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God
God is the Creator and Ruler of the universe. He
has eternally existed in three personalities: the
Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three
are co-equal and are one God.
Genesis 1:1, 26, 27 &
3:22; Psalm 90:2; Matthew 28:19; I Peter 1:2; II
Corinthians 13:14
Man
Man is made in the spiritual image of God, to be
like Him in character. He is the supreme object of
God's creation. Although man has tremendous
potential for good, he is marred by an attitude of
disobedience toward God called "sin." This attitude
separates man from God.
Genesis 1:27; Psalm
8:3-6; Isaiah 53:6a; Romans 3:23; Isaiah 59:1-2
Eternity
Man was created to exist forever. He will either
exist eternally separated from God by sin, or in
union with God, through forgiveness and salvation.
To be eternally separated from God is Hell. To be
eternally in union with Him is eternal life. Heaven
and Hell are places of eternal existence.
John 3:16; I John 2:25 &
5:11-13; Romans 6:23; Revelation 20:15
Jesus Christ
Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He is co-equal with
the Father. Jesus lived a sinless human life and
offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the
sins of all men by dying on a cross. He arose from
the dead after three days to demonstrate His power
over sin and death. He ascended to Heaven's glory
and will return again to earth to reign as King of
Kings and Lord of Lords.
Matthew 1:22-23; Isaiah
9:6; John 1:1-5 & 14:10-30; Hebrews 4:14-15; I
Corinthians 15:3-4; Romans 1:3-4; Acts 1:9-11; I
Timothy 6:14-15; Titus 2:13
Salvation
Salvation is a gift from God to man. Man can never
make up for his sin by self-improvement or good
works. Only by trusting in Jesus Christ as God's
offer of forgiveness can man be saved from sin's
penalty. Eternal life begins the moment one
receives Jesus Christ into his life by faith.
Romans 6:23; Ephesians
2:8-9; John 14:6 & 1:12; Titus 3:5; Galatians 3:26;
Romans 5:1
Eternal Security
Because God gives man eternal life through Jesus
Christ, the believer is secure in that 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.
John 10:29; II Timothy
1:12; Hebrews 7:25 & 10:10-14; I Peter 1:3-5
The Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is equal with the Father and the Son
as God. He is present in the world to make men
aware of their need for Jesus Christ. He also 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.
II Corinthians 3:17; John
16:7-13 & 14:16-17; Acts 1:8; I Corinthians 2:12 &
3:16; Ephesians 1:13; Galatians 5:25; Ephesians 5:18
The Bible
The Bible is God's Word to all men. It was written
by human authors under the supernatural guidance of
the Holy Spirit. It is the supreme source of truth
for Christian beliefs and living. Because it is
inspired by God, it is truth without any mixture of
error.
II Timothy 3:16; II Peter
1:20-21; II Timothy 1:13; Psalm 119:105, 160
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