- About Christianity-
"Go ye therefore, and teach all nations,
baptizing them in the name of the Father,
and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost."
Matthew 28:19
Essential
Christianity. We hear a lot of discussion about essentials
and nonessentials, but what are the essentials of Christianity?
When
we talk about the essentials of Christianity we're referring
to the basic elements that make up and characterize our faith, and
which, of course, separate it from other beliefs.
Let's survey these doctrines.
First,
we believe in the authority of Scripture, which is
another way of saying that the Bible is God's inspired, infallible,
and inerrant Word. It's the ultimate source for knowledge about God,
as well as the definitive guide for our daily lives.
Next
we affirm the existence of a triune God or one God in three
distinct persons - the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
This God is self-existent, eternal, unchanging, omnipotent,
omnipresent, holy, righteous, and loving. God created the universe
from nothing and He rules over His creation sovereignly including
both human and angelic beings.
We
also hold that man is a physical and spiritual being who is
created in God's image. But because of his sin or transgression,
man has lost his fellowship with God. The extent of sin is so great
that its effects continue to this very day in the form of cruelty,
suffering, and death.
By
God's grace, Jesus Christ - Who is fully God
and fully man - was sent to save us from our bondage to sin.
We believe that Christ was born of a virgin, died for our sins,
physically rose from the dead, and will one day return to judge the
world and deliver His people. Faith in Christ is the only means by
which mankind can escape eternal damnation and judgment.
Finally,
we recognize the church as God's ordained institution
headed by Christ. The church is composed of all believers,
and is organized for worship, for fellowship, for the administration
of the sacraments, for spiritual growth and support, and for
evangelizing the world.
Much
more can and will be said, but we hope this summary
has encouraged you to explore the links on the right and continue
studying the essentials.
