Christianity
Rembrandt – “The Return of the Prodigal Son
The Roman Catholic and Orthodox Christian Churches teach that God's forgiveness is received through personal repentance in conjunction with the ministry of the Church, that is, the Body of Christ. In these churches, and in some Anglican communities it is customary to make formal confession of sins individually in the presence of a priest, and to obtain absolution as a formal expression by the church of God's forgiveness.
Most Protestant denominations teach that a believer receives forgiveness more directly through a sincere expression of repentance to God, and that the believer completes this in the act of forgiving others (once they show themselves repentant). Protestant Low church denominations generally place more emphasis on the need for private or informal repentance, and less emphasis on the need for formal or public repentance. This is supported by the direction to confess to God, since he is the only one who can forgive sins. However, even Catholics and Orthodox Christians cite scriptural support for a mediated confession, a power Jesus conferred upon the apostles to act in his name: "Whoever's sins you forgive, they are forgiven them. Whoever's sins you retain, they have been retained."[8] Hence, the distinction that only God can forgive sins is cited by Catholics and Protestants alike.
It is taught by most denominations that the substitutionary sacrifice of Jesus via the crucifixion is the vehicle through which God forgives the believer of his or her sins. The sacrament of communion is regarded as central to the reception of divine forgiveness in some Christian denominations.
Narrative Christian Theology understands forgiveness, not as a rule or spiritual duty, but as a form by which the people of God embody their mission to live as a people who are reconciled to God. Since the Church's very existence is formed by God's forgiveness it operates as a people of forgiveness, forgiven and forgiving, inextricably tied to peacemaking and justice. Philip D. Kenneson, associate professor of theology and philosophy at Milligan College, writes in his book Life On The Vine, "God's intent was not that this one divine act of forgiveness [in Jesus Christ] would itself magically transform the creation into God's intended paradise. Rather, this supreme act of forgiveness in Christ is the very large rock dropped into the middle of a pond. ... [I]f I refuse such forgiveness [for others] in the name of justice, is it possible that my view of justice falls short of God's view, where justice, shalom, wholeness and salvation are not opposing goals, but different names for God's singular desire?" Which doesn't indicate what one should do with unrepentant sinners. The Gospel makes it plain what God himself will do with them.
When Christian forgiveness is discussed, it is primarily within the context of God forgiving man. In his book Balancing the Scales of Justice with Forgiveness and Repentance, ex-lay prison minister Randall J. Cecrle makes the point that both forgiveness and repentance focus on the satisfaction of justice, each one side of the two-sided scales that addresses the human need to have justice satisfied. He writes that the means for humans to forgive other humans is the same means as God’s forgiveness of mankind, the substitutionary death of Jesus. When God through the Apostle Paul said “Forgive as the Lord forgave you” (Colossians 3:13), he was giving clear instructions on how to forgive. The author goes on to say “Forgive as God forgave you. Forgive in the same way, using the same means and power that God used to forgive you and me. And God forgave you and me how? He forgave by accepting the blood of Jesus (death at the hands of the executioner) as the substitutionary satisfaction of His justice. To forgive those who have caused us harm, have injured us, caused us loss, we are likewise to: Accept Jesus’ Death as the Satisfaction of Justice!”
[edit] Hinduism
An even more authoritative statement about forgiveness is espoused by Krishna, who is considered to be an incarnation (avatar) of Vishnu by Hindus. Krishna said in the Gita that forgiveness is one of the characteristics of one born for a divine state. It is noteworthy that he distinguishes those good traits from those he considered to be demoniac, such as pride, self-conceit and anger (Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 16, verse 3).
Huston Smith in his book The World's Religions[9] says
"Enter Hinduism’s myths, her magnificent symbols, her several hundred images of God, her rituals that keep turning night and day like never ending prayer wheels. It is obtuse to confuse Hinduism’s images with idolatry, and their multiplicity with polytheism. They are 'runways' from which the sense-laden human spirit can rise for its "flight of the alone to the Alone".
[edit] Islam
Islam teaches that God (Allah in Arabic) is 'the most forgiving', and is the original source of all forgiveness. Forgiveness often requires the repentance of those being forgiven. Depending on the type of wrong committed, forgiveness can come either directly from Allah, or from one's fellow man whom received the wrong. In the case of divine forgiveness, the asking for divine forgiveness via repentance is important. In the case of human forgiveness, it is important to both forgive, and to be forgiven.[10]
The central and most sacred book of Islam: the Qur'an, teaches that there is only one error that Allah cannot forgive, the error of ascribing partners (or equals) to Allah. Islam ranks this error as a denial of monotheism, and therefore of the supreme nature of Allah himself (shirk).
God does not forgive idol worship (if maintained until death), and He forgives lesser offenses for whomever He wills. Anyone who idolizes any idol beside God has strayed far astray. (Qur'an 4:116)
But if he returns to God and pleads sincerely for forgiveness and abandons worshiping other than the one and only God, He will be forgiven.
The Qur'an never allows for violent behavior on the part of Muslim believers,[11] Unless in the case of defending one's religion, one's life or one's property. Outside of this, the Qu'ran makes no allowances for violent behavior. From time to time certain Muslims have interpreted such Qur'anic allowances for "defensive violence" to include what other Muslims have viewed more as unwarranted and overly aggressive violence. This interpretative debate about when to forgive and when to aggressively attack or defend continues to this day within the Muslim community.
The Qur'an makes it clear that, whenever possible, it is better to forgive another than to attack another. The Qur'an describes the believers (Muslims) as those who, avoid gross sins and vice, and when angered they forgive. (Qur'an 42:37) and says that Although the just requital for an injustice is an equivalent retribution, those who pardon and maintain righteousness are rewarded by GOD. He does not love the unjust. (Qur'an 42:40).
To receive forgiveness from God there are three requirements:
1. Recognizing the offense itself and its admission before God.
2. Making a commitment not to repeat the offense.
3. Asking for forgiveness from God.
If the offense was committed against another human being, or against society, a fourth condition is added:
1. Recognizing the offense before those against whom offense was committed and before God.
2. Committing oneself not to repeat the offense.
3. Doing whatever needs to be done to rectify the offense (within reason) and asking pardon of the offended party.
4. Asking God for forgiveness.
There are no particular words to say for asking forgiveness. However, Muslims are taught many phrases and words to keep repeating daily asking God's forgiveness. For example:
* Astaghfiru-Allah, "I ask forgiveness from Allah"
* Subhanaka-Allah humma wa bi hamdika wa ash-hadu al la Ilaha illa Anta astaghfiruka wa atubu ilayk, "Glory be to You, Allah, and with You Praise (thanks) and I bear witness that there is no deity but You, I ask Your forgiveness and I return to You (in obedience)".
Islamic teaching presents the prophet Muhammad as an example of someone who would forgive others for their ignorance, even those who might have once considered themselves to be his enemies. One example of Muhammad's practice of forgiveness can be found in the Hadith, the body of early Islamic literature about the life of Muhammad. This account is as follows:
The Prophet (may peace be upon him) was the most forgiving person. He was ever ready to forgive his enemies. When he went to Ta’if to preach the message of Allah, its people mistreated him, abused him and hit him with stones. He left the city humiliated and wounded. When he took shelter under a tree, the angel of Allah visited him and told him that Allah sent him to destroy the people of Ta’if because of their sin of maltreating their Prophet. Muhammad (may peace be upon him) prayed to Allah to save the people of Ta'if, because what they did was out of their ignorance.[12]
Showing posts with label christianity. Show all posts
Showing posts with label christianity. Show all posts
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Saturday, April 18, 2009
The Failure of the Christian Church
The Failure of the Christian Church
Christianity is supposed to be the representative of Jesus who taught love, forgiveness, sacrifice, unity, and humility. Though that may be true to a large extent, Christianity has demonstrated an ability to overlook many of its professed virtues and allow denominational fragmentation to weaken it. Unfortunately, because of doctrinal "refining" on the non-essentials, a desire to be comfortable, and and increase in apathy, the American church has, in many respects, become weakened. It spends too much time splitting doctrinal hairs. Too often Christians hide in churches designed to keep its members comfortable and safe. While the world is going to hell while, we are playing the "religion game", as we fragment and abandon self sacrifice for comfort.
I am not saying that doctrinal purity is unimportant. It most certainly is. Without proper understanding of who God is, what He has done, and what we must do, we would all be damned. Our salvation depends on who Jesus is and what He did which is why we need to know its truth. Therefore, as Christians, we should separate ourselves from the false doctrines that make powerless the saving truth of Christ's sacrifice. We should separate ourselves from false teachers and false doctrines, not from each other. In the non-essentials we need to remain united as much as possible so that we can fight the enemies of the gospel, not fellow Christians.
I recognize that denominations, to a small degree, are necessary and will never go away. But comfort and "doctrinal purity" have robbed the Church of much of its power. Where the early Christians had to rely on God for their every need, today creature-comforts and drive-through churches have made us complacent and sluggish to the call of God to make disciples of every nation. We are comfortable in America where we have the best of everything and only need to put on credit what our whims demand and thereby avoid the dependence upon God for our needs; this makes faith in God less of a pressing need. We have become distracted and the church is showing signs of spiritual apathy. We have our VCRs, air-conditioning, remote controls, and fast food. We have churches with central air, great sound systems, well educated preachers, plush pews, and fine-tuned choirs, pianos, and organs. We are blessed with committees, plans, and money. In fact, we have so many churches we are guaranteed we can find one to suit any whim or preference. And all too often the messages are pleasant and don't make our hearts ache for the lost or our Lord.
The medicine of doctrinal purity can become a plague when it unnecessarily divides that which has been made Holy by Christ's blood. We must be careful not to sacrifice people on the altar of doctrinal purity when the doctrines are as simple as music style, or whether or not to wear makeup, etc. We must not politely and lovingly expel fellow believers from our churches and bless them on the way out because they baptize by immersion or don't, or speak in tongues or don't, or believe in pretrib or don't, etc. Hurt and confused, many injured Christians wander the spiritual landscape looking for a safe haven only to fall prey to false teachers or the seductive call of the world. Yes, we need doctrinal purity and we may even need to die for it one day, but doctrinal purity worth dying for is in the essentials, not in the non-essentials. Confessions and creeds are not our bread and wine. We should not sacrifice the blessing of unity for the minutia of purity. But some will say, "These doctrines are important and our church has the truth." Perhaps. But Jesus said the world would know we were His disciples by the love we have for one another, not the purity of our doctrine.
And what does the world see in all this? Does it see a visible church full of sacrifice, full of love, or full of people who consider others more important than themselves? No. It sees polished televangelists with perfect hair and smiles pulling the wool over the eyes of countless thousands of gullible people as they ask for money. It sees the hypocrisy of moral uprightness proclaimed proudly in word and contradicted in deed. It sees a denominationally fragmented church that cant even clean its own house.
And what's more, the church has all but stopped its public proclamation against sin. It has begun to believe the lie that the church is weak and powerless to stop the momentum of social decay. It flounders when faced with immorality and stumbles instead of standing strong against sin!
What are the consequences of this?
We see the effects in the rise of the cults like Mormonism and Jehovah's Witnesses who have millions of followers going door to door faithfully and consistently spreading their damning doctrines. Where are the Christians who oppose them? Where is the church? Is it supporting the efforts to stop this spread of lies? Is it uniting behind a common cause? No! It leaves the work to the weary and small who have a burden and who spend their efforts in a constant and mostly frustrating battle for the truth. The church pats them on the back and says, "God bless. Go in peace" but leaves the depleted warriors to fend for themselves.
We see consequences in the educational system with the rise of humanistic philosophy. Purely secular agendas are being taught on moral, political, and social levels in schools. Homosexuality, relativism, values clarification, and "ethical cleansing" are wiping the minds of the youth clear of Christian values. The children sit and listen while we go to church and talk about hymnals, the organ, and the color of carpet. May God have mercy on us.
Society needs not concern itself with the musings of our people because its conscience cannot be pricked when so many of the bickering failures of Christianity speak louder than our words. Society is little affected by the gospel. The secularist does not need to be wary of the church that sits idly by and pampers its members and does not encourage them to take risks for the gospel. The secular world is free to mock the truth, chip away at our freedoms, and claim more and more converts for itself. It is safe from Christianity. But is Christianity safe from it?
What Should We Do?
First of all, we need to confess our sins to our Lord and repent from them. We need to recognize our sinfulness of apathy, pride, gossip, and any idols of 'doctrinal purity' that are so divisive. We need to forsake them, and drop to our knees, pray, confess, forgive, and go on. We need to recognize that we must be united to be strong. But we must do this without compromising the gospel of truth (1 Cor. 15:1-4; Rom. 5:1). The enemy wants us fragmented, not God.
Second, we need to recognize the Great Commission as something more than a recommendation from Jesus. It is not an option. It is a command. Jesus said, "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations . . . " (Matt. 28:18). Are we being fishers of men or keepers of the aquarium? Are we being obedient or comfortable?
Third, we need to work together as much as possible to bring the gospel of truth to the lost. This will require sacrifice, prayer, humility, and risk. We cannot easily undo the great fragmentation of the body of Christ, but we can cross the denominational boundaries by focusing on that which unites us in the faith: Jesus is God in flesh (Trinity), salvation by grace through faith alone, the atonement, and forgiveness of sins in Jesus' shed blood. We need to look at the essentials and let the gospel of God change the hearts of people.
Fourth, we need to use whatever gifts the Lord has given us for the increase of His kingdom. Whether it is praying for the lost and for the workers in Christ, or helping support financially, teaching the body, doing works of administration, or whatever gift you have, use it for the glory of God. Give it to Him and ask Him to bless you by letting you use your gifts and then do it! And don't be afraid to fail.
Conclusion
God is a God of forgiveness, love, and power. He has forgiven us of our sins and continues to do that by His awesome Grace (1 John 1:9). He loves us deeply and wants to commune with us and enjoy our presence through Jesus (1 Cor. 1:9). And, His gospel is powerful, able to save the lost from their sins (Rom. 1:16) and change this world. Pray for the work of God in your life and in the lives of others. Make a strong effort to support and spread the gospel. Intercede prayerfully to the Father on behalf of the church that preaches, and the lost that need to hear. Humble yourselves before God and men. Don't remain comfortable. Take a risk. Trust God and go!
Friday, April 17, 2009
A Theological Test
Do you know your doctrine? If you are interested, you can take a little theological test. Following are 20 basic Christian Doctrine questions. All you need to do is write down the answers to the questions, and when you are done, click on the Answers Page at the end of this test and find out how you did. Of course, there are a lot more questions that could be asked, but these will serve as a sample.
Also, some of the questions deal with essential doctrines. In other words, if you deny them, then you are not a Christian. Do you know which ones are essentials?
| 1. How many Gods are there in the universe? | |||||||||||||||||
| A. | One | B. | Two | C. | Three | D. | Many | ||||||||||
| 2. The Trinity is . . . | ||||||||||||||||||||
| A. | Three separate Gods | B. | One God who took 3 consecutive forms | C. | One God in three persons | D. | A completely false doctrine | |||||||||||||
| 3. Jesus is . . . | |||||||||||||||||||||
| A. | God in flesh | B. | An angel who became a man | C. | A good man | D. | A great prophet | ||||||||||||||
| 4. How many natures does Jesus have? | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| A. | One | B. | Two | C. | Three | D. | More | |||||||||||||||
| 5. The Holy Spirit is . . . | |||||||||||||||||||
| A. | An invisible force like radar | B. | A divine spark in all of us | C. | Third person in the Trinity | D. | A god | ||||||||||||
| 6. Sin is . . . | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| A. | There is no sin | B. | A misinterpretation of reality | C. | A state of mind | D. | Breaking God's Law | |||||||||||||||
| 7. Human nature is basically. . . | |||||||||||||||||||||
| A. | Good | B. | Sinful | C. | Neutral | D. | Divine | ||||||||||||||
| 8. In what manner did Jesus rise from the dead? | |||||||||||||||||||||
| A. | As a spirit | B. | In the same body he died in | C. | He did not rise from the dead | D. | The disciples made up the resurrection story | ||||||||||||||
| 9. Hell is . . . | ||||||||||||||||||||
| A. | Right here on earth | B. | A state of mind | C. | A place of eternal fire and torment | D. | There is no hell | |||||||||||||
| 10. Heaven is . . . | |||||||||||||||||||||
| A. | Right here on earth | B. | A state of mind | C. | A place of eternal joy and peace with God | D. | There is no heaven | ||||||||||||||
| 11. Salvation is . . . | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| A. | A condition of mental awareness | B. | Within our own essence | C. | Universal resurrection | D. | Deliverance from the eternal consequence of sin: damnation | |||||||||||||||
| 12. Salvation is attained by . . . | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| A. | Grace through faith after all you can do | B. | Grace through faith | C. | A state of your mind | D. | Obeying all of God's laws | |||||||||||||||
| 13. The Devil is . . . | |||||||||||||||||||||
| A. | An equal and opposing force to God | B. | Not real | C. | A figment of people's minds | D. | An angel who rebelled against God | ||||||||||||||
| 14. The Bible is . . . | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| A. | The inspired word of God | B. | A nice history book | C. | Full of contradictions and errors | D. | A story book of metaphors | ||||||||||||||||
| 15. The Rapture is . . . | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| A. | A serious head rush | B. | A New Age meditation philosophy | C. | The catching up of God's people into the sky at Jesus' return. | D. | An Old Testament Jewish feast | ||||||||||||||||
| 16. Adam and Eve . . . | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| A. | Were the first man and woman created by God | B. | We're evolutionary representatives of homo sapiens | C. | Are mythological figures | D. | Never existed | |||||||||||||||
| 17. How many ways are there to God? | |||||||||||||||||||||
| A. | Just one. Through Jesus | B. | Many ways | C. | As many ways as there are people | D. | It depends on the religion | ||||||||||||||
| 18. When you die . . . | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| A. | You go to purgatory | B. | You go to heaven or hell | C. | You don't exist anymore | D. | You are reincarnated | |||||||||||||||||
| 19. Evolution . . . | |||||||||||||||||||||
| A. | Is how we got here | B. | Is not a viable option for Christians | C. | God used evolution to bring man into existence | D. | Proves there is no God | ||||||||||||||
| 20. Why did God create us? . . . | |||||||||||||||||||||
| A. | As an experiment | B. | He was bored | C. | To save us, love us, and have us love Him | D. | For pawns in his cosmic game | ||||||||||||||
The answers are in white so you cannot cheat :D <3
Highlight below this line to get the answers after your sure you are done quizzing. They are very detailed and filled with Bible truths and facts and examples
Have fun :)
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Answers to the Theological Test ::Below::
1. How many gods are there in the universe? A. One
The Bible clearly teaches that there is only one God in existence, anywhere, any time, any place.
* Isaiah 44:6 and 8 say, "Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and his redeemer the LORD of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God. . . 9Fear ye not, neither be afraid: have not I told thee from that time, and have declared it? ye are even my witnesses. Is there a God beside me? yea, there is no God; I know not any."
* See also, Isaiah 45:6; 14, 18, 21, 22.
2. The Trinity is . . . C. One God in three persons
God is a trinity. God is three simultaneous persons: The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Though there is no single verse that establishes the trinity, it is derived from many.
* There is only one God. Yet, the Father is called God (Phil. 1:2); Jesus is called God (John 1:1, 14; 8:58; Heb. 1:8); and the Holy Spirit is called God (Acts 5:3-4).
* See also trinity.
3. Jesus is. . . A. God in flesh
Jesus is the second person of the Trinity. He became a man in order to die on the cross.
* Col. 2:9, "For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.
* John 1:1, 14, "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. . ."
* See also, Heb. 1:8; Phil. 2;5-8; John 8:58 with Exodus 3:14; Zech. 12:10.
4. How many natures does Jesus have? B. Two
Jesus has two natures. He is both God and man.
* Col. 2:9 "For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.
* See also Phil. 2:5-8; John 8:58 with Exodus 3:14; Heb. 1:8 and Jesus' Two Natures
5. The Holy Spirit is . . . C. The third person in the Trinity
The Holy Spirit is a person like the Father and the Son. He is not a force like radar. He is not merely an energy presence. He is, like the Father and the Son, God.
* Acts 5:3-4"But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land? 4 While it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God."
* See also the Holy Spirit
6. Sin is . . . D. Breaking God's law
God has revealed His character and will in the Law. To sin is to offend God; it is to break His law.
* 1 John 3:4, Everyone who sins breaks the law; in fact, sin is lawlessness.
* See also Rom. 3:20; 4:15; 7:7-13; James 2:9; 1 John 5:17;
7. Human nature is basically . . . B. Sinful
The Bible reveals that we are sinners. Because Adam fell, we fell with him. We inherited his sinful nature. All of what we are, body, soul, spirit, mind, emotions, etc. is touched by sin.
* According to God's word, the sinner (the unsaved), cannot understand spiritual things (1 Cor. 2:14); is full of evil (Mark 7:21-23); does not seek for God (Rom. 3:11); is lawless, rebellious, unholy, and profane (1 Tim. 1:9), etc.
8. In what manner did Jesus rise from the dead? B. In the same body he died in.
Jesus rose from the dead in the same body that he died in. It retained His scars. Though His body was resurrected and glorified, but it was the same body.
* John 2:19-21, "Jesus answered them, 'Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days.' 20 The Jews replied, 'It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and you are going to raise it in three days?' 21 But the temple he had spoken of was his body."
* Luke 24:39, "Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have."
9. Hell is . . . C. A place of eternal fire and torment
Many think hell is a state of mind, right here on earth, or that it simply doesn't exist. It does. The Bible tells us about it.
* Mark 9:43, " 43 If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life maimed than with two hands to go into hell, where the fire never goes out."
* Rev. 14:11, "And the smoke of their torment rises for ever and ever. There is no rest day or night for those who worship the beast and his image, or for anyone who receives the mark of his name."
* See also, Luke 16:19-31; 2 Pet. 2:4; Matt. 22:13; Jude 6, 23; Rev. 21:8.
10..Heaven is . . . C. A place of eternal joy and peace with God.
Heaven is the dwelling place of God and of those who are saved through Jesus.
* Psalm 20:6, "Now I know that the LORD saves his anointed; he answers him from his holy heaven with the saving power of his right hand."
* John 14:2, "In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. "
* See also Psalm 102:19; 123:1; Matt. 5:34; 2 Cor. 12:3,4
11. Salvation is . . . D. Deliverance from the eternal consequence of sin: Damnation
Salvation is the act where God, through the atonement of Jesus, forgives a person of his sins. He is justified before God and saved from damnation.
* Rom. 5:1, "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ."
* Rom. 8:1, "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,
* See also, Matt. 1:21; Heb. 2:14, 15; Rom. 5:9; John 3:17.
12. Salvation is attained by. . . B. Grace through faith
Forgiveness of sins is not conditioned by anything that we do, but it is all a gift of God's grace through faith
* Eph. 2:8, "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith -- and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God."
* Rom. 6:23, "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."
* See also, John 3:14-18.
13. The Devil is . . . D. An angel who rebelled against God
The devil, also called Satan, was an angel who lifted himself in pride and rebelled against God. He is evil, wicked, a deceiver, and powerful.
* 2 Cor. 11:14, ". . . Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light . . ."
* John 8:44, "You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father's desire. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies."
* See also, Isaiah 14:12-20; Ezekiel 28:14-19
14. The Bible is . . . A. The inspired word of God.
The Bible is authored by God, through men. They were inspired. The original documents were without error or contradiction.
* 2 Tim. 3:16, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness. . . "
* See also, Rev. 22:19; Acts 17:11; and The Bible Page
15. The Rapture is . . . C. The catching up of God's people into the sky.
It may sound odd. But the rapture is when Jesus returns to gather His people. Those who are alive when this happens will not see death, but will be changed.
* 1 Thess. 4:16-17, "For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever."
* See also, 1 Cor. 15:51-53.
16. Adam and Eve . . . A. Were the first man and woman created by God
They were created by God, lived in the Garden of Eden, are our ancient parents.
* Gen. 2:20 - 21, "So the LORD God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep; and while he was sleeping, he took one of the man's ribs and closed up the place with flesh. 22Then the LORD God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man."
* See also, Gen. 1:26,27; Gen. 2:7; Rom. 5:12-14
17. How many ways are there to God? A. Just one. Through Jesus
Unlike other men who have existed, Jesus was God in flesh. He said He was the only way to God. there are no other ways other than Jesus.
* John 14:6, "Jesus answered, 'I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'"
* John 10:1, ""I tell you the truth, the man who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber."
* See also, Acts 4:12; Titus 3:5.
18. When you die . . . B. You go to heaven or hell
Death brings us face to face with eternity. For those in Christ, heaven is the destiny. For those who reject Him, eternal damnation is the result.
* Phil. 1:21-23, "For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. 22If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! 23I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far."
* 2 Cor. 5:8, "We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord."
* See also, Isaiah 59:2; 2 Thess. 1:9; Gen. 3:19; 1 Cor. 13:12
19. Evolution . . . B. Is not a viable option for Christians
Evolution is not the fact it is told to be. It is not consistent with the Bible. God created man; man did not evolve.
* Gen. 1:26, "Then God said, 'Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.'"
* Heb. 11:3, "By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God's command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible."
* See also, Col. 1:16,17; Psalm 104:30; Gen. 1-2; and The Evolution Page.
20. Why did God create us? C. To save us, love us, and have us love Him.
God's creation and our salvation were not just so we could live with Him. God desires fellowship and intimacy in a loving relationship with His people.
* 1 John 1:3, "We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ."
* Rev. 21:3, "And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, 'Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.'"
* See also, John 10:27-28; John 3:16; Phil. 2:1,2.
How did you do? Do you need to study more? Maybe you learned something here, or maybe even you disagree with something. If so, e-mail me and let me know.
As I mentioned at the beginning of this test, there are some essential doctrines that if you deny them, you are not a Christian. It is one thing to make a mistake, learn, and accept them. That is alright. It is quite another to refuse to believe them.
What are the essentials? Easy. The Bible tells us what they are. They are test questions number 3, 8, and 12.
* 3) Jesus is God in flesh;
* 8) Jesus rose from the dead in the same body he died in; and
* 12) Salvation, or the forgiveness of sins, is by grace through faith. You cannot add anything to Jesus' finished work.
There are many extremely important doctrines in the Bible: the Trinity, resurrection, forgiveness, the virgin birth, etc. But the Bible itself declares that these three are essential. If you deny any one of the three then you are not a Christian.
If you would like to know more about these essentials, then please see The Essential Doctrines of Christianity
Remember the words of Paul to Timothy: "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth" (2 Tim. 2:15).
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