Topic: What are the essentials of Christianity?

[Tim Russ]

I hope we all agree that just because we go to different denominations that doesn't mean that just some of us are saved.

I have tried over the years to formulate a core Christianity statement of faith.  What do you all think should be included in that statement of faith?

[Ro]

Christians are followers of Christ.   

To be saved the Scripture states that we must believe in Jesus, that he is our Lord and Savior. 

There is a lot to being, as in living like a Christian but it all seems to boil down to ... Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior.

Thank you Jesus! 

He is so wonderful - He really is!!!

Ro

[Ann Doupont]

Tim,

What I would do if I was to form a statement of faith is to "borrow" one that others already have and adapt it to my liking.

My favorite salvation verse is Romans 10:9 which says that if we confess with our mouths that Jesus is Lord AND believe in our hearts that God raised Him from the dead, we shall be (future tense) saved.

It also says, however, that we need to endure till the end (in Matthew 24, I think it is) in order to be saved. So, in my understanding, what we do in Romans 10:9 is just the beginning...and we need to continue.

Yes, it is true that there are people who are saved in the many denominations, not just one. However, not all people in them are saved. I believe that there are saved and unsaved people in most denominations.

As I've heard it said many times: Just because you go to church doesn't make you a Christian any more than going into a garage makes you a car.

Ann

[Tim Russ]

Christians are followers of Christ.   

To be saved the Scripture states that we must believe in Jesus, that he is our Lord and Savior. 

There is a lot to being, as in living like a Christian but it all seems to boil down to ... Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior.

Thank you Jesus! 

He is so wonderful - He really is!!!

Ro

Well, on the surface I would totally agree with your statement.  Here's the problem.  Mormons and Jehovah's Witnesses both claim to follow Christ but neither are considered to be Christian organizations by mainstream Christian denominations.

I would agree that this needs to be part of the statement but I'm not sure how to separate it out so it excludes fringe groups.  Any suggestions?

[Tim Russ]

Good points Ann.  Do you have any such statement of faith or know where I can get one?

[Ann Doupont]

Tim,

I used to know of many. What I just did was to key in "statement of faith" and "what we believe" in the yahoo search engine and it brought up lots. You can take your pick.

Ann

[Tim Russ]

Statements of faith are easy.  Everyone has an opinion.  That won't help me find the core points of Christianity, though. 

[Ann Doupont]

Okay, Tim, I'm not fully sure what you're looking for. But, what comes to mind is a verse I've stood on, for my personal walk of faith in Him. That verse is Romans 10:9.

It says that if you believe in your heart (which means the innermost being, or the intellect, the will and also the emotions) that God raised Jesus from the dead (meaning that you also believe that Jesus had died and was then raised back to life) AND that you confess with your mouth (saying it out loud) that Jesus is Lord (that He is in charge of your life), you will be saved (future tense).

Then, in Matthew 24, we find that it says that the one who endures till the end shall be saved. So, according to my understanding of this, when a person first prays with faith to invite Jesus to be the Lord of their lives, they are born again. They become a new creature in Christ (one that never before existed) according to 2 Cor. 5:17. Old things (thoughts and ways of doing things) are passed away, and all things are become new.

They then have to work out their salvation with fear and trembling, to let go of the old way of life as they step into the new. There are crossroads along the way when they have to choose which way to go. Will they continue following the Lord on the new path (the straight and narrow one) or will they go back to the old way of life (the broad path that leads to destruction)? It's up to the individual.

There will be many tests, trials, and temptations along the way. Jesus said that if we continue in the truth, then are we His disciples and the truth will make us free. Not only did He say that, but also in another passage of scripture, He said that He IS the truth (He's the way, the truth and the life...there's no other way to the Father but by Him).

Jesus also said to follow Him and that He would then make us to be fishers of men. The key then is in following Jesus, not man's doctrine.

Another verse that comes to mind is in 1 John, I belive is where it is. It says that you will know that you have gone from death to life...because you love the brethren. I remember when that verse came to fruition in my life.

So, hopefully, Tim, what I've shared here makes sense to you and is at least some of what you're looking for. If not, ask s'more. I love to share my faith, in Him.

Ann

[EdwardSantosh]

Hi Tim,

Forgive me if I am oversimplifying things.

A statement of faith will contain this essentially.

"I believe that Jesus was born in flesh, died for me in the cross in my place and resurrected on the third day"

Everything else is gravy, 

--Edward "The Apu"

[Tim Russ]

Thanks Edward.  I'd agree that those items are part of the core Christianity beliefs.

[Ro]

Sounds like everyone agrees that Jesus is the core of of it all and we must believe and accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior. 

Jesus showed us this when he spoke to the thief on the cross.  He believe that he was God in the flesh and that he did not deserve to die, like the other two, at that point Jesus said, (paraphrased:) You've GOT IT! 

The Holy Spirit gives us the knowledge and understanding of how truly awesome it is to know God and know him personally. Jesus knew when he left the Holy Spirit would come and bring us comfort.  He knew we would need the comforter to assist us. 

God is always there providing for us.


Ro

[Tim Russ]

Being (perhaps overly) focused on theology my concern is developing a set of doctrines that are acceptable by a wide denominational audience.

I'll be the first to admit that Jesus is the way to salvation.  However, unless the Father draws someone to Jesus they aren't going to accept him.

(John 6:44 KJV)  No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.

On the other hand, no man can know the Father unless Jesus reveals him.

(Luke 10:22 KJV)  All things are delivered to me of my Father: and no man knoweth who the Son is, but the Father; and who the Father is, but the Son, and he to whom the Son will reveal him.

None of us can have the Holy Spirit unless we've received him from the Father.

(Luke 11:13 NIV)  If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!"

Without the Holy Spirit we can't really learn what to say to folks.

(Luke 12:11-12 NIV)  "When you are brought before synagogues, rulers and authorities, do not worry about how you will defend yourselves or what you will say, {12} for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say."




I could go on and on but I think you see my trinitarian point.

My interest in developing this doctrinal statement of core Christian beliefs is to use it as a foundation for promoting world wide Christianity.  I don't think small.

So, help me out here.   Maybe we need to open separate topics for each of these core beliefs to discuss them.  What do you think?

[Jackie]

Wow, you're thinking of reaching the world Tim, while I am thinking of my immediate neighbours, town, county and country...I suppose I think quite small compared to you, but then the body of Christ is made up of all the different parts.  I will pray for you in this venture, but I don't think I'll know what to contribute other than praying for you and for those who are gifted to understand and compose such a statement.

I've been told a lot about Martin Luther that his statement of faith was ground-breaking, and then the other day I heard part of a speech by another man of God who had Luther in his name; Martin Luther King.  His speech moved me to tears.

I always like what Ann says, and that's let the Lord give you the words to write.  Do you know Psalm 45 verse 1 Tim?  You have the heart of a ready writer.  My advice is, get your pen and paper, or get your fingers on the key board and just write this statement as the Lord gives you 'utterance' and then paste it here and we will comment on it

[Tim Russ]

Here's the statement of faith I have on Believers Bay...

Statement of Faith

The bible is what we base our beliefs in God upon. We learn how to live our lives and how to have faith in God from the bible. The wording that is used in this document is not inspired or perfect, but the truth listed here is essential to a mature ministry. This is a BASIC statement beliefs for Believer's Bay. It is not comprehensive.

1. The Scriptures.

The Scriptures, both the old and new testaments, are God Breathed (or inspired of God) and are the revelation of God to man. The scriptures are infallible as given in the original languages. The scriptures are the authoritative rule of faith and conduct. The Bible is the Word of God. (2 Timothy 3:16-17; 1 Thessalonians 2:13; 2 Peter 1:21)

2. God

There is one God, eternally existent in three persons: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. (Deuteronomy 6:4; Isaiah 43:10-11; Matthew 28:19; Luke 3:22)

3. The deity of the Lord Jesus Christ.

The scriptures declare:

a. His virgin birth
(Matthew 1:23; Luke 1:31-35)

b. His sinless life
(2 Corinthians 5:21, Hebrews 7:26; 1 Peter 2:22)

c. His miracles
(Acts 2:22; 10:38)

d. His substitutionary work on the cross
(1 Corinthians 15:3; 2 Corinthians 5:21)

e. His bodily resurrection from the dead
(Matthew 28:6; Luke 24:39; 1 Corinthians 15:4)

f. His exaltation to the right hand of God
(Acts 1:9-11; Acts 2:33; Philippians 2:9-11; Heb 1-3)

4. The fall of man.

Man was created good and upright, for God said "Let us make man in our image, after our likeness." However man by voluntary transgression fell and obtained not only physical death but also spiritual death, which is separation from God. This spiritual death is passed on to each member of the Human race due to the sin of Adam.

(Genesis 1:26-27; Genesis 2:17; Genesis 3:6; Psalm 51:5; Romans 5:12-19)

5. The salvation of man.

Man's only hope of redemption is through the shed blood of Jesus Christ the Son of God.

a. Conditions to salvation. Salvation is received through repentance toward God and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Man is justified by grace through faith and becomes an heir of God through (being born again) the regeneration and renewing of his dead spirit, which is performed by the Holy Spirit. (Mark 16:16; Luke 24:47; John 3:3-8; Romans 3:23; Romans 10:13-15; Ephesians 2:8-10; Titus 2:11, Titus 3:5-7).

b. The evidences of salvation. The inward evidence of salvation is the direct witness of the Spirit (Romans 8:16). The outward evidence to all men is a life of righteousness and true holiness (Ephesians 4:24; Titus 2:12).

6. The Blessed hope.

Christ will return soon. When he does those who have died in Christ will be resurrected. Those who are alive in Christ will be changed and will be caught up together with them to meet Christ.

(John 5:28-29; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17; Romans 8:23;Titus 2:13; 1 Corinthians 15:51-52).

7. The Church.

The Church is the Body of Christ. It is the habitation of God through the indwelling Spirit. It has divine appointments for the fulfillment of its great commission. Each believer is born of the Spirit and is an integral part of the Church of the Firstborn.

(Ephesians 1:22-23; Ephesians 2:22; Hebrews 12:23).

8. The Ordinances of the Church.

a. Baptism in water. The ordinance of baptism by immersion in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit is commanded in the Scriptures. All who repent and believe in Christ as Savior and Lord are to be baptized. Through baptism they declare to the world that they have died with Christ and that they also have been raised with Him to walk in newness of life

(Matthew 28:19;Mark 16:16; Acts 10:47-48; Romans 6:4).

b. Holy Communion. The Lord's Supper, consisting of the elements - bread and the fruit of the vine - is the symbol expressing our sharing the divine nature of our Lord Jesus Christ; a memorial of His suffering and death; and a prophecy of His second coming.

(1 Corinthians 11:23-34)

9. Sanctification.

Sanctification is two things. It is an initial act that God performs when he saves us and it is an ongoing process. Initially God cleanses us from sin and picks us to be holy. Then we must live a holy life each day in a sinful world. The more we allow the Holy Spirit to control our choices the less we fall into sin. This is our part in the process of sanctification.

Therefore, sanctification is simply the mutual agreement between man and God for man to live a holy life. God wills it, man accepts God's will, and man allows God to perform that will in his life.

(Romans 6:1-13;Romans 8:1-2, 13; Galatians 2:20; Philippians 2:12-13;1 Peter 1:5).

Sanctification is an act of separation from that which is evil, and of dedication to God (John 17:17; Romans 12:1-2; Ephesians 5:26; 1 Thessalonians 5:23; Hebrews 13:12).

The Scriptures teach a life of "holiness without which no man shall see the Lord" (Hebrews 12:14;Luke 1:74-75).

By the power of the Holy Spirit we are able to obey the command: "Be ye holy, for I am holy" (1 Peter 1:15-16;1 Corinthians 1:30).

10. The Baptism in the Holy Spirit.

All believers are entitled to the baptism in the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38-39). They should enthusiastically expect to be baptized in the Holy Spirit and intensely seek this experience. This was the normal experience for Christians in the early Christian Church.

Baptism in the Holy Spirit gives us the power to be witnesses throughout the world. The gifts of the Holy Spirit also accompany the baptism in the Holy Spirit and are used for ministry (Luke 24:49; Acts 1:4-8;1 Corinthians 12:1-31).

The baptism in the Holy Spirit is completely different from receiving the Holy Spirit at the point of salvation. It cannot precede salvation (Acts 8:12-17; Acts 10:44-46; Acts 11:14-16; Acts 15:7-9).

11. The Evidence of the Baptism in the Holy Spirit.

The Baptism of believers in the Holy Spirit is witnessed initially by speaking with other tongues as the Spirit of God gives them utterance (Acts 2:4; Acts 10:44-48). The speaking in tongues in this instance is essentially the same as the gift of tongues (1 Corinthians 12:4-10;1 Corinthians 12:28), but different in purpose and use.

12. Divine healing.

Divine healing is an integral part of the message of deliverance. Deliverance from sickness is provided for in the atonement and is the privilege of all believers (Isaiah 53:4-5; Matthew 8:16-17; Mark 16:18;1 Corinthians 12:9; James 5:14-16).

13. Tithing and Giving.

Tithing is defined as 10% of the believer's income. Tithing is a token of respect given to God in recognition of his provision for our lives. It was instituted prior to the law and continues today. (Genesis 14:20; Genesis 28:22; Malachi 3:10;1 Corinthians 16:2; 2 Corinthians 8:11-15; Galatians 6:6)

14. The Ministry.

A divinely called and scripturally ordained ministry has been provided by our Lord for a twofold purpose: (1) The evangelization of the world, and (2) The edifying of the Body of Christ (Mark 16:15-20; Ephesians 4:11-13).

15. The final judgment.

There will be a final judgment in which the wicked dead will be raised and judged according to their works. Whoever is not found written in the Book of Life, along with the devil and his angels, the beast and the false prophet, will be sent to everlasting punishment in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, this is the second death (Matthew 25:46; Mark 9:43-48; Revelation 14:9-11; Revelation 19:20; Revelation 20:11-15; Revelation 21:.

16. The Millennial (1,000 year) reign with Christ.

The second coming of Christ includes the rapture of the saints which is our blessed hope, followed by the visible return of Christ with his saints to reign on earth for one thousand years (Zechariah 14:5; Matthew 24:27, 30; Revelation 1:7; Revelation 19:11-14; Revelation 20:1-6).

This millennial reign will bring the salvation of national Israel (Ezekiel 37:21-22; Zephaniah 3:19-20; Romans 11:26-27) and the establishment of universal peace (Isaiah 11:6-9; Psalm 72:3-8; Micah 4:3-4).

[Dee]

I hope we all agree that just because we go to different denominations that doesn't mean that just some of us are saved.

I have tried over the years to formulate a core Christianity statement of faith.  What do you all think should be included in that statement of faith?

I think lots of people are saved that most people don't think are saved.

There are only two items I think need to be in a statement of faith.

Love God with all your heart, mind, body and soul.
Love your neighbor as yourself.