1.
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 coequal and are one God.
Genesis 1:26, 27; 3:22; Psalm 90:2; Matthew 28:19; 1 Peter
1:2; 2 Corinthians 13:14 2.
Jesus Christ
Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He is coequal with the
Father. Jesus lived a sinless human life and offered Himself as
the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all the people 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's glory and will return again some day 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; 1 Corinthians 15:3,4; Romans 1:3, 4; Acts 1:9-11; 1
Timothy 6:14, 15; Titus 2:13
3. The
Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is coequal with the Father and the Son
of God. He is present in the world to make men and women aware
of their need for Jesus Christ. He also lives in the Christian
and provides the Christian the power for living, understanding
Spiritual truth, guidance in doing what is right and empowerment
for ministry. He gives every believer a spiritual gift(s) to
perform ministry on God's behalf. As Christians, we seek to live
under His control daily.
2 Corinthians 3:17; John 16:7-13, 14:16, 17; Acts 1:8,
2:1-4; 1 Corinthians 2:12; 3:16; Ephesians 1:13; Galatians 5:25;
Ephesians 5:18
4. The Bible
The Bible is God's Word to us. It was written by human
authors, under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. It
is the supreme source of truth for beliefs and living. Because
it is inspired by God, it is truth without any mixture of error.
2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20-21; 2 Timothy 1:13; Psalm
119:105, 160, 12:6; Proverbs 30:5
5. Human Beings
People are made in the 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, every
person has an attitude and disposition of disobedience toward
God called "sin" that mars all of us. This attitude separates
people from God and causes many problems in life and the world.
Genesis 1:27; Psalm 8:3-6; Isaiah 53:6a; Romans 3:23; Isaiah
59:1-2
6. Salvation
Salvation is God's supreme gift to us, but we must
receive it. 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 anyone be saved from sin's penalty. When we
turn from our self-ruled life and turn to Jesus Christ in faith
we are saved. Eternal life begins the moment we receive Jesus
Christ into our life by faith.
Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8-9; John 14:6, 1:12; Titus 3:5;
Galatians 3:26; Romans 5:1
7. Holy Living
Followers of Christ are called to live under the
authority of Christ. As His children, He desires that we reflect
His character and His personality. Just as Christ is a person of
integrity and holiness, we too are to live pure lives. God not
only calls us to this standard, but He graciously makes
provisions for us to live holy lives as we invite His Holy
Spirit to possess, cleanse and fill us with his transforming
presence.
Jeremiah 31:31-34; Ezekiel 36:25-27; Acts 1:5; Romans
6:11-13; 8:1-4; 12:1-2; Colossians 3:1-17; 2 Peter 1:3-4;
Hebrews 1-:10-17
8. Eternity
People were created to exist forever. We will either exist
eternally separated from God by sin, or eternally 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 real places of eternal existence.
John 3:16; 14:17; Romans 6:23; 8:17-18; Revelation 20:15; 1
Corinthians 2:7-9 |