DOCTRINAL STATEMENT
Bibliology
I.God’s revelation of Himself to mankind
A.Christ: The Living Word of God (Jn. 1:1-14, 18; II Pet. 1:16-21; I Jn. 1:1)
B.Bible: The Written Word of God (Jn. 1:1-14, 18; II Pet. 1:16-21)
C.Testifies of God’s loving relationship with mankind (Jn. 1:9-13)
II.Inspiration
Verbal/Plenary (II Sam. 23:2; Matt. 5:18; Jn. 6:63; II Tim. 3:16)
Completed and preserved (Ps. 12:6-7; 119:89; I Cor. 13:8-10; II Pet. 1:3, 23-25; Rev. 22:18-19)
1.In the sixty-six canonical books (Ex. 20:1; Deut. 25:4; Isa. 45:18; Matt. 15:4-8; Lk. 10:7; 24:27; Acts 1:16; I Tim. 5:18; Rev. 1:10-11; 21:5)
2.In their original manuscripts
C.Divine Author: God-breathed (II Tim. 3:16-17; II Pet. 1:19-21)
D.Human vessels: God worked through differing personalities (Acts 1:16; 4:24-25; 28:25; II Tim. 3:16-17; II Pet. 1:19-21)
E.Perfect Word (II Pet. 1:3, 19; Rev. 22:18-19)
III.Interpretation/Illumination
A.Normal language (interpreted literally, grammatically, contextually, historically, and dispensationally) (II Pet. 1:20)
B.Compare Scripture with Scripture (Matt. 4:4, 7, 10)
C.Rely upon God’s Spirit to understand (Jn. 16:13; Rom. 1:21; I Cor. 2:6-16; Eph. 1:18; 4:18; I Jn. 2:20, 27)
D.Trying to add to or take away from will bring judgment (Deut. 4:2; 18:20; Rev. 22:18-19)
IV.Infallibility/Inerrant (Ps. 12:6; Pr. 30:5; Matt. 5:18; Lk. 16:17; Jn. 10:35; 17:17; Rom. 3:4; Titus 1:2)
Perfect God as its Source (Deut. 32:4; II Sam. 22:31; Ps. 18:30; Titus 1:2; Heb. 6:18)
Correct in every area it speaks on (doctrinally, historically, morally, archeologically, scientifically, prophetically, etc) (Gen. 3:15; Job 26:7; Ps. 22; Ecc. 1:6-7; Isa. 7:14; 45:1; Dan. 2:36-41; Micah 5:2; Rom. 8:22)
Promised protection of God (Ps. 12:6-7; 119:89; Matt. 5:18; I Pet. 1:23-25)
Always performs the purpose God sent for it to do (Matt. 5:18; Lk 16-17)
Fully trustworthy/ Sole authority for faith and practice (Deut. 4:2; Ps. 19:11; Isa. 8:20; Matt. 4:4; Jn. 5:39; 10:34-35; rom. 15:4; II Tim. 3:16; Heb. 1:1-2; 4:12)
Always profitable (Josh. 1:8; Rom. 1:16; II Tim. 3:16-17; Heb. 4:12; Rev. 1:3) (For doctrine, reproof, correction, instruction in righteousness, etc)
Theology Proper
I.Existence of God
A.As Creator (Gen. 1:31; Rev. 4:11)
B.As Image giver
1.Man’s image (Gen. 1:26-28, 31; 2:17; 9:6; Ecc. 3:21; 7:29; Rom. 5:15-19; James 3:9-10)
2.Moral choices (Gen. 3; Jer. 33:8; Rom. 3:23; 5:12, 17-19; I Tim. 2:14; James 1:13-15)
II.Attributes of God
A.Incommunicable attributes
1.Eternal (Isa. 57:15; Ps. 102:26-28)
2.Immutable (Ps. 33:11; Mal. 3:6; Heb. 1:12)
3.Omnipotent (Job 42:2; Ps. 18:14; Matt. 19:26)
4.Omniscient (I Sam. 2:3; Ps. 147:5)
5.Omnipresent (Ps. 139:7-9; Isa. 66:1; Jn. 14:23)
6.Self-existent (Isa. 40:18-26; Jn. 5:26)
7.Infinite (Ps. 139:7-12; Jer. 23:23-24)
B.Communicable attributes
1.Righteous (Gen. 18:25; II Tim. 4:8)
2.Just (Ps. 7:11; 97:2; Rom. 3:26)
3.Holy (Hab. 1:12; I Pet. 1:15-16)
4.Merciful (Deut. 5:10; Joel 2:13)
5.Good (Ps. 31:19; Lam. 3:25; Lk. 18-19)
6.Truthful (Ps. 25:10; Jer. 10:8-11)
7.Faithful (Ps. 89:33; I Cor. 10:13)
8.Loving (Jer. 31:3; Rom. 8:39)
9.Gracious (Ps. 86:15; 103:8; 145:8)
10.Longsuffering (Gal. 5:22; Eph. 4:2; Col. 1:1; 3:12; I Tim. 1:16; I Pet. 3:20; II Pet. 3:9, 15)
III.Trinity of God
A.God is Three
1.All called God (Father-I Cor. 8:6; Eph. 4:6) (Son-I Cor. 8:6; Phil. 2:5-6; Heb. 1:8) (Holy Spirit-Acts 5:3-4)
2.All have attributes of God (Father-Ps. 90:1-2; Lev. 20:26) (Son-Rev. 1:13-18; Lk. 1:35) (Holy Spirit-Heb. 4:19; II Pet. 1:21)
B.God is One (Shema) (Deut. 6:4; Mk. 12:29; I Cor. 8:4)
IV.Works of God
A.Creation (each took a part)
1.Father (Gen. 1:1, 31; Isa. 40:28; 42:5; 45:18; I Cor. 8:6)
2.Son (I Cor. 8:6; Eph. 3:9; Col. 1:16; Heb. 1:1-2)
3.Holy Spirit (Gen. 1:2; Ps. 104:30)
B.Sovereignty (Ex. 15:18; Ps. 10:16; 45:6; 76:10; 103:19; 115:3; I Tim. 1:17; Heb. 1:8; Rev. 1:6; 11:15; 19:6)
C.Salvation
1.Father (Rom. 3:24; 5:8; Eph. 1:4; Titus 1:2; I Pet. 1:20)
2.Son (Acts 13:39; I Pet. 3:18; I Jn. 2:1-2; 5:11-12)
3.Holy Spirit (Jn. 14:17; 16:8-11; Rom. 8:9-11; I Cor. 3:16; 12:13; Eph. 1:13; 4:30; I Pet. 3:18)
Christology
I.Person of Christ
A.Equal with God (Jn. 5:18; 8:58; 10:30; Phil. 2:6; Heb. 1:3)
B.Distinct from God (Son of God) (Matt. 3:17; 17:5; Mk. 9:7; Lk. 9:35; Jn. 1:18; 3:16, 18; I Jn. 4:9)
II.Deity of Christ
A.Same attributes as God
1.Eternal (Jn. 1:2; 8:58; Rev. 1:8, 17; 22:13)
2.Omnipresent (Matt. 18:20; 28:20; Jn. 3:13)
3.Omniscient (Jn. 1:48; 16:30; 21:17)
4.Omnipotent (Matt. 28:18; II Cor. 12:9; Phil. 2:9-11; 4:13)
B.Same acts as God
1.Creation (Eph. 3:9; Col. 1:16; Heb. 1:2)
2.Resurrection/Life (Matt. 9:18-26; Mk. 5:22-43; Lk 8:41-56; Jn. 11:25, 38-44; 14:6; I Cor. 15:12-26)
3.Forgiveness (Matt. 9:2, 6; Mk. 2:5-10; Lk. 5:20-24; Heb. 1:3; I Jn. 1:7)
4.Manifests God’s glory (Matt. 17:1-8; Mk. 9:2-8; Lk. 9:28-36; Jn. 1:14; Phil. 2:5-11; Heb. 1:3)
C.Accepted worship (Matt. 2:11; 15:9; Mk. 7:7; Jn. 5:23; Phil. 2:10-11; Heb. 1:6)
D.Claimed to be God (Mk. 2:27-28, 13:41; 26:63; Jn. 8:58, 10:30, 14:7-9, 23-24)
E.Acknowledged as God (Matt. 3:17, 16:16, 17:5; Mk. 9:7, 15:39; Lk. 4:41, 9:35; Jn. 1:1, 6:69, 11:27, 20:28; Rom. 9:5; Titus 2:13; Heb. 1:8; II Pet. 1:17; I Jn. 5:20)
III.Humanity of Christ
A.Same body as man
1.Physically born (Matt. 1:18-25; 13:55; Mk. 6:3; Lk. 1:26-35; 2:1-7; 4:22; Jn. 1:1, 2, 14; Phil. 2:7-8)
2.Physically grew (Lk. 2:7-8)
B.Same actions as man
1.Human characteristics (Matt. 4:2; 21:18; Lk. 2:40, 52; Jn. 2:13-17; 4:7; 11:5, 35; 13:1, 23; 19:28; Heb. 5:8; Rev. 1:5)
2.Human testing, yet without sin (Matt. 4:1-11; Mk. 1:12-13; Lk. 4:1-13; Heb. 4:15)
C.Claimed to be “Son of man” (Matt. 8:20; 9:6; 10:23; 11:19, 27; 12:8, 32, 40; 13:37, 41; 16:13, etc.)
D.Acknowledged as man (Matt. 8:27; 13:55; Mk. 6:3; 15:39; Lk. 4:22; 15:2)
IV.Incarnation of Christ
Sent by the Father (Matt. 10:40; Mk. 9:37; Lk. 4:18; 9:48; 10:16; Jn. 4:34; 5:24-57; 7:28-33; I Peter 1:19-20)
Virgin Birth (Matt. 1:18-25; Lk. 1:26-35; 2:1-7; Jn. 1:1, 2, 14; Phil. 2:7-8)
Fully God and Fully Man (Matt. 1:18-25; Lk. 1:35; Jn. 1:14; Phil. 2:5-8)
Sinless Life (Lk. 23:4, 14; Jn. 18:38; 19:4, 6; II Cor. 5:21; Heb. 4:15; I Pet. 2:21-24)
V.Ministries of Christ
A.Creation (Eph. 3:9; Col. 1:16; Heb. 1:2)
B.Salvation (Lk. 19:10; Jn. 3:16; 4:42; I Cor. 15:1-4; I Tim. 2:5; Heb. 5:1-2; 10:10-12; II Pet. 2:20; 3:18; I Jn. 2:2; 4:10, 14)
C.Preservation (Jn. 10:28-30; Phil. 1:6; Heb. 7:24-25; 8:6)
D.Intercessor (Jn. 17:9, 20; I Tim. 2:5; Heb. 7:24-25; 8:6; I Pet. 3:18; I Jn. 2:1)
E.Judgment (Jn. 5:22, 27; Acts 10:42; 17:31; Rom. 2:16; II Tim. 4:1, 8; I Pet. 4:5; Rev. 19:11)
Pneumatology
I.Person of the Holy Spirit
A.Possesses mind, will, and emotions (Isa. 63:10; Jn. 14:26; Acts 1:2; Eph. 4:30)
B.Capable of personal interaction (Isa. 63:10; Mk. 3:29; Jn. 14:26; Acts 1:2; 5:3-4; Rom. 8:26; Eph. 4:30)
C.Distinct from the Father and Son (Matt. 3:16-17; 28:19; Mk. 1:10-11; Lk. 4:1; 11:13; Jn. 1:32-34; 14:16; I Thess. 4:8)
II.Deity of the Holy Spirit
Acknowledged as God (Isa. 40:13; 61:1; Matt. 3:16; 28:19; Mk. 1:10; Jn. 1:32; Acts 5:3-4)
Attributes of God (also see point III) (Gen. 1:26; Ps. 139:7; Acts 1:8; I Cor. 2:10-11; Heb. 9:14; II Pet. 1:21)
III.Works of the Holy Spirit
Creation (Gen. 1:2; Job 26:13; 33:4; Ps. 104:30)
Virgin Birth of Christ (Matt. 1:18-25; Lk. 1:26-35)
Salvation
1.Conviction and Drawing (Jn. 16:8)
2.Regeneration (Jn. 3:5-6; Rom. 8:11)
3.Baptism into the body of Christ (Matt. 3:11; Mk. 1:8; Lk. 3:16; Jn. 1:33; I Cor. 12:13)
4.Indwelling (Gen. 41:38; Jn. 14:16-17; Rom. 8:9-11; I Cor. 3:16)
5.Preservation (II Cor. 1:22; Eph. 1:13; 4:30)
6.Assurance (Rom. 8:16)
D.Teaching (Ps. 119:18; Jn. 14:26; 16:13; I Cor. 2:13-15)
E.Comfort (Jn. 14:16-26; 15:26; 16:7)
F.Intercession (Rom. 8:26)
G.Filling (Empowering/Controlling) (Ex. 31:3; 35:31; Judg. 14:6 [all the judges]; Acts 2:4; 13:52; Rom. 8:4; 15:13, 19; I Cor. 12; Eph. 5:18) (“filling” translated “fulfilling”, Spirit only doing God’s will)
H.Inspiration and Illumination (Ps. 119:18; Acts 1:16; Eph. 3:5; II Pet. 1:21)
I.Holds back the evil of this world (II Thess. 2:7)
J.Glorifying the Father and Son (and does their will) (Jn. 16:14)
Soteriology
I believe that salvation is the miraculous work of God whereby sinful man is brought back into a right relationship with God.
I.What salvation did.
A.Substitutionary atonement. I believe that Christ was our substitute sacrifice for sin (Isa. 53; I Jn. 2:2). He (Christ) Who knew no sin became sin for us, that we (believers) might be made the righteousness of God (II Cor. 5:21).
B.Redemption. I believe that God bought man out of slavery to sin (Rom. 3:24). Believers still have the sin nature, but they do not have to sin (Rom. 6:6-7; I Jn. 2:1). Sin has no right to rule in our mortal bodies (Rom. 6:12, 14; Gal. 3:13; I Pet. 1:18-19).
C.Reconciliation. I believe that Christ’s death on the cross completely removed the stigma of sin, and clothed us in Christ’s righteousness. Therefore, when God looks at us, He sees us as righteous. With no sin to block our fellowship, we have complete access to God the Father (Rom. 5:10; II Cor. 5:18, 20; Col. 1:21; Heb. 4:16).
D.Propitiation (not expiation). I believe that God’s punishment of all our sins on His own Son completely satisfied God’s wrath (Isa. 53; Rom. 5:9; I Pet. 2:24). So that now there is no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus (Rom. 8:1). Though we can suffer the consequences of our sin, we will never be judged for our sins.
II.Results of salvation.
Justification. I believe that God, the Righteous Judge, has declared every believer as righteous (Lk. 18:14; Acts 13:39). Christ, by His death, removed the writing of ordinances against us (Col. 2:14). Because this righteousness is based upon God’s declaration, not our merit (Gal. 2:16; 3:11), we never have to worry about losing it (Rom. 3:20-28; 5:1, 16, 18; Eph. 2:13).
Judgment of sin nature. I believe that sin was completely judged at Calvary. God is holy (Lev. 11:44-45; 19:2; 20:7, 26; Isa. 6:3; I Pet. 1:16; Rev. 4:8). He must judge sin. But God is love (Eph. 2:4; I Jn. 4:7-16). This holy love drove God to completely punish the sin, while still loving the sinner (Rom. 5:8). On the cross, Christ declared Tetelasti (paid in full) (Jn. 19:30). Jesus paid it all.
End of the Law. I believe that the law no longer has power to condemn. The law was given not as a means to earn salvation, but as a means to show man his sinfulness (Gal. 3:11, 24). God demands perfection, and even one sin is enough to keep us from Heaven (I Pet. 1:16; James 2:10). By the deeds of the law shall no flesh be justified (Rom. 3:20). Christ’s death rent the veil in two, giving us access by faith to God Himself (Matt. 27:51; Mk. 15:38; Lk. 23:45; Heb. 4:16; 10:19-22). Freedom from the law is not freedom to sin (Rom. 6:1-7), but freedom to do right without the bondage to the flesh (Rom. 8:1).
Adoption. I believe that every believer is a full-fledged heir of God, with all the rights and privileges of a child of God (Titus 3:7). God switched us from the family of Satan to the family of God (Jn 8:44). Only believers are truly sons of God (Matt. 7:23). By salvation, He has given us power to be sons of God to all who believe on His name (Jn. 1:12).
Regeneration. I believe that new life in Christ enables believers to do what is right. Before salvation, everyone is dead in their sin, with no ability to do right (Eph. 2). Even our righteousness is filthy rags (Isa. 64:6). It is only when we are “born again” that we can do right. (Jn. 3:5; Eph. 2:5; 4:24; Col. 3:10; II Pet. 1:4)
Sanctification and Glorification. I believe that God sanctified us from sins penalty (Eph. 2:8; Titus 3:5), continues to sanctify us from sins power (Heb. 7:25), and will sanctify us from sin’s presence (Rom. 5:9-10). We are positionally holy in Christ, we are progressively being changed into His image, and one day we will be perfectly holy with Him.
III.Election.
Based on God’s sovereignty. I believe that God is completely sovereign. He has chosen some men to be saved (Rom. 8:29-30; Eph. 1:3-4). Christ said that He had lost none of them that the Father had given Him (Jn. 17:12). This does not mean that He has chosen to condemn others (as He is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance-II Pet. 3:9). Also, Christ said that if He were lifted up (on the cross) that He would draw all men unto Himself (Jn. 12:32; Acts 17:30).
Does not negate man’s responsibility (man’s will to choose). I believe that man has a will to choose, and is not relegated to Heaven or Hell regardless of his actions (shown in the 1,596 times the word “if” is used in the Bible). “Whosoever will” may come (Jn. 3:16-17; 4:13-14; 11:26; Acts 2:21; 10:43; Rom. 10:13, etc), and all those who do have been chosen from the foundation of the world (Rom. 8:29-30; Eph. 1:3-4, etc). This, as the Trinity, seems logically contradictory. But as both are taught in Scripture, we must not deny one in order to pacify our finite understanding.
IV.Extent of salvation.
Available to all. Christ died for the sins of the whole world (Jn. 3:16; I Jn. 2:2) even for those who denied that He had bought them (II Pet. 2:1).
Applicable to all those who, by faith and repentance (Eph. 2:8-9), accept this free gift (Rom. 6:23). Christ died for all, but not all will be saved. God is calling all men everywhere to repent (Acts 17:30).
V.Command to preach Gospel to all.
A.Our responsibility—faithfulness in proclamation. Our job is not to worry about whether someone is elect, but simply to obey God in telling all people (Matt. 28:19-20). We are the vehicle that God has chosen to get His Word out (the foolishness of preaching). Not even angels can do it. People must hear the Word if they are to believe (ex. Cornelius) (Rom. 10:14-17). We are commanded to go into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature (Mk. 16:15).
B.God is responsible to do the saving. Some plant, some water, but God gives the increase (I Cor. 3:7). Salvation (new birth) comes not from the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God (Jn. 1:13).
VI.How saved.
Conviction. Conviction is not man’s responsibility; it is God’s. Some plant, some water, but God gives the increase (I Cor. 3:6-7. We simply sow the seed, which is the Word of God (Mk. 4:14; Lk. 8:11). The Holy Spirit is the One Who convicts the world of sin, righteousness, and of judgment (Jn. 16:8). And His tool is the Word of God (Rom. 10:17).
Faith and Repentance. These two are never mutually exclusive. One must have both for salvation. By faith, we believe that Christ is the only Way of salvation (Jn. 14:6; Rom. 3:28; 5:1; Gal. 3:11; Eph. 2:8; Heb. 11:6). And by repentance, we act upon that belief in turning our will from our sin to God (Matt. 9:13; Lk. 13:3, 5). This is not a change of life (turning over a new leaf) as much as a change of the will. Being human, emotions will play a part. They can be a catalyst to repentance, but never the basis of it.
By grace and mercy (not by works). Salvation is completely the work of God. In grace, He lovingly blesses us with all spiritual blessings (Eph. 1:3). And every good gift comes from Him (James 1:17). This is done so that no man can boast (Eph. 2:8-9). As undeserving sinners, we deserve none of this grace (Rom. 3:10-12, 20, 23). It is this grace that leads men to repentance (Rom. 2:4). Without grace, there would be no salvation. Mercy is the flip side of the coin (Ps. 103). We deserve death in Hell (Rom. 6:23). But because of Christ’s vicarious death (Isa. 53), we will never be in condemnation (Rom. 8:1).
VII. Eternal security.
Kept by God the Father. God is the One Who planned this salvation before the foundation of the world (Eph. 1:4; I Pet. 1:20). God’s holiness will not allow Him to break a promise (Titus 1:2). God declared us righteous (Acts 13:39; Rom. 3:24); we did not earn it (Rom. 3:20; Titus 3:5). The only way to lose salvation would be if God changed His mind about it. And He will never go back on a promise. In addition, God’s promise is backed up by His omnipotent power (Ps. 115:3). Nothing can separate us from His love (Rom. 8:35-39). Anyone who wants to take away our salvation has to get through God and His Son to get us (Jn. 10:28-29).
Kept by God the Son. Jesus Christ is the One Who paid for this salvation. Christ’s death has paid for every sin (I Jn. 2:2). There is no sin left to take away our salvation. In addition, Christ prays for every one of His children. He is our Advocate (I Jn. 2:1). In order to deny us salvation, God the Father would have to deny the desires of God the Son.
Kept by God the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the One Who regenerates the believer (I Pet. 3:18). This eternal life comes from Him, so man is not responsible to keep it going (I Jn. 5:11). Secondly, the Spirit indwells every believer (Jn. 14:17; Rom. 8:11; I Cor. 3:16). He only dwells in clean vessels. And in order to lose salvation, sin would have to be powerful enough to kick Him out (and it is not). Third, the Spirit baptizes the believer into the body of Christ (I Cor. 12:13). As part of Christ’s body, the church, we have the promise of His protection (Col. 1:18, 24). The gates of Hell shall not prevail against it (Matt. 16:18). Finally, the Spirit seals believers until the day of redemption (Eph. 1:13; 4:30). He acts as the Divine engagement ring. And as spoken before, the omnipotent God always keeps His promises.
Anthropology
I.Creation of Man
A. Purpose of Creation
1.Fellowship with God (Gen. 3:8; 5:24; I Sam. 13:14; II Chr. 20:7; Acts 13:22; Eph. 2:13; James 2:23)
2.Glorification of God (I Cor. 10:31; Eph. 1:6, 12; 3:10; Phil. 1:11; 2:11; Col. 1:16; Rev. 4:11)
B.Mode of Creation (Gen. 1:26-27; 2:7, 21-22; 5:1-2)
C.Pattern of Creation
1.Image of God (Gen. 1:26-28; 9:6; Ecc. 3:21; James 3:9-10)
2.Innocence (Gen. 1:31; 2:17; Ecc. 7:29; Rom. 5:15-19)
II.Fall of man
Man’s personal choice (Gen. 3; Jer. 33:8; Rom. 3:23; 5:12, 17-19; I Tim. 2:14; James 1:13-15)
Marred image of God (Gen. 9:6; I Cor. 11:7; James 3:9)
Extent of fall
1.Affects entire person (Ps. 51:5; Jn. 8:44; Eph. 2:1)
a.Mind (Rom. 1:28; 3:10-12; II Cor. 4:4; Eph. 4:17-19; I Tim. 4:2)
b.Will (Rom. 1:19-21; 3:10-12)
c.Emotions (Jer. 17:9; Eph. 2:3; 4:17-19)
2.Affects all actions (Job 15:14-16; Ps. 58:3; Ecc. 7:20; Isa. 64:6; Rom. 3:12, 23; 5:12; Eph. 2:3)
3.Affects creation (Rom. 8:21-22)
4.Affects relationship with God (Jn. 3:36; Rom. 3:23; Eph. 2:3, 11-12)
D.Brings death (Rom. 5:12-14)
1.Physical (Gen. 2:17; 3:19; 5; Heb. 9:27)
2.Spiritual (Gen. 3:8, 23-24; Rom. 6:23; Eph. 2:1, 5)
3.Eternal (Jn. 8:24; Rev. 20:14-15)
III.Redemption of Man
Perfect Savior (Gen. 3:15; Isa. 53; Rom. 5:15-21; I Cor. 15:45; II Cor. 5:21)
Personal Choice (whosoever) (Jn. 3:15-16, 36; 11:26; 12:46; Acts 10:43; Rom. 9:33; 10:11-13; I Jn. 5:1)
Results
1.Restoration of relationship (Isa. 53:5; Jn. 1:12; Rom. 3:25; I Jn. 2:2; 4:10; Eph. 2:13)
2.Image of God restored (I Cor. 15:49-54; II Cor. 3:18; Eph. 4:24; Col. 3:9-10)
3.Creation restored (Rev. 21:1)
4.God glorified (Eph. 1:6, 12; 3:10; Phil. 1:11; 2:11; Rev. 4:11)
Hamartiology
I.Definition of Sin—“lack of conformity to the moral law of God, either in act, disposition, or state.”-Strong
A.Types of Sin
1.Sins of omission (Dan. 5:23; James 4:17; Rom. 1:21)
2.Sins of commission (Rom. 1:32; 2:2)
B.Terms of Sin
1.Missing the mark (Ex. 20:20; Judg. 20:16; Prov. 8:36; 19:2)
2.Ruin (Gen. 3:5; 38:7; Judg. 11:27)
3.Transgression (+ rebellion) (I Kings 12:19; II Kings 3:5; Prov. 28:21; Isa. 1:2)
4.Iniquity and guilt (intentional and unintentional) (Lev. 4:13; 5:2-3; I Sam. 3:13)
5.Wickedness (opposite of righteous) (Ex. 2:13; Ps. 9:16; Prov. 15:9; Ezek. 18:23)
6.Wandering away (deliberately) (Lev. 4:2; Num. 15:22; Ps. 58:3; 119:21; Isa. 28:7; 53:6; Ezek. 44:10, 15)
7.Lawlessness (Matt. 13:41; 24:12; I Tim. 1:9)
8.Going astray (or be deceived) (Matt. 24:5-6; I Pet. 2:25; I Jn. 1:8; Rev. 12:9; 20:3, 8)
9.Falling away (Matt. 6:14; Rom. 5:15-20; II Cor. 5:19; Eph. 2:1; James 5:16)
II.Sources of sin
World (system) (Jn. 15:18-19; 17:14-16)
Flesh (Jer. 17:9; Matt. 15:19; Gal. 5:16-21)
Devil (Matt. 12:26; 13:19, 39; Jn. 8:44; 12:31)
III.Nature of sin
Manifested by God’s Law (Rom. 3:19-20; I Tim. 1:9-10)
Always against God (no matter who else it is against) (Num. 32:23; Ps. 51:4; Acts 5:3; Rom. 8:7; James 4:4)
1.His authority—as Lawgiver (Isa. 33:22; James 4:12; II Tim. 4:1; I Pet. 4:5)
2.His character—as Holy God (God is holy) (Lev. 11:44-45; 19:2; 20:7, 26; Hab. 1:13; I Pet. 1:16)
IV.Origin of sin
Satan and his angels (Matt. 25:41; II Pet. 2:4; Jude 6)
Man
1.By birth—corporately (Gen. 3: Job 15:14; Ps. 51:5; 58:3; Rom. 5:12-21; Eph. 2:3)
2.By choice—individually (Gen. 6:5; Jer. 17:9; Ecc. 9:3; Matt. 15:18-19; Mk. 7:21-22; Rom. 3:9-18; James 3:2)
C.Exception—Jesus Christ (Lk. 23:4, 14; Jn. 18:38; 19:4, 6; II Cor. 5:21; Heb. 4:15; I Pet. 2:21-24)
V.Consequences of sin
A.Wrath of God—enemies of God (Ps. 68:21; Jn. 3:36; Rom. 1:18; 2:5; 5:8-10; Eph. 5:6; Col. 3:6)
B.Guilt (Lev. 5:17; Rom. 3:19; James 2:10)
C.Judgment (Ez. 7:26; Isa. 30:18; Rom. 1:32; 2:2-5; Rev. 14:7)
D.Death
1.Physical (Gen. 2:17; Ez. 18:4, 20; Matt. 10:28; Rom. 1:32)
2.Spiritual (Matt. 10:28)
3.Eternal (Dan. 12:2; Matt. 18:8; 25:46; II Th. 1:8-9; Rev. 14:11; 19:3)
Ecclesiology
I.Definition of the Church
A.Body of Christ: “Called out assembly” (II Cor. 6:14-18)
1.People, not building (Acts 2:47)
2.Universal (Eph. 3:10; Col. 1:18; Heb. 12:23)
3.Local (Acts 2:41-42; 12:5; 13:1; 15:4; 20:28; I Cor. 1:2; I Th. 1:2; James 5:14; I Pet. 5:13; Rev. 22:16)
B.Mystery of the Church
1.Not synonymous with Israel (Acts 15:13-21; Rom. 11:25; 16:25; I Cor. 10:32; Eph. 2:15; 3:1-11; 6:19; Col. 1:27; 3:11; 4:3)
2.Began at Pentacost (Matt. 16:18; Acts 2:1-4, 41, 47)
II.Offices of the Church
Pastor (Acts 20:17, 28; I Tim. 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9; Heb. 13:7; I Pet. 5:1-4)
Deacon (Acts 6:1-7; I Tim. 3:8-13; Phil. 1:1)
III.Ordinances of the Church
Baptism (Matt. 28:18-20; Mk. 16:16; Acts 8:36-40)
1.Symbolic, not salvific (Acts 2:41; 8:36-38; Titus 3:5)
2.Identifying as believers (Acts 2:38-41, 47; 10:47-48; Rom. 6:2; Eph. 1:22; 5:23-24; Col. 1:18, 24; 2:12; I Pet. 3:21)
3.By immersion (Mk. 1:10; Jn. 3:23; Acts 8:38)
B.Lord’s Supper (Matt. 26:26-28; Mk. 14:22-24; Lk. 22:17-20; I Cor. 11:23-26)
1.Symbolic, not salvific (“this do in remembrance of me”) (see above)
2.Began at the Last Supper (see above)
3.Practiced by the Church (Acts 2:42, 46; I Cor. 11:23-26)
IV.Purpose of the Church
A.Glorification of God (primary) (Rom. 15:6, 9; Eph. 1:4-6, 12, 14, 18; 3:10, 21; Col. 1:18; II Thes. 1:12; I Pet. 4:11)
Done through…
Worship of God (Ps. 107:2; Eph. 1:4-6; Phil. 3:3; Heb. 10:25; Rev. 14:7; 15:4; 22:9)
Evangelization of the lost (Matt. 28:18-20; Mk. 16:15; Lk. 24:46-48; Jn. 20:21; Acts 1:8; 5:42; 6:5-8; 8:4; 15:7; II Cor. 5:11; Eph. 3:8)
Discipleship/Edification of believers (Matt. 28:18-20; Acts 19:9; Eph. 4:11-16; 5:25-27; Col. 1:28; II Tim. 2:2; II Pet. 3:18)
V.Baptist beliefs
A.Bible as the only rule of faith and practice (II Tim. 3:16-17; II Pet. 1:3)
B.Autonomy of the local church (Acts 13:1-3; I Cor. 5:4-5)
C.Priesthood of the believer (I Pet. 2:9; Rev. 1:6)
D.Two Offices (see above)
E.Individual Soul Liberty (Rom. 14:5, 12; II Cor. 4:2; Titus 1:9)
F.Saved and Baptized Membership (Acts 2:41, 47; Rom. 6:2; I Cor. 1:2; Eph. 1:22; 5:23-24; Col. 1:18, 24; 2:12; I Pet. 3:21)
G.Two Ordinances (see above)
VI.Purity of the Church
From world (system) (II Cor. 6:14-7:1; Eph. 5:11; Titus 2:11-14; I Jn. 2:15-17)
From false teachers (Matt. 7:15-20; Acts 20:28-30; Rom. 12:1, 2; I Cor. 5:9-13; II Cor. 6:14-7:1; Gal. 1:8-9; I Tim. 1:3-7; I Jn. 2:15-17; II Jn. 9-11)
From disobedient brethren and practices (with the goal of restoration) (Matt. 18:15-18; I Cor. 5:1-5; Rom. 16:17-18; I Tim. 5:19-20)
To reflect Christ’s holiness (Rom. 12:1, 2; II Cor. 7:1; Heb. 12:14; Titus 2:11-14; I Jn. 3:1-10)
Angelology
I.Creation of Angels
A.Innumerable company (II Kings 6:16-17; Matt. 26:53; Heb. 12:22; Rev. 5:11)
B.Created by God (Neh. 9:6; Ps. 148:2-5; Ez. 28:15; Mk. 8:38; Col. 1:15-17)
C.Created as spirit beings (but can take bodily form) (Gen. 18:2, 8, 22; 19:1, 10; Num. 22:31; II Kings 6:17; Ps. 104:4; Lk. 24:4, 37-39; Heb. 1:7, 14; 13:2)
D.Created holy (Gen. 1:31; Ez. 28:15; Matt. 25:31; Mk. 8:38; Jude 6)
E.Created to serve God (Ps. 103:20; 104:4; Matt. 4:11; I Pet. 3:22; Heb. 1:7, 14)
II.Nature of Angels
Have a personality (II Sam. 14:20; Lk. 1:19, 26)
Have ability to choose (II Pet. 2:4; Jude 6)
Superior to humans (in power and intelligence) (Gen. 3:24; Ps. 103:20; Ez. 28:12-15; Dan. 10:13; Matt. 28:2-4; Eph. 6:12; Heb. 2:7, 9; II Pet. 2:9-11)
Cannot procreate (Matt. 22:28-30)
Cannot die physically (Lk. 20:36)
III.Types of Angels
Cherubim (Gen. 3:24; II Sam. 22:11; Ps. 18:10; 99:1; Isa. 37:16; Ez. 28:14; Heb. 9:5)
Seraphim (Isa. 6:2, 6)
Michael: the Archangel (Dan. 10:13, 21; 12:1; I Thes. 4:16; Jude 9; Rev. 12:7)
Gabriel: the Messenger (Dan. 8:16; 9:21; Lk. 1:19-26)
IV.Fall of Angels
Created holy (Gen. 1:31; Ez. 28:15; Matt. 25:31; Mk. 8:38; Jude 6)
Chose to rebel against God (followed Satan) (Isa. 14:12-14; Ez. 28:12-19; II Pet. 2:4; Jude 6; Rev. 12:9)
V.Holy Angels: followed God, not Satan (Mk. 8:38; I Tim. 5:21)
A.Ministry to God
1.Praise God (worship) (Neh. 9:6; Ps. 29:1; 103:20; Isa. 6:2-3; Lk. 2:13-14; Heb. 1:6; Rev. 5:11-12)
2.Purpose: serve God (minister) (Ps. 103:20; Matt. 4:11; 24:31; I Pet. 3:22; Heb. 1:7)
B.Ministry to people
1.Proclaiming of God’s Word (messenger) (Ps. 103:20; Dan. 12:1; Matt. 1:20-25; 28:2-7; Lk. 1:11-13, 26-38; 2:8-12; book of Rev. e.g. Rev. 14:6)
2.Protecting God’s children (Ex. 33:2; II Kings 6:16-17; Ps. 34:7; 91:11-13; Dan. 6:22; Heb. 1:14)
C.Fight against Satan and his angels (Dan. 10:12-13; Jude 9; Rev. 12:9-10)
VI.Fallen Angels: followed Satan, not God (Rev. 12:7)
Satan (Isa. 14:12-20; Ez. 28:12-19; I Pet. 5:8; Rev. 12:4-10)
1.Enemy of God (I Jn. 4:1-4; Rev. 12:7; 16:13-16)
2.Enemy of God’s people (Eph. 6:12; I Thes. 3:5; James 4:7; I Pet. 5:8-9)
3.Thrown out of Heaven for prideful rebellion (Isa. 14:12-14; Ez. 28:12-19; Rev. 12:9)
4.Stole man’s authority over the earth (Gen. 1:26; Jn. 12:31; 14:30; 16:11; II Cor. 4:4; Eph. 2:2; Heb. 2:5-8; I Jn. 4:4)
5.Was defeated by Jesus Christ through salvation (Jn. 16:11; Rom. 16:20; Heb. 2:14-15; Col. 2:14-15)
Names of Satan
1.Devil (Matt. 4:1)
2.Satan (Matt. 4:10)
3.Murderer/Liar (Jn. 8:44)
4.Ruler of the world system (Jn. 12:31)
5.Evil one (Jn. 17:15)
6.Adversary (I Pet. 5:8)
7.Dragon/Serpent (Rev. 12:9)
8.Accuser of the brethren (Rev. 12:10)
C.Aid Satan in fight against God and His people (I Jn. 4:1-4; Rev. 12:7; 16:13-16)
D.Will be eternally punished in the Lake of Fire (Satan included) (Gen. 3:15; Isa. 14:12-17; Ez. 28:11-19; Matt. 25:41; II Pet. 2:4; Jude 6; Rev. 20:2-3, 10)
Eschatology
I.Rapture of the Church
A.Imminent (I Cor. 15:23-24, 51-53; I Thes. 1:10; 4:13-18; Rev. 3:10)
B.Pre-tribulational, Pre-millenial (see above)
C.Christ comes for His saints (I Cor. 15:20-24; 51-53; I Thes. 4:13-18; Rev. 3:10)
1.Dead in Christ rise first (Jn. 5:28-29; Rom. 8:10-11; I Cor. 15:35-50; II Cor. 4:14)
2.Living believers caught up with them
3.Will be with the Lord forever
D.Holy Spirit’s restraining of sin removed (not His presence) (Jn. 16:8; II Thes. 2:7)
E.Comfort to believers (not here for the coming judgment) (I Cor. 15:23-24; I Thes. 4:18; Rev. 3:10)
F.Catalyst to believers
1.Godly living (Titus 2:11-14)
2.Gospel witness (II Cor. 5:11)
II.Tribulation
Seventieth Week of Daniel (Dan. 9:24-27)
Literal seven years split into two parts (divided by the Abomination of Desolation—Dan. 9:27; 11:31; 12:11; Matt. 24:15; Mk. 13:14)
1.Tribulation
2.Great Tribulation (Matt. 24:21; Rev. 7:14)
C.God’s wrath (Isa. 26:21; Jer. 25:32-33; II Thes. 2:12; Rev. 6:15; 13:11-18)
1.Poured out on man’s sin
2.Poured out in three sets of seven judgments (seals, Rev. 6, 8; trumpets, Rev. 8-9; bowls, Rev. 16)
D.144,000 Jews sealed as evangelists (Rev. 7:4-8; 14:1-5)
E.Gospel is spread all over the world
1.Salvation of people from every kindred, tribe, people, and nation (Rev. 5:9; 14:6)
2.No salvation for those who have already heard (II Thes. 2:11)
III.Judgment Seat of Christ (I Cor. 3:11-15) and Marriage Supper of the Lamb (Rev. 19:7-9)
During the Tribulation on earth
Basis of Judgment
1.Not for sin (already judged on the cross) (Isa. 53:11; Jn. 19:30; Rom. 8:1)
2.For works done (rewards or loss of rewards) (I Cor. 3:11-15; II Cor. 5:10)
C.Bride of Christ
1.Church
2.Clean (clothed in Christ’s righteousness—imparted at salvation)
D.Lamb of God
1. Christ
2.Claiming the Bride that He paid for with His blood
IV.Battle of Armageddon (Rev. 19:11-21)
Second Coming of Christ
Christ defeats the Beast and his army
1.Comes as King of kings and Lord of lords
2.Believers come with Him only to watch
3.Defeats them by the Word of His mouth
4.Throws Beast and False Prophet into the Lake of Fire
V.Millenial Reign of Christ
A.Fulfillment of promise to Israel (Deut. 28:15-68; Jer. 31:31-34; Rom. 11:25-29)
1.Restoration of land
2.Christ reigning on the throne of David
B.Satan bound for one-thousand years (Rev. 20:1-3)
C.Christ reigns in absolute perfection (Isa. 11:1-16; 65:19-25; Ez. 36:33-38; Lk. 1:32-33; Rev. 20:1-8)
1.For a literal thousand years
2.Upon the throne of David
3.Saints rule with Him (Rev. 3:21; 5:10; 20:4-6)
D.Satan loosed at the end to mount the final rebellion (Rev. 20:3, 7-10)
1.Gathers all rebels against God
2.God defeats all by fire
VI.Great White Throne Judgment (Rev. 20:11-15)
Judgment of unbelievers (v. 12-13; Jn. 5:28-29)
Basis of judgment
1.Not to escape damnation (v. 15; 21:8; II Thes. 2:12)
2.To determine degree of punishment (v. 12-13)
C.Second Death: Death and Hell cast into the Lake of Fire (Rev. 20:14; 21:8)
D.At the end, God finally wipes away all tears (Rev. 21:4)
VII. New Heaven and New Earth (Rev. 21:1-3)
VIII. Eternity
Believers: eternal fellowship with God in new Heaven and Earth (Dan. 12:2; Matt. 25:46; Jn. 5:28-29; 6:39; Rev. 21:2-3)
Unbelievers: eternal separation from God in the Lake of Fire (Dan. 12:2; Matt. 25:41, 46; Mk. 9:43-48; Jn. 5:28-29; II Thes. 1:9; Rev. 14:10-11; 20:10, 15; 21:8)
