WE BELIEVE the Bible is God’s Word. It is perfect and free from error. All of Scripture is profitable and able to equip the believer for every good work.

WE BELIEVE that there is one true God, who exists in three persons. He is the creator of all things and the redeemer of mankind. He exists as God the Father, God the Son in the person of Jesus Christ, and God the Spirit.

WE BELIEVE that God created man as male and female. Man fell into sin by his own will and is completely dependent on God for life and salvation.

WE BELIEVE that God offers salvation freely to all and that salvation is only available through faith in Jesus Christ.

WE BELIEVE that salvation includes repentance, which is turning from sin; faith, which is belief and trust in Jesus Christ; justification, which is the total pardon of all sin; sanctification, which is the certain growth of every Christian in Christ-likeness; and glorification, which is the final and ultimate perfection of every Christian.

WE BELIEVE the church is the body of Christ and is expressed as autonomous local congregations all over the world and throughout time. Qualified men fill the office of pastor. Qualified men and women serve the church. The church observes two ordinances, which are baptism and the Lord’s Supper. Baptism is immersion in water whereby believers testify that they are united to Christ and his church. The Lord’s Supper is a remembrance of the death of Jesus Christ and a call to accountability to obedience.

First Baptist Salem affirms the doctrinal confession of the Southern Baptist Convention. You may read the Baptist Faith and Message here Baptist Faith and Message (2000).