About Us

About Calvary Baptist Church of Preble NY...

Our goal is to make the Word of God our sole authority in faith and practice both in the church, and in our individual lives.

What we believe

We have a long heritage of faith grounded in the Word of God. We are proud of what we believe and desire to share that with as many people as we can. Here you can read about what we believe and why we hold strongly to it. We also encourage you to look at the supporting passages provided. We feel strongly that all of our beliefs can be found and are supported by Scripture. If you have any questions about our Doctrinal Statement we would love to talk to you. Feel free to Contact Us for more information.

1. The Scriptures

We believe that the Holy Bible is the collection of sixty-six [66] books from Genesis to Revelation, which as originally written was verbally, plenarily inspired, the product of God through Spirit-controlled men; it is truth without any error. We believe the Scriptures not only convey the Word of God, but IS the Word of God, and shall remain to the end of the age. The Bible is the only complete and final revelation of the Will of God to man. It is and must be the true center of Christian unity and the supreme and only authority by which all human conduct, creeds and opinions shall be tried.
Supporting Scriptures cited: Psa. 19: 7-11; 119; Prov. 30: 5-6; John 17:17; Acts 1:16; Rom.3: 4; 15:4; II Tim. 3:16-17; I Pet. 1:23; II Pet. 1: 19-21; Rev. 22:19.

2. The True God

We believe in one God. We believe in the unity of the Godhead. There are three eternal and co-equal persons: the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, who execute distinct and harmonious offices in the great work of redemption.
Supporting Scriptures cited: Gen. 1:1; Deut. 4:35; 6:4; Isa. 46:9; Matt. 3:16-17; 28:19-20; John 1:1-3,14; Acts 5:3-4; Rom. 1:19-20; I Cor. 8:6; 12:4-6; Eph. 1:3-14; 4:4-6; Heb. 1:1-3; Rev. 1:4-6.

A. God the Father

We believe in God the Father, who is an eternal, infinite spirit being, perfect in holiness, infinite in wisdom, measureless in power, and sovereign over all. He concerns Himself mercifully in the affairs of men, in that He hears and answers prayers, and He saves from death and Hell all who come to Him through His son, Jesus Christ.
Supporting Scriptures cited: 1 Kings 8:27; Psa. 90:2; 99:3; 135:6; Acts 15:8; Rom. 10:9-15; 1 Pet. 1:15-16; Rev. 1:8.

B. The Lord Jesus Christ

We believe that Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God! The incarnation is that He was begotten of the Holy Spirit in a miraculous manner; born of Mary, a virgin, as no other man was ever conceived or can ever be conceived of a woman; and that He is both the Son of God, and God the Son. We believe that Christ satisfied God’s wrath and just demands on the cross of Calvary. He rose bodily from the grave “the third day according to the Scriptures.” He alone is our “merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God” and the only means by which lost man can be reconciled to God the Father.
Supporting Scriptures cited: Gen. 3:15; Psa. 2:7; Isa. 7:14; Matt. 1:18 25; Mark 1:1; Luke 1:35; John 1:14; I Cor. 15:47; Gal. 4:4; I John 5:20.

C. The Holy Spirit

We believe the Holy Spirit is a Person of the Godhead because He possesses all the attributes of personality and of deity. He is equal with the Father and the Son, and is of the same nature. He convicts unbelievers of sin, righteousness, and judgment, and bears witness to the truth. He is the agent of the new birth who immediately places the new believer into the Body of Christ. He permanently indwells, seals, fills, guides, and teaches believers the ways of righteousness. We believe there is a distinction between the ministry of the Holy Spirit in the Old Testament and His ministry in the New Testament. There is a distinct and unique work of the Holy Spirit in relation to the church, the Body of Christ. We believe the Holy Spirit enables believers to serve the Lord in the capacities He calls them to serve.
Supporting Scriptures cited: John 3:6; 7:39; 14:16,17,26; 16:7-11; Acts 1:5; 4:8; Rom. 8:9; 12:3-8; 1 Cor. 6:19; 12:4-13, 28-31; 13:8-13; 14; Eph. 1:13-14; 4:4-7; Titus 3:4-7; 1 John 2:20-27.

3. The Devil or Satan

We believe that Satan is a created angel who was once holy, and enjoyed heavenly honors, but through pride and ambition to be as the Almighty he fell and drew after him a host of angels. He is now the malignant prince of the power of the air and the unholy god of this world. He is man’s great tempter, the enemy of God and Jesus Christ. He also accuses the saints, and is the author of all false religions. He is the instigator of apostasy, the master of the anti-Christ, and the author of all the powers of darkness. He is limited in his activity by the wisdom and power of God, was defeated by Christ on the cross and is destined to final defeat at the hands of God’s Son, and to the judgment of eternal justice in the lake of fire, a place prepared for him and his angels.
Supporting Scriptures cited: Gen. 3:1-19; Isa. 14:12-15; Ezek. 28:14-17; II Cor. 11:13-15; Eph. 2:2; II Thess. 3:9.

4. The Creation

We believe the Biblical account of the creation of the physical universe, angels and man. The literal, historical account of the direct, immediate creative acts of God without any evolutionary process is recorded in the book of Beginnings (Genesis 1-2). God did this work in six, literal, twenty four hour days and rested on the seventh day, thus setting for man an example of rest. We also believe that all men are descended from the historical Adam and Eve, they were the first parents of the entire human race.
Supporting Scriptures cited: Gen. 1:1 31; 2:1-3; Ex. 20:11; Ezek. 28:15; 20; John 1:3; Rom. 5:12; I Cor. 15:22; Col. 1:16 17; I Tim. 2:13.

5. Man

We believe the Bible teaches man was created by a direct act of God in God’s own image and after His likeness, and not from any previously existing form of life. By voluntary transgression, man fell from his state of innocence. Consequently, all men are now sinners by nature and by choice, utterly devoid of the holiness required by God’s standard, totally depraved and definitely inclined to evil. Therefore, they are without defense or excuse, being under just condemnation to a literal eternal punishment and to an everlasting existence separated from God.
Supporting Scriptures cited: Gen. 1:26-27; 2:17; 3:1-19; 6:5; Psa. 14:1-3; Psa. 51:5; Jer. 17:9; John 5:25-30; Rom. 3:10-12, 23; 5:12-19; Rev. 20:11-15.

6. Salvation by Grace

A. The Eternal Purpose of God in Election

We believe that election is the eternal purpose of God in His sovereign grace, and apart from any consideration of foreseen human merit or response, and in perfect consistency with human responsibility, chose some from among condemned sinners before the foundation of the world. Those He chose are recipients of His grace in Christ and thereby graciously regenerated, sanctified, and saved sinners. Therefore, as the Gospel is preached to all nations, the elect are caused to hear and their hearts are opened by the Holy Spirit. The elect freely and gladly receive the Lord Jesus Christ as their Savior, becoming children of God. Election is a glorious display of God’s sovereign goodness which demonstrates that He is infinitely free, wise, holy and unchangeable. Thereby utterly excluding boasting, promotes humility, love, prayer, praise, and trust in God.
Supporting Scriptures cited: John 3:16; 6:37-44; Rom. 8:14-39; 9:23-24; Eph. 1:3-14; 2:8-10; II Thess. 2:13-14; II Tim. 1:8-9; I Pet. 1:3-5; I Pet. 2:9; I John 4:19.

B. Grace in the New Birth

We believe that in order to be saved, sinners must be born again, because of the New Birth we are a new creature in Christ Jesus. This is instantaneous and not a process. In the New Birth the one dead in trespasses and in sins is made a partaker of the divine nature and receives eternal life, the free gift of God. The New Birth is brought about in a manner above our comprehension, not by culture, not by character, nor by the will of man, but wholly and solely by the power of the Holy Spirit. This is in connection with divine truth, so as to secure our voluntary obedience to the gospel and that its proper evidence appears in the holy fruits of repentance and saving faith and newness of life.
Supporting Scriptures cited: Luke 5:27; John 1:12 13; 3:3-8; Acts 2: 41; 16: 30-33; Rom. 6:23; II Cor. 5: 17-19; Gal. 5:22; Eph. 2:1, 8-10; 5:9; Col. 2:13; II Pet. 1:4 I John 5:1.

C. Repentance

We believe that Repentance and Faith are solemn obligations and also inseparable graces; wrought in our souls by the regenerating Spirit of God. The Spirit convinces us of our guilt, danger and helplessness, and of the way of salvation by Christ. With unfeigned contrition, confession, and supplication for mercy we received the Lord Jesus Christ and openly confessed Him as our only and all sufficient Savior.
Supporting Scriptures cited: Luke 13:3; Acts 2:37-38; 3:19; 11:18; II Cor. 7:10; James 4:7-10.

D. Justification

We believe that Justification is the pardoning of sin and the gift of eternal life, resulting in ones being declared righteous in Christ and therefore having no condemnation. It is bestowed not because of any works of righteousness which we have done but solely through faith in the Redeemer’s blood. His righteousness is imputed to us.
Supporting Scriptures cited: Isa. 53:11; Acts 13:38-39; Rom. 3:27-31; 4:1 8; 5:1-9; 8:1; Gal. 3:11; Titus 3:5-7; Heb. 2:4; 10:38.

E. Sanctification

We believe that Sanctification is the work of the Holy Spirit by which the believing sinner is set apart to God. It involves three aspects positional, progressive and final. Positional sanctification is the setting apart once and for all, by means of the blood of Christ, the believing sinner as God’s own possession. Therefor in his standing he is reckoned holy. Progressive sanctification is the present work of God whereby the believer, in life is progressively set apart from sin and brought toward perfection by the work of the Holy Spirit as He sees fit, primarily using the Word of God, self-examination, self-denial, watchfulness and prayer. Final sanctification is a future work in which God will wholly finish the process of perfection at the coming of Christ for His saints.
Supporting Scriptures cited: Matt. 26:41; John 17:17; Acts 26:17-18; Rom. 6:22; 12:1-3; I Cor. 1:30, 6:11; II Cor. 3: 18, 7: 1; Eph. 1:4, 4:11-13, 4:30-32, 5:26, 6:18; Phil. 1:6, 3:12-16; Col. 1:10-12; I Thess. 3:12-13, 4:3, 5:23; Heb. 10:14, 13:12; I Pet. 2:1-3; I John 3:2.

F. The Perseverance and Security of the Saints

We believe that true believers will endure to the end. Their persevering attachment to Christ is the grand mark which distinguishes them from shallow professors. God’s providence watches over their welfare and they are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation.
Supporting Scriptures cited: Psa. 37:24, John 4:14, 5:24, 6:37-39, 10:28-29; Rom. 8:31-39, 11:29; II Cor. 1:21-22; Phil. 1:6; II Tim. 4:18; 1 Peter 1:4-5, Jude 24-25.

7. The Church

We believe the Scriptures teach the Church of Jesus Christ was inaugurated at Pentecost, before which it was a mystery, unknown to the Old Testament prophets. The church must be considered in two aspects: the local church and the “church, which is His body.” The local church is a congregation of baptized believers, associated by a covenant in the faith and fellowship of the Gospel, observing the ordinances of Christ, and governed by His laws. Its Scriptural officers are pastors, sometimes called bishops, overseers or elders, and deacons, whose qualifications, claims and duties are defined in the epistles to Timothy and Titus. The local body of believers is commanded to take the Gospel to the nations and serve the Lord within the body using the talents and abilities with which God has equipped them. This definition of the local church leads to these Scriptural distinctives:
      1) B - Biblical authority of the Scriptures for faith and practice;
      2) A - Autonomy of the local church;
      3) P - Priesthood of the believer;
      4) T - Two offices: pastor (elder, bishop) and deacon;
      5) I - Individual soul liberty;
      6) S - Saved Church Membership;
      7) T - Two ordinances: baptism and the Lord’s Supper;
      8) S - Separation of church and state in terms of governing authority.
The “church which is His body” is the entire company of believers in Christ in this dispensation, whether Jew or Gentile, regardless of denominational affiliation and present position in heaven or earth.
Supporting Scriptures cited: Matt. 28:19,20; Acts 1:5; 2:1-4, 41,42; Acts 10:44-48; I Cor. 12:12,13; Eph. 1:22,23; I Tim. 3:1-13; Tit. 1:5-9.

8. Baptism and the Lord's Supper

We believe that Christian baptism is the single immersion in water to show forth in solemn and beautiful emblem our identification with the crucified, buried and risen Savior, through whom we died to sin and rose to new life. Baptism is to be performed under authority of the local church; and is a prerequisite to the privileges of church membership. Baptism has no saving merit, but is an act of obedience demonstrating a willingness to follow the example of our Savior Jesus Christ.
Supporting Scriptures cited: Matt. 3:16, 28:18-20; John 3:23; Acts 8:36, 38-39; Rom. 6:3-5; Col. 2:12.

We believe that the Lord’s Supper is the commemoration of His death, by believers, until He comes. It should always be preceded by solemn self-examination.
Supporting Scriptures cited: Matt. 26:26-29; Mark 14:22-25; Luke 22:17-20; Acts 2:41-42; I Cor. 11:23-28.

9. Personal Separation

We believe the Scriptures teach that every believer should be separated unto God from the world and should walk by the aid of the Holy Spirit in Christian love and holiness, exhibiting qualities of honesty, integrity, forgiveness, and loving-kindness. We further believe that any achievement in these characteristics will be evidenced by sincere humility and genuine zeal for the advancement of the cause of Christ. We also believe the Scriptures admonish every believer not to love the world or the things in the world, but rather to flee evil desires, avoid every kind of evil, and refrain from questionable practices which destroy one’s testimony, offend one’s brother, and fail to glorify God.
Supporting Scripture cited: Rom. 6:11-13; 14:19-21; I Cor. 6:17-20; 8:9-13; 10:23,31-33; 2 Cor. 7:1; Gal. 5:22-25; Eph. 4:22-32; 5:1-21; Phil. 4:8; I Thess. 4:7; I Pet. 1:14-16; 5:5-6; I John 2:15-17.

10. Concerning Ecclesiastical Separation

We believe the Scriptures teach that the believer should be separated from apostasy of ecclesiastical movements that sanction theological compromise. This doctrine is based upon God’s eternal principle of division between truth and error and upon His specific command to be separate from unbelievers and disobedient brethren. This truth is to be practiced with an attitude of devotion to God, humility, compassion, and conviction so as to create the proper condition and atmosphere for the salvation of the unbeliever through the Gospel of God and for the restoration of the disobedient brother. We believe ecumenical evangelism, which involves apostates, violates the principles taught in God’s Word.
Supporting Scripture cited: Rom. 16:17-18; I Cor. 5:9-13; 2 Cor. 6:14-18; Gal. 1:8-9; 2 Thess. 3:6,14-15; I Tim. 6:3-5; Tit. 3:10-11; 2 John 9-11.

11. Civil Government

We believe that civil government is of divine appointment, for the interest and good order of human society; that magistrates are to be prayed for, conscientiously honored and obeyed, except only in things opposed to the will of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Supporting Scriptures cited: Ex. 18:21-23; Psa. 72:11; Jer. 30:21; Acts 4:17-20; 5:28-29; Rom. 13:1-7; I Tim. 6:15; 1 Peter 2:13-17.

12. The Physical Nation of Israel

We believe in the sovereign selection of Israel as God’s eternal covenant people, that she is now dispersed because of her disobedience and rejection of Christ, and that she will be re-gathered in the Holy Land, after the completion of the Church, will be saved as a nation at the second advent of Christ called His Revelation.
Supporting Scriptures cited: Gen. 13:14-17; Ezek. 37; Rom. 11:1-32.

13. Imminent Return of Christ and Related Events

We believe that the personal return of our Lord Jesus Christ to rapture His people, meeting them in the air, is imminent and will precede the tribulation (Daniel’s seventieth week). We believe in the literal, personal, and bodily return of our Lord Jesus Christ to set up His kingdom on earth, and that this will take place at the end of the tribulation. This kingdom is also known as the millennial (1000 year) reign of Christ. During this time, Christ will rule from the throne of David in Jerusalem. His rule will be characterized by perfect justice and righteousness, and judgment of sin will be sure and swift. Therefore, the rapture is pre-tribulation and pre-millennial. Supporting Scriptures cited: Isa. 11; Dan. 9:25-27; Matt. 24:29-31; John 14:1-4; 1 Cor. 15:50-58; I Thess. 4:16-17; Rev. 20:1-4,6.

14. Concerning the Eternal State

We believe the Scriptures teach the bodily resurrection of the just and the unjust. All those who are justified through faith in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ will spend eternity in full enjoyment of God’s presence, and those who are not called of God will spend eternity in everlasting punishment in the lake of fire. Believers will stand at the judgment seat of Christ where they will give an account for the works they performed. This judgment is not a judgment of salvation. All unbelievers will stand before God at the Great White Throne. This judgment will take place after the millennial reign and the final rebellion. This judgment will be for all unbelievers of all ages. They will be judged and because their names are not in the Book of Life, they will be cast into the Lake of Fire to be separated from God for all eternity. We believe that the terms “heaven” and “hell” refer to literal and distinct places and not to a condition or state.
Supporting Scriptures cited: Dan. 7:9-10; Matt. 25:41; Luke 16:19-26; John 5:28-29; 14:2-3; I Cor. 3:10-15; II Cor. 5:9-10; Phil. 1:23; 2 Thess. 1:7-9; Rev. 20:11-15; 21:1-4.