What We Believe

"What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us."
- A.W. Tozer

The following is a summary of the core beliefs of Cookeville First 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. A more extensive description of each doctrine can be found in the Baptist Faith and Message 2000.
In addition to these doctrines and beliefs, we have provided the governing documents of Cookeville First Baptist Church. 
The Scriptures
The Bible is the inspired, inerrant, and infallible Word of God, written by human authors under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is the ultimate authority for faith and practice, revealing God’s truth and the way of salvation through Jesus Christ.
📖 2 Timothy 3:16-17, 2 Peter 1:20-21, Psalm 119:105
God
There is one living and true God who is holy, sovereign, and eternal. He exists in three persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—who are co-equal and co-eternal.
  • God the Father: Reigns with providence and grace over His creation, hearing prayers and working for His glory. (Matthew 6:9, Ephesians 4:6)
  • God the Son (Jesus Christ): Fully God and fully man, born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, died a substitutionary death, rose bodily from the grave, and will return in power and glory. (John 1:1, Colossians 1:15-20, Philippians 2:5-11)
  • God the Holy Spirit: Convicts the world of sin, regenerates believers, indwells them, and empowers them for godly living and service. (John 16:8-14, 1 Corinthians 6:19-20)
📖 Deuteronomy 6:4, Isaiah 45:5-7, Matthew 28:19
Man
Humanity is uniquely created in the image of God to know Him and reflect His glory. However, through Adam’s sin, all people inherit a sinful nature and are alienated from God. Apart from grace, all are condemned. Only through Christ can people be redeemed.
📖 Genesis 1:26-27, Romans 3:23, Romans 5:12-19
Salvation
Salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. It is a work of God that includes:
  • Regeneration: The new birth by the Holy Spirit, making a sinner alive to God. (John 3:3-8, Titus 3:5)
  • Justification: God declares a sinner righteous based on Christ’s work. (Romans 5:1, 2 Corinthians 5:21)
  • Sanctification: The ongoing process of growing in holiness. (1 Thessalonians 4:3, Philippians 2:12-13)
  • Glorification: The final perfection of believers in eternity. (Romans 8:30, Philippians 3:20-21)
📖 Ephesians 2:8-9, John 14:6, Acts 4:12
God's Purpose of Grace
God, in His sovereignty, elects people to salvation, not based on their merit but on His grace. This does not nullify human responsibility to repent and believe. True believers will persevere in faith to the end.
📖 John 10:28-29, Romans 8:28-30, Ephesians 1:4-5
The Church
The church is the body of Christ, made up of all redeemed believers. It is expressed in local congregations, which are autonomous and self-governing under Christ’s lordship. The church's mission is to proclaim the gospel, disciple believers, and serve as Christ’s representatives in the world.
📖 Matthew 16:18, Acts 2:42-47, Ephesians 4:11-16
Baptism and The Lord's Supper
Baptism: By immersion, symbolizing a believer’s identification with Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection.
The Lord’s Supper: A symbolic act of remembrance of Christ’s sacrifice, taken by baptized believers in obedience to His command.
📖 Matthew 28:19-20, Romans 6:3-5, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26
The Lord's Day
Sunday is the Christian day of worship and rest, commemorating Christ’s resurrection. Believers are to worship God and engage in spiritual devotion on this day.
📖 Acts 20:7, Revelation 1:10, Hebrews 10:25
The Kingdom
God’s Kingdom includes His sovereign rule over all creation and His spiritual reign in the hearts of believers. The Kingdom will be fully realized when Christ returns to establish His eternal reign.
📖 Matthew 6:10, Luke 17:20-21, Revelation 11:15
The Last Days
Christ will return personally and visibly to judge the world. The righteous will enter eternal life, while the unrepentant will suffer eternal separation from God in hell.
📖 Matthew 24:30, 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, Revelation 20:11-15
Evangelism and Missions
It is the duty of every believer and church to share the gospel with all nations, making disciples of Jesus Christ.
📖 Matthew 28:19-20, Romans 10:14-15, Acts 1:8
Education
Christians are called to seek wisdom and knowledge under the lordship of Christ, ensuring that education is rooted in biblical truth.
📖 Proverbs 1:7, Colossians 2:8, 2 Timothy 2:15
Stewardship
God owns everything, and believers are to steward their resources—including time, talents, and money—for His glory and kingdom work.
📖 Malachi 3:10, 2 Corinthians 9:6-7, 1 Corinthians 4:2
Cooperation
Local churches should work together for the gospel while maintaining their autonomy.
📖 1 Corinthians 3:9, Philippians 1:27, 3 John 5-8
The Christian and the Social Order
Christians are called to uphold righteousness, defend the vulnerable, and promote justice while maintaining a biblical worldview.
📖 Micah 6:8, Matthew 5:13-16, James 1:27
Peace and War
Christians should seek peace, love their enemies, and strive for righteousness. However, they may serve in government or the military with a conscience informed by Scripture.
📖 Matthew 5:9, Romans 13:1-7, 1 Timothy 2:1-2
Religious Liberty
Every person is responsible to God alone in matters of faith, and the government should not control or establish religion.
📖 Matthew 22:21, Acts 5:29, Galatians 5:1
The Family
The family is the foundational institution of human society. Marriage is a lifelong covenant between one man and one woman, reflecting Christ’s relationship with the church. Parents are responsible for discipling their children in the Lord.
📖 Genesis 2:24, Ephesians 5:22-33, Deuteronomy 6:6-7
Church Constitution
Church Bylaws