Your Faith Statement
Gary Waddell • Victory Ministries Middle Tennessee • 02/28/2020
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: (2 Tim 3:16)
Every word of God is pure: He is a shield unto them that put their trust in Him (Pro 30:5)
Most churches or “faith based groups” have a Faith Statement which will reveal to you what they believe, and Who they follow. It is actually an honest statement which one can read before they want to participate or fellowship with a certain group or church. A faith statement is an outline of what a particular church or denomination agrees to for their dispensation of God’s word. I feel that each of us should pay strict attention to a “religious organization’s” faith statement. It will reveal who they really are as well as their belief in the Almighty God.
There are usually many statements or items in a ‘statement of faith’ for any Christian group. Each entry of a statement of faith should be Biblical. The very first line should reveal their belief in God’s holy word, the Holy Bible. If any Christian group (followers of Christ) has doubt about the Bible, there is a big problem. If one doubts one part of the Bible, obviously they will doubt other books within God’s word. The Bible is the inerrant word of God. Simply put. No doubts. Every word of God is pure: He is a shield unto them that put their trust in Him (Pro 30:5).
The Bible is sixty-six books that have been assembled by over forty authors, over a period of over 1500 years, in three different languages from several different countries. Even though it was written in many variations, there is a harmony in God’s word that cannot be replicated in any other book written by man. It has been proven Scientifically, Archaeologically, Historically, and more. It is a miraculous Book. No other book can even come close. The authors were not sitting in a room at the same time and at the same place. The odds of their writings being in agreement with each other is astronomical. The words of the Bible definitely were given by inspiration of God. Let’s just say, it is impossible to us with “finite” minds, it is an impossible accomplishment. There has been many attempts to destroy, minimize, remove, and damage, God’s word over the centuries. However, it remains. The Bible has changed the lives of countless people and has given hope to the hopeless, healing to the sick (physically and spiritually), and a peace to multitudes that search for rest and peace, especially peace with God.
The word “Faith” is used 247 times in the Bible (even twice in the Old Testament). The Bible tells us that the “just shall live by faith” (Rom 1:17) so “faith” is an extremely important word. It is essential. Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen (Heb 11:1). Jesus told Peter and His disciples: And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God (Mark 11:22). It sounds simple but it is of the utmost importance.
Below is a list of faith statements that should be included in all Christian Ministries – that is “a ministry of Christ followers”. Read them, study them, pray about them before you enter into fellowship with other followers of that particular ministry. Search the scriptures carefully to prove the statements.
• We hold that the Bible is the Holy word of God – free from errors – His word is “Pure.”
• God is One: Existing in 3 persons, God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Ghost.
• Jesus Christ (God in the flesh - John 1:1-3), the only begotten Son of God, is true man and God, and in His incarnation was conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. He lived a sinless life on earth, performed miracles, and willingly died on the cross as a payment for ‘man’s sins.’ By the power of God, He was raised from the dead in the same body now glorified. He ascended into Heaven where, at the right hand of God, He continually makes intercession for us as believers.
• The Holy Spirit (Holy Ghost) is co-equal with the Father and the Son; regenerates the
believing sinner; indwells, guides, and empowers the believer for Godly living and service;
comforts the children of God. The Holy Spirit guides and gives power to the church, the
body of Christ, to fulfill the Great Commission, and convicts the world of sin, righteousness
and judgment.
• Man was created in the image and likeness of God; but through the sin of Adam, man fell into sin and is therefore, lost and apart from Christ. Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. (John 3:3)
• Salvation is the gift of God and includes the forgiveness of sins, the imputation of the Righteousness of Jesus Christ, and the gift of eternal life. Union with the triune God provides all blessings in this life and the life hereafter. Salvation is received by “faith alone” apart from any or all good works and merit. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. (Eph 2:8-9)
• The ‘church’ is composed of all those regenerated by the Spirit of God by whom they have been baptized into one body of whom Christ is the Head. The purpose of the church is to witness concerning Jesus Christ according to the scriptures, and to preach the gospel among all nations.
• Jesus Christ will come again to receive unto Himself those who believe in Him, that where He is, we may be also. He will come again personally and visibly to establish His kingdom.
• The resurrection of the believers will be unto eternal glory, the resurrection of the unbelievers (such as those who reject Christ) will be unto eternal punishment.
• Although baptism will not save a person, it is an indicator that you desire an allegiance to Christ. We should never be ashamed of the One who has died for our sins. (Mark 8:38)
Study each of these statements and above all, pray about them. Again, let us examine ourselves to see if we are in the faith (2 Cor 13:5). Each one of us should have our ‘own statement of faith’ and we should bring it before God first. Time is ‘drawing nigh’ and we all need to draw nigh to God (James 4:8). All of us need to be about God’s business. Jesus said to Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature (Mark 16:15). That is one of His last commands to us but we must know where we stand before we can do this.
What is your statement of faith? I hope it aligns with God’s Word.
Thanks for "Taking 5" • Gary Waddell • iamnotashamed.com
Victory Ministries Middle Tennessee • God bless and bless GOD
