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God is the Creator and Ruler of the Universe.
He has eternally existed in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
These three are equal and are one God.
Biblical References - Genesis 1:26-27; 3:22; Psalm 90:2; Matthew 28:19;
2 Corinthians 13:14; 1 Peter 1:2
We are all made in the spiritual image
of God, to be like Him in character. People are the supreme object of
God's creation. Although every person has tremendous potential for good,
all of us are marred by an attitude of disobedience toward God called
"sin". This attitude separates people from God and causes many
problems in life.
Biblical References
- Genesis 1:27; Isaiah 53:6; 59:1-2; Romans 3:23
We all are created to exist forever.
We will either exist eternally separated from God by sin, or in union
with God through forgiveness and salvation. The place of eternal separation
from God is called Hell. Heaven is the place of eternal life and joy with
God.
Biblical References -Matthew 25:41; John 3:16-18; Romans 6:23; 2 Thessalonians
1:7-9; Revelation 20:15; 21:27
Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He
is equal with the Father and the Holy Spirit. Jesus Christ was conceived
by the Holy Spirit and born of a virgin, and is fully God and fully man.
Jesus lived a sinless human life and offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice
for the sins of all by dying on the cross. He arose from the dead after
three days to demonstrate His power over sin and death. He ascended to
Heaven and will return again to earth to reign as King of Kings and Lord
of Lords.
Biblical References
- Matthew 1:22-23; John 1:1-5; 14:1-3, 10-30; Acts 1:9-11; 1 Corinthians
15:3-4; 15:51-57; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; 1 Timothy 2:5; 6:14-15; Titus
2:13; Hebrews 4:14-16;Revelation 20:4-6
Salvation is a gift offered to us
by God. We can never make up for our sin by self-improvement or good works.
Only by trusting in Jesus Christ as God's offer of forgiveness can we
be saved from sin's penalty. Eternal life begins the moment a person receives
Jesus Christ into his life by faith.
Biblical References - John 1:12; 14:6; Romans
5:1; 6:23; Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:5
Because God gives us eternal life through Jesus Christ, the believer
is secure in salvation for eternity. Salvation is maintained by the grace
and power of God, not by the self-effort of the Christian. It is the grace
and keeping power of God that gives this security.
Biblical References - John 10:29; 2 Timothy 1:12;
Hebrews 7:25; 10:10-18; 1 Peter 1:3-5
The Holy Spirit is God, equal with
the Father and the Son. He is present in the world to make us aware of
our need for Jesus Christ. He lives in every Christian from the moment
of salvation. He provides the Christian with power for living, understanding
of spiritual truth and guidance in doing what is right. The Christian
seeks to live under His control daily.
Biblical References - John 14:16-17; 16:5-15;
Acts 1:8; 1 Corinthians 2:12; 3:16; Ephesians 1:13; 5:18; Galatians 5:25
The Bible is God's word to all people. It was
written by human authors, under the supernatural guidance of the Holy
Spirit. It is the unique and supreme source of truth for Christian beliefs
and living. Because it is inspired by God, it is truth without any mixture
of error.
Biblical References - Psalm 119:9,105,160; Proverbs
30:5; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20,21 |