Doctrinal Beliefs

CONSTITUTION (ART I-V) & BY-LAWS (ART VI-XII) OF DANIELTOWN BIBLE INSTITUTE

ARTICLE I: ASSOCIATION

The Danieltown Bible Institute, here-inafter called DBI, or Bible Institute, being duly incorporated by the laws of the state of North Carolina, has by the Articles of Incorporation constituted an executive board herein-after called the Board of Directors, and to the said board is committed the responsibility of general oversight and the establishment of policies with relation to the promotion, administration, and maintenance of the Bible Institute. These responsibilities shall be carried out within the guidelines set forth in the Constitution and Bylaws of Danieltown Bible Institute. It is hereby further provided that the Board of Directors shall commit the execution of its responsibilities as to promotion, administration, maintenance, control of the faculty and the educational and spiritual interest of the school into the hands of Administrators selected by the board, as provided in the Bylaws. These Administrators shall be responsible for the day-to-day operation of DBI within the framework of the Constitution and Bylaws and the Policies established by the board. These Administrators are responsible to and subject to the Board of Directors in all matters, said board having the right at any time to suspend their duties or office at its own discretion. It is furthermore provided that the President, Vice President, and one other faculty member of the Bible Institute shall be members of the Board of Directors.

ARTICLE II: NAME

The name of the educational institution shall be Danieltown Bible Institute, which will function as a ministry of Danieltown Baptist Church and its principal place of business shall be in Forest City, county of Rutherford, state of North Carolina.

ARTICLE III: PURPOSE

Danieltown Bible Institute shall be a nonprofit, Baptistic, Christian and educational organization, existing for the purpose of preparing students for the Lord’s service via classroom and nontraditional distance-learning. It is the desire of DBI that through such instruction our students will thus be able to earn an affordable and convenient undergraduate and/or graduate degree in the field of Theology from a reputable institution. Danieltown Bible Institute will not discriminate against qualified students on the basis of sex, age, race, national or ethnic origin, or handicap. All qualified applicants who can accept our doctrine and standards, shall be welcome. It is therefore the aim of DBI to provide the student with:

  1. Accurate instruction in the Holy Bible, the Word of God as found in the King James Bible,

  2. An academic environment compatible with gaining a thorough knowledge of the Word of God,

  3. Guidelines for a standard of conduct to foster personal discipline,

  4. A social atmosphere that encourages spiritual growth,

  5. The opportunity for Christian service on a practical level.

It is therefore the goal of Danieltown Bible Institute to prepare students to:

  1. Exegetically interpret the Scriptures by the application of fundamental, dispensational, hermeneutical principles;

  2. Make appropriate personal application of God’s Word to their own lives in order to become totally dependent upon Christ;

  3. Be able to give a reason for the hope that is in them (1 Peter 3:15);

  4. Effectively communicate God’s Truth in both word and deed;

  5. Participate in the Great Commission by evangelizing and discipling;

  6. Fully comprehend the high priority of the local church in God’s program during this dispensation and the importance of ministry in the church.

ARTICLE IV: EDUCATONAL PHILOSOPHY

The goal of Danieltown Bible Institute is to focus on the study of the Word of God. It is the aim of DBI to teach the importance of incorporating the principles of the Word of God into life, which will be manifest in spiritual growth and submission to the Lord. This attitude will result in an evangelistic and missionary spirit. It is the conviction of Danieltown Bible Institute that Jesus Christ is sufficient for every spiritual need of man. DBI is committed to the premise that the best answer to the needs of a decaying civilization is the knowledge and application of Biblical truth. Our goal is to prepare students for the Lord’s service rather than for secular activity. We do not seek academic accreditation; on the other hand, we are not critical of those who do. The training at DBI is designed to equip students for ministry. It is our conviction that a graduate from DBI who has diligently applied himself and has practically assimilated God’s truth is prepared to serve in the place of the Lord’s calling. Throughout history God has used people with Bible Institute training as pastors, missionaries, youth workers, evangelists, Christian education workers, and effective lay workers.

ARTICLE V: STATEMENT OF FAITH & DOCTRINAL BELIEFS

Section 1. The Scriptures

Danieltown Bible Institute subscribes to the belief in the verbal, plenary inspiration of Scripture; and that God in His wisdom, has preserved the Holy Scriptures in: the Old Testament Hebrew (Ben Chayyim Masoretic Text), the New Testament Greek (Textus Receptus Text), the English: King James (Authorized) Bible (1611/1769 Cambridge Text) and in any other foreign language in which the Bible is based on either of the above texts in Hebrew, Greek or English.

This Institute shall only permit preaching or teaching out of the King James Bible for we subscribe to the belief that the King James Bible, is the inspired, infallible and inerrant Word of the Living God in the English Language, that speaks with final authority concerning Truth, Morality, and the Proper Conduct of Mankind. The King James Bible is the sole and final source of all that we believe. Any references to Hebrew or Greek will be used only in support of the King James Bible & never to correct or change it. (Psalms 12:6,7, 78:1-7, 105:8, 119:152; Ecclesiastes 3:14; Isaiah 8:20; Matthew 5:17-18; Luke 24:35, 44; John 10:35; Romans 15:4; I Cor. 14:37; II Timothy 3:15-17; I Peter 1:23-25; II Peter 3:15-16)

Section 2. God

The Godhead Trinity

There is one and only one living and true God. He is an intelligent, spiritual, and personal Being, the Creator, Redeemer, Preserver, and Ruler of the universe. God is infinite in holiness and all other perfections. God is all powerful and all knowing; and His perfect knowledge extends to all things, past, present, and future, including the future decisions of His free creatures. To Him we owe the highest love, reverence, and obedience. The eternal triune God reveals Himself to us as Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, with distinct personal attributes, but without division of nature, essence, or being. (Deut. 6:4; Matthew 28:19; John 10:30, 14:7-12, 26; 16:7, 13-16; II Cor. 13:14; I Peter 1:2; I John 5:7; Jude 20-21)

God the Father

He reigns with providential care over His universe, His creatures, and the flow of the stream of human history according to the purposes of His grace. He is all powerful, all knowing, all loving, and all wise. God is Father in truth to those who become children of God through faith in Jesus Christ. He is fatherly in His attitude toward all men.

God the Son

Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God. In His incarnation, He was conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of Mary, who was a Virgin at His birth. Jesus perfectly revealed and did the will of God, taking upon Himself human nature with its demands and necessities and identifying Himself completely with mankind yet without sin. He honored the divine law by His personal obedience, and in His substitutionary death on the cross, He made provision for the redemption of men from sin. He was raised from the dead with a glorified body and appeared to His disciples as the person who was with them before His crucifixion. He ascended into heaven and is now exalted at the right hand of God where He is the One Mediator, fully God, fully man, in whose Person is effected the reconciliation between God and man. He will return in power and glory to judge the world and to consummate His redemptive mission. He now dwells in all believers as the living and ever present Lord. (Isaiah 7:14; Matt. 1:18-23, 4:7; Luke 1:26-38; John 1:1-2, 14, 18, 20:28; Philippians 2:5-11; Hebrews 1:6-10; I John 3:8, 5:20)

God the Holy Ghost

He is the Spirit of God, fully divine. He inspired holy men of old to write the Scriptures. Through illumination He enables men to understand truth. He exalts Christ. He convicts men of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment. He calls men to the Saviour, and effects regeneration. At the moment of regeneration He baptizes every believer into the Body of Christ. He cultivates Christian character, comforts believers, and bestows the spiritual gifts by which they serve God through His church. He seals the believer unto the day of final redemption. His presence in the Christian is the guarantee that God will bring the believer into the fullness of the stature of Christ. He enlightens and empowers the believer and the church in worship, evangelism, and service. We hold that the sign gifts of the Holy Ghost, such as speaking in tongues and the gift of healing, were temporary. Speaking in tongues was never the common or necessary sign of the baptism or filling of the Holy Spirit. (John 3:5-8, 14:16, 26, 15:26-27, 16:7-15; Acts 5:1-4; I Cor. 12:4-13, 13:8-11; Ephesians 1:13-14, 4:30, 5:18)

Section 3. Creation

We believe that God created the Universe, the Heaven and the Earth, including all life, each after its own kind, by direct act and not by any process of evolution and that the days of creation in Genesis Chapter 1, were literal, 24 hour days. We furthermore hold to a Biblical Cosmology in that we live in a Geocentric (Tychonian) System. (Genesis 1 & 2; Ex. 20:9-11, 31:17; Isaiah 40:25-28; John 1:3; Colossians 1:16-17; I Peter 4:19; Revelation 4:11)

Section 4. Man

Man is the special creation of God, made in His own image. He created them male and female as the crowning work of His creation. The gift of gender is thus part of the goodness of God’s creation. God created Man with a Body, Soul and Spirit. In the beginning, man was innocent of sin and was endowed by his Creator with freedom of choice. By his free choice, man sinned against God and brought sin into the human race. Through the temptation of Satan, man transgressed the command of God, and fell from his original innocence whereby his posterity inherit an Old-Sin-Nature and an environment inclined toward sin. Therefore, as soon as they are capable of moral action, they become transgressors and are under condemnation. Only the grace of God can bring man into His holy fellowship and enable man to fulfill the creative purpose of God. The sacredness of human personality is evident in that God created man in His own image, and in that Christ died for man; therefore, every person of every race possesses full dignity and is worthy of respect and Christian love. (Genesis 1:26-27; I Thessalonians 5:23; Hebrews 4:12; Genesis 3:-1-24; Psalms 14:3; Ecclesiastes 7:20; Isaiah 53:6; Romans 1:20, 3:12, 23, 5:12; I Corinthians15:22)

Section 5. Salvation and Eternal Security

We believe that salvation is the gift of God provided for men by grace and received by personal faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. This salvation is solely through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ Who shed His blood on Calvary for the forgiveness of our sins (this gift is not earned by good works, whatsoever). All who recognize their lostness, who repent of their sins and who by faith receive Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour are regenerated and become the sons of God. (John 1:12, 3:5-7, 16, 5:24; Romans 3:23, 6:23, 10:9-10, 13; Ephesians 1:7, 2:8-9; Titus 3:5; Hebrews 11:6)

We believe that the Scriptures teach that regeneration, or the new birth, is that inward work of the Holy Ghost whereby a new eternal nature (spiritual life), not before possessed, is imparted. We believe that salvation is impossible apart from receiving this new spiritual life. (John 1:12-13, 3:3-7; Romans 8:9, 16-17; II Corinthians 5:17; Titus 3:5; I Peter 1:23)

We believe that the gospel of salvation first of all provides salvation from the penalty of sin. This phase of salvation is complete at the moment saving faith is initiated. Secondly, it provides salvation from the power of sin. This phase of salvation is a life-long process during a Christian’s earthly life. Thirdly, it provides perfect salvation from the presence of sin. This phase of salvation is realized only at the time one is taken to heaven. (Galatians 1:4; Philippians 1:6; I John 3:2-3)

We believe that the salvation of every believer is eternally secure from the moment of regeneration. This security is guaranteed to each believer because this newly received life is eternal life, because of the keeping power of God, because of the sealing ministry of the Holy Spirit and because of the interceding ministry of Christ. (John 5:24; 10:27-29; Rom. 8:1, 28-39; Eph. 4:30; Philip. 1:6; Heb. 7:25; I John 5:11-13)

We believe that positional sanctification is immediate and that it is an act of God whereby believers are, at the time of regeneration, eternally set apart as belonging to Him by redemption and are thereby placed in the family of God as children and joint heirs with Jesus Christ. (Rom. 8:14-17; I Cor. 1:2, 30; Heb. 10:10-14)

We believe that progressive sanctification is the process by which we are made partakers of His holiness; that it is progressive; that it begins with regeneration; that it progresses if the believer is yielded to the Holy Spirit’s control; that it is carried on in the hearts of believers by the presence and power of the Holy Spirit through the Word of God, self-examination, watchfulness, prayer and fasting. (Prov. 4:18; Matt. 17:20-21) John 17:17; Eph. 6:18; Philip. 1:6, 2:12-14; I Thess. 4:1-4, 5:23-24; I John 2:29, 5:4)

We believe that perfect sanctification will be the portion of every believer when finally in the presence of the Lord, complete and entire, with spirit and soul united in the resurrected body free from disease, deformity and every trace or effect of sin. (I Cor. 15:52-54; Eph. 4:30, 5:27; Philip. 3:20-21; I John 3:2)

Section 6. God’s Purpose of Grace

Election is the gracious purpose of God, according to which He regenerates, justifies, sanctifies, and glorifies sinners. It is consistent with the free agency of man, and comprehends all the means in connection with the end. It is the glorious display of God’s sovereign goodness, and is infinitely wise, holy, and unchangeable. It excludes boasting and promotes humility.

All true believers endure to the end. Those whom God has accepted in Christ, and sanctified by His Spirit, will never fall away from the state of grace, but shall persevere to the end. Believers may fall into sin through neglect and temptation, whereby they grieve the Spirit, impair their graces and comforts, and bring reproach on the cause of Christ and temporal judgments on themselves; yet they shall be kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation. (Genesis 12:1-3; Exodus 19:5-8; 1 Samuel 8:4-7,19-22; Isaiah 5:1-7; Jeremiah 31:31ff.; Matthew 16:18-19; 21:28-45; 24:22,31; 25:34; Luke 1:68-79; 2:29-32; 19:41-44; 24:44-48; John 1:12-14; 3:16; 5:24; 6:44-45,65; 10:27-29; 15:16; 17:6,12,17-18; Acts 20:32; Romans 5:9-10; 8:28-39; 10:12-15; 11:5-7,26-36; 1 Corinthians 1:1-2; 15:24-28; Ephesians 1:4-23; 2:1-10; 3:1-11; Colossians 1:12-14; 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14; 2 Timothy 1:12; 2:10,19; Hebrews 11:39–12:2; James 1:12; 1 Peter 1:2-5,13; 2:4-10; 1 John 1:7-9; 2:19; 3:2.)

Section 7. The Church and Its Ordinances

We believe the church to be a uniquely New Testament institution. The term rendered “church” literally means “assembly,” and we therefore believe that a New Testament church is an assembly of New Testament saints. The term “church” Scripturally can only be used in reference to either a duly assembled and organized body of believers on earth in their temporal bodies or those New Testament saints who will assemble with Christ in their glorified bodies at the time of the rapture. The term therefore may identify either the “church presently” or the “church prospectively.”

The church presently, we believe, is a body of Scripturally baptized believers voluntarily united together in a covenant relationship in a given locality who are organized and who regularly meet together for the purpose of worship, evangelism, exhortation, edification, admonition, fellowship, observance of the New Testament ordinances and preservation of the faith once for all delivered unto the saints. We believe that each local church is to be an autonomous organization operating as a theocratic republic (to be governed by God through Spirit-led believers maintaining a majority of the assembly under the guidance of the Laws and Doctrines of Jesus Christ and the Apostles as found in the New Testament).

We believe that the local church is to serve as the center for carrying out God’s work on earth during this age and is the only God-ordained institution to carry out His program, and that all Christians are under Scriptural obligation to join, support, help maintain and faithfully serve the Lord in and through a New Testament local church. (Matthew 16:18; Acts 2:41-47, 14:27, 20:17, 28; I Corinthians 3:10-17, 11:2, 12:12-13; Ephesians 1:22-23, 5:25-27; I Timothy 3:1-16; Titus 1:5-9)

We believe that the only entity that qualifies as being a continuing New Testament church is one that is:

  1. A local autonomous organized body of believers. (Revelation 1:4)

  2. An assembly where Christ is present in the midst. (Matthew 18:20; Revelation 1:13)

  3. An assembly which has a Pastor possessed by, controlled by, and used by the Lord Jesus Christ. (Rev. 1:16-2:1, 8, 12, 18, 3:1, 7, 14)

  4. An assembly that is responsive to the Lord’s warnings brought through a faithful pastor. (Revelation 2:5)

We believe that the Lord Jesus instituted two ordinances: Baptism and the Lord’s Supper, to be observed by all believers until His return. (Romans 6:3-6; I Corinthians 11:23-32 )

  1. We believe that Baptism is non-saving and involves the immersion in water of a believer in Christ, in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit to show forth by solemn and beautiful symbolism the believer’s identification with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection and that it is a Scriptural prerequisite to church membership. (Matthew 28:19; Acts 2:38-41, 8:36-38; Romans 6:3-6; I Peter 3:21)

  2. We believe that the Lord’s Supper is the partaking of bread and the fruit of the vine as symbols of Christ’s body and blood (not the actual body and blood), commemorating His suffering and death for us and our continual benefit therefrom; that participation is only for those who are born again believers. We do not practice closed communion. The Lord’s Supper is symbolic and does not constitute any merit of grace or forgiveness of sin. We further believe this ordinance is to be observed only by the assembled local church, and that participation should be preceded by careful self-examination. (Mathew. 26:26-29; Mark 14:22-25; Luke 22:17-20; I Corinthians 11:23-32)

Section 8. Evangelism and Missions

2.8) We hold that the mission of all New Testament Churches involves the fulfillment of the Great Commission given in Matthew 28:19-20: go, win, baptize, and teach converts until Jesus Christ returns.

  1. Go: We believe it is the responsibility of the church to reach the lost through every scriptural means, such as personal soul-winning and tract evangelism, and not to rely merely on evangelism from the pulpit. It is the responsibility of every Christian to seek opportunities to witness for Christ.

  2. Win: Soul-winning is not a responsibility reserved for the pastors and deacons but is to be accepted as the responsibility of all members of this body. Soul-winning is not merely witnessing or testifying; it is making disciples.

  3. Baptize: Immersion of the believer in water is a testimony of the convert’s identification in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ and should be the first act of obedience following salvation. Those believers saved through personal soul-winning efforts or in the public invitation during the preaching services should be baptized as soon as they are able to give a clear testimony of their salvation.

  4. Teach: Regular services and classes shall be held for the purpose of teaching the Word of God to the believers. Teaching shall include doctrines, principles, commandments, and facts found in the Word of God.

Section 9. The Kingdom of God/Heaven

The Kingdom of God includes both His general sovereignty over the universe and His particular kingship over men who willfully acknowledge Him as King. Particularly the Kingdom is the realm of salvation into which men enter by trustful, childlike commitment to Jesus Christ. Christians ought to pray and to labor that the Kingdom may come and God’s will be done on earth. The full consummation of the Kingdom awaits the return of Jesus Christ and the end of this age. We do not hold that the Church and the Kingdom are the same. (Genesis 1:1; Isaiah 9:6-7; Jeremiah 23:5-6; Matthew 3:2; 4:8-10,23; 12:25-28; 13:1-52; 25:31-46; 26:29; Mark 1:14-15; 9:1; Luke 4:43; 8:1; 9:2; 12:31-32; 17:20-21; 23:42; John 3:3; 18:36; Acts 1:6-7; 17:22-31; Romans 5:17; 8:19; 1 Corinthians 15:24-28; Colossians 1:13; Hebrews 11:10,16; 12:28; 1 Peter 2:4-10; 4:13; Revelation 1:6,9; 5:10; 11:15; 21-22)

Section 10. The Lord’s Day

Sunday, the first day of the week is the Lord’s Day. It is a Christian institution for regular observance. It commemorates the resurrection of Christ from the dead and should include exercises of worship and spiritual devotion, both public and private; all with the Christian’s conscience under the Lordship of Jesus Christ. We do not hold that this originated from the Roman Catholic Church.(Ex. 20:8-11; Matt. 12:1-12; 28:1ff.; Mark 2:27-28; 16:1-7; Luke 24:1-3,33-36; John 4:21-24; 20:1,19-28; Acts 20:7; Rom. 14:5-10; I Corinthians 16:1-2; Colossians 2:16; 3:16; Revelation 1:10).

Section 11. Satan and Demons

2.11) We believe that Satan is a person. He is a created being, an angel originally names Lucifer, who sinned and became the arch-enemy of God and His creation. He is the chief adversary of God’s children. He seeks to keep man from the Lord, and when he cannot succeed in this, he seeks to weaken the testimony of Christians. He is not omnipotent (all powerful) and can be overcome by the Word of God and power of God, “because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.” (I John 4:4) His doom is sealed in the Lake of Fire forever and ever.

He has at his command a great host of fallen angels (demons) to carry out his purposes. These demons also were angels (1/3 of the Host of Heaven) who at the time of Satan’s Rebellion chose to participate in the failed attempt to overthrow God’s authority. (Isaiah 14:12-17; Ezekiel 28:12-19; II Corinthians 2:11; Ephesians 4:27, 6:11; II Timothy 2:24-26; James 4:7; I Peter 5:7-9; Revelation 12:10,11, 20:10)

Section 12. The Eternal State

We believe that the souls of those who have trusted in the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation immediately at death pass into His presence in heaven & there remain in conscious bliss until the Rapture which is the resurrection of the body when spirit, soul & body reunited, shall be with Him forever. The souls of unbelievers, however, pass after death into conscious misery in Hades & there remain until the Great White Throne judgment at the close of the millennium, when soul & body reunited shall be cast forever into the lake of fire from the presence of the Lord & from the glory of His power. (Matthew 10:28; Luke 16:19-31; II Cor. 5:6-8; Philip. 1:23; I Thess. 4:13-18; II Thess. 1:7-9; Rev. 14:9-14,20:11-15)

Section 13. Eschatology or Last Things

We believe in the personal, visible, pretribulational, premillenial, and imminent coming of the Lord Jesus Christ for His own (those saved from Pentecost to the moment before the Rapture) in the air at the Rapture. The Church will be taken to the 3rd Heaven, the Paradise of God, and each believer’s works will be judged. However this will not determine Salvation, but our rewards and crowns.

We believe in a period of judgment called the Great Tribulation in which God will fulfill His promise to the Jewish people in Daniel’s 70th Week and the world will come under the control of the Anti-Christ and False Prophet after the signing of a 7-Year Peace Treaty.

We believe Jesus Christ will have a subsequent personal, visible, Pre-Millennial return to the earth at the close of the Tribulation at the Battle of Armageddon, in which Satan will be bound for 1,000 years and the Anti-Christ and False Prophet will be cast into the Lake of Fire. Jesus Christ shall then establish His kingdom and reign for a millennium over the entire earth from the throne of David. At the end of the 1,000 year reign, Satan will deceive the world and fire will destroy his army. He will be cast into the Lake of Fire along with the Lost and Hell itself. God will then create a New Heaven and a New Earth. Thus the saved will be with Him for all eternity. (II Samuel 7:12-16; Daniel 9:24-27; Zechariah 14:4-11; Luke 1:30-33; Acts 15:14-18; I Corinthians 15:20-25, 51-53; I Thessalonians 1:10, 4:13-18; Rev. 6:1-19:21, 20:6, 21:2,9)

Section 14. Stewardship

We believe that God is the source of all blessings, temporal and spiritual; all that we have and are we owe to Him. Christians have a spiritual debtorship to the whole world, a holy trusteeship in the gospel, and a binding stewardship in their possessions. They are therefore under obligation to serve Him with their time, talents, tithe and material possessions; and should recognize all these as entrusted to them to use for the glory of God and for helping others.

We believe that according to the Scriptures every Christian as a steward of that portion of God’s wealth entrusted to him, is personally obligated to support his local church financially.

We believe that God has established the tithe as a basis for giving the first fruits. (This would entail tithing from the gross income, not the net income.)

We further believe that every Christian should also give other offerings sacrificially and cheerfully to the support of the Institute, the relief of fellow Christians in need, and the spread of the Gospel.

At no time may this Institute be permitted to use any unscriptural method or methods for raising funds. This outlaws all suppers for pecuniary gain, all profitable sales of tickets, chances, or merchandise, and all other profit-making methods that are not supported by God’s Word. Real property or equipment owned by the Institute may be sold for replacement or liquidation.

Extreme restraint should be exercised whenever it becomes necessary to secure financing for any Institute project. Offerings, as well as other property, belong to God and will be treated as His property. Every available means of securing necessary funds for approved projects will be exhausted prior to borrowing money. For the Scripture instructs us in Romans 13:8 to “owe no man anything.” Therefore, Monies shall not be borrowed for depreciating items unless a cost analysis shows the investment to be profitable despite the depreciation of the actual value of the item requested. Money should not be borrowed on the basis of projected growth or increase in income alone. It shall be the policy of this Church to avoid Debt as it would show a poor stewardship management.

This institute shall be supported by the tutition or student fees; voluntary gifts from individuals and churches; and income from wills, legacies, bequests, and investments.

Section 15. Music

Hymns of the Faith are to be used during chapel services, all music (including any musical instruments) shall be conducted in a manner that glorifies God, rather than attracting attention to man or his fleshly nature.

  1. Under this statement this outlaws the so called Christian genres of:

    1. R&B

    2. Rap

    3. Soul Music

    4. Reggae

    5. Punk & Rock

    6. Heavy Metal

    7. Pop

    8. Contemporary Christian Music (CCM)

    9. Praise & Worship

  2. The music used for Specials should be God-honouring, Pastor approved, songs.

    1. Hymns of the Faith

    2. Classical

    3. Gospel (Bluegrass genre)

    4. Acappella

    5. Appropriate Praise & Worship

The above listing should not be considered exhaustive. Musical discernment should be practiced to keep the services moving in decency and in order.

Section 16. Peace and War

We believe it is the duty of Christians to seek peace with all men on principles of righteousness. In accordance with the spirit and teachings of Christ they should do all in their power to put an end to war.

We furthermore hold that if these united States of America are attacked by any enemy (internal or external) and after a state of War is declared, that Christian men should, under the Biblical standards, fight the enemy to defend their God-given rights, liberty, families and nation. We further hold that under no such circumstance should this be interpreted to force a Christian to fight.

The true remedy for the war spirit is the gospel of our Lord. The supreme need of the world is the acceptance of His teachings in all the affairs of men and nations, and the practical application of His law of love. Christian people throughout the world should pray for the reign of the Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 2:4; Matthew 5:9,38-48; 6:33; 26:52; Luke 22:36,38; Romans 12:18-19; 13:1-7; 14:19; Hebrews 12:14; James 4:1-2).

Section 17. Religious Freedom and Liberty

God alone is Lord of the conscience, and He has left it free from the doctrines and commandments of men which are contrary to His Word or not contained in it. Church and state should be separate. The state owes to every church protection and full freedom in the pursuit of its spiritual ends. In providing for such freedom no ecclesiastical group or denomination should be favored by the state more than others. Civil government being ordained of God, it is the duty of Christians to render loyal obedience thereto in all things not contrary to the revealed will of God. The church should not resort to the civil power to carry on its work. The gospel of Christ contemplates spiritual means alone for the pursuit of its ends. The state has no right to impose penalties for religious opinions of any kind. The state has no right to impose taxes for the support of any form of religion. A free church in a free state is the Christian ideal, and this implies the right of free and unhindered access to God on the part of all men, and the right to form and propagate opinions in the sphere of religion without interference by the civil power.

We call to attention the Constitution of these united States of America, in the 1st Amendment: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof….”

The above quoted section of the 1st Amendment is known as the Free Exercise Clause and protects the religious beliefs, freedom of speech and practices of this church (and other churches), as well as the people who make up these organizations.

We maintain that as Christians, we are citizens of these united States of America and likewise citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven. We shall in no wise, knowingly, supplant the will and rule of God, to the will and rule of men, but shall at all times, strive to be loyal American citizens, while maintaining our firm loyalty to Christ and His Teachings. (Genesis 1:27; 2:7; Matthew 6:6-7,24; 16:26; 22:21; John 8:36; Acts 4:19-20; Romans 6:1-2; 13:1-7; Galatians 5:1,13; Philippians 3:20; 1 Timothy 2:1-2; James 4:12; 1 Peter 2:12-17; 3:11-17; 4:12-19).

Section 18. Marriage and Sexuality

We believe that term “marriage” has only one meaning and that is marriage sanctioned by God which joins one man and one woman in a single, exclusive union, as delineated in Scripture.

We believe that God intends sexual intimacy to only occur between a man and a woman who are married to each other. We believe that God has commanded that no intimate sexual activity be engaged in outside of a marriage between a man and a woman.

We believe that any form of sexual immorality, such as adultery, fornication, homosexuality, bisexual conduct, bestiality, incest, pornography or any attempt to change one’s sex, or disagreement with one’s biological sex, is sinful and offensive to God.

We believe that in order to preserve the function and integrity of the church as the local Body of Christ, and to provide a biblical role model to the church members and the community, it is imperative that all persons employed by the church in any capacity, or who serve as volunteers, should abide by and agree to this Statement on Marriage and Sexuality and conduct themselves accordingly.

We believe that God offers redemption and restoration to all who confess and forsake their sin, seeking His mercy and forgiveness through Jesus Christ.

We believe that every person must be afforded compassion, love, kindness, respect, and dignity. Hateful and harassing behavior or attitudes directed toward any individual are to be repudiated and are not in accord with scripture nor the doctrines of the church. (Genesis 2:24, 19:5, 13, 26:8-9; Leviticus 18:1-30; Romans 1:26-29; I Corinthians 5:1-13, 6:9; I Thessalonians 4:1-8; Hebrews 13:4; Romans 7:2; I Corinthians 7:10; Ephesians 5:22-23)

Section 19. The Family and Life

We believe that God has ordained the family as the foundational institution of human society.

We believe that men and women are spiritually equal in position before God but that God has ordained distinct and separate spiritual functions for men and women in the home and the church.

  1. The husband is to love his wife as Christ loves the church. The husband is to be the leader of the home, and men are to be the leaders (pastors and deacons) of the church. Accordingly, only men are eligible for licensure and ordination by the church. (Galatians 3:28; Colossians 3:18; I Timothy 2:8-15, 3:4-5, 12)

  2. The wife is to submit herself to the Scriptural leadership of her husband as the church submits to the headship of Christ.

  3. Children, from the moment of conception, are an heritage from the Lord. Parents are responsible for teaching their children spiritual and moral values and leading them, through consistent lifestyle example and appropriate discipline, including Scriptural corporal correction, which is never to be administered in anger, but always in love. Children are to honor and obey their parents. (Gen. 1:26-28; Ex. 20:12; Deut. 6:4-9; Psm. 127:3-5; Prov. 19:18, 22:15, 23:13-14; Mark 10:6-12; I Cor. 7:1-16; Eph. 5:21-33, 6:1-4; Col. 3:18-21; Heb. 13:4; I Pet. 3:1-17)

  4. We believe that human life begins at conception and that the unborn child is a living human being. Abortion constitutes the unjustified, unexcused taking of unborn human life. Abortion is murder. We reject any teaching that abortions of pregnancies due to rape, incest, birth defects, gender selection, birth or population control, or the physical or mental well-being of the mother are acceptable. (Job 3:16; Psalms 51:5, 139:14-16; Isaiah 44:24, 49:1,5; Jeremiah 1:5, 20:15-18; Luke 1:44)

We believe that God disapproves of and forbids divorce and intends marriage to last until one of the spouses dies. Divorce and remarriage is regarded as adultery except on the grounds of fornication.

  1. Although divorced and remarried persons or divorced persons may hold positions of service in the Institute and be greatly used of God for Christian service, they will not be endorsed or recommended for the offices of pastor or deacon. (Malachi 2:14-17; Matthew 19:3-12; Romans 7:1-3; I Timothy 3:2,12; Titus 1:6)

Section 20. Christian Charity

We believe that we should demonstrate love for others, not only toward fellow believers, but also toward both those who are not believers, those who oppose us, and those who engage in sinful actions. We are to deal with those who oppose us graciously, gently, patiently, humbly. God forbids the stirring up of strife, the taking of revenge, or the threat or the use of violence as a means of resolving personal conflict or obtaining personal justice. (Leviticus 19:18; Matthew 5:44-48; Luke 6:31; John 13:34-35; Romans 12:9-10, 17-21; 13:8-10; Philippians 2:2-4; II Timothy 2:24-26; Titus 3:2; I John 3:17-18)

Section 21. Lawsuits Between Believers

We believe that Christians are prohibited from bringing civil lawsuits against other Christians or the church to resolve personal disputes. We believe the church possesses all the resources necessary to resolve personal disputes between members. We do believe, however, that a Christian may seek compensation for injuries from another Christian’s insurance company as long as the claim is pursued without malice or slander. (I Corinthians 6:1-8)

Section 22. Separation and Standards

Because the Bible teaches “that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron”, we believe it is necessary to state our sincerely held beliefs on certain issues that are leading people astray and dividing the brethren. As Baptists, we believe in soul liberty–that each man must give an account of himself to God–and in no way intend, by clarifying these beliefs, to deprive any person of his liberty or rights under God or the laws of these united States.

  1. Concerning the Ecumenical Movement: We believe that attempts for church unity, such as the National and World Council of Churches and denominationalism, which foster accommodation with the Roman Catholic Church, are satanic in origin and objective; and we call upon all regenerate believers to separate from this apostasy.

  2. Concerning Neo-Orthodoxy: We believe that any theology which teaches that the Bible contains the Word of God, rather than the clear statement that the Bible is the Word of God, is a false theology.

  3. Concerning New Evangelicalism: We believe that New Evangelicalism has encouraged disobedience to the plain teachings of Scripture concerning separation and that it has changed the message, mood, method, morals, and music of those who formerly were known as fundamentalists, and is to be rejected. New Evangelicalism is characterized by an attitude of infiltration, rather than separation.

  4. Concerning Formalism, Modernism, and Liberalism: We reject all trends toward formalism, modernism, and liberalism, which are characterized by Roman practice and false doctrine.

  1. Concerning the Charismatic Movement: We believe that the so called charismatic movement is a counterfeit of true Christianity and a catalytic agent in the formation of the one-world church of antichrist.

  2. Concerning Calvinism/Arminianism: We reject the position which negates or eliminates human responsibility in either the proclamation of or the reception of the gospel, whether this position is openly taught or subtly suggested. We also reject the teaching that man can lose his salvation or the suggestion that “believing” is a merit of salvation. We are neither Calvinist nor Armenian.

  3. Concerning Humanism: We believe that by its own statement in The Humanist Manifestos of 1933 and 1973, secular humanism is a religion and that, according to the Word of God, it is satanic in origin. We hold to the traditional dogmatic and authoritarian position condemned by humanism, and we are intolerant of the acceptance of any contrary doctrine.

  4. Concerning Worldliness: We believe that worldly activities practiced by some believers are a reproach to the Lord and are to be avoided by the membership of this church. These activities include the use of alcohol as a beverage, activities which emphasize the sensual nature more than the spiritual, such as dancing, viewing immoral or worldly movies or television programs, gambling, reading books pertaining to ungodly subjects such as witchcraft, pornography, etc. and other such activities

Section 23. Dispensations

We believe that the Scriptures interpreted in their natural, literal sense reveal divinely determined dispensations or rules of life which define man’s responsibilities in successive ages. These Dispensations are not ways of salvation, but rather are divinely ordered stewardships (or ages) by which God directs man according to His purpose. These Dispensations are the subjects of detailed revelation in Scripture. (Gen. 1:28; 1 Cor. 9:17; 2 Cor. 3:9-18; Gal. 3:13-25; Eph. 1:10; 3:2-10; Col. 1:24-25, 27; Rev. 20:2-6)

Section 24. Conclusion of the Statement of Faith

Under no circumstance will the Truths and Fundamentals within this Statement of Faith be changed. No Constitutional Amendment will be authorized to change any of the Doctrinal beliefs of this Institute.

No President, Board Member, Faculty Member or any other such Officer (elected or appointed) of Danieltown Bible Institute will be permitted to hold such office while they are promulgating False Doctrine within the Institute.

This statement of Faith does not exhaust the extent of our Doctrinal tenents. We do believe, however, that the foregoing Statement of Faith accurately represents the teaching of the Bible and, therefore, is binding upon all members. All literature used in the church shall be in complete agreement with the Statement of Faith.

ARTICLE VI: MANNER OF LIFE

The Word of God reminds the believer to be “an example of the believers” (I Timothy 4:12). This passage makes it incumbent upon all who are in any way associated with DBI to live godly lives. All participants in the ministry of DBI form a family, whether they be board members, administrators, faculty, staff, or students. For a family or community to operate efficiently, there must be a commitment to a body of guidelines that will ensure proper functioning of that family. From time to time, this commitment will entail the glad willingness to surrender certain individual ambitions and goals.

  1. CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP Since Danieltown Bible Institute exists for the purpose of training Christian students, workers and leaders, it is imperative that the standards for such leaders should be at a very high level. DBI, therefore, prohibits practices which are clearly forbidden in God’s Word. It is also important for all associated with DBI to maintain a high standard of morality and ethics. Obedience to the Word of God in all areas of life is a clear indication of a proper relationship with God. (Galatians 5:19-25; Ephesians 5:1-7)

  2. CHRISTIAN LIBERTY The Scriptures teach that by God’s grace the believer is set free from the dominion of sin and is enabled to become the servant of righteousness (Galatians 5:13 & Romans 6:14-23). When the believer’s liberty becomes offensive to others and becomes a stumbling block, he should willingly forsake the offensive practice in which he is engaged. (Romans 14:19- 21; I Corinthians 10:23-24, 31-32)

  3. CHRISTIAN LIMITATIONS For the purpose of maintaining a high standard of Christian conduct, it is required that all who are associated with DBI shall refrain from the following: from the possession and use of alcoholic beverages, tobacco in any form (while on campus), narcotics and hallucinogenic drugs & from gambling. It is also expected that discernment will be exercised in the choices of entertainment such as music, radio, television, videos, reading material, and use of the internet. It must be kept in mind that whatever is done by the believer is to be done for the glory of God. It is to be clearly understood that mere abstention from the above practices does not make the individual spiritual. On the other hand, it is to be observed that these practices may indeed hinder spiritual growth. (I Corinthians 6:19-20; Colossians 3:1-4; I Thessalonians 4:22; I Peter 2:11-12)

  4. CHRISTIAN LOYALTY It is expected that anyone who is associated with Danieltown Bible Institute or who contemplates association with DBI shall be fully conversant with its Doctrinal Statement, Constitution, and Bylaws. It is important that anyone uniting with DBI, whether board member, faculty, or staff, shall be in full agreement with these documents. Anyone who is associated with DBI and finds himself to be in disagreement shall quietly remove himself from the school without creating dissension (I Corinthians 3:9). Danieltown Bible Institute is not the work of men; it is God’s work. It is not designed to stand as a memorial to man, but to stand as a testimony of God’s grace. It is imperative, therefore, that no one shall seek a position in any capacity at DBI in order to bring about change to his/her own liking.

  5. CHRISTIAN LEGACY It is the objective of Danieltown Bible Institute to “earnestly contend for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3). Therefore, the Word of God shall be the foundation of all instruction given at D. We shall at all times contend for Biblical truth without being contentious. We shall “speak the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15).

ARTICLE VII: BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Eligibility to serve as a member of the Board of Directors of Danieltown Bible Institute shall be limited to Christian men who exemplify the qualities set forth in I Timothy 3:1-13. Each board member shall be in full, intelligent agreement with and shall express his loyalty to: the purpose, the educational philosophy, the doctrinal statement, the standard of conduct, and the general procedures of operation as they are set forth in the Constitution and Bylaws. Board members shall faithfully give themselves to prayer and to the thorough discharge of the responsibilities that are committed to their trust. Each board member shall annually sign a statement certifying that: “I have reread the Constitution and Bylaws of Danieltown Bible Institute. I am in full and hearty agreement with the doctrinal statement, and I agree to abide by the Constitution and Bylaws.” Any board member who cannot indicate his total agreement will be expected to remove himself quietly from the organization in order that unity may be maintained.

ARTICLE VIII: FACULTY AND STAFF

All who serve on the faculty and staff of Danieltown Bible Institute shall be men and women who meet Biblical standards as prescribed in I Timothy 3:1-13. They shall concur totally with the purpose, the educational philosophy, the doctrinal statement, the standard of conduct as set forth in the Constitution and Bylaws. Each member of the faculty and staff shall annually sign a statement identical to that required of the board members in Article VII.

However it is to be understood that women shall not usurp the authority of a man by teaching or instructing them and as such women may instruct other women (1 Timothy 2:12)

ARTICLE IX: STUDENTS

It is the desire of Danieltown Bible Institute to make the facilities and privileges of this school available to every eligible Christian who desires Biblical training. A student shall be at least 18 years of age or a high school graduate in order to enroll. Exceptions may be made at the discretion of the administration.

Pre-registration will be required for those enrolling on campus in order to ascertain that the site may be set up for the proper function of classroom instruction.

ARTICLE X: FINANCES

We look to God to maintain the ministry of Danieltown Bible Institute, which He has called into being (Hebrews 11:6). It shall be the policy of DBI to trust our God through faith and prayer to provide the necessary funds for the continuation of this ministry. Funds for the operation of DBI may be realized from student fees; voluntary gifts from individuals and churches; and income from wills, legacies, bequests, and investments (as outlined in Section 14 of our Statement of Faith). All income, unless specifically earmarked by the donor, shall be available for use by DBI in any area of its operation as determined by the Board of Directors. As the Board determines at the start of each fiscal year, a percentage, salary or stipend of the net earnings of this Institute or any of its assets may be used to pay the President. Furthermore, those on the faculty may be given love offerings for their services rendered.

ARTICLE XI: DISSOLUTION

Dissolution of Danieltown Bible Institute can be implemented as a result of a decision by four-fifths of the Board of Directors to do so. A sufficient amount of the property shall be sold to cover all outstanding debts. The balance of the assets of the Institute shall be distributed to other non-profit, tax exempt, Christian organizations of like doctrine and conviction, as the Board of Directors decides.

ARTICLE XII: AMENDMENTS

The amendment or revision of the Constitution (ART I-V) or By-Laws (ART. VI-XII) can be implemented by a four-fifths vote of the members of the Board of Directors. Proposed amendments or revisions shall be submitted in writing to each board member at least two weeks prior to a scheduled meeting. The amendment or revision can then be acted upon at the next scheduled meeting. While it is within the power of the Board of Directors to amend and revise the Constitution and Bylaws, such change shall be an exception and not a common occurrence, furthermore such change shall NOT be made to the Statement of Faith or Doctrinal beliefs held by this Institute. In actuality, the board is to be subject to and submissive to the Bible, Constitution, Bylaws, and other documents of the school. It would be considered unethical for a board member or for a nucleus of board members to alter the documents of the school to fit personal convictions differing from those spelled out in these documents.

Directors

A Ministry of Danieltown Baptist Church