Doctrinal Statement of Pastor Scott

DOCTRINAL STATEMENT

OF
Pastor Scott Harvey

Introduction:

Let me say in the way of introduction that I base my Doctrinal Statements upon the King James Bible. All of the material that you will see in the following pages is based solely upon the Word of God. For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. I Corinthians 3:11

In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld His glory, the glory as the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. John 1:1&14

I hope that you find this statement and testimony informational, and more so a blessing unto the honor of God for He alone is worthy of praise.

The Doctrine of the Scripture

I believe the Holy Bible containing sixty-six books, thirty-nine in the Old Testament and twenty-seven in the New Testament, is the very Word of God. I believe the entire Bible is fully and totally inspired of God and inerrant in the original manuscripts, therefore possessing the testimony of infallibility, authenticity, and absolute authority.

According to 2 Peter 1:21 the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. I believe that God is the Author of the Bible through the Holy Ghost as He moved upon men.

I believe that the Word of God must be revealed to man. If the truth of the Word is not revealed to man, then the truth would remain unknown. I Corinthians 2:9-10: “But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither hath it entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him. But God hath revealed them unto us by His spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.

I believe that God has completed His revelation of writing the Scriptures. I believe the Bible when it says in Revelation 22:18 and 19; For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto Him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.

Concerning the inspiration of the Word, again I believe that God inspired “holy men of God” and they “spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost”. I believe that nothing was left out that was intended to be put in and nothing was put in that was intended to be left out.
II Timothy 3:16 and 17: All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

Without illumination, that is the understanding of truth, I believe that no man could understand the Word of God. The Holy Spirit causes men to comprehend the divine inspired Word. It is He that enlightens the believer to understanding and application in their lives.
John 16:13:“howbeit when He, the Spirit of truth is come, He will guide you into all truth: for HE shall not speak of Himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall He speak; and He will shew you things to come.”

As to the interpretation of the Bible, I believe that it is of no private interpretation. II Peter 1:20 “Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the Scripture is of any private interpretation.”

I believe that God has set forth dispensations of time throughout His Word. Ephesians 1:9-10: “having made known unto us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He hath purposed in Himself.” That in the dispensation of the fullness of times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on Earth; even in Him.

In conclusion concerning the Word of God, I believe that it is the Divine revelation of a Holy God to an unworthy man. I also believe that it is an infallible standard and guide of authority in all matters regardless of situation. I believe what it says it means and what it means it says. It is to be believed and to be obeyed. It teaches us the things to cling to and the things that should be avoided. I believe the Word is the ultimate “operators manual” for man. I believe there is no other basis for faith and belief than the Word of God. I believe that it is more than sufficient regardless of the time and person.

The Doctrine of Salvation

I believe that Salvation is by and through God and God only. John 3:16 For God so loved the World that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

Acts 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved."

I believe that God through the work of His Son, brought life to a lifeless people. We could not of our own merits in any way find a sacrifice that would be pleasing to God. In Romans 5:8 the Bible tells us that “but God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. This salvation is by the Blood of the Lamb. Hebrews 9:22 “And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.” God required an everlasting sacrifice. The blood of goats and calves was an insufficient sacrifice, but by His own blood He entered into the Holy place according to Hebrews 9:12.

I truly believe that this salvation is a free gift of God. Romans 5:15 tells us: but not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many. I also believe this gift is free to all men. Isaiah 55:1 says: Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Revelation 22:17 says; And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely. Romans 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

I Peter 1:18 and 19: Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without spot.

I also believe that our salvation is eternal. John 10:28 “I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.” John 3:15: That whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.

I believe that when a person is saved that there is a change in their lives. II Corinthians 5:17 “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature; old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” Romans 12:1 and 2: I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

In conclusion concerning the Salvation of the Lord, I believe that it is for whosoever will, for eternity through and by the Lord Jesus Christ and no other way. John 14:6 I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. If not for the shedding of the Blood of Jesus Christ, there would be no remission. After a person has been saved I truly believe there is a noticeable change in their life.

The Doctrine of the Trinity

I believe there is one living triune God eternally manifested in three persons; God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Ghost. Even though they are three with different ministries or works yet they are one. One summed it up once as 1 x 1 x 1 = 1.

Genesis 1:26 And God said let us make man in our own image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.

Matthew 3:16 and 17 And Jesus, when He was baptized, went up straightway out of the water; and, lo, the heavens opened unto Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon Him: And lo a voice from Heaven saying, this is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. II Corinthians 13:14 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all.

I believe that God is Spirit, infinite and perfect, the Creator and Sustainer of all things. I believe that His attributes reflect His nature. I believe that He is Omnipresent, Omnipotent, and Omniscient. Psalms 139:7-8 “Whither shall I go from thy spirit? Or whither shall I flee from thy presence? If I ascend up into Heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. Jeremiah 32:27 Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me? Psalms 147:4-5 He telleth the number of the stars; He calleth them all by their names. Great is our Lord, and of great power: His understanding is infinite. Romans 11:33 O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments, and His ways past finding out! His power, His strength, and His might dwarf the power of all others. We cannot fully comprehend the depth, the degree, or the capacity of His powers. All of this speaks of His stability, His sovereignty, His sufficiency, His serenity, His security, His suitability, and His salvation for he is the Almighty. His Spirituality, Infinity, and Perfection are incomparable. He is related to everything from Creation to the Present, and shall be involved in everything for all eternity. “Without Him was nothing made”. I believe that God sent His son to this Earth. Galatians 4:4 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth His Son, made of a woman, made under the law. I believe that Jesus Christ eternally exists equal with the Father and just as the Father has no beginning or end. John 1:1 and 2: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was with God. The same was in the beginning with God. According to John 1:14 the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory…

I believe that Jesus Christ was born of a virgin and was conceived of the Holy Ghost. Matthew 1:18: Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as His mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. Isaiah 7:14: Therefore the Lord Himself shall give you a sign; Behold a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call His name Immanuel.

I believe that Jesus is the mediator between God and man. I Timothy 2:5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus. I believe that He was 100% man and yet 100% God. John 1:14. II Corinthians 5:21: For He hath made Him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him.

I believe that Jesus came to this earth and gave His life atonement for man’s sin, died upon the cross, and arose again on the third and appointed day. I also believe that He now sits at the side of God making intercession for us. John 10: 17 and 18: Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have the power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father. Isaiah 53:5: But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed. I Peter 2:24: Who His own self bare our sins in His own body on the tree, that we being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. Matthew 28:6: He is not here: for He is risen, as He said. Come see the place where the Lord lay. Luke 24:3: And they entered in, and found not the body of the Lord Jesus. I Corinthians 15:4: And that he was buried, and arose again the third day according to the scriptures. Romans 8:34: Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.

I believe that the Holy Ghost is the third part of the Trinity of God. I believe that He equally exists with the Father and the Son. Matthew 28:19: Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost. I believe that the Spirit possesses the same attributes as God. Luke 1:35-37: And the angel answered and said unto her The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee; therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. And behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath conceived a son in her old age; and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren. For with God nothing is impossible. Also look again at Psalms 139:7-10 and I Corinthians 2:10. I also believe that the Holy Spirit is eternal. Hebrews 9:14: How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God.

I believe that His primary work is to dwell within the Christian, to teach the things of God, and to bring things to our remembrance. John 14:26: But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, He shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. Ephesians 4:30: And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. According to John 16:8-11 I believe that He reproves the world of sin, and righteousness, and judgment. John 14:17: Even the spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth Him not, neither knoweth Him; but ye know Him; for He dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. Romans 8:14: For as many as are led by the Spirit of god, they are the Sons of God.

I believe that God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Ghost is the Trinity. As I have said they each have their own ministry, but yet coincide as one unit in perfect unison, fully complimenting each other as the One Triune God.

The Doctrine of the Church

I believe that Jesus Christ built the Church. Matthew 16:18: And I say also unto thee, that thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail. Therefore the church was promised. Not only was it promised but it was also purchased. Acts 20:28: Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which He hath purchased with His own blood. I believe that the church is His body. Ephesians 1:22-23: And hath put all things under His feet and gave Him to be the head over all things to the church. Which is His body, the fulness of Him that filleth all in all.

The local church I believe is a body of believers that have come together for worship, fellowship, and to preach and teach the Word of God. I believe that it is the duty of the local church to preach the Word to try to reach as many souls as possible to the saving knowledge of Christ, according to Matthew 28:19-20: Go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost. Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. That is the duty of the local church to preach the Word and to try to reach as many souls as possible to the saving knowledge of Christ.

I believe that the Local Church is to be led by an Under shepherd, that is a Pastor led by the Chief Shepherd, Jesus Christ. Jeremiah 3:15: And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding. Acts 20:28: Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which He hath purchased with His own blood. Hebrews 13: 7 and 17: Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the Word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation. Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.

I believe that God has also set forth the office of a deacon for the church. According to Acts 6:1-6 I believe that the deacon’s ministry is to minister to the widows. I also believe that I Timothy 3 lays forth the qualifications of both the man of God and also the deacon. I believe that the church should be built upon the Word of God.

I believe that the Bible plainly teaches that it is by the foolishness of preaching according to I Corinthians 1:18. While other things may be proper in their place, I do not believe that there is any substitution for the precious Word of God.

The Doctrine of Heaven, Hell and of the Last Things

I believe that Hell was prepared for the devil and his angels according to Matthew 25:41: Then shall He say unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels. According to Matthew 25:46 Hell is a place of everlasting punishment. I believe that those who shall be cast into hell are those they turn away the Salvation of the Lord. Luke 13:27 and 28: But He shall say, I tell you, I know you not whence you are; depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity. There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrust out. Luke 16: 23: And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazurus in his bosom. Isaiah 5:14: Therefore hell hath enlarged herself, and opened her mouth without measure: and their glory, and their multitude, and their pomp, and he that rejoiceth, shall descend into it.

It is my prayer that no man, woman, boy, or girl enter this awful place. It is my desire to reach as many as possible, not only to keep them from hell but also to introduce them to the greatest person that could ever meet, Jesus Christ.

Concerning Heaven, what a wonderful place it must be. According to John 14 He, Jesus Christ, has gone to prepare us a place that where He is there we may be also. Revelation 22:5 And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever. I believe that every person that has accepted Jesus Christ as Savior, has a place in Heaven. II Corinthians 5:8 We are confident, I say and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. I believe that Heaven will be a place of rewarding. Matthew 5:12: Rejoice and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

“ What a day that will be when my Jesus I shall see when I look upon His face the one who saved me by His grace. When He takes me by the hand and takes me through the promise land, what a day, glorious day that will be.”

Concerning the last things, I believe that the next major event on Christ’s calendar will be the certain pretribulational, premillenial, return of Christ in the air. When He returns, the bride will meet Him in the air. John 14:3: And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am there ye may be also. Acts1: 11: Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? 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. I base my pretribulational belief upon I Thessalonians 5:1-10 and also II Thessalonians 2:3-8. The Bible speaks of the Church of God and that it shall be caught up to be with the Lord. I Corinthians 15:51-52: Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed. In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. I Thessalonians 4: 13-18 also plainly points out that we shall meet the Lord in the air.

I believe that between the rapture of the Church and the literal return to this Earth by Christ, that the church age saints shall stand before the judgment seat of Christ. This appearance will not be for us to see if we are saved, but rather for us to give account of our works. I Corinthians 3:13-15: Every man’s work shall be made manifest; for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is. If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss; but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire. II Corinthians 5:10 For we all must appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. According to Revelation 19:7-10 we will be gathered to the marriage supper of the Lamb. According to the book of Revelation I believe there will be a seven-year tribulation, 3 and one half years of peace and 3 and one half years of judgment. I believe that after the tribulation, Christ will return to this Earth and that we shall rule and reign with Him for 1,000 years according to Revelation 19 and 20. In Chapter 20 we see that Satan will be bound during this 1,000 years and that after this time he shall be loosed for a “little season”. Then his final end shall be the lake of fire. Then the unsaved shall stand before the Great White Throne Judgment. They shall be judged of their works and then cast into the lake of fire. Then the saints shall rejoice with the Lord for all eternity in the new Heaven.

The Doctrine of Ordinances

I believe that Christian baptism is the immersion of a believer in water in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, one time backward, to show forth in a solemn and beautiful emblem our faith in the crucified, buried and risen Savior, as a testimony to our death to sin and resurrection to a new life, and that it is pre- requisite to the privileges of church membership. I believe that the Lord’s Supper is the commemoration of His death until He returns, and should be preceded always by salvation, baptism, and solemn self- examination as to the believer’s relationship to God and others. I believe that the elements of the Lord’s Supper consist of unleavened bread and the unleavened (unfermented) fruit of the vine (Acts 8:26-29; John 3:23; Rom. 6:3-5; Matt. 3:16; Col. 2:12; I Cor. 11:23-28,12:13).

Doctrine of Separation and Sanctification

I believe that the Scriptures clearly teach non-conformity to the world for every believer; that born-again people should be separated from the world unto Christ; that it is clearly commanded of God to all believers to live lives of separation from all worldly and sinful practices and to be holy as He is holy. I believe that positional sanctification is to be progressive throughout the entire life-span of a believer here on earth. God’s provision for holy living is in the believer’s identification with Christ in His death, resurrection and ascension; the indwelling Person and power of the Holy Spirit and the believer’s yieldedness to Him; and by the powerful Word of God (Col. 1:13; 3:1-4; II Cor. 3:18; 6:14-17; 7:1; Titus 2:14; I Pet. 1:14-16; II Pet. 3:18; Heb. 10:1,14; 4:12; Rom. 6:1-14; 12:1,2; John 17:17; Eph. 5:25-27; I John 2:15-17; James 4:1-4).

Doctrine of The Role of Men and Women in Church Ministries

I believe that Men and women were both equally created in the image of God (Gen. 1:26-27) God has appointed to men and women different roles and/or tasks in the church and home. In the home, the husband is to be the self-sacrificing head and the wife is to be the submissive respondent (Eph. 5:22-33; Col. 3:18-19). In the church, both men and women can serve. However certain offices have been identified as the responsibility of men, i.e. pastors/deacons. (I Tim. 3:1-13).

The role of men in church ministries: Because Scripture has assigned the responsibility for exercising spiritual authority to men, the local church should encourage men to take the lead in assuming positions of leadership in the local church (ITim. 2:8, 11-15, 3:4-5; ICor. 11:3).This leadership role should be marked by self- sacrificing love, a servant’s heart and a shepherd’s attitude of pastoral care (I Pet. 5:1- 4; Heb. 13:17). Men have the primary responsibility for teaching the Bible or doctrine in church services or church related meetings (I Cor. 14:33-35; I Tim. 2:11-15, 3:2; Tit. 1:9). In some situations, women may minister side by side with men; however the relationship should be marked by the male taking the initiative and the female working under authority (Acts. 18:24-28).

The specific ministry of women may include the following:

The teaching of the Bible and doctrine to children and other women in church services or church related meetings, i.e.: in the Sunday School, VBS, Bible classes at homes or in the church building (Tit. 2:4-5; Prov. 31:26). Ministry in church services and church related meetings when men are present is to be under the authority of the male responsible for the leadership of such a meeting or service. The primary purpose of this ministry is not to teach the Bible or doctrine directly to men, but may involve singing, giving a testimony, requesting prayer. (Heb. 13:17; I Cor. 14:40). The teaching of men the Bible and doctrine in situations not directly related to the local church (Ac. 18:24-28). Women are not permitted to teach the Bible and doctrine in church services. (I Tim. 2:ll-15; I Cor. 14:33-35)

I believe in total and complete separation as taught in the Word of God from all forms of heresy and ecclesiastical apostasy. I believe the Scripture teaches that we are to:

1. Try them.
2. Mark them.
3. Rebuke them.
4. Have no fellowship.
5. Withdraw ourselves.
6. Receive them not.
7. Have no company with them.
8. Reject them.
9. Separate ourselves.

(I John 4:1; II John 10,11; Rom. 16:17; Titus 1:13; 3:10: Eph. 5:11; II Thes. 3:6,14; II Cor. 6:17).
Any associations with other churches and fellowships shall never be anything other than voluntary and shall continue only so long as these groups agree with the doctrine of Calvary Baptist Church.

Doctrinal Declaration to The Church

To members, prospective members, and friends, be it known that Calvary Baptist Church is holding tenaciously to the cardinal doctrines of the faith, and we at this time most happily bring them to the remembrance of all people, that you know my doctrinal position. Calvary Baptist Church of Aransas Pass, Texas is opposed to any kind of compromise with error. We are disheartened and alarmed by the following trends among evangelicals throughout our country. Such trends are as follows:

1. The making of concessions to unsaved intellectuals.
2. The willingness to accept theistic evolution and other theories contrary to Genesis 1-6.
3. The recognition of the ecumenical movement.
4. The willingness to reconsider Biblical inspiration and preservation.
5. The acceptance of worldly, secular methods in the worship of Christ, including contemporary music, pop psychology, and teachings designed not to offend the unsaved, and the neglect of Biblical preaching.
6. The willingness to cooperate beyond proper doctrinal lines for the sake of evangelism, social change, or improved family relationships.
7. A compromising attitude toward worldly practices such as social drinking, dancing, gambling, and membership in secret orders; and a critical attitude toward those who oppose worldliness among believers. Let all who read this Statement of Faith be assured that the Calvary Baptist Church of Aransas Pass, Texas is absolutely opposed to Liberal Theology, Neo-Orthodoxy, New Evangelicalism, and the Charismatic movement.

In closing I Would like to say that the Bible says to study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of truth. I am not nor do I believe that I will ever know everything concerning the Word of God. However, I would like to know that I am constantly and wholly depending upon God to help by His Grace to continuously teach more of Him and His Word. I pray unto God that if I have not a clear understanding of His Word that He would shine His light of wisdom and knowledge upon me.

As the Disciples asked, “Lord please teach me.”John 15:16: Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain; that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, He may give it you.