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God: God is the creator and ruler of the universe. He has eternally existed in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three are co-equal and are one God. (Gen 1:1,26,27,3:22; Ps 90:2; Matt 28:19; 1 Pet 1-2; 2 Cor 13:14) |
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Jesus Christ: Jesus Christ is the only begotton 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 people by dying on a cross. God raised him from the dead after three days to demonstrate his power over sin and death. He went to heaven to be at God's right hand, and will return again someday to earth to reign as King of kings, and Lord of lords. (1 Cor 15:3-4; Rom 1:3-4; Acts 1:9-11; 1 Tim 6:14-15; Titus 2:13) |
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Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit is co-equal with the Father and the Son of God. He is present in the world to make all people aware of their need for Jesus Christ. He also dwells in every Christian from the moment of salvation. He provides the Christian with power for righteous and holy living, understanding of spiritual truth, and guidance in doing what is right. He gives every believer one or more spiritual gifts when they are saved. As Christians, we seek to live under His control (filling) daily. (2 Cor 3:17; Jn 16:7-13; Jn 14:16-17; Acts 1:8; 1 Cor 2:12, 3:16; Eph 1:13, 5:18; Gal 5:25) |
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Bible: The Bible, consisting of 29 books in the Old Testament and 27 books in the New Testament, is God's word to us. It was written by human authors under the supernatural guidance (superintendence) of the Holy Spirit. It is the complete and supreme source of truth for Christian beliefs and living. Because it is inspired by God in its original form, it is the truth without any mixture of human error. The writers of the Bible were not inerrent or infallible, but the original documents were. (2 Tim 3:16; 2 Pet 1:20-21; 2 Tim 1:13; Ps 119:105, 160, 12:6; Prov 30:5) |
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Human Nature: All people are created in the (spiritual) 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, all of us are marred by the attitude of disobedience (sin) toward God. This natural propensity towards sin and selfishness separates people from God and causes many problems in life. (Gen 1:27; Ps 8:3-6; Is 53:6a; Rom 3:23; Is 59:1-2) |
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Salvation: Salvation is God's free gift to us, but we must accept 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 in faith we are saved. Eternal life begins the moment one receives Jesus Christ into his or her life by faith. Eternal life is eternal; God's gift of salvation is forever. (Rom 5:1; 6:23; Eph 2:8-9; Jn 14:6; Titus 3:5; Gal 3:26) |
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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. (Jn 3:16; Rom 6:23; Rev 20:15) |