The Bible is the inspired Word of God, a revelation from God to man, the infallible rule of faith and conduct, and is superior to conscience and reason, but not contrary to reason (2 Tim. 3:15-17; 1 Peter 1:23-25; Heb. 4:12).

Man was created good and upright, for God said, "Let us make man in Our image, after Our likeness."  But, man, by voluntary transgression, fell and his only hope of redemption is in Jesus Christ the Son of God (Genesis 1:26-31, 3:17; Romans 5:12-21).

The inward evidence to the believer of his salvation is the direct witness of the Spirit (Romans 8:16).  The outward evidence to all men is a life of righteousness and true holiness.  "And this is His commandment, that we believe in the name of His Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, just as He commanded us" (1 John 3:23).

The full consummation of the Baptism of believers in the Holy Spirit is evidenced by the initial physical sign of speaking with other tongues as the Spirit gives utterance, and by the subsequent manifestation of spiritual power in public testimony and service (Acts 2:4; 10:44-46; 19:2, 6; 1:8).

The ordinance of baptism by a burial with Christ should be observed as commanded in the Scriptures by all who have really repented and in their hearts have truly believed on Christ as Savior and Lord.  In so doing, they declare to the world that they have died with Jesus and that they have also been raised with Him to walk in newness of life  (Matt. 28:19; Acts 10:47, 48; Romans 6:4).