The Basics of the Faith

THE BIBLE

The Bible is the inspired Word of God, without error in the original manuscripts. It is unique in its status, unlike any other text. In it are words of life. Through these words, God guides the believer into wisdom, nourishment, transformation, and holiness. The Bible is the ultimate revelation we have of God’s character, nature, and will. 

(2 Timothy 3:16-17 ; Romans 10:17 ; Hebrews 4:12 ; 2 Peter 1:19-21; Isaiah 40:8) 

THE TRINITY

There is only one true God, in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. The triune nature of God—i.e., three that are one—is a profound mystery that deserves our worship, reverence, and awe. He is infinitely beyond mere human understanding and is perfect in every way. God is the eternal, omniscient, omnipresent, and omnipotent Maker of all that exists, both visible and invisible.

(Deuteronomy 6:4; Genesis 1:1 Isaiah 45:5; Psalm 90:2; 1 Timothy 1:17; Revelation 1:8; John 1:1-4; John 8:58; Colossians 1:15-16; 1 Corinthians 8:6; Matthew 3:16-17; John 14:26: 1 Corinthians 2:10-13; 2 Corinthians 13:14) 

JESUS CHRIST

Jesus Christ is the only Son of God. He is co- eternal with the Father and the Holy Spirit, and all things were created through Him and for Him. He was incarnated on earth through a virgin birth, lived a sinless life, performed miracles, and provided teachings of perfect truth. He was then crucified, voluntarily offering Himself as a substitutionary and atoning sacrifice for human sin. After experiencing death on the cross and being buried for three days, He rose from the dead and then ascended into heaven. He has been exalted to the place of highest honor, at the right hand of God the Father, and rules over all things. As the Great High Priest, He intercedes for all genuine believers. He will eventually return in power and glory to rule over an everlasting Kingdom.

(John 1:1-4; John 1:14; Luke 1:26-38; Romans 3:21-26; Romans 6:23; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4; 1 Timothy 2:5-6; Hebrews 4:14-16; 1 Timothy 3:16; Acts 1:10-11; Acts 3:18-21; Daniel 7:13-14)

THE HOLY SPIRIT

The Holy Spirit convicts people of sin. He comes to dwell within any genuine believer and transforms/sanctifies this believer over time. He is the Helper, who instructs, guides, and empowers the believer for a life of righteousness. He imparts spiritual gifts to believers for the common good and is the guarantee of the believer’s eternal inheritance.

(John 14:16-17; John 14:26; Acts 1:8; Romans 8:26-27; 1 Corinthians 2:10-16; 1 Corinthians 3:16; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20; 1 Corinthians 12:4-11; Galatians 5:22-23; Ephesians 1:13-14; Titus 3:4-7)

SIN AND DEATH

When the first human beings, Adam and Eve, were created, they existed in an uncorrupted physical and spiritual state—living in a harmonious relationship with God and creation. However, Adam and Eve engaged in an act of disobedience and rebellion against God, thereby alienating them from God. Through their transgression, suffering and death entered the world, with all of creation being affected. Because of this original act of rebellion, all human beings were thereafter born with a sin nature. All humans sin. Moreover, all human beings are born as slaves of sin and its consequences of physical and spiritual death. And humans are completely unable to free themselves from this through their own efforts. However, God extends a means to salvation and freedom through His son, Jesus Christ. This salvation and freedom are available only by God's grace (i.e., an unmerited gift) through faith in Jesus Christ. Salvation cannot be obtained by good works or by trying vigilantly to be a good person.

(Genesis 1:26; Genesis 1:31; Genesis 3:1-13; Romans 5:12-21; 1 Corinthians 15:21-22; Ephesians 2:1-9; Romans 3:23-25; Romans 6:23)

SALVATION

The unmerited gift of salvation is received through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. When someone genuinely turns to Christ as Lord and Savior and puts their trust in Him, they receive the Holy Spirit. Through the work of God, via the Holy Spirit dwelling within a person, the believer is transformed and made a new creature. The old person dies, and a new person is born—i.e., they are born again. The believer is freed from slavery to sin, as well as its consequences of eternal separation from God. They are saved from condemnation and, instead, given eternal life.

(Romans 5:1; Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 5:9; John 1:12-13; John 3:3-6; John 3:16-18; John 14:6; Romans 10:9-11; 2 Corinthians 5:17)

SANCTIFICATION

A genuine believer will mature in holiness over time. That is, a genuine believer will not continue through life in a cavalier way, engaging in unrepentant sin. Their heart will be changed, and they will increasingly desire the things of God; they will progressively desire a life of holiness. This doesn’t mean that they can or will become perfect or completely sinless, but it does mean that they will demonstrate an increase in the fruits of the Spirit over time.

(1 John 3:4-9; 1 John 1:8-10; Galatians 5:16-24; Romans 12:1-2)

GOD'S LOVE AND JUSTICE

God is ineffably loving and perfectly just. He is not just one or the other, but both.

(1 John 4:8; John 3:16; Romans 5:8; Psalm 136:26; John 15:13; Deuteronomy 32:4; Psalm 89:14; Isaiah 30:18)

THE END

Jesus Christ will return in power and glory. There will be a resurrection of all who have lived—both unbelievers and believers. Ultimately, unbelievers will be condemned to eternal separation from God (i.e., in hell), with just and appropriate punishment for the content of their lives. Conversely, believers will live joyfully in the eternal presence of their God, with sin, suffering, and death banished. There will be a new heaven and earth, where perfect wisdom, love, justice, and peace will reign.

(John 14:3; 2 Corinthians 5:10; 1 Corinthians 3:10-15; Matthew 16:27; Matthew 24:29-31; Revelation 20:11-15; 1 Corinthians 15:42-49; Revelation 21:1-8)