What We Believe

"All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work." 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Core Beliefs

The following are the core beliefs of Topeka Baptist Church based on the foundational truths taught in the Bible. All of our teaching and ministry is rooted in and flows out of these biblical doctrines.

The Scriptures

We believe the Bible to be the only inspired, trustworthy and true, without error, Word of God.

Psalms 19:7-11; Prov. 30:5-6; Matt. 5:18; John 10:34-35; Rom. 15:4;
2 Tim. 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:19-21; Rev. 22:18-19

The Trinity

We believe there is only one God who eternally exists in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Matt. 3:16-17; 28:19; John 6:27; Acts 5:3-4; 2 Cor. 13:14; Heb. 1:8

God the Father

We believe God the Father is infinite, eternal, wise, all-powerful, holy, just, good, loving and all-knowing.  He is the maker and supreme ruler of  heaven and earth.

Gen. 1:1; Psalms 139:7-10; Isaiah 46:9; Rom. 11:33; Eph. 4:6; 1 Tim. 1:17;
Rev. 19:6

God the Son

We believe Jesus Christ is God. He was God in His virgin birth, in His sinless life, and in His miracles.  His death paid for our sin through His shed blood. He arose bodily and ascended up to the right hand of the Father in heaven.  One day He will personally return in power and glory.

Isaiah 7:14; Matt. 1:18-25; 28:6; John 1:1; 14:3; 20:27-28; Acts 15:16; 1 Cor. 15:4; 1 Thess. 4:16; Heb. 7:25; 8:6; 12:2; 1 Peter 2:22; 3:18; 1 John 2:1; Rev. 3:21

God the Holy Spirit

We believe that the Holy Spirit is a divine person possessing all the attributes of deity and is equal with God the Father and God the Son.  We believe that He was active in creation and is the restrainer of the evil one.  He convicts of sin, of judgment, and of righteousness.  He bears witness to the truth of the Gospel in preaching and testimony.  He seals, endures, guides, teaches, witnesses, sanctifies, helps, and distributes spiritual gifts to all believers.

Gen. 1:1-3; Matt. 28:19; John 7:39; 14:16-17; 26; 16:8-11; Rom. 12:3-8; 1 Cor. 12:8-13, 28-31; 13:8-12; Eph. 1:13-14; 2 Thess. 2:6-8, 13

Angels, Good and Evil

We believe in the existence of angels who were created by God.  Angels are ministers for Him on behalf of those who have trusted in Jesus Christ as their personal Savior.  Lucifer and one-third of the angels rebelled against God and were thrown out of heaven.  Lucifer became Satan and his fallen angels are called demons. Because of pride Satan fell and is currently the power of all darkness and evil.  He is destined for defeat at the hand of God’s Son.  

Isaiah 6; 14:12-15; Ezk. 28, Matt. 17:18; Eph. 2:2; 6:11-13; Col. 1:16;
1 Tim. 4:1-2; 1 Peter 1:12; 5:8; Jude 6; Rev. 19:16-20; 20:10

Creation

We believe in the Genesis account of creation and that it is to be accepted literally. Man was created in God’s image and after His own likeness.  Man’s creation was not a matter of evolution  through interminable periods of time from lower to higher forms.  

Gen. 1:1, 24; John 13; Col.s 1:16; Heb. 11:3; Rev. 10:6

Man

We believe the Scriptures teach that man was created by a direct act of God and not from any previously existing form of life.  All men are descended from the historical Adam and Eve, the first parents of the entire human race.  By voluntary transgression man fell from his sinless state.  All men are now sinners by nature and by choice and therefore under just condemnation to eternal judgment and separation from God in a place called hell without defense or excuse.

Gen. 1:27; 3:6, 24; Isaiah 53:6; Rom. 1:32; 3:10-23; 5:12-19

Salvation

We believe the Scriptures teach that Christ died for all.  Salvation is divinely initiated by God’s grace through the cross of Christ.  It is by faith in Jesus Christ  apart from works.  In order to be saved the sinner must be born again by personally receiving Christ as Savior.  Christ’s sacrifice grants us forgiveness of sins and eternal life.  The believer’s salvation is eternally secure through the finished work of the cross of Christ.

Hab. 2:4; John 1:11-12; 3:3-17; 10:28-29; Acts 13:39; Rom. 2:4; 2 Cor. 7:9-10; Eph. 2:8-10; 1 Tim. 2:5-6; Heb. 4:2; 1 Peter 1:18-23; 2 Peter 1:4; 2:1; 1 John 5:11-13

The Church

We believe that the local church is a congregation of baptized believers.  They are associated by faith and fellowship of the Gospel, observing the teachings of Christ and exercising their spiritual gifts. Its leaders are pastors (also called elders) and deacons.

Matt. 28:19-20; Acts 1:8; 1 Cor. 12:13, 27; Eph. 1:22-23; 4:12; Heb. 12:23

Coming Events

  • The Rapture of the Church:  We believe in a future return of Christ for His Church. He will meet them in the air (called the Rapture) and take them to heaven before pouring out His wrath on the earth during the seven-year Tribulation. At the end of seven years Christ will return to earth with His Church to rule and reign for 1,000 years.

1 Cor. 15:51-52; 1 Thess. 4:13-18; 2 Thess. 2:1-2; Titus 2:13; 1 John 3:2

  • The Judgment Seat of Christ:  We believe that believer of the Church Age will appear before the “Judgment Seat of Christ.”  Each will be judged for their service and receive rewards according to their works.

Matt. 6:2; Rom. 14:10; 1 Cor. 3:11-15; 2 Cor. 5:10

  • The Millennial Kingdom:  We believe that Christ will return to earth after the seven-year tribulation period with His saints to establish the Millennial Kingdom which will literally be on the earth and ruled by Christ from the throne of David.

Isaiah 9:6-7; Luke 1:32; Acts 2:29-30; 2 Thess. 1:6-12; Rev. 20:1-6, 12-14

  • The Eternal State:  We believe in the bodily resurrection of all believers to eternal life.  The unsaved will be resurrected to judgment and everlasting punishment in the Lake of Fire.

Matt. 25:46; Luke 16:19-26; John 5:28-29; 2 Cor. 5:8-10; Phil. 1:23

Civil Government

We believe that civil government is by divine appointment for the benefit of human society.  Governing officials are to be prayed for, honored and obeyed.  Opposition is only acceptable when government mandates disobedience to the Word of God.

Matt. 10:28; 23:10; Acts 5:29; 23:5; Rom. 13:7; Phil. 2:10-11; Titus 3:1

The Sanctity of Life

We believe that all human life is sacred from fertilization.  Human beings are created in God’s image and, as such, are to be protected.  The weak, vulnerable, infirm, handicapped, pre-born and needy deserve our respect and care.

Gen. 1:26; 9:6; Psalm 51:5; 82:3-4; 139:13-16; Jer. 1:5; Luke 1:41

Marriage and the Home

We believe that the home was the first institution God provided for man.  Marriage is a sacred relationship between one man and one woman for life.  

Gen. 2:18-24; Deut. 23:17-18; Mark 10:9 Rom. 1:18-27; 1 Cor. 6:9-11; 7:2; Eph. 5:22-23; Jude 7