our beliefs
hfc’s theological and doctrinal foundations
southern baptist with distinctions
We are affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention and affirm The Baptist Faith & Message 2000 with the addition of three specific distinctions for Harvestfield Church:
Whereas the BF&M 2000 describes man as “inclined” to sin and only culpable based upon “moral action,” HFC teaches that man is born in sin—a condition passed down to him from Adam. People are not sinners because they sin; people sin because they are sinners. (Genesis 8:21; Psalms 14:2-3, 51:5; Jeremiah 17:9; Romans 5:12; Ephesians 2:1-3)
Whereas the BF&M 2000 speaks of the two offices of the local church as being pastors and deacons (and whereas the statistical norm for SBC churches is to be led by a single pastor), HFC teaches that there is to be a plurality of pastors/elders in every local church. A church should not have unitary leadership whereby only one man has ultimate authority. Instead, a church is to have multiple pastors who share leadership and authority. This pattern is the norm for the New Testament church. (Acts 14:23, 20:17-18; Titus 1:5; 1 Peter 5:1-2)
Harvestfield Church uses the Five Solas that emerged from the Protestant Reformation as a means of describing our framework for theology and doctrine. The Solas help us promote a God-centered gospel (as opposed to a man-centered gospel) while underscoring our high view of the sovereignty of God over all things, including salvation (justification, sanctification, and glorification), discipleship, and eternal focus.
The Five Solas are: Sola Scriptura (Scripture Alone): The Bible is the sole written divine revelation and our only infallible rule for faith and life. The Word of God alone can bind the conscience of believers absolutely. (Matthew 4:4; 2 Timothy 3:16) Sola Fide (Faith Alone): Justification is by faith alone. By God’s free grace, the righteousness of Jesus Christ is imputed to us by faith. Faith is the sole basis of our acceptance by God and the only means by which our sins are pardoned. (Romans 5:1; Galatians 2:16; Ephesians 2:8-10) Solus Christus (Christ Alone): Jesus Christ is the only mediator through whose work we are redeemed. (John 3:16, 14:6) Sola Gratia (Grace Alone): Our salvation rests solely upon the work of God’s grace for us. (Romans 2:4; Ephesians 2:8-10) Soli Deo Gloria (God’s Glory Alone): Salvation is of God and has been accomplished by God. Therefore, the glory belongs to God alone. (Isaiah 42:8; Colossians 3:17)
If we could add a sixth Sola, it might be Solus Spiritus (Spirit Alone): The Holy Spirit alone draws people to the gospel, enabling them to be born again and to act in accordance with their transformed nature. (John 6:44; 1 Corinthians 6:11)
our statement of faith
Harvestfield Church strives to teach what is in accordance with sound doctrine. We have compiled a summary of our beliefs for your information. If you need clarification regarding our position on specific theological or doctrinal matters, please feel free to contact us.
the bible
the trinity
god
jesus christ
the holy spirit
creation
man
After God made the other creatures, He created man–both male and female–in His own image, but because Adam sinned and woefully fell in his responsibility, he and his posterity entered into a state of moral corruption and inability, thus becoming estranged from their Creator and deserving of death as the punishment for sin. If left alone, man would remain separated from God. He is dead in sin and incapable of seeking or understaning God without divine help.