At Hobart Baptist Church, we affirm the following beliefs, rooted in the Southern Baptist tradition and grounded in Scripture:

The Bible is Our Sole Authority for All Matters of Faith and Practice

We believe that the Bible is the inspired, infallible, and authoritative Word of God. It serves as the final standard for all our beliefs, teachings, and actions. No other writings, traditions, or opinions supersede the Scriptures. We rely on the Bible for guidance in every aspect of our faith and church life, seeking to interpret it responsibly and faithfully through the Holy Spirit’s illumination.

Salvation Is Found Only in Jesus Christ

We believe that salvation is a gift of God’s grace, received through faith in Jesus Christ alone. Jesus, the Son of God, lived a sinless life, died on the cross as our substitute, and rose again, conquering sin and death. There is no other way to be reconciled to God except through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.

Each Person Is Individually Responsible for His or Her Decision to Accept Christ

We affirm the principle of soul competency, meaning each individual is personally accountable to God for their own spiritual decisions. Faith in Christ is a voluntary response, and no one else can make this decision on behalf of another. We respect the dignity and freedom of every person to choose or reject the Gospel.

Every Christian Receives the Holy Spirit the Moment They Are Born-Again

We believe that at the moment of salvation, every believer is indwelt by the Holy Spirit. The Spirit acts as a seal, marking us as belonging to Christ and guaranteeing our eternal inheritance. The Holy Spirit empowers, guides, comforts, and transforms believers, enabling us to live out our faith and grow in Christlikeness.

The Church Should Be Autonomous or Self-Governing

We believe in the autonomy of the local church. Each congregation is self-governing under the Lordship of Christ, free from external control and hierarchy. We cooperate voluntarily with other Baptist churches and organizations, but decisions regarding doctrine, leadership, and ministry are made by the local body.

The Believer Does Not Need a Priest Other Than Jesus Christ to Come Boldly to God

We affirm the priesthood of all believers. Jesus Christ is our great High Priest, and through His sacrifice, we have direct access to God. There is no need for a human intermediary; every believer can approach God with confidence in prayer and worship, relying solely on Christ’s mediation.

Every Christian Has Equal Access to God Personally

We believe that all Christians, regardless of background or position, can approach God personally and directly. There are no distinctions or barriers in Christ; every believer can pray, study Scripture, and serve, empowered by the Holy Spirit. This equality reflects the unity and diversity of the body of Christ.

God Established the Family From the Beginning

We believe that God created humanity in His image, establishing only two unalterable genders: male and female. Marriage, as instituted by God, is the union of one man and one woman, designed as the foundational relationship for a sustainable and moral society. This divine design for the family reflects God’s purpose and serves as the cornerstone for nurturing love, responsibility, and faith across generations.

God’s Word Gives Us Two Ordinances for the Church—Baptism and the Lord’s Supper

We practice two ordinances instituted by Jesus: baptism and the Lord’s Supper. Baptism by immersion symbolizes the believer’s identification with Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection. The Lord’s Supper is a memorial meal, commemorating Christ’s sacrifice and looking forward to His return. Both are acts of obedience and public testimony of faith, not means of salvation.

Every True Born-Again Believer Is Eternally Secure and Cannot Lose Salvation

We believe in the eternal security of the believer. Those who are truly born again are kept by God’s power and grace, and nothing can separate them from the love of Christ. Salvation is a permanent relationship, and believers can rest in the assurance of eternal life, trusting in God’s faithfulness.

These convictions shape our worship, ministry, and daily living as a community of faith. We invite all to join us in seeking God, growing in Christ, and sharing the hope of the Gospel.