Sunny Pathway

Thursday, April 23, 2009

A Statement of Doctrine

After so much hype on Tuesday, it turns out the most remarkable thing about my doctrinal statement is what I don’t include.

Quite a few years ago I published a tabloid-size newspaper-insert. This statement is similar to a doctrinal statement I put together for it. Being I’m now publishing for a different audience, I thought I’d include an addendum dealing with thoughts on other issues—as well as further thoughts on these issues—explaining why I limit myself in my basic doctrinal statement.

In the end, however, I felt that would be divisive and counter-productive. When I ran my thoughts by Ken, he agreed. In my world, the doctrines as stated here are sustaining and empowering. When viewed in their Biblical context, they provide food for meditation. Because they offer so much, I suspect I'll occasionally elaborate on one or more in future posts.



A Doctrinal Statement

God is creator of heaven, the earth, and the universe.

This God is One, but He is existent in three persons: God the Father—Jehovah; God the Son—Jesus; and God the Holy Spirit. He is all-powerful, everywhere-present, all-knowing, and eternal.

The Bible is a supernaturally inspired work of God the Holy Spirit. It reveals his nature by telling the story of his participation in human history—and it reveals his nature through teaching, prophecy, and poetry.

Jesus was born on earth of a virgin and He lived a perfect, sinless life. As a teacher, He introduced principles related to a Kingdom unlike any kingdom on earth. He performed miracles. He shed his blood and died on a cross to pay the penalty (atone) for sin. He rose from the dead to defeat Satan and secure eternal life for believers. He ascended into heaven where He continually prays (intercedes) for people. He will come again to judge all people and then He will reign in righteousness over those who belong to him.

All people are separated from God by their sinful nature. No attempt to remove guilt by doing good works can ever change a sinful nature or pay the penalty for sin.

The blood of Jesus can purchase (redeem) people from their sinful human nature, and it is available to all who repent or turn away from sin. People supernaturally receive this vicarious sacrificial payment through God’s grace by faith in Jesus Christ (justification). The Holy Spirit works in people’s hearts, encouraging them to receive the life of Jesus and drawing them to God the Father (salvation).

The supernatural ongoing work of the Holy Spirit within Christians includes:
- the indwelling work (sanctification) of the Holy Spirit that produces fruit of the Spirit and
- the outpouring of the Holy Spirit that offers gifts of the Spirit for ministry.

All who come to Jesus Christ and belong to Him are supernaturally joined together to form His invisible Church. As Christians walk in unity with God through the work of the Holy Spirit, they are ready to do the good works of God. Walking in unity with God makes it possible for Christians to walk in unity with others.

2 comments:

Karin said...

I'm so thankful for God's gift of faith, His love, mercy and grace in my life. He must increase and I must decrease - and He has His way of bringing about His Will in my life. Well done post!

Solveig said...

Thanks Karin. It's a formal statement. I appreciate the fact that you stuck with it.