Seventh Day Baptists Germany - Statement of Belief

Introduction

Before our Lord Jesus left this earth to join His father in heaven He gave His disciples the following mission: “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Amen.” Matthew 28:19-20
This Great Commission – an order – is the core, the foundation and the legitimation of mission. Not only should doing mission be a holy obligation for every converted, born-again and baptized Christian, but naturalness. It is not just limited to a professional group of people such as pastors or missionaries. Every Christian can and should do mission; each one in his way according to the gifts having been given to him.
As German Seventh Day Baptists we strive to be witnesses for Christ, i.e. proclaiming His Gospel, the Good News.

Statement of Belief

I. Holy Scripture
WE BELIEVE in the bible as the inspired word of God. It is the sole basis for our belief and practice. -> “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God.” (II Timothy 3:16a)
II. Deity
WE BELIEVE in God, the creator of this world, who reveals Himself as Father, Son (in the shape of Jesus Christ) and Holy Spirit. We believe especially in the person of the Holy Spirit who Jesus sent to his followers as comforter, helper and teacher here on earth. -> “For there are three that bear witness in heaven: the Father, the Word [i.e. Jesus] and the Holy Spirit; and these three are one.” (I John 5:7)
III. Need of Conversion, New Birth and Baptism
WE BELIEVE that a man’s way to Jesus Christ is only by conversion and being born again. Everyone who confesses and repents his sins to Jesus and accepts Him by faith has got eternal life and certainty of salvation. -> “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgement, but has passed from death into life.” (John 5:24)
IV. Salvation by Faith Alone
WE BELIEVE that no one is able to bring forth works worthy of reaching God’s standard, i.e. Jesus’ sinless (impeccable) earthly life. Jesus, the Son of God, sacrificed Himself for us as a substitute dying at the cross for all mankind. Anyone who through faith accepts this perfect sacrifice as a gift is justified before God – his sins (transgressions) are forgiven. The bible calls this salvation by God’s grace. -> “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)
V. The Ten Commandments
WE BELIEVE in the Ten Commandments as taught by the bible (especially the fourth commandment keeping the seventh day, which is the Sabbath (Saturday), as a day of rest) being still absolutely valid after Jesus’ resurrection. However, we keep the commandments not to be saved but because we have been already saved by Jesus Christ. -> “If you love Me, keep My commandments.” (John 14:15)
VI. Spiritual Gifts
WE BELIEVE that the Holy Spirit wants to equip us with different spiritual gifts in order to preach the Gospel of Jesus in authority. These gifts are a present of grace and the Holy Spirit distributes them as He likes. -> “But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.” (I Corinthians 12:11)
VII. Committed Discipleship
WE BELIEVE that Jesus’s mission command does not only apply to his disciples and apostles, but to all His followers. He is calling on them to authoritative and authentic discipleship and total commitment. -> “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.” (Luke 9:23)
VIII. Priesthood of all Believers
WE BELIEVE in the priesthood of all believers which does not need salvation-inseminating institutions or persons. By the death and resurrection of Jesus every believer has got direct access to God-father and His son Jesus Christ. -> “You also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” (I Peter 2:5)
IX. The Soon Coming of Jesus Christ
WE BELIEVE in the soon coming of Jesus Christ and His promise of establishing an eternal kingdom. We neither fan fear of doomsday nor even try to calculate it. Instead, we are looking forward to being soon with Jesus for ever and ever without any separation. Therefore, as long as there is time left, we want to give our best to cause Him to become known to as many people as possible. -> “For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night.” (I Thessalonians 5:2)
X. Christian Lifestyle
WE BELIEVE that authoritative discipleship goes along with a Christian lifestyle and conduct respectively. Addictions of any kind, including alcohol, nicotine or drug abuse, gambling, sexual addictions and excessive internet use etc., are bondages which prevent humans being free in Christ. -> “That you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts.” (Ephesians 4:22)
XI. Commitment to the Principles of Reformation
We thoroughly avow ourselves to the five principles of Reformation:

1. Sola Scriptura (scripture alone)
2. Sola Fide (faith alone)
3. Sola Gratia (grace alone)
4. Solus Christus (Christ alone)
5. Soli Deo Gloria (honor to God alone)

XII. The Church of Jesus Christ

Followers of Christ do not only desire daily communion with their Lord Jesus but also fellowship with one another at least once a week. They are all with one accord in prayer and worship, members of one body called church of which Jesus Christ is the head. German Seventh Day Baptists associate with Seventh Day Baptists worldwide. They work actively to promote the development of new SDB churches at home and abroad.