Beliefs

Preamble

Today the term ‘Christian’ can mean many different, and sometimes conflicting, things. When one identifies themselves to be ‘Christian’ it can be understood in ways that were not intended. So in an effort to clear up this confusion, I have prepared 8 concise statements covering my core beliefs as a Christian.

I could have searched the internet for a Conservative Evangelical statement of faith. Instead I chose to write my own. I did this for 2 reasons: 1) to verify for myself that my beliefs are biblical, and 2) so I know what is there and the meaning of the statements, and can answer any questions or criticisms. My only concern that I have provided too much detail in some areas, and not enough in others. I also wanted to write these statements for a postmodern generation crazed with political correctness.

I have intentionally followed the outline that can be found in most systematic theological texts. This is not to say that these statements are a comprehensive treatment of Christian doctrine. Many have written pages by the thousand to this end. However, my intention here is to state my theological persuasion.

It is within this theological framework I write my papers.

Don’t have a Bible? You can look up the Scripture references with this online Bible. Or why not download Bible software for free from e-Sword?

Statement of Faith

The Bible

I believe the Bible to be God’s word conveyed through human agents inspired by the Holy Spirit (1). That the Bible is sufficient for teaching, rebuking, correcting and encouraging believers (2) and is thereby infallible, inerrant, and the final authority in matters of faith.

Proof texts: (1) Acts 3:18; 28:25; 1 Peter 1:11; 2 Peter 1:21. (2) 2 Timothy 3:16-17.

God

I believe in one holy and living God (1), who consisting of 3 persons – Father, Son and Spirit (2) – created all things with meaning and purpose for his glory, therefore has rightful and final rule over all things (3), and is worthy of all praise and worship (4).

Proof texts: (1) Psalm 42:2; 84:2; Matthew 16:16; Act 14:15; 1 Corinthians 8:5-6. (2) Matthew 28:19; Romans 1:3-4. (3) Genesis 1:1; Genesis 8:5-6; Psalm 109:3; Heb 9:27. (4) 1 Chronicles 16:23-36; Philippians 2:9-11; Revelation 5:12.

Humanity

I believe humanity to be made in God’s image to rule as vice regents over what God has created (1). That humanity is not subject to creation as an animal is, neither is humanity to be thought of apart from creation (2). That humanity shares a unique relationship with God among the created things.

Proof texts: (1) Genesis 1:-26-28; 9:6; James 3:9. (2) Psalm 8:4-8.

The Fall and Sin

I believe humanity to have fallen into sin, is inherently sinful, and totally corrupted by sin (1). This is not to deny that humanity enjoys common grace from God, and is capable of extending common grace to each other (2). The reality of sin does mean that there is nothing in or of humanity or one’s self that could afford commendation with God, or bring final resolution to misery. Humanity requires salvation from outside of itself to either afford commendation with God, or bring final resolve to misery (3).

Proof texts: (1) Genesis 3; 8:21; Job 15:14; Ecclesiastes 7:20; Romans 3:12, 23; 7:18; Ephesians 2:3. (2) Matthew 7:9-11; Acts 14:17; 17:26-28; 1 Corinthians 5:1. (3) Psalm 3:8; 18:2; Isaiah 43:19-20; Ephesians 2:8-9; Revelation 21:5.

Jesus and Salvation

I believe Jesus to be born by the virgin Mary (though not perpetually virgin) as Christ, and was conceived of by the Holy Spirit (1). That the person of Jesus consisted of the nature of man and the nature of God, and neither compromised the other (2). That Jesus lived a life without sin, holy and pleasing to God, yet knowing temptation and suffering, thereby becoming humanity’s perfect representative and advocate before God (3). That Jesus was crucified, died, and buried for the forgiveness of sins (4). That having been dead 3 days, Jesus rose from the dead, appeared in the flesh to his followers, and ascended into heaven (5). By doing so, new life, and the new creation have been made available in his name to all who call on his name (6). That Jesus is the only means of salvation (7), and this salvation in Jesus is administered through faith by grace, and cannot be contributed to by works (8).

Proof texts: (1) Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:18; Luke 1:26-35. (2) Romans 1:3-4; Philippians 2:6-8. (3) Mark 4:1-13; Romans 8:34; 2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Timothy 2:5; 1 Peter 2:22; 1 John 3:5. (4) Matthew 1:21; Ephesians 1:7-8; Colossians 1:19-20. (5) Matthew 28:1-10; Mark 16:1-8; Luke 24; John 20-21. (6) Romans 6:4; 1 Corinthians 15:1-33. 2 Corinthians 5:17. (7) John 3:16-18; 14:6; Acts 4:12; 1 John 5:12. (8) John 5:24; 6:40; Acts 13:38-39; Romans 3:28; 5:1; Galatians 2:16; Ephesians 2:8-9; Philippians 3:9.

The Church

I believe in one universal Church (not to be confused with denominations or local gathers), instituted by God at Mt. Sinai with the people of Israel that were delivered from slavery in Egypt (1). With the failings of Old Testament Israel, Jesus reconstituted the Church in his person and his teaching (2), and the Church is empowered and maintained by the Holy Spirit (3). That the head of the Church is Jesus, and not a representative of Jesus whether truly of falsely (4).

Proof texts: (1) Exodus 19:3-6. (2) Matthew 5-7. (3) Acts 2:1-4, 41; 1 Corinthians 12:4-11; Ephesians 4:11-14; (4) Ephesians 4:15; Colossians 1:18.

New Creation (Heaven)

I believe in the coming of the new creation, the renewal of all things (1). That the new creation will consist of the Kingdom of God (also known as the Kingdom of Heaven) established on earth (2). That the establishment of the Kingdom of God will bring an end to sin and misery (3), and at this time all the blessings of life in Christ will be bestowed upon believers (4). That it is not the duty of the Church to establish the Kingdom of God, nor has the ability to establish the Kingdom of God. The establishment of the Kingdom of God remains the prerogative of God and will be established in God’s time (5). The jurisdiction of the Church over non-believers, aside from extending common grace, only extends to the proclamation of the gospel of Jesus (6).  As such the coming of the Kingdom of God will be established with little or no prior indication (7), though its coming will be undeniable (8).

Proof texts: Isaiah 65:17; 66:22; 2 Peter 3:19; Revelation 2:1. (2) Revelation 21:2-3. (3) Isaiah 25:8; Isaiah 35:10; Revelation 21:4. (4) Matthew 6:19-24; 25:21, 23; Luke 18:22; Ephesians 1:18; Colossians 1:12; 2:18; 3:23-24; 1 Peter 1:3-7. (5) Matthew 13:33; 24:36; Acts 1:7. (6) Acts 1:8; 4:2, 19; 5:42; 8:5, 35; 10:42; Colossians 1:28. (7) Matthew 13:34-35; 24:38-39, 42-44; Luke 12:39-40; 1 Thessalonians 5:10; 2 Peter 3:10. (8) Matthew 24:27.

Judgment

I believe in the coming judgement, and that judgement will be made by Jesus (1). That those who believe in Jesus will be resurrected to enjoy the new creation, and those not believing in Jesus will be resurrected to condemnation (2). That the criteria for judgement will not be restricted to doctrinal position or knowledge (3).

Proof texts: (1) Matthew 16:27; John 5:22-27; Acts 10:42; 1 Corinthians 4:5; 2 Timothy 4:1; 1 Peter 4:5; Revelation 20:12-13. (2) 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10; Revelation 20:14-15. (3) Matthew 7:21-27; 25:31-36; James 2:19.

If you do have a question, or think a statement could be worded better, please leave your question or suggestion in a comment.