INTRODUCTION: SPIRITUAL AND POWERFUL STATEMENT OF FAITH FOR ALL CHRIATIANS
Our aim remains to handle God’s Word faithfully, using it to lovingly suggest areas for growth in understanding and promote alignment with clear biblical teaching. We’ll focus on points where the statement of faith might benefit from further examination, emphasizing the text’s context and intended meaning through detailed exegesis. The desire is to encourage a deeper understanding of God’s Word and foster unity in truth.
ANALYSIS OF THE STATEMENT OF FAITH:
1)”WE BELIEVE…The Scriptures are inspired by God and declare His design and plan for mankind.”
Exposition (2 Timothy 3:16-17): Verses: “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in1 righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.”2 (2 Timothy 3:16-17 ESV)
Observations:
● “All Scripture”: Emphasizes the comprehensive scope of inspiration.
● “Breathed out by God”: Theopneustos in Greek, indicating divine origin.
● “Profitable”: Scripture serves practical purposes.
Interpretation:
● Scripture originates from God, not human invention.
● It is sufficient for all aspects of Christian life and ministry.
● This passage confirms the authority and inerrancy of Scripture.
We wholeheartedly agree that God inspired Scripture. To ensure we are all in agreement regarding the complete truthfulness and reliability of the Bible, it might be helpful to further explore our understanding of the term “inerrancy”.
Application:
● We must approach Scripture with reverence and submission.
● We must rely on Scripture as our primary source of truth and guidance.
2)”WE BELIEVE…There is only One True God–revealed in three persons…Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (commonly known as the Trinity).”3 Exposition (Matthew 28:19): Verse: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” (Matthew4 28:19 ESV)
Observations:
● “In the name”: Singular, implying one unified God.
● “Father, Son, and Holy Spirit”: Three distinct persons.
Interpretation:
● This verse reveals the triune nature of God.
● Each person of the Trinity is fully God, yet there is only one God.
● Scripture interprets Scripture: Deuteronomy 6:4 confirms the oneness of God, while many verses throughout the New Testament confirm the deity of all three persons. Comments: We rejoice in the truth of the Trinity! This is a foundational doctrine, and it’s wonderful that it’s clearly stated.
Application:
● We must worship and glorify the triune God.
● We must understand that the Trinity is a foundational doctrine.
3)”WE BELIEVE…In the Deity of the Lord Jesus Christ. As God’s Son Jesus was both human and divine.”
Exposition (John 1:1, 14): Verses: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God…And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and5 we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.”6 (John 1:1, 14 ESV)
Observations:
● “The Word was God”: Affirming Jesus’ deity.
● “The word became flesh”: Affirming Jesus’ humanity.
● “Only Son from the Father”: Affirming Jesus’ unique relationship with the Father.
Interpretation:
● Jesus is eternally God, co-equal with the Father.
● He took on human flesh, becoming fully human without ceasing to be God.
● Scripture interprets Scripture: Colossians 2:9 reinforces that the fullness of deity dwells in Christ. Comments: We wholeheartedly affirm the deity and humanity of Jesus Christ! It’s crucial to hold to both these truths, and the verses provided beautifully support them.
Application:
● We must worship Jesus as God.
● We must trust in His atoning work as both God and man.
D)”WE BELIEVE…though originally good, Man Willingly Fell to Sin–ushering evil and death, both physical and spiritual, into7 the world” Exposition (Romans 5:12): Verse: “Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned—” (Romans8 5:12ESV)
Observations:
● “Through one man”: Referring to Adam.
● “Death spread to all men”: Emphasizing the universal consequence of sin.
Interpretation:
● Adam’s sin brought sin and death into the world.
● All humans are born with a sinful nature.
● Scripture interprets Scripture: Genesis 3 details the account of the fall. Comments: The doctrine of the Fall is essential, and this section accurately reflects the biblical teaching.
Application:
● We must acknowledge our sinful nature.
● We must seek salvation through Christ.
4) “WE BELIEVE…Every Person Can Have Restored Fellowship with God through; Salvation; (trusting Christ, through faith and repentance, to be our personal Savior).”9Exposition (Ephesians 2:8-9, Ephesians 1:4-5, John 3:16, Revelation 3:20, Romans 9:15-16, John 6:44): Verses: “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”10 (Ephesians 2:8-9 ESV)
Additional Verses:
● Ephesians 1:4-5: “Even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption11 to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will…”12 (ESV)
● John 3:16: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”13 (ESV)
● Acts 16:31: “And they said, ‘Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.'”(ESV)
● Revelation 3:20: “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.”14 (ESV)
● Romans 9:15-16: “For he says to Moses, ‘I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.’ So then15 it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy.”16 (ESV)
● John 6:44: “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day.” (ESV)17
Observations:
● “By grace…through faith”: Emphasizing God’s initiative and human response.
● “Not your own doing”: Emphasizing that salvation is a gift.
● Ephesians 1:4-5 highlights God’s choice before creation.
● John 3:16 presents salvation as available to “whoever believes.”
● Acts 16:31 emphasizes the call to believe.
● Revelation 3:20 portrays God’s invitation and the need for human response.
● Romans 9:15-16 emphasizes that salvation is not dependent on human will.
● John 6:44 highlights the Father’s drawing as necessary for coming to Christ.
Interpretation:
● Salvation is a gift of God’s grace, rooted in His sovereign election (Ephesians
1:4-5, Romans 9:15-16, John 6:44).
● Faith and repentance are the means by which we receive this gift, demonstrating our response to God’s call (John 3:16, Acts 16:31, Revelation 3:20).
● Scripture teaches both God’s sovereignty in salvation and human responsibility, and these truths are not mutually exclusive.
● We affirm that God initiates salvation and graciously enables our response, and we must avoid theological extremes that deny either God’s sovereignty or human responsibility.
● Scripture interprets Scripture: Romans 10:9-10 explains the role of confession and belief, while Ephesians 1:4-5 reveals God’s eternal purpose in election. Suggestion: This is a very important section, and we appreciate the attempt to balance God’s sovereignty and human responsibility. It’s a complex topic, and we might find it helpful to engage in further study and discussion on the nuances of election, predestination, and free will, always seeking to align with the full counsel of Scripture.
Application:
● We must humbly acknowledge God’s gracious initiative in our salvation.
● We must rely on God’s grace for salvation and respond in faith and repentance.
● We must avoid theological extremes that deny either God’s sovereignty or human responsibility.
Conclusion:
The bilbical understanding of salvation begins with the foundational truth of the Fall, where Adam’s willing sin introduced corruption and death into humanity, rendering all people born with a sinful nature. Despite this inherent depravity, God, in His sovereign grace, initiates salvation through Christ. This salvation, rooted in God’s eternal election, is applied through the regenerating work of the Holy Spirit, who grants new life and enables faith and repentance. This regeneration, a sovereign act of God, transforms the heart, making it possible to respond to His gracious call. While God’s sovereign power draws individuals to Himself, this drawing enables a willing acceptance of Christ. Thus, we affirm both God’s absolute sovereignty in salvation, including the necessity of regeneration, and the genuine human responsibility to believe, avoiding theological extremes and embracing the mystery of their harmonious coexistence in the Scriptures.
5) “WE BELIEVE…and practice two ordinances—(1) Water Baptism by Immersion after repenting of ones sins and receiving Christ gift of salvation, and (2) Holy Communion (the Lords Supper) as a symbolic remembrance of Christ ;s suffering and death18 for our salvation.” Exposition (1 Corinthians 11:23-26):
Verses: “For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, “This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” For19 as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.” (1 Corinthians 11:23-2620 ESV)
Observations:
● “Do this in remembrance”: Emphasizing the symbolic nature.
● “Proclaim the Lords death”: Emphasizing the purpose of the ordinance.
Interpretation:
● The Lord’s Supper is a symbolic memorial of Christ’s sacrifice.
● It proclaims His death until He returns.
● Scripture interprets Scripture: Matthew 28:19 explains the purpose of baptism. Suggestion: The understanding of the ordinances is important. Perhaps you could consider adding a brief statement about the significance of baptism as a public declaration of faith in Christ.
Application:
● We must observe these ordinances with reverence and faith.
● We must remember Christ’s sacrifice.
6) “WE BELIEVE…the Baptism in the Holy Spirit is a Special Experience Following Salvation that empowers believers for witnessing and effective service, just as it did in New Testament21 times. “Exposition (1 Corinthians 12:13): Verse: “For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free—and we were all made to drink of one Spirit.”22 (1 Corinthians 12:13 ESV)
Observations:
● “We were all baptized”: indicating a universal action for believers.
● “Into one body”: Indicating union with Christ’s body.
● “Made to drink of one Spirit”: indicating the receiving of the Holy Spirit.
Interpretation:
● This verse teaches that the baptism of the Holy Spirit occurs at salvation, not as a subsequent experience.
● This is the action of the holy spirit placing the believer into the body of Christ.
● Scripture interprets Scripture: Acts 2:38 reinforces that the receiving of the Holy Spirit happens at salvation. Consider also Acts 8:14-17 and Acts 19:1-7, which are often used to support a subsequent baptism of the Holy Spirit. Suggestion: This is a point where there are differing interpretations of Scripture. It might be helpful to acknowledge that there are various views on the timing and nature of the baptism of the Holy Spirit, and to encourage respectful dialogue and further study of the relevant passages in Acts and the Epistles.
Application:
● We must understand that all believers have been baptized in one spirit.
● We must reject the idea of a second work of grace, because it is not biblical. Suggestion: Perhaps we could rephrase the application to be less dogmatic, focusing on the importance of recognizing the Spirit’s work in the life of every believer, while allowing for different perspectives on the specific experience of the baptism of the Holy Spirit.
7)”WE BELIEVE… The Initial Physical Evidence of the Baptism in the Holy Spirit is Speaking in Tongues,’ as experienced on the Day of Pentecost and referenced throughout Acts and the Epistles.”23 Exposition (1 Corinthians 14): Verses: (Various throughout the chapter, especially 14:2, 5, 13, 19, 27-28)
● “For one who speaks in a tongue speaks not to men but to God; for no one understands him, but he utters mysteries in the24 Spirit.” (14:2 ESV)
● “Now I want you all to speak in tongues, but even more to prophesy. The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues, unless someone interprets, so that the church may be built up.”25 (14:5 ESV)
● “Therefore, one who speaks in a tongue should pray that he may interpret.” (14:13 ESV)
● “Nevertheless, in church I would rather speak five words with my mind, in order to instruct others, than ten thousand words in a tongue.” (14:1926 ESV)
● “If any speak in a tongue, let there be only two or at most three, and each in turn, and let someone interpret. But if there is no one to interpret, let each of them keep silent in church27 and speak to himself and to28 God.” (14:27-28 ESV)
Observations:
● Tongues are unintelligible without interpretation.
● Prophecy is prioritized for its edifying effect.
● Paul regulates the use of tongues in church.
Interpretation:
● Tongues were a specific gift for specific purposes, not a universal sign of the Spirit’s baptism.
● Paul emphasizes the importance of understanding and edification over ecstatic utterances.
● Scripture interprets Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12 lists a variety of spiritual gifts, showing that not all believers speak in tongues. Also, the book of Acts shows tongues as being real languages, and not ecstatic utterances. Suggestion: Similar to the previous point, there are diverse understandings of the gift of tongues. It might be helpful to acknowledge that Scripture presents tongues as both a miraculous sign in Acts and a spiritual gift discussed by Paul in 1 Corinthians. We could encourage further study on the different manifestations and purposes of tongues in the Bible.
Application:
● We must avoid elevating tongues to a position of primary importance.
● We must prioritize gifts that build up the church.
● We must not add to scripture, by saying tongues is the only sign of baptism of the spirit. Suggestion: Again, we could consider a less dogmatic approach in the application. We can emphasize the importance of using spiritual gifts for the edification of the church, while allowing for different perspectives on the specific role and significance of tongues. It’s important to be careful not to add to Scripture by stating that tongues is the only sign.
8)”WE BELIEVE…Sanctification Initially Occurs at Salvation and is not only a declaration that a believer is holy, but also a progressive lifelong process of separating from evil as believers continually draw closer to God and become more Christ29 like.” Exposition (Philippians 3:12-14): Verses: “Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward30 to what is ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians31 3:12-14 ESV)
Observations:
● Paul acknowledges his imperfection.
● He emphasizes pressing on towards Christlikeness.
● He speaks of a goal and a prize.
Interpretation:
● Sanctification is both positional (declared holy) and progressive (becoming holy).
● It is a lifelong process of growth in Christ.
● Scripture interprets Scripture: Hebrews 10:10, 14 reinforces the concept of positional sanctification.
Comments: This section beautifully captures the dual nature of sanctification! It’s clear, concise, and biblically sound.
Application:
● We must strive for holiness, knowing it is a process.
● We must rely on God’s grace to grow in Christ. “WE BELIEVE…The Church has a Mission to seek and save all who are lost in sin. We believe ;the Church; is the Body of Christ and consists of the people who, throughout time, have accepted Gods32 offer of redemption (regardless of religious denomination) through the sacrificial death of His son Jesus Christ.”33 Exposition (Ephesians 4:4-6): Verses: “There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.”34 (Ephesians 4:4-6 ESV)
Observations:
● One body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God.
● Emphasizes the unity of the church.
Interpretation:
● The church is the unified body of Christ, composed of all believers.
● While the invisible church is made up of all true believers, the visible church is called to doctrinal purity and proper church discipline.
● Scripture interprets Scripture: Matthew 28:19-20 outlines the church’s mission. Suggestion: The emphasis on the church as the unified body of Christ is wonderful. Perhaps we could add a statement about the importance of local churches as expressions of this universal body, and the need for believers to be actively involved in a local church community.
Application:
● We must work towards unity within the body of Christ.
● We must fulfill the church’s mission of evangelism.
9)”WE BELIEVE…A Divinely Called and Scripturally Ordained Leadership Ministry Serves the Church. The Bible teaches that each of us under leadership must commit ourselves to reach others for Christ, to worship Him with other believers, to build up or edify the body of believers–the Church and to meet human need with ministries of love and compassion.”1 Exposition (1 Timothy 3:1-13, 1 Peter 2:9, 1 Corinthians 12:7): Verses: (The entire chapter of 1 Timothy 3:1-13 outlines qualifications for church leaders)
Additional Verses:
● 1 Peter 2:9: “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellency of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.”3 (ESV)
● 1 Corinthians 12:7: “To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.” (ESV)
Observations:
● Specific qualifications are listed for overseers and deacons in 1 Timothy 3:1-13.
● Emphasis is on character and competence for leaders.
● 1 Peter 2:9 affirms that all believers are a royal priesthood.
● 1 Corinthians 12:7 highlights the importance of every member’s gifts.
Interpretation:
● Church leadership must be scripturally qualified, and the divine call is confirmed by meeting these qualifications (1 Timothy 3:1-13).
● The doctrine of the priesthood of all believers affirms that every believer has direct access to God through Christ and is called to participate in the church’s ministry (1 Peter 2:9).
● While elders have a unique role in oversight and shepherding, this does not negate the value and importance of every member’s contribution to the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:7).
● Scripture interprets Scripture: Titus 1:5-9 reinforces the qualifications for elders, while 1 Peter 2:9 and 1 Corinthians 12:7 emphasize the priesthood of believers and the importance of spiritual gifts.
Suggestion: The emphasis on qualified leadership is much appreciated. It might be helpful to further develop our understanding of church leadership in light of the priesthood of all believers. We recognize that while elders have specific roles and responsibilities, every believer is a priest with direct access to God and a calling to participate in ministry. We can strive for a model of leadership that empowers and equips the entire body of Christ, recognizing the valuable contributions of each member.
Application:
● We must uphold biblical standards for church leadership (1 Timothy 3:1-13).
● We must submit to godly leaders, recognizing their God-given gifts, but the authority comes from the Scriptures.
● We must also encourage and equip every believer to use their gifts and participate in the ministry of the church, understanding our shared calling as a royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:9, 1 Corinthians 12:7).
10)”WE BELIEVE…Divine Healing of the Sick is a Privilege for Christians Today and is provided for in Christ atonement (His sacrificial death on the cross for our sins).”2 Exposition (James 5:14-16): Verses: “Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the3 Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.”4 (James 5:14-16 ESV)
Observations:
● Elders are called to pray for the sick.
● Prayer of faith is emphasized.
● Forgiveness of sins is connected to healing.
Interpretation:
● God can and does heal, but it is not guaranteed.
● Healing is not automatically provided in the atonement.
● Scripture interprets Scripture: 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 shows that God’s grace is sufficient even in sickness. Suggestion: We believe God is a God of healing, and the emphasis on prayer for the sick is appreciated. Perhaps we could refine the statement to reflect a balanced perspective, acknowledging that God heals according to His will, and that sometimes His grace is manifested through suffering.
Application:
● We must pray for the sick, trusting in God’s will.
● We must not claim guaranteed healing.
Suggestion: We could rephrase the application to encourage both prayer for healing and acceptance of God’s will, whatever that may be in each situation.
11)”WE BELIEVE…in The Blessed Hope—When Jesus Raptures His Church Prior to His Return to Earth (the second coming). At this future moment in time all believers who have died will rise from their graves and will meet the Lord in the air, and Christians who are alive will be caught up with them, to be with the Lord forever.”5 Exposition (Revelation 20:1-6): Verses: (As previously quoted)
Observations:
● A thousand-year reign is mentioned.
● The first resurrection is mentioned.
● Satan is bound.
Interpretation:
● The thousand years can be interpreted symbolically, representing the present age.
● The first resurrection can be seen as spiritual.
● The binding of Satan is understood as his restriction from deceiving the nations.
● Scripture interprets Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 describes Christ’s return, but does not explicitly teach a pre-tribulation rapture. Suggestion: Eschatology can be a complex and debated area. It might be helpful to present the doctrine of Christ’s return with humility, acknowledging that there are various interpretations of specific events, such as the timing of the rapture and the nature of the millennium. We could emphasize the certainty of Christ’s return and the importance of being prepared, rather than focusing on a specific timeline.
Application:
● We must focus on Christ’s return, not specific timelines.
● We must interpret eschatology with humility.
12)”WE BELIEVE…A Final Judgment Will Take Place for those who have rejected Christ. They will be judged for their sin and consigned to eternal punishment in a punishing lake of fire.”6 Exposition (Revelation 20:11-15): Verses: (As previously quoted)
Observations:
● A great white throne judgment is described.
● Books are opened.
● The lake of fire is mentioned.
Interpretation:
● All will be judged according to their works.
● Those who reject Christ will face eternal punishment.
● Scripture interprets Scripture: Matthew 25:46 reinforces the reality of eternal punishment. Suggestion: The reality of final judgment is a serious and sobering truth. It’s important to present this doctrine with both clarity and compassion, emphasizing God’s love and desire for all to be saved, while also affirming the consequences of rejecting Christ.
Application:
● We must take the final judgment seriously.
13)”WE BELIEVE…and look forward to the perfect New Heavens and a New Earth that Christ is preparing for all people, of all time, who have accepted Him. We will live and dwell with Him there forever following His millennial reign on Earth, and so shall we forever be with the Lord!” Exposition (Revelation 21:1-4): Verses: “Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from8 God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their10 God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.””11 (Revelation 21:1-4 ESV)
Observations:
● A new heaven and earth are described.
● God will dwell with His people.
● All suffering will be gone.
Interpretation:
● This is the ultimate hope of believers.
● It represents the restoration of all things.
● The phrase “following His millennial reign on Earth” is an addition to the text, and is an interpretation of Revelation 20, that is not the only valid
Interpretation.
● Scripture interprets Scripture: 2 Peter 3:13 reinforces the promise of a new heavens and a new earth. Suggestion: The hope of a new heaven and a new earth is a glorious truth! We rejoice in this future reality. As mentioned before, it’s wise to be cautious about adding specific interpretations, such as the millennial reign, and to focus on the clear promises of God’s Word regarding our eternal dwelling with Him.
Application:
● We must live with hope in the future glory.
● We must focus on our eternal dwelling with God.
● We must be careful not to add personal interpretations to Scripture, but to hold to what the Scriptures clearly teach.
Conclusion:
Through this detailed exegesis, the aim is to lovingly offer suggestions that might help enhance the statement of faith’s alignment with Scripture. By carefully examining each passage in its context, we can encourage a more profound understanding and a more nuanced approach to certain doctrines. We should approach these discussions with gentleness and respect, remembering that we are all learners in God’s school. The goal is to promote unity in the truth, not to create division. I encourage a continued re-examination of these beliefs in light of God’s Word and a commitment to holding tightly to the clear teachings of Scripture while remaining open to further understanding and growth. I pray that this process will lead to greater clarity, unity, and a stronger witness for Christ. I am willing to help in any way that I can. Grace and peace.