NORMAL CHRISTIAN DOCTRINE EXPLAINED (Part 7)

Maybe you are a Christian, maybe not. There is so much information at the press of a button these days that it is important to know what is truth and what is not truth. In these series of blogs, we will present super basic beliefs that Chrisitans hold.

Message us with Questions!

We look for your discussion!

The language in Church can be hard to figure out if you don’t go a lot or are new… or even if you skip around churches. Here are some common terms and what they mean. What don’t you understand? How is the term difficult?

God: The only Almighty All-Knowing Eternal Creator of the Universe and Architect of life. Important because we are not the center of the universe and are not accidents of nature.  A personal God created us to know Him.  See Romans 1:20-21.

Grace: Undeserved divine favor and mercy. Important because we can neither earn our way into a relationship with God nor can we luck into it.  It is only because God divinely sets aside wrath for grace that we can be saved.  See Romans 5:8 and Ephesians 2:8.

Heaven: God’s home and the place promised to believers after Judgment Day. Important because we are created beings who have the opportunity to be with God forever where He is.  The afterlife exists and it is promised to be great beyond imagining. Revelation 21-22 is one such description.

Hell: The place of punishment for eternity where God is not. Important because those who do not accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior will not be in the presence of God.  Separation from God is the certainty.  Luke 16:19-31 is one such description.

Holy Spirit: God’s Spirit given to believers as a companion in life (some people say Holy Ghost… same thing). Important because Jesus did not leave us alone in life, but promised that God would be with believers.  The Holy Spirit guides, connects us with God, rebukes us, enhances our natural conscience, reminds us of Bible verses, helps us understand the Bible, and leads us to truth.  He is God.  See John 14:15-17.

Justification: The complete forgiveness Jesus offers because of His death on the cross. Important because we need complete forgiveness of our sins from Jesus.  We cannot do it on our own.  Forgiveness of sins is complete and total.  See Romans 5:1, 10:10, Titus 3:7)

Lord: In referring to Jesus… means that He is in control and directs one’s life. Important because obedience shows love and ties us in with the way of living Jesus taught.  A believer is not only ‘saved,’ but also lives a particular way under the rule of Jesus.  Luke 6:46.

Messiah: The title of Jesus meaning He is the One God promised to send to save us from our sins.  Same word as ‘Christ.’ Important because Jesus was not an accident, but The Plan.

Repent: Turning from sin, a choice not to sin the next time one is tempted. Important because we must recognize that we have sinned (missed the mark) and have been separated from God. Through sin we alienate ourselves from God and from other people. We have disobeyed God. We confess this freely and vow to turn from sin.  See Matthew 3:2 and Acts 2:38.

Righteousness: Acting in accord with God’s will, being good. Important because it really does matter how you live.  Your attitudes are important.  Your thought life is important.  We identify with Jesus and live His way and not any ‘ol way we want.  Righteousness is our complete goal and motivation.  See Psalm 1, 119:7, Habakkuk 2:4, Romans 14:17, 2 Timothy 2:22, 1 John 3:10.

Which of these terms challenges you?

TMB