Bylaws of

GATEWAY BAPTIST CHURCH

Of the Southeast Valley

Gilbert, Arizona, Inc.

PREAMBLE

We, the members of Gateway Baptist Church of the Southeast Valley, Gilbert, AZ, do enact and establish the following articles to which we voluntarily subscribe and submit ourselves.

CHURCH COVENANT

Having been led, as we believe, by the Spirit of God to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior; and on the profession of our faith, having been baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, we do now, in the presence of God, His angels, and this assembly, most solemnly and joyfully enter into covenant with one another, as one body in Christ.

We agree, therefore, with the aid of the Holy Spirit, to walk together in Christian love; to strive for the advancement of this church, in knowledge, holiness, and comfort; to promote its prosperity and spirituality; to sustain its worship, ordinances, discipline, and doctrines; to give it a sacred preeminence over all institutions of human origin; and to contribute cheerfully and regularly to the support of the ministry, the expenses of the church, and the spread of the gospel throughout all nations.

We also agree to maintain family and individual devotions; to educate our children in the Christian faith; to seek the salvation of our kindred and acquaintances; to walk circumspectly in the world, to be just in our dealings, faithful in our engagements, and exemplary in our behavior; to avoid all backbiting, and excessive anger; to abstain from the use of intoxicating drinks as a beverage, and be zealous in our efforts to make disciples.

We further agree to watch over one another in brotherly love; to remember each other in prayer; to aid each other in sickness and distress; to cultivate Christian sympathy in feeling and courtesy in speech; to be slow to take offense, always striving for immediate reconciliation, according to the teaching of our Savior.

We moreover agree, that when we remove from this place, we will, as soon as possible, unite with some other church, where we can carry out the spirit of this covenant and the principles of God's Word.

ARTICLE I: NAME AND LOCATION

The name of this church shall be "Gateway Baptist Church of the Southeast Valley, Gilbert, Arizona." The church currently meets at a temporary location in Gilbert, AZ. The mailing address is 20934 E. Ocotillo Road, #1069, Queen Creek, AZ 85242.

ARTICLE II: PURPOSE

Gateway Baptist Church of the Southeast Valley, AZ exists to bring glory and honor to God by the regular, vibrant, and loving worship of His people both individually and corporately; by the development of spiritual maturity in believers through preaching, discipleship, service, and fellowship; by the consistent practice of personal and corporate evangelism; and by the earnest defense of the Christian faith (Matt. 28:19-20; Acts 1:8; Acts 2:41-47; Eph.4:11-16; 2 Pet. 3:18; Jude 3).

ARTICLE III: DECLARATION OF FAITH

Section 1. Bibliology

(The Scriptures)

We believe that the Bible, exclusively comprised of the 66 books of the Old and New Testaments is the Word of God, verbally and plenarily inspired, in the original manuscripts. It is therefore infallible and inerrant in all matters to which it speaks. (See Appendix E: Position Statement on Bible Translations). The Bible shall be interpreted according to a normal, grammatical-historical hermeneutic.

We believe the Bible to be the true center of Christian unity and the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creed, and opinion will be tried (2 Tim. 3:16; 2 Pet. 1:19-21).

Section 2. Theology Proper

(God)

We believe that God is the infinite and perfect Spirit in whom all things have their source, support and end.

We believe that God eternally exists in three persons: God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. This triunity is identical in nature (essence); having the same attributes and perfection; equal in power and glory; deserving the same honor, praise, and obedience; worthy of all worship and adoration; distinct in function and individual person-hood; and working harmoniously to accomplish the Divine plan of God (1 Kings 8:27; Ps. 18:30; Matt. 28:19; Acts 5:3-4; Eph. 1:11; Col. 1:16-17).

Section 3. Christology

(Christ)

We believe that Jesus Christ, the second person of the trinity, co-equal and co-eternal with God the Father and God the Spirit, became man without ceasing to be God, having been conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary, in order to reveal God, redeem sinful man, and ultimately to establish God's eternal kingdom.

We believe that Jesus Christ, being incapable of and wholly without sin, freely bore the guilt and punishment of the sins of mankind on the cross (providing himself as a substitutionary sacrifice – sufficient for all; efficient for those who believe); rose bodily from the dead three days thereafter; and is now seated in heaven functioning as our Intercessor, Advocate and High Priest (Matt. 1:18-25; John 1:1, 2, 18; Rom. 3:25-26; 1 Cor. 15:3-4; Heb. 4:14-16; 1 John 2:1).

Section 4. Pneumatology

(Holy Spirit)

We believe that the Holy Spirit, the third person of the trinity, co-equal and co-eternal with, and having the same nature as God the Father and God the Son, was active in creation, inspiration, and the incarnation. He functions today by restraining sin and Satan; convicting men of sin, righteousness, and judgment, and regenerating, baptizing, indwelling, sealing, illuminating, sanctifying and bestowing gifts to believers (Gen. 1:2; Matt. 28:19; John 16:8-11; Acts 5:3-4; 2 Thes. 2:6-8: 2 Pet. 1:20-21).

We believe the gifts of tongues and healing were given to some early Christians as a temporary sign confirming God's Word and authenticating their message, but are not applicable since the completion of God's written revelation as found in the Scriptures. The present-day Charismatic, tongues/healing phenomenon may be explained as psychological, fraudulent, emotional, and/or demonic in nature, and has no biblical basis whatsoever (1 Cor. 12-14).

Section 5. Angelology

(Angels, Satan and Demons)

We believe that, prior to God's bringing the earth into existence, He created, in a state of untested holiness, an innumerable host of personal spirit beings called angels. (Job 38:4-7; Ps 148:2-5; Col 1:16)

We believe that Satan was the first of a group of those angels who, because of pride and ambition, rebelled against and became the eternal enemy of God; that he gathered to himself other angels now called demons; and that he became the ruler of all the powers of darkness. Satan is the great adversary of God and His children. Though Satan and his demons are both influential and powerful, they are limited by God, were defeated at the cross, and ultimately will be cast into the Lake of Fire (Job 38:6-7; Matt. 4:11; 2 Cor. 1:4; Rev. 20:10).

Section 6. Anthropology

(Man)

We believe that on the sixth day of creation, God created man from the dust of the infant earth and breathed into him the breath of life; and that the Genesis account of Creation is fully accurate – being six, literal, twenty-four hour days; God's creative acts being completely apart from any evolutionary process.

We believe that Adam was created in the image of God in a state of innocency (or untested holiness) but by a voluntary transgression fell from his sinless and happy state, thus bringing physical and spiritual death upon the entire human race; that because Adam is our representative, all mankind are now sinners by nature and conduct; are totally depraved in every aspect of their nature (incl. mind, will, and emotions); are alienated from the life and family of God; are deserving of God's eternal condemnation; and have no possible means of salvation within themselves – the only hope being regeneration and reconciliation being provided by God Himself. (Gen. 1-2; Rom. 1:18-32; 3:10-19; 5:12, 19; 8:31-39; 1 Cor 2:14; Gal 3:22; Eph 2:8-9; 4:18-19).

Each person is accountable for personal sins that he/she commits – for which there is forgiveness and for which there is possible victory through the Holy Spirit and the Word of God. (1 Jn 1:6-10) (See also Position Papers on: “Human Sexuality”, and “Abortion and Euthanasia”)

Section 7. Soteriology

(Salvation)

We believe that in order to be saved sinners must be born again; that the provision of salvation is through the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, Who is the only acceptable sacrifice – becoming the substitutionary sacrifice for sinful man; that the new birth is a new creation in Christ Jesus; that it is instantaneous and not a process; that in the new birth the one dead in trespasses and in sins is made a partaker of the divine nature and receives eternal life, the free gift of God; that the new creation is brought about by our sovereign God in a manner above our comprehension, solely by the power of the Holy Spirit in connection with divine truth, so as to secure our voluntary obedience to the gospel (“by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone”); and that its proper evidence appears in the holy fruits of faith, repentance, and newness of life (John 3:3, 8; Acts 16:20-33; Rom. 6:23; 2 Cor. 5:17; Eph. 2:1; Col. 2:13; 1 John 5:1; 2 Pet. 1:4).

Justification: We believe that justification (i.e. “positional sanctification”) is that judicial act of God whereby He declares the believer righteous on the basis of the imputed righteousness of Christ; that it is bestowed, not in consideration of any works of righteousness which we have done, but solely through faith in the Redeemer and His death on our behalf (Rom. 3:21; 4:5; 5:1-9; Gal. 2:16; Phil. 3:9).

Sanctification: We believe conversion is necessarily accompanied by a process of “progressive sanctification”; that its proper evidence is a continuing manifestation of saving faith/repentance, spiritual growth, and godly affections (2 Cor 5:17; Eph 2:10; Eph 3;1ff; 4:15; 1 Jn 5:1-3).

Security and Perseverance: We believe that all who are truly born again are kept by God and are secure in His salvation (i.e. “ultimate sanctification”); that they, by means of the Spirit's power, will continue in their commitment to Christ and His gospel, and the cardinal doctrines of Biblical Christianity; that they will develop in personal purity and holiness realizing the potential of divine blessings or chastisement (John 10:27-30; 1 Cor. 15:2; Phil. 1:6; Col. 1:22-23; Heb. 3:14; 1 Pet. 1:5; 2 Pet 1:2-5; 1 John 2:3-6; 3:3; 5:16-17).

Separation (Applied Sanctification): We believe in the Biblical doctrine of separation that encompasses the following:

(1) Ecclesiastical: the separation of the local church from all affiliations, fellowship, and cooperation with those who deny the doctrines of the true Christian faith (such as the World and National Council of Churches), from groups which endorse the attitudes and compromises of the Neo Evangelicals (including, but not limited to those who are involved in the Ecumenical movement, the CCM movement, and the so-called “Seeker Sensitive” movement. We believe that the church should refuse to be involved in compromising alliances, even with well-meaning evangelical people, whereby its testimony would be impaired and its position confused. Specifically we reject the idea that our church should cooperate with unbelievers and apostate churches in Great Commission causes, even if by so doing beneficial results may seem to be produced (2 Cor. 6:14-17; 2 Tim. 3:5; 2 John 9-11).

(2) Personal: the separation of the individual believer from all worldly practices that would dishonor Christ (Eph. 5:11; Heb. 12:1-2); and that all believers should be separated unto the Lord Jesus Christ (1 Thes. 2:11-12; 2 Thes. 1:11-12).

(3) Ministry and worship: maintaining an obedient, Christ-honoring antithesis to the world-system – both as individuals and as a corporate body -- includes rejecting the unbiblical, yet popular and pragmatic practice of identifying with, imitating, and/or incorporating, worldly culture into the methodologies and ministries of the church; we identify worldly culture as those practices, norms, world-views, values, expressions, art forms, etc. which are antithetical to the Gospel message, the character of God, and the commands of Christ upon His Bride to stand apart from the materialism, hedonism, sensuality, and rebellion of the world-system.

Section 8. Ecclesiology

(The Church)

We believe in the One True Church – the New Testament institution which is the body and bride of the Lord Jesus Christ, into which all believers of the present age are placed via Spirit Baptism; and that the members of this universal, spiritual organism should assemble themselves together in local bodies/congregations (1 Cor. 12:12-27; Eph. 5:23-32).

We believe that a local church is an organized congregation of immersed believers associated by the covenant of faith and fellowship of the gospel; fulfilling the Great Commission; observing the ordinances of Christ; governed by His laws; and exercising the gifts, rights, and privileges invested in them by His Word; that its officers are pastors (elders) and deacons, whose qualifications, claims and duties are clearly defined in the Scriptures (1 Tim 3, Titus 1:5-9; 2:1-10; Acts 6:1-7). The office of Pastor (Elder/Bishop) filling the teaching, leading and ruling functions; the office of Deacon filling the role of service to the congregation and support of the elders ministries.

We believe the true mission of the church is the faithful witnessing of Christ to all men, the edification of the saints, and the worship of God in all of its services and activities. We hold that the local church has the absolute right of self-government, free from the interference of any hierarchy of individuals or organizations; and that the one and only Chief Shepherd is Christ through the Holy Spirit; that it is Scriptural for our church to cooperate with other churches of like faith and practice in contending for the faith and for the furtherance of the gospel; that each local church is sole judge of the measure and method of its cooperation, and that on all matters of membership, policy, government, discipline, and benevolence, the will of the local church (in accordance with the Scriptures) is final (Acts 2:41-42; 20:17-28; 1 Cor. 11:2; 1 Tim. 3:1-13; 1 Pet. 5:4).

We believe that Christian Baptism is the single immersion of a believer in water to show forth in a solemn and beautiful picture our identification with, and commitment to, the crucified, buried, and risen Savior, through Whom we died to sin and rose to a new life. We believe that baptism is to be performed under the authority of the local church, and that it is a prerequisite to the privileges of church membership.

We believe that the Lord's Supper is the commemoration of His death, burial, and resurrection until He comes, and should always be preceded by solemn self-examination. Participants in the Lord's Supper should be immersed believers who are members in good standing of a church of like faith and practice – this is commonly understood as “close” communion; we believe that the local church must exercise its stewardship obligation to regulate participation in the ordinances in accordance with clear biblical prerequisites and parameters (Matt. 28:20; Acts 2:41-42; 8:36-39; 1 Cor. 11:23-32).

Section 9. Eschatology

(Future Events)

We believe that Christ will return for ("rapture") the saints of this age at a time known only to God; that this coming is imminent and will take place prior to the outpouring of God's wrath in the seven-year period known as the Tribulation.

Following the seven-year tribulation period, Jesus Christ will return with the raptured saints (His "second coming") to defeat the Antichrist and his armies and to institute God's Kingdom on earth. This literal 1,000 year reign of Christ (the "millennium") will then be followed by the Great White Throne Judgment, the destruction of the present heavens and earth, the creation of new heavens and a new earth, and the establishment of the eternal kingdom (Dan. 9:27; Matt. 24:4-31; 1 Cor. 3:13-15; 2 Cor. 5:10; 1 Thes. 1:10; 4:13-17; 5:9; 2 Pet. 3:10-13; Rev. 3:10; 19:7, 11-21; 20:1-22:5).

We believe that those whose names are not written in the Book of Life will be banished to an eternal existence of endless misery in a literal Hell. (Rev. 20:14-15; Matt 8:12; 13:42, 50; 25:41-46; Jn 3:18-21; Rom 1:18, 24, 26, 28, 32; 2:8; 2 Thes 2:9-11)

We believe that those who have personally placed their trust in God’s way of salvation will spend a joyful eternity worshipping and serving God in the new heaven and the new earth. Heaven will be the continuation of the Millennial Kingdom on a perfect basis. (Rev 21:1, 4; 22:3, 5; 2 Pet 3:7-13; Dan 2:44)

Section 10. Authority of Declaration of Faith

This declaration of faith does not exhaust the extent of our faith. The Bible itself is the sole and final source of all that we believe. We do believe, however, that the foregoing statement of faith accurately represents the teaching of the Bible, and therefore, is to be supported by all members of this church.