Huisache Avenue Baptist Church
What We Believe
The Scriptures
We believe men inspired by God wrote the Holy Bible. We hold it to be the perfect truth without any errors. It is the only complete and final authority in matters of faith and practice. Furthermore, it should be highly esteemed and revered, as it contains the very words of God.
When we refer to "The Holy Bible," we speak of the collection of sixty-six books, from Genesis to Revelation. As originally written and providentially preserved, these books do not merely contain and convey the message of God's Word; they are the very Word of God itself.
When we use the term "inspiration," we are referring to the belief that holy men of old wrote the books of the Bible. The Holy Spirit moved these individuals so precisely that their writings are undeniably God's words as if Himself had penned them. No other writings can claim a level of inspiration comparable to the Bible's. As God inspired His Word, we believe He preserved His Word in the form of the Authorized or the King James Version. We believe the King James Version to be God's infallible and inerrant Word. 2 Timothy 3:16, Psalm 19:7, Deuteronomy 8:3, Psalm 119:89, 160, 1 Peter 1:23, 1 Thessalonians 2:13, 2 Peter 1:19-21, Psalm 12:6-7.
As God inspired His Word, we believe that God preserved His Word in the form of the Authorized Version or King James Version. We believe the King James Version to be the infallible and inerrant Word of God.
Dispensationalism
We believe when the Scriptures are interpreted literally within their natural context, it becomes necessary to make divisions. These divisions are made based on the intended audience or the period in which the passage was written.
God has interacted with humanity in different ways at different times. A unique set of expectations defines these times or dispensations. These distinct periods, or 'dispensations,' provide a framework for understanding God's plan and the necessity of salvation. In each dispensation, man is given different tests of obedience. All these tests have ended in failure. For example, Adam and Eve disobeyed in the Age of Innocence and took the Tree of Knowledge of good and evil. God stepped in and thus began a new dispensation.
All the promises God made to man in every dispensation were made possible by the sacrifice of Jesus. His blood served as a payment for the promises made to man in the former dispensations.
Understanding these divisions is necessary to understand your responsibilities. For instance, we are not responsible for sacrificing a lamb in the Church Age. Instead, we are to acknowledge that we are sinners before God, both by birth and by choice, and turn to God in faith, believing that Jesus' sacrifice is sufficient for our salvation.
Dispensations help us delineate the distinctions between the Old and New Testaments as well as distinctions between Jews, Gentiles, and the Church. 2 Tim. 2:15; Heb. 9:14-18; Gal. 3:13-25; 1 Cor. 9:17; Eph. 1:10, 3:1-10; Col 1:25.
The One True God
We believe there is only one true and living God. He is the Creator and Sustainer of the universe. His attributes include love, justice, holiness, and wisdom. He is omniscient, omnipotent, and omnipresent, existing outside of time while interfacing with His creation within time.
We believe in the doctrine of the Trinity. Within the Godhead, three coequal and coeternal persons exist: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These persons are distinct yet act in perfect harmony, especially evidenced in the work of creation, redemption, and sanctification. These three are equal in every purpose, working distinctly but cooperatively. God is not a distant deity, He is a relational God who desires a relationship with mankind, which is made possible through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. John 5:17; John 10:30; Deuteronomy 6:4; Isaiah 45:5-6; 1 Timothy 1:17; 2 Corinthians 13:14; Matthew 28:19, Ephesians 1:3-14.
Jesus Christ
We believe that Jesus Christ was God in the flesh. He is the second person of the Trinity, fully God, and fully man, existing eternally with the Father and the Holy Spirit.
Jesus was the express image of God. He was born of a virgin and entered into time to redeem mankind. Jesus lived a sinless life and willingly offered Himself as the perfect and final sacrifice for human sin through the cross of Calvary. His death on the cross satisfied the righteous demands of a holy God and provided the atonement for all men. He was physically resurrected on the third day, overcoming death.
Jesus Christ secured eternal life for all who place their faith in Him. Jesus then ascended into heaven, where He sits at the right hand of God the Father, serving as our high priest and advocate. He will return again. His life, death, and resurrection are the foundation of our faith and His demonstration of love to mankind. John 1:1-3, 14, Matthew 1:18-25, Hebrews 4:15, 1 Peter 2:22, Romans 5:8, 1 Corinthians 15:3-4, Hebrews 9:24-28, Acts 1:9-11, Revelation 19:11-16.
The Holy Spirit
We believe the Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity, coequal and coeternal with God the Father and God the Son.
The Holy Spirit is not an impersonal force but a distinct person with intellect, emotion, and will. He is in the world today, convicting the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment to come.
The Holy Spirit indwells the believer, sealing them for the day of redemption, and is the earnest for our future inheritance. He equips believers with spiritual gifts for the edification of the Church and empowers them for godly living and effective ministry.
The Holy Spirit works in the believer for his sanctification, He guides them into all truth and conforms them to the image of Christ. He intercedes on behalf of believers and bears witness to their standing before God.
The Spirit illuminates the Scriptures, making the Word of God discernable to his understanding. The Holy Spirit enables believers to live in a manner that glorifies God and is consistent with His expectations. John 14:16-17, 26, John 16:7-15, Ephesians 1:13-14
The Devil or Satan
We believe Satan, also known as Lucifer or the Devil, is a created being who was once holy and enjoyed heavenly honors as the Anointed Cherub. However, he rebelled against God out of pride and attempted to usurp God's authority, which failed, and he was cast out of heaven.
He is a real and malevolent being, not a symbolic representation of evil. Satan is the adversary of God and the accuser of God's people, constantly seeking to deceive, tempt, and destroy. He is the author of all false religions and the root of all present apostasy.
His powers are significant but limited by God; he is not omnipotent, omnipresent, or omniscient. Satan is the instigator of sin and evil in the world, actively working to oppose God's program and lead people away from a relationship with God. His defeat was secured through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Currently, he holds the position of the prince of the power of the air and is considered the unholy god of this world. At the end of the age, Satan will be cast into the Lake of Fire, where he will be eternally separated from God, and his evil will be forever destroyed. Satan is the lord of the antichrist and the cause and director of all the powers of darkness. Satan is destined to face final defeat at the hands of God's Son and will be subject to the judgment of eternal justice in hell, a place specifically prepared for him and his angels. Ezek. 28:14-17, Isa. 14:12-15, Revelation 12:19, Eph. 2:2, 2 Cor. 4:4, Matt. 4:3, 1 Pet. 5:8, 2 Cor. 11:14, Rev. 12:10, 2 Thess. 2:9, 1 John 2:22, Rev. 20:10, Matt. 25:41.
Creation
We believe in the creation account in Genesis, which states that God created the universe and all it contains out of nothing. We interpret the biblical account of creation in the book of Genesis literally rather than allegorically or figuratively.
We believe that man was created directly in God's own image and after His own likeness. We also believe that God directly created all plant and animal life. We uphold the principle that God's established law is for these life forms to reproduce "after their kind." God completed all of creation in six 24-hour periods. We believe that creation was instantaneous and did not need to evolve or develop over time from lower to higher forms.
We must take a stand against non-Biblical science and philosophy. We guard what has been entrusted to our care by opposing what is falsely called science. Genesis 1:1-2:25, John 1:1-3, Acts 17:28, Romans 1:20, Colossians 1:15-17, Hebrews 11:3, 1 Tim 6:20, Colossians 2:8, Genesis 1:1-31, Exodus 20:11, Psalm 19:1-4, Romans 1:19-20, Colossians 1:16-17, Hebrews 11:3, Isaiah 45:12, Revelation 4:11.
Man
We believe that man was created in God's image in a perfect environment innocent under the law of God. However, man fell from his sinless and happy state by voluntary transgression. As a result, all mankind are now sinners, not by constraint but by choice, and are therefore under just condemnation without defense or excuse.
Because of this, man needs atonement for his sin. which is available through the shed blood of Jesus Christ. Jesus freely took upon Himself man's nature, yet without sin, He kept the divine law and made a full atonement for our sins by His death. His atonement consisted of voluntarily substituting Himself in the sinner's place, the just dying for the unjust. Christ, the Lord, bore our sins in His own body on the cross.
To be saved, man must be born again; the new birth is a new creation in Christ Jesus. It is instantaneous and not a process; the one dead in trespasses and sins is made a partaker of the divine nature and receives eternal life, the free gift of God. Thus, man is restored to a relationship with God.
It is man's responsibility to seek God and find him. God desires man to be restored to his happy state but will not override man's free will. Genesis 1:27, Romans 3:23, Romans 6:23; John 3:16; 2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Peter 2:24; John 3:3; 2 Peter 1:4; Romans 6:23; 1 Timothy 2:5-6; 2 Peter 3:9; Matthew 23:37.
The Atonement for Sin
We believe that the salvation of sinners is by grace, through the shed blood of Jesus Christ, who freely took upon Himself our nature, yet without sin, honored the divine law by His personal obedience, and by His death made a full atonement for our sins.
His atonement consisted not in setting us an example by His death as a martyr but through 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 cross.
Ephesians 2:8; Acts 15:11; Rom. 8:24; John 3:16; Matt. 18:11; Phil. 2:7; Heb. 2:14; Isaiah 53:4-7; Rom. 3:25; I John 4:10; I Cor. 15:3; II Cor. 5:21; John 10:18; Phil. 2:8; Gal. 1:4; I Pet. 2:24; I Pet. 3:18; Isaiah 53:11; Heb. 12:2; I Cor. 15:20; Isaiah 53:12; Heb. 9:12-15; Heb. 7:25; I John 2:2
SALVATION
We believe that salvation is a gift from God, available to all who place their faith in Jesus Christ. Salvation cannot be earned through good works or moral purity. It is freely given by the grace of God. Jesus Christ is the only way to eternal life.
Men are born into a fallen world and into a fallen flesh, and they are sinners by nature and by choice. Because of this, they are all in need of salvation. God's offer of salvation is extended to all, and it is up to every individual to either accept or reject this gift. Jesus died for every person and is not willing that any should perish. He wants to save you, but you must call upon him.
Once a person is saved, they are secure in their salvation as it depends on Jesus's righteousness and not their personal righteousness. However, they must be careful to maintain good works. A believer works from salvation, not to salvation. John 3:16, Ephesians 2:8-9, Romans 8:38-39; Ephesians 1:13-14, Ephesians 2:10, Titus 3:8.
JUSTIFICATION
We believe that justification is the act of God that takes place the moment a person places their faith in Jesus Christ. He declares a sinner to be righteous on the basis of faith in Jesus Christ. Justification is the imputation of our sins to Christ, who bore them on the cross, and Christ's righteousness is then imputed to us. This is more than forgiving sins; it is a legal declaration of righteousness. The act of justification is not based on any merit or work we have done but only on Christ's merit and His finished work on the cross.
It is received by faith alone. Justification provides peace with God, grants access to the privileges of being children of God, and assures us of our future glorification in Christ. It is a one-time act, not a process, and once justified, a believer is eternally secure in Christ.
While sanctification is the ongoing process of becoming more Christ-like, justification is the immediate change in our legal standing before God, providing the foundation for our sanctification and ultimate glorification. Romans 3:23-26, Romans 5:1-2. 2 Corinthians 5:21, Galatians 2:16, Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:4-7, Romans 8:30-34, James 2:17-18.
REPENTANCE
We believe repentance has a different function in the initial experience of salvation and the ongoing walk of a believer with Christ. In salvation, it is not about overcoming specific sins as commonly reported. Instead, it is about turning away from idols or false securities toward God in faith. This initial repentance involves a reorientation of the heart and mind. The person stops trusting in their own righteousness, worldly philosophies, or any other "idols" they rely on for salvation, and they put their faith in Jesus Christ alone.
In a believer's life, repentance is not a one-time event but a daily reality, sometimes occurring many times daily. This ongoing repentance is not about maintaining salvation; justification is a completed work based on faith in Christ. Repentance in a believer's life serves to maintain fellowship with God. It is about having a healthy relationship with God and is part of the sanctification process. We identify where our heart strays and return back to God. This constant act of repentance keeps our fellowship with God intact and allows us to grow in grace and holiness. Acts 20:21, 1 Thessalonians 1:9, John 14:6, Romans 5:1, 1 John 1:9, 2 Corinthians 7:10; James 4:8-10, Romans 8:1-4
Faith
We believe Faith is the evidence that one believes it is his substance or proof that he believes. Faith is predicated by belief. What we believe produces faith, and that, in turn, is the evidence we believe. Faith is the confident assurance in the unseen realities of God and His promises. Faith is the entry point into a saving relationship with Jesus Christ and the sustaining force in the Christian walk.
Without faith, one cannot know God. One cannot have faith in a God they do not believe exists. Faith is a gift from God; It is the means through which we are justified. While faith is accompanied by works as evidence, these works are not the basis for our salvation but rather the natural outcome of genuine faith. When a person sees his sinful state, his hopeless situation, and dreadful future and believes that Jesus died for him and His work alone is sufficient for salvation. He stakes all his hope on Christ alone this is saving faith. Faith is what enables him to maintain good works. Hebrews 11:1-6, Ephesians 2:8-9, Romans 5:1, James 2:17-18.
The Church
We believe that the Church is an organism made up of people who have been placed into the body of Christ by the Holy Spirit. It is also an organization known as the local Church. We believe the local Church is a group of baptized believers who have willingly submitted themselves to one another for the service of the Lord.
The local Church is necessary for the perfecting of the saints. It enables the believer to carry out many of the functions God has called individual Christians to do and is crucial for our perfecting and ministry to the saints. The local Church is also essential for accountability and discipleship. Without the local Church, there would be no practical way to carry out church discipline or provide accountability in a believer's life.
The Pastor is the undershepherd, providing oversight. The Pastor is responsible for ensuring the Lord's instructions are carried out. The deacons and members assist him in carrying out the Lord's ministry on earth. The true mission of the Church is found in the great commission: to preach the gospel, to baptize the converts, and to teach them to observe His commands, also known as discipleship. 1 Corinthians 12:12-27, Ephesians 4:11-16, Matthew 18:15-17, Hebrews 13:17; Acts 6:1-7, Matthew 28:18-20.
Baptism
We believe baptism is an outward expression of an inward transformation, serving as a public declaration of one's faith in Jesus Christ and identification with Him. While it does not bring about salvation, baptism is an act of obedience that symbolizes the believer's death to sin, burial with Christ, and resurrection to new life. It is to be done in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit by immersion in water.
Baptism serves as a point of entry into the local Church, showing a person's commitment to the Body of Christ locally and universally. It is an obedient act of good conscience toward the Lord Jesus Christ. Baptism must follow, not precede salvation. Baptism is one of the two ordinances entrusted to the local Church. Matthew 28:19-20, Acts 2:38, Romans 6:3-4, Ephesians 4:4- 6, 1 Peter 3:21, 1 Corinthians 12:13, Matthew 3:13-17, Acts 8:37.
THE LORD'S SUPPER
We believe that the Lord's Supper is the second ordinance established by Jesus Christ for the church. It is meant to be a time of reflection and corporate worship. During this memorial, members consume unleavened bread and the fruit of the vine, which symbolize Christ's body and blood.
The Lord's Supper is a memorial by which believers remember the sacrifice of Christ on the cross. It is a testimony; the church publicly testifies to the saving work of Christ, showing forth His death until He returns. The believer is encouraged to self-inspect and repent before partaking. It draws the Body of Christ closer as they participate in this observance.
The elements themselves do not become the actual body and blood of Christ; they are symbols that help us remember and think about Christ's sacrifice. The Lord's Supper should be observed reverently and regularly by all who have placed their faith in Jesus Christ. Matthew 26:26-29, 1 Corinthians 11:23-29, Luke 22:19-20, 1 Corinthians 10:16-17.
ETERNAL SECURITY
We believe that God's power keeps all believers and, thus, they are secure in Christ forever. Salvation is dependent on the work of Christ alone, and the believer is sustained by the power of God, not by works. While a believer is made perfect in Christ, this assurance should not be used as a cloak for maliciousness or as a license to continue in sin.
Christian liberty is not meant to enable a licentious life. Confident in their salvation, believers can focus on defeating sin and growing in sanctification. While sanctification may involve struggle and effort, the assurance of salvation should not be a source of continual anxiety or strife.
It is abundantly clear in the New Testament that when erring, believers do not lose their salvation even if they commit as egregious a sin as fornication. Church discipline is a tool that, if utilized, helps keep the church pure and brings the erring believer to repentance. John 10:28-29, Romans 8:38-39, Ephesians 1:13- 14, Ephesians 2:8-9, 1 Peter 2:16; Galatians 5:13-14, Romans 6:1-2, Philippians 2:12-13, 1 Cor5:5.