Core beliefs
Standing without apology on the Word of God
Elmwood is an independent, fundamental, missionary Baptist church in Barboursville, West Virginia. The church believes the Bible answers the deepest needs of every generation and uses the Authorized King James Version throughout its ministries.
“What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.” A. W. Tozer
The Bible
Elmwood believes in the inspiration of both the Old and New Testaments. God gave His Word through its writers and has preserved it through the centuries. The church trusts the Authorized King James Version for teaching, preaching, and ministry.
God
There is one eternal God in three persons: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. He created all things visible and invisible and is worthy of all glory and praise. He is perfect in love, power, holiness, goodness, knowledge, wisdom, justice, and mercy. He does not change.
Revelation
God has made Himself known through His Son, Jesus Christ, through the Holy Scriptures, and through His creation. Jesus is the visible image of the invisible God.
Creation
God created the heavens, the earth, and all living things by His direct act in six literal days. Elmwood reads the creation account in Genesis as history and believes human life begins with God’s purposeful work.
“In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.” Genesis 1:1
Mankind
God created men and women in His image for His glory. Adam and Eve were created without sin and were appointed to care for the rest of creation.
The fall
Adam and Eve disobeyed God under Satan’s temptation and brought sin into the human race. Sin broke fellowship with God and placed creation under its curse.
“By one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men.” Romans 5:12
Jesus Christ and salvation
Jesus Christ is the Son of God, born of a virgin and fully without sin. He willingly shed His blood on the cross as the atoning sacrifice for mankind’s sin and rose bodily from the tomb. God gives eternal life by grace to everyone who receives Christ by faith. Salvation is found in Him alone.
The Church
The Church is the visible body of Christ, sent into the world to glorify God and proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ. A local church gathers believers for worship, teaching, fellowship, service, and mission.
Resurrection
Jesus rose bodily from the dead. Believers will also be raised and receive glorified bodies. Those who belong to Christ will enter everlasting life; those who reject Him face everlasting judgment.
“As in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.” 1 Corinthians 15:22
The rapture
Before Christ establishes His kingdom on earth, He will come for His Church. The dead in Christ will rise and living believers will be caught up to meet the Lord in the air. This hope calls Christians to holy living and gives comfort because no person knows the day or hour.
The second coming
Jesus Christ will return with the hosts of Heaven and His Church to establish His kingdom on earth. He will judge the nations, restore Israel, defeat evil, and reign with justice and righteousness.
Questions about doctrine?
Open the Bible with us.
Elmwood welcomes careful questions about what the church believes and why.