We May Look Good but We May Not Be Good
Many people want to be seen as “good Christians.” Following Jesus is not about looking good, but about being good. There’s only one way to be good.
Sovereign, holy, omniscient (all-knowing), omnipotent (all-powerful), omnipresent (all-present); creator of all that was created; righteous and just, but also full of grace and mercy; Father, first person of the Trinity.
Gen 1; Ps 19:1-3; Matt 28:19; John 5:26; Eph 2:1-10; Phil 2:13
Sovereign, holy, Messiah; fully God, fully man, God-incarnate; Son, second person of the Trinity; born of a virgin, atoned for sin, physically resurrected on the third day; living Word, God revealed to man.
Isa 7:14; Matt 1:18-23; 3:17; 28:19; Mark 16:1-7; John 1:1-14; 10:29-30; Heb 10:1-18
Sovereign, holy; Spirit, third person of the Trinity; searcher of man’s hearts; convicts of sin, empowers believers for kingdom work; gives comfort and guidance; regenerates man; directs sinners to Christ; illuminator of Scripture.
Isa 61:1-3; Matt 3:16; 28:19; Acts 1:8; 4:31; Rom 8:26-27
Inspired Word of God; inerrant, infallible; the written revelation of God and Christ; the only source of doctrine and faith; to be taught, preached, and proclaimed; I affirm The Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy.
Isa 55:11; 2 Tim 3:16-4:2; 2 Pet 1:20-21; 3:14-16
Created in God’s image, but tainted it through sin; depraved, unable to save himself in any way; fully dependent upon God for salvation; loved by God, created to honor, glorify, delight in, and worship God.
Gen 1:26-30; Ps 32:1-5; 37:4; Isa 6:5; Jer 15:16; John 3:16-18; Rom 3:10-23
Jesus’ blood shed for the forgiveness of sin; all who repent and put their faith in Christ are saved; salvation is by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone and not by works; gospel message to be proclaimed to all peoples.
Isa 64:6; Zech 3:1-5; Matt 24:14; Mark 16:1-7; John 3:16-18; Acts 4:8-12; Eph 2:1-10; Heb 10:1-18
Not salvific; one of two ordinances (cf. “Lord’s Supper”). Baptism is a testimony of one’s salvation, done by immersion, and for believers.
Matt 2:13-17; Mark 1:9-11; Luke3:21-22; Rom 6:1-11; Col 2:11-12
Not salvific; one of two ordinances (cf. “Baptism”). Communion is a remembrance of Jesus’ work on Calvary partaken by believers.
Matt 26:26-30; Mark 14:22-26; Luke 22:19-20; 1 Cor 11:23-29
Evangelism is the proclamation of the gospel of Christ; discipleship is growing more mature and closer in one’s personal relationship with God through Christ; both are critical aspects of a Christian’s life.
Matthew 9:37-38; 28:18-20; Luke 9:23; Acts 1:8; 2 Tim 2:2; 4:2
I also affirm the Baptist Faith & Message 2000.
If you have any questions regarding these beliefs or any other Christian doctrines, feel free to contact John.
