Sola Scriptura means that the Scriptures (the 66 books of the Bible) are the only authoritative source of God speaking to man. Nothing can be added nor taken away. And anything contrary is false.
The Scriptures alone are fully authoritative, infallible and inerrant, and completely sufficient. If you do not believe this then any conversation about God, about His will, about salvation, or about Jesus Christ, is going to be about as frustrating as a three legged dog trying to bury a bone on ice. It's not going to get any where.
And why would it? Because any common ground is lost, there is no longer any central reference point, it all comes down to your personal opinion. All of a sudden your reason and feelings become the source of what informs you of what is and is not true.
I have a hard time believing that any true Christian would deny the wholly inspired nature of the Holy Scriptures.
People will usually deny this when they find a passage of Scripture that they don't like, or one that would cause them to have to change the way that they live their lives. And because it's been proven time and time again that the Bible has not changed since it was written, beginning with Genesis (approx. 3500 yrs ago), to the New Testament (approx.2000yrs ago), I guess it's just easier for them to deny all together that the Scriptures are fake, or to say that the meaning is not true.
The sufficiency of the Bible is one of the strongest attacks that the Church is facing right now. Sadly, this attack is coming from those who call themselves Christians.
So many within the Church have compromised the word of God, and given in to the pressure of the world to deny the literal truth of the Word. The best example of this would be the denial of the creation of the world in 6 24 hour days approximately 6000 years ago(Gen 2:1-2). Another would be the fact that Jesus said that He is going to return to judge the world and condemn those who do not repent and trust in Him to eternal Hell (Matt 25:31-33,41).
If one does not believe that the Scriptures are fully inspired by God, then you do not trust God as He commands. The Bible says that God had inspired the writers of the Scriptures to write down exactly what He wanted to say, (1 Tim 3:16-17, 2 Pet 1:20-21). Why is it so difficult to believe that if God wields such awesome power that He can literally speak the entire universe into existence, why couldn't He preserve throughout history His words as they were spoken to the prophets and apostles?
Showing posts with label doctrine. Show all posts
Showing posts with label doctrine. Show all posts
Apr 6, 2010
Mar 22, 2010
Essential Doctrine pt7; Salvation is a gift of God.
Salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Jesus Christ alone.
There is one mediator between God and man, and that is Christ Jesus. (1 Tim 2:5). Jesus Christ was the only one in all of history to make atonement and reconciliation between God and man. He did this, by suffering and dying upon a cross, in such a way that no one on earth could understand. There is nothing that can match the value of Christ's offering.
Someone who believes that they must be a good person or perform some right, or observe rituals in order to receive or maintain their salvation in Jesus Christ effectively renders the gift of God as not free, as they attempting to buy it by some form of work.
For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.” Now to the one who works, his wages are not counted as a gift but as his due. And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness, just as David also speaks of the blessing of the one to whom God counts righteousness apart from works: “Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven,and whose sins are covered; blessed is the man against whom the Lord will not count his sin.” (Rom 4:3-8)
For by works of the law (observing the 10 commandments, or 'being good') no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin. (because we've all broken the law, and no one has perfectly kept the law, therefore, Rom 3:10,12).
Repentance defined, means to apologize and turn from doing evil works. Evil as it is in the eyes of God. Such lying, stealing, idolatry, blasphemy, and the other 10 Commandments. So if one is repentant, they won't want to continue sinning. Especially against the very One who died to save them from their sins.
So is repentance a work for salvation? No, but rather it the right response to the One who offers the free gift. Faith and repentance are two sides of the same coin. One without the other results in a false conversion.
There is one mediator between God and man, and that is Christ Jesus. (1 Tim 2:5). Jesus Christ was the only one in all of history to make atonement and reconciliation between God and man. He did this, by suffering and dying upon a cross, in such a way that no one on earth could understand. There is nothing that can match the value of Christ's offering.
Someone who believes that they must be a good person or perform some right, or observe rituals in order to receive or maintain their salvation in Jesus Christ effectively renders the gift of God as not free, as they attempting to buy it by some form of work.
For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.” Now to the one who works, his wages are not counted as a gift but as his due. And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness, just as David also speaks of the blessing of the one to whom God counts righteousness apart from works: “Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven,and whose sins are covered; blessed is the man against whom the Lord will not count his sin.” (Rom 4:3-8)
For by works of the law (observing the 10 commandments, or 'being good') no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin. (because we've all broken the law, and no one has perfectly kept the law, therefore, Rom 3:10,12).
But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it— the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God's righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. (Rom 3:20-26)
Repentance defined, means to apologize and turn from doing evil works. Evil as it is in the eyes of God. Such lying, stealing, idolatry, blasphemy, and the other 10 Commandments. So if one is repentant, they won't want to continue sinning. Especially against the very One who died to save them from their sins.
So is repentance a work for salvation? No, but rather it the right response to the One who offers the free gift. Faith and repentance are two sides of the same coin. One without the other results in a false conversion.
Mar 1, 2010
Essential Doctrine pt6; The Resurrection from the Dead
Three days after Jesus was crucified, He rose to life from the dead in a physical body. This is and must be true. Why? Because as Paul put it, " If He did not rise our faith is in vain and we are still in our sins. (1 Cor 15:10)
If you reject the resurrection, than what is the point of calling yourself a Christian. Jesus said on several different occasions that He would be in the grave 3 days, and on that third day He would rise again (Mk 8:31, Mk 9:31, Mk 10:34)
Jesus was clear that this was a literal bodily resurrection. He spoke with the Sadducees (A certain party of the religious leaders. They did not believe in the resurrection; Mk 12:18) that the resurrection was a true fact.
Jesus said, "But regarding the fact that the dead rise again, have you not read in the book of Moses, in the passage about the burning bush, how God spoke to him, saying, 'I AM THE GOD OF ABRAHAM, AND THE GOD OF ISAAC, and the God of Jacob'? "He is not the God of the dead, but of the living; you are greatly mistaken." Mark 12:26-27
Paul explains the importance of the resurrection of Christ concerning our salvation. "Now if Christ is preached, that He has been raised from the dead, how do some among you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? But if there is no resurrection of the dead, not even Christ has been raised; and if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is vain, your faith also is vain.
Moreover we are even found to be false witnesses of God, because we testified against God that He raised Christ, whom He did not raise, if in fact the dead are not raised.
For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised; and if Christ has not been raised, your faith is worthless; you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. If we have hoped in Christ in this life only, we are of all men most to be pitied." 1 Corinthians 15:12-19
Some people like to alogorize or moralize the truth of the resurrection. They might say something like the resurrection symbolizes a new life for the believer. This is not exactly what meant in the Scriptures.
The resurrection of Christ does provide a new life for us, meaning that we now receive eternal life in Christ. Whenever, the Bible talks about the resurrection or our eternal life in Christ or the life that we ultimately hope for, it is always future tense, after we pass from this plane. "If we have hoped in Christ in this life only, we are of all men most to be pitied... If from human motives I fought with wild beasts at Ephesus, what does it profit me? If the dead are not raised, LET US EAT AND DRINK, FOR TOMORROW WE DIE. (1Co 15:19,32)
The truth of the resurrection can not be seperated from the cross, nor from the forgiveness of our sins. It is the very fact that Jesus was raised from the dead that it proves that His sacrifice was pleasing and acceptable to appease the wrath of God and thereby purchase the forgiveness for our sins. All of what Christ did hinged on the resurrection.
"Therefore having overlooked the times of ignorance, God is now declaring to men that all people everywhere should repent, because He has fixed a day in which He will judge the world in righteousness through a Man whom He has appointed, having furnished proof to all men by raising Him from the dead." (Acts 17:30-31)
If you deny the resurrection, then again I ask, who is the Jesus Christ that you are following? Because he is not the Christ if you do not believe that He was physically raised from the dead.
Now does that mean that you can't have 'doubts' or questions, because someone raising from the dead! That's not something that happens every day. It is a stumbling block for many. It was in Peter and Paul's day, it is now. It was also for all of the disciples of Jesus.
But they were startled and frightened and thought that they were seeing a spirit. And He said to them, "Why are you troubled, and why do doubts arise in your hearts? "See My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself; touch Me and see, for a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have." (Luke 24:37-39)
Jesus does not send you away for having troubles believing something, but rather He will gently tell you to be not unbelieving but believing.
But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came.
So the other disciples were saying to him, "We have seen the Lord!" But he said to them, "Unless I see in His hands the imprint of the nails, and put my finger into the place of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe."
After eight days His disciples were again inside, and Thomas with them. Jesus *came, the doors having been shut, and stood in their midst and said, "Peace be with you."
Then He *said to Thomas, "Reach here with your finger, and see My hands; and reach here your hand and put it into My side; and do not be unbelieving, but believing." Thomas answered and said to Him, "My Lord and my God!" Jesus *said to him, "Because you have seen Me, have you believed? Blessed are they who did not see, and yet believed." (John 20:24-29)
Jesus will give you the gift of belief if you repent and put your faith in Him. There is a part for us to participate in growing in the Lord, but it is really the Holy Spirit who leads us in our faith.
"But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come. "He will glorify Me, for He will take of Mine and will disclose it to you.
(John 16:13-14)
"O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR VICTORY? O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR STING?" The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law; but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord. 1 Corinthians 15:55-58
If you reject the resurrection, than what is the point of calling yourself a Christian. Jesus said on several different occasions that He would be in the grave 3 days, and on that third day He would rise again (Mk 8:31, Mk 9:31, Mk 10:34)
Jesus was clear that this was a literal bodily resurrection. He spoke with the Sadducees (A certain party of the religious leaders. They did not believe in the resurrection; Mk 12:18) that the resurrection was a true fact.
Jesus said, "But regarding the fact that the dead rise again, have you not read in the book of Moses, in the passage about the burning bush, how God spoke to him, saying, 'I AM THE GOD OF ABRAHAM, AND THE GOD OF ISAAC, and the God of Jacob'? "He is not the God of the dead, but of the living; you are greatly mistaken." Mark 12:26-27
Paul explains the importance of the resurrection of Christ concerning our salvation. "Now if Christ is preached, that He has been raised from the dead, how do some among you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? But if there is no resurrection of the dead, not even Christ has been raised; and if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is vain, your faith also is vain.
Moreover we are even found to be false witnesses of God, because we testified against God that He raised Christ, whom He did not raise, if in fact the dead are not raised.
For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised; and if Christ has not been raised, your faith is worthless; you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. If we have hoped in Christ in this life only, we are of all men most to be pitied." 1 Corinthians 15:12-19
Some people like to alogorize or moralize the truth of the resurrection. They might say something like the resurrection symbolizes a new life for the believer. This is not exactly what meant in the Scriptures.
The resurrection of Christ does provide a new life for us, meaning that we now receive eternal life in Christ. Whenever, the Bible talks about the resurrection or our eternal life in Christ or the life that we ultimately hope for, it is always future tense, after we pass from this plane. "If we have hoped in Christ in this life only, we are of all men most to be pitied... If from human motives I fought with wild beasts at Ephesus, what does it profit me? If the dead are not raised, LET US EAT AND DRINK, FOR TOMORROW WE DIE. (1Co 15:19,32)
The truth of the resurrection can not be seperated from the cross, nor from the forgiveness of our sins. It is the very fact that Jesus was raised from the dead that it proves that His sacrifice was pleasing and acceptable to appease the wrath of God and thereby purchase the forgiveness for our sins. All of what Christ did hinged on the resurrection.
"Therefore having overlooked the times of ignorance, God is now declaring to men that all people everywhere should repent, because He has fixed a day in which He will judge the world in righteousness through a Man whom He has appointed, having furnished proof to all men by raising Him from the dead." (Acts 17:30-31)
If you deny the resurrection, then again I ask, who is the Jesus Christ that you are following? Because he is not the Christ if you do not believe that He was physically raised from the dead.
Now does that mean that you can't have 'doubts' or questions, because someone raising from the dead! That's not something that happens every day. It is a stumbling block for many. It was in Peter and Paul's day, it is now. It was also for all of the disciples of Jesus.
But they were startled and frightened and thought that they were seeing a spirit. And He said to them, "Why are you troubled, and why do doubts arise in your hearts? "See My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself; touch Me and see, for a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have." (Luke 24:37-39)
Jesus does not send you away for having troubles believing something, but rather He will gently tell you to be not unbelieving but believing.
But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came.
So the other disciples were saying to him, "We have seen the Lord!" But he said to them, "Unless I see in His hands the imprint of the nails, and put my finger into the place of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe."
After eight days His disciples were again inside, and Thomas with them. Jesus *came, the doors having been shut, and stood in their midst and said, "Peace be with you."
Then He *said to Thomas, "Reach here with your finger, and see My hands; and reach here your hand and put it into My side; and do not be unbelieving, but believing." Thomas answered and said to Him, "My Lord and my God!" Jesus *said to him, "Because you have seen Me, have you believed? Blessed are they who did not see, and yet believed." (John 20:24-29)
Jesus will give you the gift of belief if you repent and put your faith in Him. There is a part for us to participate in growing in the Lord, but it is really the Holy Spirit who leads us in our faith.
"But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come. "He will glorify Me, for He will take of Mine and will disclose it to you.
(John 16:13-14)
"O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR VICTORY? O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR STING?" The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law; but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord. 1 Corinthians 15:55-58
Feb 17, 2010
Essential Doctrines pt5 The Propitiation of Jesus Christ
So far we have examined 3 of 8 essential doctrines pertaining to the Christian faith. I hope that I have been clear in my explanations as to why these doctrines are so essential. If anyone claims to be of the faith they will not deny the truth as shown in the holy Scriptures. If they do then they are not of the faith as they have received "another Jesus" or "another gospel" (2Cor 11:3-4). The Scriptures speak of this with such severity that Paul says "But even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, he is to be accursed!"(Gal 1:7-10)
The essential doctrine that I want to present now is even more essential as it pertains to how one is saved in the first place. The doctrines I've spoke of so far, I've mentioned that they are not exactly necessary to believe in order to be born again. This doctrine now though, is. This is what our salvation hinges upon.
If you reject this then as the author of the letter of Hebrews says; "For if we go on sinning willfully after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a terrifying expectation of judgment and the fury of a fire which will consume the adversaries.
Anyone who has set aside the Law of Moses dies without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. How much severer punishment do you think he will deserve who has trampled under foot the Son of God, and has regarded as unclean the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has insulted the Spirit of grace? For we know Him who said, "vengeance is mine, I will repay." And again, "the Lord will judge His people." It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God". (Hebrews 10:26-31)
The Propitiation of Jesus Christ. What does propitiation mean?
1. The act of appeasing wrath and conciliating the favor of an offended person; the act of making propitious. 2. In theology, the atonement or atoning sacrifice offered to God to assuage his wrath and render him propitious to sinners. Christ is the propitiation for the sins of men. Rom.3. 1 John 2. (From Noah Webster Dictionary 1828)
This is what we must believe;
In the beginning when God created He gave man one command. Man disobeyed God and has done so ever since, in the form of lies, thefts, blasphemy, impure thoughts, and idolatry. It is appointed unto man once to die and then judgment (Heb 9:27).
"But now apart from the Law (meaning the 10 commandments, and trying to keep it's commands and to be a good person) the righteousness of God has been manifested, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all those who believe; for there is no distinction; for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus; whom God displayed publicly as a propitiation in His blood through faith. This was to demonstrate His righteousness, because in the forbearance of God He passed over the sins previously committed; for the demonstration, I say, of His righteousness at the present time, so that He would be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus." (Romans 3:21-26)
This is the gospel. That great and glorious news that says that we have sinned and Jesus has paid our sin debt. There is no amount of good works that we can do to earn God's favour, because none of us are good, only God is good. We must understand this. In order to be saved we must come to the point where we admit that we are not good, but rather that we are evil before a holy God, and thus we deserve His wrath.
But thanks be to God for sending His Son to take our place, who became sin for us, and God in turn credits the righteous life that Jesus lived to us, so that we might be seen as holy in the eyes of God.
If you do not believe that Jesus Christ lived a holy pure life, or that He was crucified on our behalf, taking upon Himself the full wrath of God, for our sins, and if you do not repent of your sins and surrender your entire life, putting all your trust and faith in Jesus Christ, you will not be saved.
You must believe that Jesus paid our debt in full. Jesus said that you must deny yourself (Mat 16:24) if you want to follow Him. If you believe that you must do something to be saved, i.e. be baptized, confess your sins to a man in a box, attend church, take communion, perform some sort of ritual, or say a certain prayer, or be a good person (that isn't to say that we can go on sinning, but we've seen already that we cannot be good enough) you are sorely mistaken, because Jesus will get all the credit for your salvation.
Also, if you think that you must do something to add to Jesus' sacrifice then when God says that we are forgiven on the bases of what Jesus did for us, then that is a lie. For it was the Father's good pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in Him (Jesus), and through Him (Jesus) to reconcile all things to Himself (the Father) , having made peace through the blood of His cross; through Him, I say, whether things on earth or things in heaven. (Co 1:19-20)
This verse should say something like "and through Him and certain obligations on our part, to reconcile all things to Himself, having made peace through the blood of His cross and our good deeds, through Him and us... But it doesn't because Jesus is going to get all the credit.
Please don't ever suppose that there may be anything that we can do that would compare to what Jesus did. Take the free gift of salvation and do not offend God by trying to offer Him something for it.
Repent and turn to the Lord for He is kind and merciful. Look at what a kind thing He did for you. No one has ever done a more kind and loving thing for you. Turn to Him and receive the salvation that is offered to you, for today is the day of salvation.
"BLESSED ARE THOSE WHOSE LAWLESS DEEDS HAVE BEEN FORGIVEN, AND WHOSE SINS HAVE BEEN COVERED. "BLESSED IS THE MAN WHOSE SIN THE LORD WILL NOT TAKE INTO ACCOUNT." (Romans 4:7-8)
The essential doctrine that I want to present now is even more essential as it pertains to how one is saved in the first place. The doctrines I've spoke of so far, I've mentioned that they are not exactly necessary to believe in order to be born again. This doctrine now though, is. This is what our salvation hinges upon.
If you reject this then as the author of the letter of Hebrews says; "For if we go on sinning willfully after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a terrifying expectation of judgment and the fury of a fire which will consume the adversaries.
Anyone who has set aside the Law of Moses dies without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. How much severer punishment do you think he will deserve who has trampled under foot the Son of God, and has regarded as unclean the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has insulted the Spirit of grace? For we know Him who said, "vengeance is mine, I will repay." And again, "the Lord will judge His people." It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God". (Hebrews 10:26-31)
The Propitiation of Jesus Christ. What does propitiation mean?
PROPITIATION, n. propisia'shon.
This is what we must believe;
In the beginning when God created He gave man one command. Man disobeyed God and has done so ever since, in the form of lies, thefts, blasphemy, impure thoughts, and idolatry. It is appointed unto man once to die and then judgment (Heb 9:27).
"But now apart from the Law (meaning the 10 commandments, and trying to keep it's commands and to be a good person) the righteousness of God has been manifested, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all those who believe; for there is no distinction; for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus; whom God displayed publicly as a propitiation in His blood through faith. This was to demonstrate His righteousness, because in the forbearance of God He passed over the sins previously committed; for the demonstration, I say, of His righteousness at the present time, so that He would be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus." (Romans 3:21-26)
This is the gospel. That great and glorious news that says that we have sinned and Jesus has paid our sin debt. There is no amount of good works that we can do to earn God's favour, because none of us are good, only God is good. We must understand this. In order to be saved we must come to the point where we admit that we are not good, but rather that we are evil before a holy God, and thus we deserve His wrath.
But thanks be to God for sending His Son to take our place, who became sin for us, and God in turn credits the righteous life that Jesus lived to us, so that we might be seen as holy in the eyes of God.
If you do not believe that Jesus Christ lived a holy pure life, or that He was crucified on our behalf, taking upon Himself the full wrath of God, for our sins, and if you do not repent of your sins and surrender your entire life, putting all your trust and faith in Jesus Christ, you will not be saved.
You must believe that Jesus paid our debt in full. Jesus said that you must deny yourself (Mat 16:24) if you want to follow Him. If you believe that you must do something to be saved, i.e. be baptized, confess your sins to a man in a box, attend church, take communion, perform some sort of ritual, or say a certain prayer, or be a good person (that isn't to say that we can go on sinning, but we've seen already that we cannot be good enough) you are sorely mistaken, because Jesus will get all the credit for your salvation.
Also, if you think that you must do something to add to Jesus' sacrifice then when God says that we are forgiven on the bases of what Jesus did for us, then that is a lie. For it was the Father's good pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in Him (Jesus), and through Him (Jesus) to reconcile all things to Himself (the Father) , having made peace through the blood of His cross; through Him, I say, whether things on earth or things in heaven. (Co 1:19-20)
This verse should say something like "and through Him and certain obligations on our part, to reconcile all things to Himself, having made peace through the blood of His cross and our good deeds, through Him and us... But it doesn't because Jesus is going to get all the credit.
Please don't ever suppose that there may be anything that we can do that would compare to what Jesus did. Take the free gift of salvation and do not offend God by trying to offer Him something for it.
Repent and turn to the Lord for He is kind and merciful. Look at what a kind thing He did for you. No one has ever done a more kind and loving thing for you. Turn to Him and receive the salvation that is offered to you, for today is the day of salvation.
"BLESSED ARE THOSE WHOSE LAWLESS DEEDS HAVE BEEN FORGIVEN, AND WHOSE SINS HAVE BEEN COVERED. "BLESSED IS THE MAN WHOSE SIN THE LORD WILL NOT TAKE INTO ACCOUNT." (Romans 4:7-8)
Feb 10, 2010
Essential Doctrines pt4 The Triune Nature of Yahweh & Deity of Jesus Christ
This post is going to be a combination of two of what are generally considered essential doctrines within the circle of orthodoxy. These are also the biggest, as they are directly about the nature of God Himself.
From my list on Essential Christian Doctrines pt 1 I listed as 2 - God exists eternally as three equal persons; Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. And for 3 - Jesus Christ is God in the flesh. I'm going to do these two essentials in one post for obvious reasons; if I'm going to talk about the triune nature of God, then the deity of our Saviour will come up.
** I want to, before I go further, mention again that according the Scriptures, to receive salvation from God He does not necessitate believing that He exists eternally as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, or even believe that Jesus is God, but rather that you repent of your sins, and put your faith in Jesus Christ as the one and only Saviour. The Holy Spirit will then guide you into true knowledge of God.**
The teaching that Yahweh is one and yet exists eternally as three personages is by far the most incomprehensible doctrine of God's nature. How do we understand this? We don't. Nor is it possible for us to really understand how it is that Jesus Christ can be fully man and fully God at the same time.
Throughout the history of the Church, these have been the most debated and attacked truths of the revelation of God. Scripture is so clear on these issues.
Let us first concern ourselves with the Tri-unity of God. When God spoke to Moses, God told Moses that His name is "I AM WHO I AM", or YAHWEH (Ex 3:14). God's name essentially means, "the self-existant one. God also declared to the Jews at Sinai; "Hear O Israel, Yahweh is God, Yahweh is one." (Duet 6:4) Also, the first commandment of Yahweh's law is; “You shall have no other gods before me." (Ex 20:3)
So it is that if we worship a plurality of gods, we are guilty of idolatry, or if we should worship a single god, but one of our own imaginations, we are guilty of idolatry. We are to worship the one and true God as He is.
We see though that in the Scriptures, God has revealed Himself as one God who exists in the form of three persons. (Gen 1:26 Then God said, "Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; ... & Mat 28:19 "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit...)
So if we deny this then we deny the full revelation of God and Jesus said that, "God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth." (Jn 4:24)
How could it be said then that you are worshiping God if you do not worship Him as He is. God's very name is I AM WHO I AM. Notice how His name is not I AM WHO YOU THINK I AM.
Now, I understand the complexity (that's an understatement) of the triune nature of God. Trust me I understand completely. How can God be one God and yet three persons? Well a simple yet totally insufficient analogy might be my family. We are one family yet 4 persons. This analogy doesn't begin to bring us any greater understanding, but should we really be able to understand God's nature? As I said before, it's not up to us to fully comprehend, but rather to obey the truth. Yahweh exists eternally as one God in three personages.
One of the greatest revelation that leads to the conclusion that God is three is that the Scriptures clearly reveal that Jesus Christ is God in human flesh. Not only that but Jesus is fully God, yet fully man. Such is why it is even so important to believe that Jesus Christ was born of a virgin conceived by the Holy Spirit. If you deny this then you instantly wonder off into heresy land.
Jesus declared Himself as God and the Apostles did so as well.
So the Jews said to Him, "You are not yet fifty years old, and have You seen Abraham?" Jesus said to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was born, I am." (emphasize added)
Therefore they picked up stones to throw at Him, but Jesus hid Himself and went out of the temple. (John 8:57-59)
Here we see the Jews were trying to stone Jesus to death. For what? That he was alive before Abraham? Hardly legal for them to do so according to the Laws of Moses, but legal for them to do if Jesus were calling Himself God and wasn't thereby committing the sin of blasphemy (Lev 24:16).
It was also clear to the Jews that Jesus was calling Himself God when they said He was as is found in John 5:17-18 "But He answered them, "My Father is working until now, and I Myself am working." For this reason therefore the Jews were seeking all the more to kill Him, because He not only was breaking the Sabbath, but also was calling God His own Father, making Himself equal with God."
One more example of Jesus' divinty is found in Heb 1:1-3 and His nature of being fully man in Luke 24:37-43
All of this is really important to believe. In 2 John 1:9 we read this; Anyone who goes too far and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God; the one who abides in the teaching, he has both the Father and the Son.
If we are to be in a right relationship with God or the Son, we must know truly who it is we are putting our faith in. We must believe rightly.
I mentioned at the beginning that believing these things are not a pre-requisite to salvation (although Jesus did say in John 8:23-24 "And He was saying to them, "You are from below, I am from above; you are of this world, I am not of this world. "Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for unless you believe that I am He, you will die in your sins." This is clearly another declaration of Jesus' divinty as Yahweh said this often of Himself (Deut 32:39, Is 41:4, Jer 29:23) So maybe it is true that we MUST believe that Jesus Christ is God in the flesh as God has always declared that He is the only Saviour.)
The importance of believing the true doctrines as taught in the Scriptures is so imperative.
The Apostle John says, "If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house, and do not give him a greeting; for the one who gives him a greeting participates in his evil deeds." (2 John 1:10-11)
Doctrines contrary to Scripture are sin. What's more is that if you dig deep enough into the teachings of those who hold false doctrines contrary to these, you will inevitably find that these religions are a works righteous religion. Meaning that you have to earn your way to Heaven by performing certain requirements or by being a good enough person, because apparently Jesus' sacrifice was not enough to atone for our sins. This thinking even more so is great wickedness.
God has so graciously revealed Himself to us. I can understand someone having questions or confusion about the complexity of God's nature, and I think we can be assured that God is most gracious to those who are seeking to know the Truth, after all He did say that when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come (Jn 16:13).
To those however, who deny what is clearly written in the very word of God, the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them.
For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse.
For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the incorruptible God for an image in the form of corruptible man and of birds and four-footed animals and crawling creatures. Therefore God gave them over in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, so that their bodies would be dishonored among them. For they exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.
(Romans 1:18-25)
Let us cast away from us all forms of false teachings of who God is. Let us stand firm in the truth, for the glory of God.
From my list on Essential Christian Doctrines pt 1 I listed as 2 - God exists eternally as three equal persons; Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. And for 3 - Jesus Christ is God in the flesh. I'm going to do these two essentials in one post for obvious reasons; if I'm going to talk about the triune nature of God, then the deity of our Saviour will come up.
** I want to, before I go further, mention again that according the Scriptures, to receive salvation from God He does not necessitate believing that He exists eternally as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, or even believe that Jesus is God, but rather that you repent of your sins, and put your faith in Jesus Christ as the one and only Saviour. The Holy Spirit will then guide you into true knowledge of God.**
The teaching that Yahweh is one and yet exists eternally as three personages is by far the most incomprehensible doctrine of God's nature. How do we understand this? We don't. Nor is it possible for us to really understand how it is that Jesus Christ can be fully man and fully God at the same time.
Throughout the history of the Church, these have been the most debated and attacked truths of the revelation of God. Scripture is so clear on these issues.
Let us first concern ourselves with the Tri-unity of God. When God spoke to Moses, God told Moses that His name is "I AM WHO I AM", or YAHWEH (Ex 3:14). God's name essentially means, "the self-existant one. God also declared to the Jews at Sinai; "Hear O Israel, Yahweh is God, Yahweh is one." (Duet 6:4) Also, the first commandment of Yahweh's law is; “You shall have no other gods before me." (Ex 20:3)
So it is that if we worship a plurality of gods, we are guilty of idolatry, or if we should worship a single god, but one of our own imaginations, we are guilty of idolatry. We are to worship the one and true God as He is.
We see though that in the Scriptures, God has revealed Himself as one God who exists in the form of three persons. (Gen 1:26 Then God said, "Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; ... & Mat 28:19 "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit...)
So if we deny this then we deny the full revelation of God and Jesus said that, "God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth." (Jn 4:24)
How could it be said then that you are worshiping God if you do not worship Him as He is. God's very name is I AM WHO I AM. Notice how His name is not I AM WHO YOU THINK I AM.
Now, I understand the complexity (that's an understatement) of the triune nature of God. Trust me I understand completely. How can God be one God and yet three persons? Well a simple yet totally insufficient analogy might be my family. We are one family yet 4 persons. This analogy doesn't begin to bring us any greater understanding, but should we really be able to understand God's nature? As I said before, it's not up to us to fully comprehend, but rather to obey the truth. Yahweh exists eternally as one God in three personages.
One of the greatest revelation that leads to the conclusion that God is three is that the Scriptures clearly reveal that Jesus Christ is God in human flesh. Not only that but Jesus is fully God, yet fully man. Such is why it is even so important to believe that Jesus Christ was born of a virgin conceived by the Holy Spirit. If you deny this then you instantly wonder off into heresy land.
Jesus declared Himself as God and the Apostles did so as well.
So the Jews said to Him, "You are not yet fifty years old, and have You seen Abraham?" Jesus said to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was born, I am." (emphasize added)
Therefore they picked up stones to throw at Him, but Jesus hid Himself and went out of the temple. (John 8:57-59)
Here we see the Jews were trying to stone Jesus to death. For what? That he was alive before Abraham? Hardly legal for them to do so according to the Laws of Moses, but legal for them to do if Jesus were calling Himself God and wasn't thereby committing the sin of blasphemy (Lev 24:16).
It was also clear to the Jews that Jesus was calling Himself God when they said He was as is found in John 5:17-18 "But He answered them, "My Father is working until now, and I Myself am working." For this reason therefore the Jews were seeking all the more to kill Him, because He not only was breaking the Sabbath, but also was calling God His own Father, making Himself equal with God."
One more example of Jesus' divinty is found in Heb 1:1-3 and His nature of being fully man in Luke 24:37-43
All of this is really important to believe. In 2 John 1:9 we read this; Anyone who goes too far and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God; the one who abides in the teaching, he has both the Father and the Son.
If we are to be in a right relationship with God or the Son, we must know truly who it is we are putting our faith in. We must believe rightly.
I mentioned at the beginning that believing these things are not a pre-requisite to salvation (although Jesus did say in John 8:23-24 "And He was saying to them, "You are from below, I am from above; you are of this world, I am not of this world. "Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for unless you believe that I am He, you will die in your sins." This is clearly another declaration of Jesus' divinty as Yahweh said this often of Himself (Deut 32:39, Is 41:4, Jer 29:23) So maybe it is true that we MUST believe that Jesus Christ is God in the flesh as God has always declared that He is the only Saviour.)
The importance of believing the true doctrines as taught in the Scriptures is so imperative.
The Apostle John says, "If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house, and do not give him a greeting; for the one who gives him a greeting participates in his evil deeds." (2 John 1:10-11)
Doctrines contrary to Scripture are sin. What's more is that if you dig deep enough into the teachings of those who hold false doctrines contrary to these, you will inevitably find that these religions are a works righteous religion. Meaning that you have to earn your way to Heaven by performing certain requirements or by being a good enough person, because apparently Jesus' sacrifice was not enough to atone for our sins. This thinking even more so is great wickedness.
God has so graciously revealed Himself to us. I can understand someone having questions or confusion about the complexity of God's nature, and I think we can be assured that God is most gracious to those who are seeking to know the Truth, after all He did say that when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come (Jn 16:13).
To those however, who deny what is clearly written in the very word of God, the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them.
For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse.
For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the incorruptible God for an image in the form of corruptible man and of birds and four-footed animals and crawling creatures. Therefore God gave them over in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, so that their bodies would be dishonored among them. For they exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.
(Romans 1:18-25)
Let us cast away from us all forms of false teachings of who God is. Let us stand firm in the truth, for the glory of God.
Jan 8, 2010
Essential Christian Doctrines pt 3 - There is one God
Why must I believe that there is only one God? Because that's what God says and because all other gods are but idols and come from the imaginations of men and they do not exist therefore they cannot save anyone.
This is one of those doctrines that must even be believed before anyone can even receive salvation. The first commandment of God is "you shall have no other gods before me".
God also says by the prophet Isaiah "You are My witnesses," declares the LORD, "And My servant whom I have chosen, So that you may know and believe Me And understand that I am He. Before Me there was no God formed, And there will be none after Me. "I, even I, am the LORD, And there is no savior besides Me. "It is I who have declared and saved and proclaimed, And there was no strange god among you; So you are My witnesses," declares the LORD, "And I am God. "Even from eternity I am He, And there is none who can deliver out of My hand; I act and who can reverse it?" (Isaiah 43:10-13)
Not only must we believe that there is one God, but we must worship God in truth as He is not as we imagine Him to be. The truth of which is magnified by God's very name, YAHWEH, which means I AM WHO I AM (Exodus 3:14). God's name denotes His self-existance and His eternality, all else has come into being by Him and for Him. God is who He is, not who we think He is, and He must be sought for as He is in truth because He is the embodiment of all absolute truth.
It is futile and even sin against God to seek after other gods. "For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them.
For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse.
For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the incorruptible God for an image in the form of corruptible man and of birds and four-footed animals and crawling creatures... For they exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen. (Romans 1:18-23,25)
Another reason why we must believe that God is one is because the very fact that Jesus also testifies to God being one. In the account as recorded by Mark in chapter 12:28-30 "One of the scribes came and heard them arguing, and recognizing that He had answered them well, asked Him, "What commandment is the foremost of all?"
Jesus answered, "The foremost is, 'HEAR, O ISRAEL! THE LORD OUR GOD IS ONE LORD; AND YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND, AND WITH ALL YOUR STRENGTH."
So unless you seek after the Lord as He is in truth and worship Him as He is in truth, you are committing idolatry and the truth is not in you. "For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus who gave Himself as a ransom for all, the testimony given at the proper time." Titus 2:5-6
"And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved." Acts 4:12
"For this reason He is the mediator of a new covenant, so that, since a death has taken place for the redemption of the transgressions that were committed under the first covenant, those who have been called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance." Hebrews 9:15
Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life." Romans 5:9-10
This is one of those doctrines that must even be believed before anyone can even receive salvation. The first commandment of God is "you shall have no other gods before me".
God also says by the prophet Isaiah "You are My witnesses," declares the LORD, "And My servant whom I have chosen, So that you may know and believe Me And understand that I am He. Before Me there was no God formed, And there will be none after Me. "I, even I, am the LORD, And there is no savior besides Me. "It is I who have declared and saved and proclaimed, And there was no strange god among you; So you are My witnesses," declares the LORD, "And I am God. "Even from eternity I am He, And there is none who can deliver out of My hand; I act and who can reverse it?" (Isaiah 43:10-13)
Not only must we believe that there is one God, but we must worship God in truth as He is not as we imagine Him to be. The truth of which is magnified by God's very name, YAHWEH, which means I AM WHO I AM (Exodus 3:14). God's name denotes His self-existance and His eternality, all else has come into being by Him and for Him. God is who He is, not who we think He is, and He must be sought for as He is in truth because He is the embodiment of all absolute truth.
It is futile and even sin against God to seek after other gods. "For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them.
For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse.
For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the incorruptible God for an image in the form of corruptible man and of birds and four-footed animals and crawling creatures... For they exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen. (Romans 1:18-23,25)
Another reason why we must believe that God is one is because the very fact that Jesus also testifies to God being one. In the account as recorded by Mark in chapter 12:28-30 "One of the scribes came and heard them arguing, and recognizing that He had answered them well, asked Him, "What commandment is the foremost of all?"
Jesus answered, "The foremost is, 'HEAR, O ISRAEL! THE LORD OUR GOD IS ONE LORD; AND YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND, AND WITH ALL YOUR STRENGTH."
So unless you seek after the Lord as He is in truth and worship Him as He is in truth, you are committing idolatry and the truth is not in you. "For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus who gave Himself as a ransom for all, the testimony given at the proper time." Titus 2:5-6
"And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved." Acts 4:12
"For this reason He is the mediator of a new covenant, so that, since a death has taken place for the redemption of the transgressions that were committed under the first covenant, those who have been called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance." Hebrews 9:15
Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life." Romans 5:9-10
Jan 5, 2010
Essential Christian Doctrines pt2 - Pre-amble
Good day everyone and welcome.
Before I begin commenting on why this essential truth is so essential, I just want to make a comment that I briefly stated but should have made more clear in Essential Christian Doctrines pt 1.
I had said that "I believe 8 essential Christian doctrines that should be held by all believers and that for anyone who does not hold these doctrines to be true, they may be outside the faith and therefore do not share in the unity of Christ at all, or they are young immature believers and need yet to be taught from the word of God."
Now does this mean that in order for a man or women to be saved that they must believe that the Holy Spirit is God or that Jesus Christ is God incarnate? I don't think so. Not at the moment of salvation. There are a couple of things that a person should believe and do in order to be saved and that is;
1. Seek the Lord with all you heart, (seek the true God, for it profits you not to seek a god of your imagination, you must seek God in truth)
2. Repent of all sin, and deny yourself as worthy before a holy God.
3. Believe in Jesus Christ as come from God and taking our punishment for our sins by dying on a cross and three days later that He physically rose from the dead.
4. Die to yourself and submit your life to Christ by putting all your faith and trust in Him as your Lord and King.
5. Be baptized in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. (It is important to note that being baptized will not save you, nor does being baptized insure your salvation (baby baptism), but rather it is an outward showing of your obedience and submission to Jesus Christ, as Jesus says to repent and be baptized. To refuse shows a lack of sincerity in heart about your repentance and faith.)
These are the requirements for salvation, and they can be summed up as "repentance and faith", and from that comes obedience.
With that said, yes, someone may come to faith without believing in the triune nature of God, or that Jesus Christ is God in the flesh, but I think a more accurate word for this would be someone may come to faith without knowing these important truths. Also, I do believe that someone can be a Christian and for a time, however long God knows, be unaware of these truths, or confused by them, or perhaps even doubtful. I don't think this would be for long though, because all believers are given the Holy Spirit of God, sent from Jesus, who is the Spirit of truth who guides us into all the truth (John 16:13)
I think where the essential nature of these doctrines come in play is that, as God grows you in faith and by the sanctification of the Holy Spirit, you will not deny that these doctrines are true. If you claim to be a follower of Jesus Christ and deny Him as He is in truth, then beware, and hear the warning of Jesus, "Not everyone who says to Me, `Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter. Many will say to Me on that day, `Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?' And then I will declare to them, ` I never knew you; DEPART FROM ME, YOU WHO PRACTICE LAWLESSNESS." Matthew 7:21-23
And of Paul, "For if one comes and preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted, you bear this beautifully." 2 Corinthians 11:4
And of John, "Whoever denies the Son does not have the Father; the one who confesses the Son has the Father also." (1 John 2:23) ... "And we know that the Son of God has come, and has given us understanding so that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life. Little children, guard yourselves from idols. 1 John 5:20-21
Before I begin commenting on why this essential truth is so essential, I just want to make a comment that I briefly stated but should have made more clear in Essential Christian Doctrines pt 1.
I had said that "I believe 8 essential Christian doctrines that should be held by all believers and that for anyone who does not hold these doctrines to be true, they may be outside the faith and therefore do not share in the unity of Christ at all, or they are young immature believers and need yet to be taught from the word of God."
Now does this mean that in order for a man or women to be saved that they must believe that the Holy Spirit is God or that Jesus Christ is God incarnate? I don't think so. Not at the moment of salvation. There are a couple of things that a person should believe and do in order to be saved and that is;
1. Seek the Lord with all you heart, (seek the true God, for it profits you not to seek a god of your imagination, you must seek God in truth)
2. Repent of all sin, and deny yourself as worthy before a holy God.
3. Believe in Jesus Christ as come from God and taking our punishment for our sins by dying on a cross and three days later that He physically rose from the dead.
4. Die to yourself and submit your life to Christ by putting all your faith and trust in Him as your Lord and King.
5. Be baptized in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. (It is important to note that being baptized will not save you, nor does being baptized insure your salvation (baby baptism), but rather it is an outward showing of your obedience and submission to Jesus Christ, as Jesus says to repent and be baptized. To refuse shows a lack of sincerity in heart about your repentance and faith.)
These are the requirements for salvation, and they can be summed up as "repentance and faith", and from that comes obedience.
With that said, yes, someone may come to faith without believing in the triune nature of God, or that Jesus Christ is God in the flesh, but I think a more accurate word for this would be someone may come to faith without knowing these important truths. Also, I do believe that someone can be a Christian and for a time, however long God knows, be unaware of these truths, or confused by them, or perhaps even doubtful. I don't think this would be for long though, because all believers are given the Holy Spirit of God, sent from Jesus, who is the Spirit of truth who guides us into all the truth (John 16:13)
I think where the essential nature of these doctrines come in play is that, as God grows you in faith and by the sanctification of the Holy Spirit, you will not deny that these doctrines are true. If you claim to be a follower of Jesus Christ and deny Him as He is in truth, then beware, and hear the warning of Jesus, "Not everyone who says to Me, `Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter. Many will say to Me on that day, `Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?' And then I will declare to them, ` I never knew you; DEPART FROM ME, YOU WHO PRACTICE LAWLESSNESS." Matthew 7:21-23
And of Paul, "For if one comes and preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted, you bear this beautifully." 2 Corinthians 11:4
And of John, "Whoever denies the Son does not have the Father; the one who confesses the Son has the Father also." (1 John 2:23) ... "And we know that the Son of God has come, and has given us understanding so that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life. Little children, guard yourselves from idols. 1 John 5:20-21
Jan 2, 2010
Essential Christian Doctrines pt 1
So recently I put a post up about Christians being united in Christ in this new year and to stop bickering back and forth about minor doctrines. There is no Biblical grounds for any servant of God to shun another for not believing in a non-essential doctrine that they do.
I did not say either that we should never shun someone though. I did mention that there are I believe 8 essential Christian doctrines that should be held by all believers and that for anyone who does not hold these doctrines to be true, they are probably outside the faith and therefore do not share in the unity of Christ at all, or they are young immature believers and need yet to be taught from the word of God.
I want to now expound on these 8 essentials and explain why I believe, and probably greater men than I (I presume) would agree (I hope), that these are essential tenants of the Christian faith. Just now as I write this,I figured that I want to do this justice and I don't want to skimp on my details and reasoning so I will make this my first series of messages.
The 8 essentials of the Christian faith are these;
1. There is one God.
2. God exists eternally in three equal persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
3. Jesus Christ is God in the flesh.
4. Jesus was crucified for our sins against a holy God, taking the punishment we deserved upon Himself, thus redeeming and reconciling us to God.
5. Three days after His crucifixion, He rose from the dead in a physical body.
6. Salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Jesus Christ alone.
7. True faith must always be preceded and followed by repentance.
8. Sola Scriptura, the Scriptures alone are fully authoritative, infallible and inerrant.
Stay tuned as I will comment on these soon.
I did not say either that we should never shun someone though. I did mention that there are I believe 8 essential Christian doctrines that should be held by all believers and that for anyone who does not hold these doctrines to be true, they are probably outside the faith and therefore do not share in the unity of Christ at all, or they are young immature believers and need yet to be taught from the word of God.
I want to now expound on these 8 essentials and explain why I believe, and probably greater men than I (I presume) would agree (I hope), that these are essential tenants of the Christian faith. Just now as I write this,I figured that I want to do this justice and I don't want to skimp on my details and reasoning so I will make this my first series of messages.
The 8 essentials of the Christian faith are these;
1. There is one God.
2. God exists eternally in three equal persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
3. Jesus Christ is God in the flesh.
4. Jesus was crucified for our sins against a holy God, taking the punishment we deserved upon Himself, thus redeeming and reconciling us to God.
5. Three days after His crucifixion, He rose from the dead in a physical body.
6. Salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Jesus Christ alone.
7. True faith must always be preceded and followed by repentance.
8. Sola Scriptura, the Scriptures alone are fully authoritative, infallible and inerrant.
Stay tuned as I will comment on these soon.
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