| What We Believe...
Historic, biblical Christianity is defined by a short list of core doctrines that come directly from the Bible.
1. We believe that God is eternal--he always existed as God, and always will. He is all-powerful and created all things. He has revealed himself to humanity in three different "persons"...the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit...who are NOT separate entities, but together are the one and only true God. (We acknowledge that it's a mystery. But then again, should we expect that an eternal, all-powerful God, who can do all things, could be fully explainable in our limited human terms?) (For more on the Trinity, click here.) 2. Human beings--both male and female--are all creations of God, and were created to reflect His glory. That is why we are said to be made in "His image." But sin entered creation through the first man, and the problem contaminated everything, and has been with us ever since. It's a bad problem, bad enough to prevent us from ever being in relationship with a holy God. What's more, because of our sinful condition, we are all subject to God's judgment. What can be done about this...?
3. The solution to the problem is Jesus Christ, who is called the Son of God--not because he is a separate procreated being, but rather because he is God himself, who entered into the human experience by becoming a man...in order to live the perfect life we could not live, and to die on the cross to be the perfect and complete sacrifice to cover all of our sin and guilt. He did this out of his deep love for us, and as such, it is a gift--something we can receive only by faith...not by works, deeds, or righteousness of our own making.
4. The Holy Spirit is the spirit of God who dwells in those who receive him by faith. He works in us to draw us to himself, and causes us to grow in belief, obedience, and understanding of His great love for us; he empowers us to live lives that please him.
5. The Bible is God's only written word, and is inspired by Him, and is fully authoritative and reliable, and it is relevant to matters of faith, doctrine, and practice today. It is a vital part of how God speaks to us, as he reveals his unchanging and eternal truths through it.
6. Someday, this life and this world will draw to a close. When that happens, those who have trusted in Jesus for their salvation, whose sins are forgiven, will live in indescrible joy with God for all eternity (Heaven). Those who reject that gift of forgiveness and salvation, and who have gone their own way, following their own "god" of sorts, will tragically receive exactly what they thought they wanted--an eternity separated from the true God (Hell).
If you ever want to talk with someone about these things, we're more than happy to discuss them with you. Jesus is the most important thing there is to talk about. And He's our favorite subject. Call us: 435.723.6469 Email us: church@mscbc.org Or just stop by: Main Street Church
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