For The Bible Tells Me So

The number of perspectives about the Holy Bible are as varied as the people who have read it. In the more than two millennia since Jesus walked this earth, men have debated over every conceivable nuance of the Christian faith. And at points of disagreement, rather than working to seek unity, many have merely created their own version of “Christianity.” Baptist, Methodist, Catholic, Lutheran, Pentecostal, Presbyterian, and the list goes on. Personally, I believe this plurality to be tragic.

Essentials of the faith

Despite the limitless views and doctrines believers argue to be essential, a Christ-centered view of the scriptures produces a short list of key doctrines of the faith that are non-negotiable. A quote that has endured the generations states, “In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; in all things, charit.” This statement is intended to help Christians reach consensus on their core beliefs and how to live them out in society and church

God

God is one being in three persons: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. He is the source of all creation (Genesis 1:1; John 1:1-2), which He sustains (Colossians 1:17) and is in the process of redeeming (Romans 8:19-22). God the Father loves us and desires that we have fellowship with Him as His children (I John 1:3).

Jesus

Jesus of Nazareth is the incarnation of God the Son. He is the Word become flesh (John 1:14), and He now holds all authority in heaven and on earth (Matthew 28:18). He is Savior and Lord. He made human salvation possible through His life, death on the cross, and resurrection. He ascended into heaven, where He is now our high priest and advocate. He is head of the church.

Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit works actively in the world, seeking to glorify Jesus. The Holy Spirit convicts people of sin, righteousness, and judgment to come (John 16:5-11). The Holy Spirit indwells believers individually and corporately in the Church. The Holy Spirit develops within the Christian a pure heart, which results in Christ-like character. This is built upon Christ-centered beliefs, attitudes, values, and priorities.

Holy Bible

The Bible — the Old and New Testament Scriptures — is the uniquely inspired Word of God (2 Timothy 3:14-17; 2 Peter 1:16-21). The Bible is the rule of faith and practice for Christians. We affirm that Scripture is the authoritative revelation from God by which we know God’s will and Christ’s authority. We seek to stand for what the Scriptures clearly stand for, and allow freedom in other cases. We seek to understand the truth of God’s word, and we seek to apply its teaching to the within the church, culture, and world.

The Church

The Church is the body of Christ on earth, the community of believers throughout the world. Upon surrender to Christ, a person is added to the Church. In addition, the priesthood of all believers means each Christian is called to be a serving minister (1 Peter 2:9-10). The Church’s mission is the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20). And it’s greatest purpose is to love God with our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love our neighbor in the way Jesus has loved us (Mark 12:28-31).

Humanity

Human beings were created by God to walk in fellowship with Him. However, all (except Jesus) have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23) and must rely on God’s grace and forgiveness. Every human from the moment of life is made in the image of God, a person to be nurtured, protected, and matured.

Salvation

Salvation is by faith alone through Jesus Christ alone (Ephesians 2: 8-9). One accepts Christ as Savior through a conversion process that includes faith, repentance, confession, and baptism (Acts 2:38, 8:12, 10:47-48; Romans 10:9).

Baptism

In baptism, a believer is immersed in water, crucified and buried with Christ (Romans 6:3-4), receives forgiveness of sin and the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38), is resurrected (Colossians 2:12) and clothed with Christ (Galatians 3:27), and becomes saved (1 Peter 3:21) because of God’s free gift of grace received by faith.

Lord’s Supper

The Lord’s Supper — often referred to as Communion — is the celebration of the New Covenant,. In this, the Christian community remembers Christ and celebrates the covenantal relationship they have with Him and with each other. The Bible gives no command regarding the frequency of the Lord’s Supper. However, many faith traditions choose to celebrate Communion, each time they gather.

Jesus’ Second Coming

The Second Coming of Jesus is a time when Christ will personally come again as savior and judge of the world. At that time there will be the bodily resurrection of the dead believers to eternal life with God, and unbelievers to eternal judgment. Sin will be no more and believers will live in fellowship with God forever (I Thessalonians 4:13-18 and Revelation 20:11-15).

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