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I
like this explanation, taken from The Summit Church of Plano's web site
several years ago.
What
we believe:
About God—God is the Creator and Ruler of
the universe. He has eternally existed in three persons: Father, the
Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three are co-equal and are one God.*
(Genesis 1:1,26,27; 3:22; Psalm 90:2; Matthew 28:19; 1
Peter 1:2; 2 Corinthians 13:14)
* Lauri's note: Many times in the
Bible, the original Hebrew word that is used for "God" acts as
both the plural and singular form—like "sheep" is used for both
the plural and singular form.
About man—Man is made in the
spiritual image of God, to be like Him in character. He is the
supreme object of God’s creation. Although man has tremendous
potential for good, he is marred by an attitude of disobedience toward
God, called sin. This attitude separates man from God.
(Genesis 1:27; Psalm 8:3-6; Isaiah 53:6a; Romans 3:23;
Isaiah 59:1,2)
About eternity—Man was created to exist
forever. He will either exist eternally separated from God by sin,
or in union 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 places of eternal
existence.
(John 3:16; John 2:25; 1 John 5:11-13; Romans 6:23;
Revelation 20:15; Matthew 8:11; Matthew 24:44)
About Jesus Christ—Jesus Christ is the 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 men by dying on a cross. He arose from the dead after three days
to demonstrate His power over sin and death. He ascended to Heaven's
glory and will return again to earth to reign as King of Kings, and Lord
of Lords.
(Matthew 1:22,23; Isaiah 9:6; John 1:1-5, 14:10-30; Hebrews
4:14,15; 1 Corinthians 15:3,4; Romans 1:3,4; Acts 1:9-11; 1 Timothy
6:14,15; Titus 2:13)
About salvation—Salvation is a gift from
God to man. Man can never make up for his sin by self-improvement or
good works. Only by trusting in Jesus Christ and what He
accomplished at the cross, as God's offer of forgiveness, can man be saved
from sin's penalty. Eternal life begins the moment one receives
Jesus Christ into his life by faith.
(Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8,9; John 14:6, 1:12; Titus 3:5;
Galatians 3:26; Romans 5:1)
About security of the believer—Because God
gives man eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ, the believer is
secure in the salvation for eternity. Salvation is maintained by the
grace and power of God, not by the self-effort of the Christian. It
is the grace and keeping power of God that gives this
security.
(John 10:29; 2 Timothy 1:12; Hebrews 7:25; 10:10,14; 1
Peter 1:3-5)
About the Holy Spirit—The Holy Spirit is
equal with the Father and the Son as God. He is present in the world
to make men aware of their need for Jesus Christ. He also lives in
every Christian from the moment of salvation. He provides the
Christian with power for living, understanding of spiritual truth, and
guidance in doing what is right. The Christian seeks to live under
His control daily.
(2 Corinthians 3:17; John 16:7-13, 14:16,17; Acts 1:8,2:4;
1 Corinthians 2:12, 3:16; Ephesians 1:13; Galatians 5:25; Ephesians 5:1)
About the Bible—The Bible is God's Word to
all men. It was written by human authors, under the supernatural
guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is the supreme source of truth for
Christian beliefs and living. Because it is inspired by God, it is
truth without any mixture of error.
(2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20,21; 2 Timothy 1:13; Psalm
119:105,160, 12:6; Proverbs 30:5)
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