GKBJ Taman Kencana's statement of faith

What We
Believe

We stand firmly on the truths of Scripture that have been taught throughout church history.

Based on the 1689 London Baptist Confession

The Five Solas of the Reformation

The fundamental principles that form the foundation of our Reformed faith, formulated during the Protestant Reformation.

Sola Scriptura

Scripture Alone

The Bible is the highest authority

Sola Gratia

Grace Alone

Salvation is a gift from God

Sola Fide

Faith Alone

Saved through faith alone

Solus Christus

Christ Alone

Christ is the only Savior

Soli Deo Gloria

Glory to God Alone

All for His glory

Doctrines of Grace

The five points of Calvinism summarizing the biblical teaching on salvation by God's sovereign grace.

Total Depravity

Humanity is completely fallen in sin

Unconditional Election

God chooses based on His grace

Limited Atonement

Christ died specifically for the elect

Irresistible Grace

God effectively calls His people

Perseverance of Saints

Believers are kept to the end

Our Core Beliefs

A more detailed explanation of what we believe based on God's Word.

Holy Scripture

Sola Scriptura

We believe that the Bible, consisting of 66 books in the Old and New Testaments, is the fully inspired and inerrant Word of God. Scripture is the only supreme authority and sufficient for all matters of faith and Christian life.

"All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness."

2 Timothy 3:16-17

The Triune God

One God in Three Persons

We believe in one eternal God who exists in three Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. All three are of the same substance, equal in power and glory, yet distinct in their roles. God is the Creator, Sustainer, and Redeemer of all things.

"...baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit."

Matthew 28:19

Salvation by Grace

Doctrines of Grace (TULIP)

We believe that salvation is entirely the work of God's grace. Fallen humanity is unable to save itself. The sovereign God chooses His people for salvation, Christ died to redeem them, and the Holy Spirit effectively calls and keeps them.

"For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast."

Ephesians 2:8-9

Christ the Only Savior

Solus Christus

We believe that Jesus Christ is true God and true man. He was born of the virgin Mary, lived a sinless life, died on the cross as a substitute for His people's sins, rose on the third day, ascended to heaven, and will return in glory.

Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."

John 14:6

The True Church

Community of Believers

We believe the local church is a fellowship of regenerated believers who gather for worship, discipleship, fellowship, and mission. Each local church is autonomous under Christ's headship and led by qualified pastors and deacons.

"And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers."

Acts 2:42

Believer's Baptism

Sign of Faith and Obedience

We practice believer's baptism by immersion as a sign of obedience to Christ and a public confession of faith. Baptism symbolizes death to sin, burial of the old life, and resurrection into new life in Christ.

"We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life."

Romans 6:4

The Lord's Supper

Remembering Christ's Work

The Lord's Supper is a memorial of Christ's death that we celebrate regularly. The bread and wine symbolize Christ's body and blood sacrificed for us. This ordinance is a means of grace that strengthens our faith.

"For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes."

1 Corinthians 11:26

Last Things

Eternal Hope

We believe Christ will return personally and visibly. All the dead will be raised: believers to eternal life in the new heavens and new earth, and unbelievers to eternal judgment.

"He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away."

Revelation 21:4

Official Confession

The Second London Baptist
Confession of 1689

As a Particular Baptist church, we hold to the Second London Baptist Confession of 1689 as a historical summary of our faith. This confession summarizes the biblical teachings we believe.

Read the 1689 Confession

Common Questions

Some frequently asked questions about our beliefs.

What tradition is this church?

GKBJ Taman Kencana is a church that combines Reformed (Calvinist) theology with Baptist practice. We believe in God's sovereignty in salvation (Doctrines of Grace) and practice believer's baptism by immersion only.

Do I have to agree with all doctrines to join?

We welcome everyone seeking truth. For official membership, we expect agreement on essential points of faith. However, we are a community open to dialogue and growing together in theological understanding.

What about those who aren't sure?

We believe faith is a journey. If you're still in the process of knowing Christ or have questions, you are very welcome here. We offer faith exploration classes and a team ready to discuss with you.

What's different from other Christian churches?

We share the same Christian faith with other churches on essential matters (Trinity, salvation through Christ, authority of Scripture). Our distinctives lie in our emphasis on Reformed theology and believer's baptism. We respect fellow believers from other traditions.

Still Have Questions?

We'd love to discuss faith, theology, and Christian life with you. Don't hesitate to reach out.

What We Believe