Why ‘Mount Zion’?

Why are we called Mount Zion Baptist Church? Mount Zion is a Biblical name for Heaven.  The name reminds us of the ultimate home for all who have trusted the Lord Jesus as their Saviour from sin.  Mount Zion as a name calls us to be the best possible community here on earth.  We aim to bring God’s blessing both to one another and those around us.

What is a Baptist?

Baptists hold to the historic Christian beliefs of the Trinity and the person of Jesus Christ.  We believe that salvation from sin is solely through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and his death on the cross. Baptists have received their name from the practice of baptism i.e. the voluntary immersion in water of new Christians. Baptism does not help to save anyone. It is part of Christian obedience to Jesus Christ and is a picture of the forgiveness and new life.  

What we believe

A fuller summary can be found in Baptist Affirmation of Faith 1966.  These are our key beliefs:

Scripture

We believe the Bible to be the inspired and inerrant (perfect) Word of God and our final authority in all matters of faith and practice.

God

The eternal, almighty being, consisting of three persons - Father, Son and Holy Spirit - equal in deity, united in the work of creation, providence and salvation.

The Church

We believe that the Church consists of those who have come to personal repentance of sin and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ for forgiveness of sin, have confessed this in baptism (see below) and have committed themselves to the Church in membership. We believe in the independency of the Church, governing itself through the biblical officers of elders and deacons and the support of the members, with Christ as the head of the Church.

The Sacraments

We believe there are just two sacraments:

Baptism

Baptism by total immersion is only for those who can give testimony to repentance of sin and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Baptism does not make a person a Christian, but it is a testimony of one who is truly converted.

The Lord’s Supper

This is a simple memorial feast of bread and wine for true Christians (who have confessed their faith in baptism and are members in good standing with their local church.)

Salvation

Salvation is by the grace of God alone, through faith in Christ alone. It is not earned through our good works, although true saving faith will result in good works.