX TO CHAPTER VII
Adopted July, 1979
Free Will Baptists understand the Bible teaches the following facts: On the Day of Pentecost believers spoke in distinct foreign languages which were readily understood by the nationalities present. 164
Tongues were given as a special gift to the early church as only one sign which confirms the witness of the Gospel to unbelievers. 165
While tongues were bestowed by the sovereign will of God on some believers, all did not speak with tongues. 166 When this gift was abused, it became a source of disturbance in the congregational meetings. To eliminate confusion and correct the error, Paul set particular guidelines for the Christian church to follow. 167 The gift of tongues was neither an evidence of the baptism of the Holy Spirit, nor does it bring about sanctification. 168
We believe that speaking in tongues as a visible sign of the baptism of the Holy Spirit is an erroneous doctrine to be rejected. Any implication of a "second work of grace" has never been tolerated in our fellowship of churches, and will not be permitted.
We teach and preach the fullness of the Holy Spirit and heed the scriptural admonition, "Be filled with the Spirit; Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." 169
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