NEW HAMPSHIRE CONFESSION OF FAITH
WITH PRE-MILLENNIAL REVISION

I. THE SCRIPTURES
We believe (a) that the Holy Bible was written by men divinely inspired, and is a perfect treasure of heavenly instruction: (b) that it has God as its author, salvation for its end, (c) and truth without any mixture of error for its matter; (d) that it reveals the principles by which God will judge us; (e) and therefore is, and shall remain to the end of the world, the true center of Christian union, (f) and the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds, and opinions should be tried.

(a) II Tim. 3:15-17; II Pet. 1:21; Acts 1:16; 3:21; II Sam. 23:2; Jn. 10:35; Luke 16:29-31; Psa. 3; Psa. 111; Rom. 3:1,2
(b) I Pet. 1:10-12; Acts 11:14; Rom. 1:16; Mark 16:16; Jn. 5:38, 39
(c) Prov. 30:5, 6; Jn. 17:17; Rev. 22:18, 19; Rom. 3:4(d) Rom. 2:12; Jn. 12:47, 48; I Cor. 4:3, 4; Luke 10:10-16; 12:47, 48
(e) Phil. 3:16; Eph. 4:3-6; Phil. 2:1, 2; I Cor. 1:10; I Pet. 4:11
(f) I Jn. 4:1; Isa. 8:20; I Thes. 5:21; Acts 17:11; II Cor. 13:5; I Jn. 4:6; Jude 3; Eph. 6:17; Psa. 119:59, 60; Phil. 1:9-11

II. THE TRUE GOD
We believe (a) that there is one, and only one, living and true God, an infinite, intelligent and Supreme Ruler of Heaven and Earth; (b) inexpressibly glorious in holiness, (c) and worthy of all possible honor, confidence, and love; (d) that in the unity of the Godhead there are three persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost; (e) equal in every divine perfection, (f) and executing distinct but harmonious offices in the work of redemption.

(a) Jn. 4:24; Psa. 147:5; Psa. 83:18; Heb. 3:4; Rom. 1:20; Jer. 10:10; Isa. 45:21-22.
(b) Ex. 15:11; Isa. 6:3; I Pet. 1:15,16; Rev. 4:6-8
(c) Mark 12:30; Rev. 4:11; Mt. 10:37; Jer. 1:12, 13
(d) Mt. 28:19; Jn. 15:26; I Cor. 12:4-6; I Jn. 5:7; II Cor. 13:14; Mt. 3:16, 17; Luke 1:35
(e) Jn. 10:30; Jn. 5:17; 14:23; 17:5, 10; Acts 5:3, 4; 20:28; I Cor. 2:10, 11; Phil. 2:5, 6
(f) Eph. 2:18; II Cor. 13:14; Rev. 1:4, 5; 2:7; Eph. 1:3-14

Explanatory Notes:
1. We believe that Jesus Christ was begotten of the Holy Ghost in a miraculous manner; born of Mary, a virgin, as no other man was ever born or can ever be born of woman, and that He is both perfect God and perfect man, the Son of God, and God the son. Gen. 3:15; Isa. 7:14; Mt. 1:18-25; Luke 1:35; Mark 1:1; Jn. 1:14; Psa. 2:7; Gal. 4:4; I Jn. 5:20; I Cor. 15:47
2. We believe that the Holy Spirit is a divine person; equal with God the Father and God the son and of the same nature; that He was active in the creation; that in His relation to the unbelieving world He restrains the Evil One until God’s purpose is fulfilled; that He convicts of sin, of judgment, and of righteousness; that He bears witness to the truth of the Gospel in preaching and testimony; that He is the agent in the new birth; that He seals, baptizes, empowers, guides, teaches, witnesses, sanctifies, and helps the believer in accordance with the Scriptures. Jn. 14:16, 17; Mt. 28:19; Heb. 9:14; Jn. 14:26; Luke 1:35; Gen. 1:1-3; II Thes. 2:7; Jn. 16:8-11; Jn. 15:25-27; Acts 5:30-32; Jn. 3:5, 6; Eph. 1:13,14; Mt. 3:11; Mark 1:8; Luke 3:16; Jn. 1:33; Acts 11:16; Luke 24:49; Jn. 16:13; Jn. 14:26; Rom. 8:14-16; II Thes. 2:13; I Pet. 1:2; Rom. 8:26, 27

III. THE FALL OF MAN
We believe (a) that man was created in holiness, in the image of God, under the law of his Maker; (b) but by voluntary transgression fell from that holy and happy state; (c) in consequence of which all mankind are now sinners, (d) not by constraint, but choice; (e) being by nature utterly void of that holiness required by the law of God, positively inclined to evil and therefore under just condemnation to eternal ruin, (f) without defense or excuse.

(a) Gen. 1:27,31; Eccles. 7:29; Acts 17:24-29; Gen. 2:16, 17
(b) Gen. 3:6-24; Rom. 5:12
(c) Jn. 3:6; Psa. 51:5; Rom. 5:12-19; 8:7; Psa. 14:1-3
(d) Isa. 53:6; Gen. 6:5, 12; Rom. 3:9-18, 23
(e) Eph. 2:1-3; Rom. 1:18; 2:1-16; Gal. 3:10; Mt. 20:15
(f) Ezek. 18:19, 20; Rom. 1:19-32; 3:19; Gal. 3:22

IV. THE WAY OF SALVATION
We believe (a) that the salvation of sinners is wholly of grace; (b) through the mediatorial offices of the Son of God; (c) who by the appointment of the Father, freely took upon Him our nature, yet without sin; (d) honored the divine law by His personal obedience, (e) and by His death made a full atonement for our sins; (f) that having risen from the dead, He is now enthroned in Heaven; (g) and uniting in His wonderful Person the tenderest sympathies with divine perfections, He is every way qualified to be a suitable, a compassionate, and an all-sufficient Savior.

(a) Eph. 2:8; Mt. 18:11; I Jn. 4:10; I Cor. 3:5, 7; Acts 15:11; Luke 19:10
(b) Jn. 3:16; 1:1-14; Heb. 4:14; 12:24; 9:11,12
(c) Phil. 2:6, 7; Heb. 2:9, 14; II Cor. 5:21
(d) Isa. 42:21; Phil. 2:8; Gal. 4:4, 5; Rom. 3:21
(e) Isa. 53:4, 5; Mt. 20:28; Rom. 4:25; 3:21-26; Mark 10:45; I Jn. 4:10, 11; 2:2; I Cor. 15:1-3; Heb. 9:13-15
(f) Heb. 1:3, 8; Heb. 8:1; Col. 3:1-4
(g) Heb. 7:25; Col. 2:9; Heb. 2:18; 7:25, 26; Psa. 89:19; Psa. 34

V. JUSTIFICATION
We believe (a) that the great gospel blessing which Christ (b) secures to such as believe in Him is Justification; (c) that Justification includes the pardon of sin, (d) and the promise of eternal life on principles of righteousness; (e) that it is bestowed, not in consideration of any works of righteousness which we have done, but solely through faith in the Redeemer’s blood; (f) by virtue of which faith His perfect righteousness is freely imputed to us of God; (g) that it brings us into a state of most blessed peace and favor with God, and secures every other blessing needful for time and eternity.

(a) Jn. 1:16; Eph. 3:8
(b) Acts 13:39; Isa. 53:11, 12; Rom. 8:1
(c) Rom. 5:9; Zech. 13:1; Mt. 9:6; Acts 10:43
(d) Rom. 5:17; Titus 3:5, 7; II Pet. 3:7; I Jn. 2:25; Rom. 5:21
(e) Rom. 4:4, 5; 3:28; 5:21; 6:23; Phil. 3:7-9
(f) Rom. 5:19; 3:24-26; 4:23-25; 5:11; I Jn. 2:12
(g) Rom. 5:1-3; I Cor. 1:30, 31; Mt. 6:33; I Tim. 4:8

VI. THE FREENESS OF SALVATION
We believe (a) that the blessings of salvation are made free to all by the Gospel; (b) that it is the immediate duty of all to accept them by a cordial, penitent, and obedient faith; (c) and that nothing prevents the salvation of the greatest sinner on earth but his own inherent depravity and voluntary rejection of the Gospel, (d) which rejection involves him in an aggravated condemnation.

(a) Isa. 55:1; Rev. 22:17; Luke 14:17
(b) Rom. 16:25, 26; Mark 1:15; Rom. 1:15-17; Acts 17:30
(c) Jn. 5:40; Mt. 23:37; Rom. 9:32; Prov. 1:24-29; Acts 13:46
(d) Jn. 3:19; Mt. 11:20-24; Luke 19:27; II Thes. 1:8,9

VII. GRACE IN REGENERATION
We believe (a) that, in order to be saved, sinners must be regenerated or born again; (b) that regeneration consists in giving a holy disposition to the mind; (c) that it is by the power of the Holy Spirit in connection with divine truth, (d) so as to secure our voluntary obedience to the Gospel; (e) and that its proper evidence appears in the holy fruits of repentance and faith and newness of life.

(a) Jn. 3:3, 5, 7; I Cor. 2:14; Rev. 14:3; 21:27
(b) II Cor. 5:17; Ezek. 36:26; Deut. 30:6; Rom. 2:28, 29; 5:5; I Jn. 4:7
(c) Jn. 3:8; 1:13; James 1:16-18; I Cor. 1:30; Phil. 2:13
(d) I Pet. 1:22-25; I Jn. 5:1; Eph. 4:20-24; Rom. 6:17, 18; Col. 3:9-11
(e) Eph. 5:9; Rom. 8:9; Gal. 5:16-23; Eph. 2:14-22; Mt. 3:8-10; 7:20; I Jn. 5:4, 18

VIII. REPENTANCE AND FAITH
We believe (a) that repentance and Faith are sacred duties, and also inseparable graces wrought in our souls by the regenerating Spirit of God; (b) whereby, being deeply convinced of our guilt, danger, and helplessness, and of the way of salvation by Christ, (c) we turn to God with unfeigned contrition, confession, and supplication for mercy; (d) at the same time heartily receiving the Lord Jesus Christ as our Prophet, Priest, and King, and relying on Him alone as the only and all-sufficient Savior.

(a) Mark 1:15; Acts 11:18; 20:21; Eph. 2:8; I Jn. 5:1
(b) Jn. 16:8; Acts 2:37, 38; 16:30, 31
(c) Luke 18:13; 15:18-21; James 4:7-10; II Cor. 7:10, 11; Rom. 10:12, 13; Psa. 51
(d) Rom. 10:9-11; Acts 3:19-22; Heb. 4:14; Psa. 2:6; Heb. 1:8; 7:25; II Tim. 1:12

IX. GOD’S PURPOSE OF GRACE
We believe (a) that Election is the eternal purpose of God, according to which He graciously regenerates, sanctifies, and saves sinners; (b) that being perfectly consistent with the free agency of man, it comprehends all the means in connection with the end; (c) that it is a most glorious display of God’s sovereign goodness being infinitely free, wise, holy, and unchangeable; (d) that it utterly excludes boasting, and promotes humility, love, prayer, praise, trust in God, and active imitation of His free mercy (e) that it encourages the use of means in the highest degree; (f) that it may be ascertained by its effects in all who truly believe the Gospel; (g) that it is the foundation of Christian assurance; (h) and that to ascertain it with regard to ourselves demands and deserves the utmost diligence.

(a) II Tim. 1:8, 9; Eph. 1:3-14; I Pet. 1:1,2; Rom. 11:5, 6; Jn. 15:16; I Jn. 4:19
(b) II Thes. 2:13, 14; Acts 13:48; Jn. 10:16; Mt. 20:16; Acts 15:15
(c) Ex. 33:18, 19; Mt. 20:15; Eph. 1:11; Rom. 9:22-24; Jer. 31:3; Rom. 11:28, 29; James 1:14, 18; I Tim. 1:9; Rom. 11:32, 36
(d) I Cor. 4:7; 1:26-31; Rom. 3:27; 4:16; Col. 3:12; I Cor. 15:10; I Pet. 5:10; I Thes. 2:12,13; I Pet. 2:9; Luke 18:7
(e) II Tim. 2:10; I Cor. 9:22; Jn. 6:37-40; II Pet. 1:10
(f) I Thes. 1:4-10
(g) Rom. 8:28-31; Isa. 42:16; Rom. 11:29
(h) II Pet. 1:10, 11; Phil. 3:12, 14; Heb. 6:11, 12

X. SANCTIFICATION
We believe (a) that sanctification is the process by which, according to the will of God we are made partakers of His holiness; (b) that it is a progressive work; (c) that it is begun in regeneration; (d) and that it is carried on in the hearts of believers by the presence and power of the Holy Spirit, the Sealer and Comforter, in the continual use of the appointed means, especially the Word of God, self-examination, self-denial, watchfulness, and prayer.

(a) I Thes. 4:3; 5:23; II Cor. 7:1; 13:9; Eph. 1:4-6
(b) Prov. 4:18; Heb. 6:1; II Pet. 1:5-8; Phil. 3:12-16
(c) I Jn. 2:29; Rom. 8:5; Jn. 3:6; Phil. 1:9-11
(d) Phil. 2:12, 13; Eph. 4:11,12, 30; 6:18; I Pet. 2:2; II Pet. 3:18; II Cor. 13:5; Luke 9:23; 11:35; Mt. 26:41; Eph. 6:18

XI. THE PERSEVERANCE OF SAINTS
We believe (a) that such only are real believers as endure unto the end; (b) that their persevering attachment to Christ is the grand mark which distinguishes them from superficial professors; (c) that a special providence watches over their welfare; (d) that they are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation.

(a) Jn. 8:31; I Jn. 2:27, 28; 3:9; 5:18
(b) I Jn. 2:19; Jn. 13:18; Mt. 13:20-23; Jn. 6:66-69
(c) Rom. 8:28; Mt. 6:30-33; Psa. 121:2, 3
(d) Phil. 1:6; 2:12, 13; Jude 1:24, 25; Heb. 1:14; 7:25; 13:5; I Jn. 4:4; I Pet. 1:3-5

XII. A GOSPEL CHURCH
We believe (a) that a visible church of Christ is a congregation of baptized believers associated by covenant in the faith and fellowship of the Gospel; (b) observing the ordinances of Christ; (c) Governed by His laws; (d) and exercising the gifts, rights, and privileges invested in them by His Word; (d) that its only Scriptural officers are Bishops, or Pastors, and Deacons, whose qualifications, claims, and duties are defined in the Epistles to Timothy and Titus.

(a) I Cor. 1:1-13; Mt. 18:17; Acts 5:11; 8:1; 11:21-23; I Cor. 4:17; 14:23-25; III Jn. 9; Acts 2:41, 42; II Cor. 8:5; Acts 2:47; I Cor. 5:12, 13
(b) I Cor. 11:2; II Thes. 3:6; Rom. 16:17-20; I Cor. 11:23-34; Mt. 18:15-20; II Cor. 2:17; I Cor. 4:17; Col. 2:12
(c) Mt. 28:18-20; Jn. 14:15; 15:12-14; I Jn. 4:21; Jn. 14:21; I Thes. 4:2; II Jn. 6; Gal. 6:2; Acts 2:36; Eph. 1:22; all the Epistles
(d) Eph. 4:7; I Cor. 14:12; Phil. 1:27
(e) Phil. 1:1; Acts 14:23; 15:22; I Tim. 3; Titus 1; Acts 20:17, 28

XIII. THE LAW AND THE GOSPEL
We believe that the Scriptures teach that the Law of God is the eternal and unchangeable rule of His moral government; that it is holy, just, and good; and that the inability which the Scriptures ascribe to fallen men to fulfill its precepts arises entirely from their sinful nature; to deliver them from which, and to restore them through a mediator to unfeigned obedience to the holy Law, is one great end of the Gospel, and of the Means of Grace connected with the establishment of the visible church.

(a) Rom. 3:31; Mt. 5:17; Luke 16:17; Rom. 3:20; 4:15
(b) Rom. 7:12; Rom. 7:7; 14:22
(c) Rom. 8:7, 8; Rom. 8:2, 4; Rom. 10:4; I Tim. 1:5; Heb. 8:10

XIV. THE ORDINANCES – BAPTISM AND THE LORD’S SUPPER
We believe that Christian baptism is (a) the immersion in water of a believer, (b) into the name of the Father, and Son, and Holy Ghost; (c) to show forth, in a solemn and beautiful emblem, our faith in the crucified, buried, and risen Savior, with its effect in our death to sin and resurrection to a new life; (d) that it is prerequisite to the privileges of a Church relation (e) and the Lord’s Supper in which the saints by the use of bread and the cup are to commemorate together the dying love of Christ, (f) preceded always by solemn self-examination.

(a) Acts 8:36; Mt. 3:5,6; Jn. 3:22, 23; 4:1, 2; Mt. 28:19; Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38-41; 8:12; 16:32-34; 18:8
(b) Mt. 28:19; Acts 10:47, 48; Gal. 3:27, 28
(c) Rom. 6:4; Col. 2:12; I Pet. 3:20, 21; Acts 22:16
(d) Acts 2:41,42; Mt. 38:19, 20; Acts and the Epistles
(e) I Cor. 11:26; Mt. 26:26-29; Mark 14:22-25; Luke 22:14-20
(f) I Cor. 11:28; 4:8-11; 10:3-32; 11:17-32; Jn. 6:26-71

XV. THE LORD’S DAY
We believe (a) that the first day of the week is the Lord’s Day; (b) and is to be kept sacred for Christian purposes, (c) by abstaining from all secular labor, except works of mercy and necessity (d) by the devout observance of all the means of grace, both private and public; (e) and by preparation for that rest that remaineth for the people of God.

(a) Acts 20:7; Gen. 2:3; Col. 2:16, 17; Mark 2:27, 28; Jn. 20:19; I Cor. 16:1, 2; Col. 2:16
(b) Ex. 20:8; Rev. 1:10; Psa. 118:24
(c) Isa. 58:13, 14
(d) Psa. 118:15; Heb. 10:24, 25; Acts 11:26
(e) Heb. 4:3,11

XVI. CIVIL GOVERNMENT
We believe (a) that civil government is of divine appointment, for the interest and good order of human society; (b) and that magistrates are to be prayed for, conscientiously honored and obeyed; (c) except only in things opposed to the will of our Lord Jesus Christ; (d) who is the only Lord of conscience, and the Prince of the kings of the earth.

(a) Rom. 13:1-7; Deut. 16:18; II Sam. 23:3; Ex. 18:21-23; Jer. 30:21
(b) Mt. 22:21; Titus 3:1; I Peter. 2:13-17; I Tim. 2:1-8
(c) Acts 5:29; Mt. 10:28; Dan. 3:14-18; 6:7-10; Acts 4:18-20
(d) Mt. 23:10; Rom. 14:4; Rev. 19:16; Psa. 72:11; Psa. 2; Rom. 14:9-13

XVII. THE RIGHTEOUS AND THE WICKED
We believe (a) that there is a radical and essential difference between the righteous and the wicked; (b) that such only as through faith are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and sanctified by the Spirit of God are truly righteous in His esteem; (c) while all such as continue in impenitence and unbelief are, in His sight, wicked, and under the curse; (d) and this distinction holds among men both in and after death.

(a) Mal. 3:18; Prov. 12:26; Isa. 5;20; Gen. 18:23; Acts 10:34, 35; Rom. 6:16
(b) Rom. 1:17; 7:6; I Jn. 3:7; 2:29; Rom. 6:18, 22; I Cor. 11:32; Prov. 11:31; I Pet. 4:17, 18
(c) I Jn. 6:19; Gal. 3:10; Jn. 3:36; Isa. 57:21; Psa. 10:4; Isa. 55:6, 7
(d) Prov. 14:32; Luke 16:25; Jn. 8:21-24; Prov. 10:24; Luke 12:4,5; 9:23-26; Jn. 12:25, 26; Eccles. 3:17; Mt. 7:13, 14; 10:28

XVIII. THE RESURRECTION AND RETURN OF CHRIST AND RELATED EVENTS
We believe in and accept the sacred Scriptures upon these subjects at their fact and full value. We believe (a) that our Lord Jesus Christ rose bodily from the tomb on the third day; (b) that He ascended into Heaven; (c) that He is now at the right hand of God the Father as our only sufficient mediator and advocate. (d) We believe in the personal, imminent, pre-millennial, coming of Christ for the Church, (e) the resurrection and physical glorification of the saints, (f) the great tribulation, (g) after which he will return with His saints to this earth where He will sit on the throne of David, and shall subdue all enemies and reign in righteousness for a thousand years. (h) After this shall be the judgment of the Great White Throne when the unsaved dead shall be raised and judged, that this will result for them in eternal punishment in the lake of fire which is the second death; (i) and that the saved shall then enjoy eternal glory with God.

(a) Mt. 28:6, 7; Luke 24:30; Jn. 20:27; I Cor. 15:4; Mark 16:6
(b) Mark 16:19; Luke 24:51; Acts 1:9-11; Heb. 12:2; 8:1
(c) Heb. 7:25; I Tim. 2:5; Heb. 1:3; I Jn. 2:1; Heb. 8:6; 2:17; 5:9, 10; Rom. 8:34
(d) I Thes. 4:13-18; I Cor. 15:51-53; Phil. 3:20, 21; II Cor. 5:10
(e) I Cor. 15:20-58
(f) Mt. 24:21, 22; Rev. 7:14
(g) Luke 1:32; Isa. 9:6,7; Acts 2:29, 30; I Cor. 15:25; Rev. 20:1-4, 6; Mt. 24:30; Rev. 19:11-16
(h) Rev. 20:11-15; Rev. 21 & 22; Rom. 6:23; Jn. 5:28, 29
(i) II Cor. 4:17; Heb. 4:9; I Cor. 13:8-10; Rev. 21:27; Rev. 22:3; Rev. 19:1; Heb. 12:23; Rev. 21:3; 22:14; Jn. 14:1-3; Rev. 21 & 22

Baptist Distinctives

These teachings may be remembered by associating them with the letters that form the word “BAPTISTS.”

Biblical Authority

The Bible is the final authority in all matters of belief and practice because the Bible is inspired by God and bears the absolute authority of God Himself. Whatever the Bible affirms, Baptists accept as true. No human opinion or decree of any church group can override the Bible. Even creeds and confessions of faith, which attempt to articulate the theology of Scripture, do not carry Scripture’s inherent authority. 2 Timothy 3:15-17; 1 Thessalonians 2:13; 2 Peter 1:20, 21

Autonomy of the Local Church

The local church is an independent body accountable to the Lord Jesus Christ, the head of the church. All human authority for governing the local church resides within the local church itself. Thus the church is autonomous, or self-governing. No religious hierarchy outside the local church may dictate a church’s beliefs or practices. Autonomy does not mean isolation. A Baptist church may fellowship with other churches around mutual interests and in an associational tie, but a Baptist church cannot be a “member” of any other body. Colossians 1:18; 2 Corinthians 8:1-5, 19, 23

Priesthood of the Believer

“Priest” is defined as “one authorized to perform the sacred rites of a religion, especially as a mediatory agent between humans and God.” Every believer today is a priest of God and may enter into His presence in prayer directly through our Great High Priest, Jesus Christ. No other mediator is needed between God and people. As priests, we can study God’s Word, pray for others, and offer spiritual worship to God. We all have equal access to God–whether we are a preacher or not. 1 Peter 2:5, 9; Revelation 5:9, 10

Two Ordinances

The local church should practice two ordinances: (1) baptism of believers by immersion in water, identifying the individual with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection, and (2) the Lord’s Supper, or communion, commemorating His death for our sins. Matthew 28:19, 20; 1 Corinthians 11:23-32

Individual Soul Liberty

Every individual, whether a believer or an unbeliever, has the liberty to choose what he believes is right in the religious realm. No one should be forced to assent to any belief against his will. Baptists have always opposed religious persecution. However, this liberty does not exempt one from responsibility to the Word of God or from accountability to God Himself. Romans 14:5, 12; 2 Corinthians 4:2; Titus 1:9

Saved, Baptized Church Membership

Local church membership is restricted to individuals who give a believable testimony of personal faith in Christ and have publicly identified themselves with Him in believer’s baptism. When the members of a local church are believers, a oneness in Christ exists, and the members can endeavor to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Acts 2:41-47; 1 Corinthians 12:12; 2 Corinthians 6:14; Ephesians 4:3

Two Offices

The Bible mandates only two offices in the church–pastor and deacon. The three terms–”pastor,” “elder,” and “bishop,” or “overseer”–all refer to the same office. The two offices of pastor and deacon exist within the local church, not as a hierarchy outside or over the local church. 1 Timothy 3:1-13; Acts 20:17-38; Philippians 1:1

Separation of Church and State

God established both the church and the civil government, and He gave each its own distinct sphere of operation. The government’s purposes are outlined in Romans 13:1-7 and the church’s purposes in Matthew 28:19 and 20. Neither should control the other, nor should there be an alliance between the two. Christians in a free society can properly influence government toward righteousness, which is not the same as a denomination or group of churches controlling the government. Matthew 22:15-22; Acts 15:17-29