What We Believe
First Baptist Church of Manteno is affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention and affirms the Baptist Faith and Message (2000) as a faithful summary of biblical teaching. The following statements provide an overview of our core beliefs.

The Scriptures

We believe the Holy Bible is the inspired Word of God and His revelation to humanity. Scripture is true, trustworthy, and without error, providing God’s instruction for faith and life.

God

There is one living and true God who eternally exists as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Each person of the Trinity is fully God, united in essence, purpose, and glory.

God the Father

God the Father lovingly reigns over creation and human history according to His gracious purposes. He is truly Father to all who become His children through faith in Jesus Christ.

God the Son

Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God. Conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary, He lived a sinless life, died on the cross for our redemption, rose from the dead, and reigns as Lord.

God the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit exalts Christ, convicts of sin, and brings understanding of truth. He empowers believers and the church for worship, evangelism, and service.

Humanity

Humanity was created by God in His image and possesses inherent dignity and worth. Through free choice, humanity fell into sin and is in need of redemption. Because Christ died for all, every person is worthy of respect and Christian love.

Salvation

Salvation is God’s gracious work of redeeming the whole person and is offered freely to all who trust in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Salvation includes regeneration, sanctification, and glorification.

God’s Purpose of Grace

We believe salvation is rooted in God’s gracious purpose. All true believers are secure in Christ and will persevere in faith to the end.

The Church

The church is a local body of baptized believers united in covenant fellowship, worship, and mission. The church is autonomous and exists to proclaim the gospel locally and to the ends of the earth.

Baptism and the Lord’s Supper

Baptism is the immersion of a believer as an act of obedience, symbolizing faith in Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection.
The Lord’s Supper is a symbolic act of obedience that commemorates Christ’s sacrifice and anticipates His return.

The Lord’s Day

Sunday is the Lord’s Day, commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ and set apart for worship and spiritual devotion.

Last Things

God will bring history to its appointed end. Jesus Christ will return personally and visibly. All will be raised and judged, with eternal life for the righteous and eternal separation from God for the unrighteous.

Evangelism and Missions

Every believer and every church is called to make disciples and share the gospel through personal witness and mission efforts.

Education

Christian education supports the mission of the church and must remain grounded in the authority of Scripture and the lordship of Jesus Christ.

Stewardship

God is the source of all blessings. Believers are called to faithfully steward their time, talents, and resources for God’s glory.

Cooperation

We value cooperation among churches and organizations to advance the work of God’s Kingdom while maintaining the autonomy of the local church.

The Christian and the Social Order

Christians are called to live out their faith in society, opposing injustice and sin while reflecting Christ’s love and truth.

Religious Liberty

We affirm the separation of church and state and believe in freedom of religion for all people.

Family

The family is God’s foundational institution. Marriage is a covenant between one man and one woman for a lifetime. Husbands and wives are equal in worth before God, and children are a blessing from the Lord.