What we-believe

WHAT WEBELIEVEFoundations OfChristian Doctrine

SSomeone has said that the most important thingabout us is what we

believe about God. That is not an overstatement. Beliefsare at the root of everything we do. Those beliefs may beunexamined, illogical, andblindly tied to our desires. Butthey are constantly fueling andshaping what we do. This is whythe highest priority must begiven to what we believe andwhy. Nothing can shape humancharacter more than minds andhearts determined to think rightabout ourselves, our God, ourlives, and our relationships.

Martin R. De Haan II

Managing Editor: David Sper Cover Photo: SuperstockScripture quotations are from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by ThomasNelson, Inc. Used by permission.All rights reserved.© 1989,1996,2002 RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, Michigan Printed in USA

CONTENTS

Is Doctrine Keeping Us Apart? . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Ten Doctrines And Their Importance

God . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Christ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Holy Spirit . . . . . . . . . . 10

Bible . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Salvation . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Christian Living. . . . . . . 20

Church . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Family . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Spirit World . . . . . . . . . 26

Future . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Without Love We Are Nothing. . . . . . . . . 32

© RBC Ministries. All rights reserved.

IS DOCTRINEKEEPING USAPART?

TThe case againstdoctrine is growing. An increasing number

of people are coming to theconclusion that doctrine is the enemy of the church.Doctrine divides us. Itdestroys unity and separatesfamily members. It makes itdifficult for those who followChrist to set aside differencesand stand together incommon purposes ofevangelism, discipleship, and social concern. Doctrineis what distinguishes andbreaks followers of Christ intothousands of denominationsand subgroups.

For this reason, many are pointing out that whiledoctrine divides, love unites. The implication is that because Christ calledus to love one another, andbecause Christ Himself saidthat love would be the

distinguishing mark of Hispeople, we cannot afford tolet doctrine come between us. As the apostle Paul said, if we don’t have love we arelike a “clanging cymbal.”Without love we are nothingand what we do profitsnothing (1 Cor. 13:1-3).

We cannot afford to forget,however, that doctrine alsounites. Acceptance of thedoctrine of Christ is whatallows true believers in Christto find “family” all over theworld. Acceptance of thedoctrine of the grace of Godenables men and women of all ethnic backgrounds and cultural differences torecognize one another asbrothers and sisters who aresaved by grace through faithalone, in Christ alone.

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Doctrine divides.Love unites.


For the same reasons, lovedivides. Once we know thetruth about who Christ is andwhat He has done for us, itwould be selfish for us to actas though “we are all one”regardless of what we believeabout the doctrine of thegrace of God. It would beshortsighted to sacrifice thetruth for a false sense of unity,just so that we could standtogether in social or politicalconsensus.

It was love workingtogether with truth thatcaused the apostle Paul to write:

I marvel that you areturning away so soon from Him who called youin the grace of Christ, to adifferent gospel, which isnot another; but there aresome who trouble you andwant to pervert the gospelof Christ. But even if we, or an angel from heaven,preach any other gospel toyou than what we havepreached to you, let him

be accursed (Gal. 1:6-8).Paul knew that forgiveness

of sins, eternal life, andadoption into the family ofGod comes only by gracethrough faith alone, in Christalone. Any doctrine of humanmerit added to what Christdid for us could spell thedifference between everlastinglife and death. The gospel ofChrist makes it clear that youcannot mix faith and workswhen trusting God forforgiveness and salvation, or when trusting Him forenablement to live as Hischild.

Doctrine can be defined as “principles believed andtaught.” By definition, wecan’t have Christ withoutembracing a doctrine ofChrist. We need doctrine to

3

Doctrine unites.Love divides.


answer questions like: • Who is God? • What is He like? • Does He answer to

other names such asMuhammad andBuddha?

• Does He care what webelieve about Him?

• Would He send anyoneto hell for having awrong opinion?

• Once knowing Him, how are we to live?

This is why the apostlePaul, who was known for hislove, also wrote:

Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince,rebuke, exhort, with alllongsuffering and teaching.For the time will comewhen they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their owndesires, because they haveitching ears, they will heapup for themselves teachers;and they will turn their earsaway from the truth, and

be turned aside to fables (2 Tim. 4:2-4).Our generation is facing

the danger Paul wrote about. The spirit of the ageencourages us to acceptChrist without bringing usunder the lordship of thedoctrines of Christ. The

result is a growing lack ofdiscernment that makes usvulnerable to the “doctrines of demons” (1 Tim. 4:1).

For these reasons, we needfoundations of doctrine basednot on tradition but onScripture.

4

In Christ, truth is as essential

as love, and love is as essential

as truth.


TEN DOCTRINESAND THEIRIMPORTANCETHE DOCTRINE OF GOD

1. Q.Who is God?A. God is Yahweh, the

one (Dt. 6:4), ultimate (Ps.97:9; Isa. 40:12-31), eternalBeing (Ps. 90:2), who created(Gen. 1:1), rules (Ps. 115:3),and sustains all that exists(Job 38; Acts 17:24-28).

Countless religioussubstitutes divert worship to themselves. But there isonly one Creator and Savior.Because He alone gives life,He deserves our gratitude.Because every heartbeat andcircumstance is under Hiscontrol, He alone deserves

the trust that we habituallyplace in ourselves, our family,or our finances. Because Heis eternal, no one will outliveHim. Because He is the Lordof lords, He is the only one in the universe to whom wemust finally answer.2. Q. How do we knowthere is a God?

A. The wonders of naturewitness to His existence asCreator (Ps. 19:1-4). Theinner voice of our consciencetestifies to His existence asLawgiver and Judge (Rom.1:18-32; 2:12-16). And thelove of Christ reveals Hisexistence as Savior andFriend (Jn. 1:1-18; 15:15).

Because God has madeHimself self-evident, ourproblem is not so much toprove His existence as to stop ignoring it (Jn. 3:17-21).3. Q. How can wedefine or describe God?

A. God is the one andonly (Isa. 44:6), unchangeable(Jas. 1:17), invisible (Col.1:15), infinite (1 Ki. 8:27), and

5

GOD


perfect (Mt. 5:48) Spirit Being(Jn. 4:24). He is holy (1 Pet.1:15-16), loving (1 Jn. 4:8-16),and truthful in all that Hedoes (Jn. 3:33). He has livedfrom all eternity as one God in three distinct persons (Mt.28:19), and in the course oftime He visited us as God inthe flesh (Jn. 1:1-14).

He exists with or withoutour understanding. He can be described truthfully andadequately, but neverexhaustively. He is infinitelymore, and never less, than wehave yet known Him to be.4. Q.Where do we get the idea that God is one God in threepersons?

A. The Bible emphasizesthe unity of God (Dt. 6:4; Gal. 3:20; 1 Tim. 2:5; Jas.2:19), but it also describesHim as three distinctpersons—Father, Son, andHoly Spirit—all of whom are fully and equally God(Mt. 28:19; Acts 5:3-4; 2 Cor.13:14; Heb. 1:8; 1 Pet. 1:2).

5. Q.What do we meanwhen we say that God is infinite?

A. God is infinite in thatHe is unlimited (Lk. 1:37). He is unrestricted by time,space, or circumstance. He is eternally timeless (Ps. 90:2;Rev. 22:13), all-powerful (Mt. 19:26), all-knowing (Job 37:16), and everywhere-present (Ps. 139:7-12; Mt. 28:20). Yet He alwaysremains distinct from Hiscreation (Isa. 40:18-26). He is limited only in the sensethat He cannot do anythinginconsistent with His owngoodness (Ti. 1:2; Jas. 1:13).

This means He is vastlydifferent from the gods ofEastern mystics or Westernmaterialists. Their gods areeither so small and self-contradictory, or so secularand inclusive that theycannot be distinguished from cows, rats, scorpions,statues, or human thought.6. Q.What is thecomfort of believing

6


that this triune God is the Creator andSustainer of everything?

A. This assurance enablesus to be patient in trouble(Rom. 5:3-4; Jas. 1:2-4),thankful in prosperity (Phil.4:10-13), and joyful even inthe face of death (Rom. 8:28-39; 2 Cor. 4:7–5:9).

God is ultimately all thatwe need. While our tendencyis to seek satisfaction andsignificance in lesser personsor pursuits, God alone offersus lasting hope and life.

THE DOCTRINE OF CHRIST

1. Q.Who is JesusChrist?

A. Jesus Christ is the God-man who appeared on our

planet to reveal God (Jn. 1:1-14), to show us how to live (1 Jn. 2:6), and to rescue usfrom the guilt and power of sin (Rom. 6:1-14). He is Savior(Acts 4:12), Life (Jn. 14:6), andLord (Rom. 10:9,13) to all whoput their trust in Him.

Because of who He is and what He has done for us, Jesus deserves ourgenuine appreciation, ourdeepest affection, ourcomplete obedience, and our unconditional loyalty. 2. Q. How does theNew Testament affirmthat Jesus Christ wasgenuinely human?

A. The Lord Jesus wasborn of a woman (Gal. 4:4).He had a human body thatdeveloped mentally andphysically in the same waythat other children do (Lk.2:40,52). He became tired (Jn.4:6-8), hungry (Mt. 4:2), andthirsty (Jn. 19:28). He slept(Mt. 8:24). He wept (Jn.11:35). He was tested (Mt.4:1-11; Heb. 2:18; 4:15). He

7

CHRIST


felt anger and grief (Mk. 3:5),compassion (Mt. 9:36), andagony (Lk. 22:44).

Because He endured notonly what we endure but farmore, He understands andfeels what we are goingthrough. Because He lived as a real man, He showed ushow to depend on the HolySpirit for our every need. Hemodeled the way all of us candepend on God. 3. Q. How does theBible show that Jesuswas not only man butalso God?

A. The Bible explicitlystates that Jesus is God (Jn. 1:1; Rom. 9:5; 1 Tim. 3:16; Ti. 2:13; Heb. 1:8). Jesuspossesses attributes that onlyGod could have: eternality (Jn.8:58), omnipresence (Mt.18:20), omniscience (Jn.16:30), omnipotence (Rev.1:8), and immutability (Heb.1:12). Jesus does what onlyGod can do: forgives sin (Mk.2:1-12), gives life (Jn. 5:21),raises the dead (Jn. 6:39-

40,54; 11:38-44), and executesjudgment (Jn. 5:22,27). Jesuswas given names and titles ofdeity: Immanuel, meaning“God with us” (Mt. 1:23); Kingof kings and Lord of lords(Rev. 19:16); and Son of God(Mt. 26:63-65). Jesus Himselfclaimed to be God (Jn. 10:30;cp. v.33).

In saying that Jesus isGod, the Scriptures statemore than we could everunderstand. What remains isfor us to show by our actionsthat we believe in One whomwe can worship and serve,even though we can’t fullyunderstand Him.4. Q.Why did Jesus diea criminal’s death on aRoman cross?

A. Since hanging was atoken of supreme humiliation,the triune God decreed thatJesus Christ should die in thismanner to portray the factthat He bore God’s wrathagainst the sin of the wholehuman race (1 Jn. 2:2).Through this humiliating

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death, infinite in valuebecause of Christ’s deity, ourLord provided an atoningsacrifice (Isa. 53:4-5; Heb.9:26), satisfied God’s justice(Rom. 3:25), and bought ourforgiveness (Col. 1:14).

How can we repay Him?We cannot! We are eternallyindebted to Him. All we cando is show our love andgratitude by offering ourselvesand our service as a livingsacrifice (Rom. 12:1-2).5. Q. How important isChrist’s resurrection?

A. Through our Lord’sresurrection, God confirmedJesus as His Son (Rom. 1:4),showed His satisfaction withChrist’s sacrifice on our behalf(Rom. 4:25), affirmed Christ’spower to give life to thosewho trust Him (Rom. 8:11),and assured us who believeon Him that someday we toowill receive resurrectionbodies (1 Cor. 15:20-21).6. Q.Where is Jesusnow and what is Hedoing?

A. Jesus Christ ascendedto heaven 40 days after Hisresurrection where He hastaken a place of honor (Acts1:9; 2:33). He will remainthere until He returns to“catch up” the church (1 Th.4:13-18) and then later returnto the earth as King to judgethe world (Mt. 25:31-46) andrule for 1,000 years (Rev.19:11–20:6).

In the meantime, He ispreparing a place for us (Jn.14:3), interceding for us asour Advocate (Rom. 8:34; 1 Jn. 2:1), sympatheticallyresponding to our needs(Heb. 4:14-16), andfunctioning as the Head of the church (Eph. 5:23; Col. 1:18).

While one person can say to another, “What haveyou done for me lately?” such a question would reflect mindless ignorance or ingratitude if expressed toChrist. He constantly andeffectively works in ourbehalf.

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THE DOCTRINE OFTHE HOLY SPIRIT

1. Q.Who is the HolySpirit?

A. The Holy Spirit is thethird person of the Trinity,truly God and therefore co-equal with the Father and the Son (Mt. 28:19; Acts 5:3-4; 2 Cor. 13:14). Since He isspirit, He does not have to be seen or felt in order to beclose to us. Since He is holy,He must be met on “holyground.” This is why peoplewho have not separatedthemselves from sin lack theawareness of His presence. 2. Q.What were Hisroles as a member ofthe Godhead during theOld Testament era?

A. He acted with the

Father and Son in creation(Gen. 1:2), equipped peopleto do God’s service (Ex. 31:1-5; Num. 11:16-17), renewednature (Ps. 104:30), cameupon Israel’s kings (1 Sam.16:13), inspired Israel’sprophets and the men whowrote the Scriptures (1 Pet.1:10-12; 2 Pet. 1:21), andworked in the hearts ofpeople to lead them to believe God and do His will (Acts 7:51).

This shows how willing God is to providesupernatural strength to those who want to serve Him.Those who want to do God’swill don’t have to do it in their own power.3. Q.What is the HolySpirit’s relationship tothe church, the body ofChrist?

A. The Holy Spirit gavebirth to the church (Acts 2:1-47), baptizes believers intothe church (1 Cor. 12:13),abides in the church (1 Cor.3:16), unifies the church

10

HOLY SPIRIT


(Eph. 2:22; 4:3-4), gives giftsto the church (1 Cor. 12:4-11), provides leaders for thechurch (Acts 20:28), directsthe work of the church (Acts13:2), and uses the church tohold back or hinder evil in theworld (2 Th. 2:7).

Because the Holy Spiritindwells the people of Godboth individually andcollectively, the church shouldnot be thought of as a merelyhuman institution. It shouldnot be taken for granted. Itshould never be casuallydismissed or ignored. In manyways our actions toward thechurch are actions takentoward God (Acts 5:1-11).

4. Q.What does theHoly Spirit do for thosewho have not madepeace with God?

A. He draws attention to Christ (Jn. 16:13-14),empowers God’s messengers(1 Th. 1:5), brings convictionto sinners (Jn. 16:8-11), andproduces the new birth (Jn.3:5; Ti. 3:5).

For these reasons, noperson is too bad or toohardened to be converted toChrist. No person is so evilthat he cannot be saved. Thepurpose of God has neverbeen to save only goodpeople or to bring deliveranceonly to those who werenaturally endowed withqualities that would makethem desirable prospects forthe kingdom of heaven. Godsent His Spirit into the worldto come to the rescue of allkinds of people—even thevery worst and most hateful.5. Q.What does theHoly Spirit do in thelives of believers?

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Those who want to do God’s willdon’t have to do it in their own power.


A. He permanentlyindwells believers to mark us out as God’s possession(Rom. 8:9; 1 Cor. 6:19). Heseals us to guarantee ourultimate salvation (2 Cor.1:21-22; Eph. 1:13-14; 4:30).He fills us when we yield toHim, giving us power for life and ministry (Acts 6:3;13:9-12; Eph. 5:18-21). Heproduces Christian characterin us (Gal. 5:22-23). Heteaches us (1 Cor. 2:10). Heintercedes for us when wecannot pray (Rom. 8:26-27).He enables us to discern falseteaching about Christ (1 Jn.2:20-27). He assures us thatwe are God’s children (Rom.8:16). He equips us to serveone another (Rom. 12:3-8; 1 Cor. 12:1-31). He guides us (Rom. 8:14).

We are inclined to assume that what we see in the mirror is what counts.But what really counts iswhat the Holy Spirit can do in a heart that is givenunreservedly to Him.

6. Q. In what ways canwe harm ourselves bysinning against the HolySpirit?

A. We are warned aboutsinning against the Holy Spiritby grieving Him throughdisobedience (Eph. 4:30),lying to Him (Acts 5:3),quenching Him with anegative attitude (1 Th. 5:19),resisting Him (Acts 7:51), andinsulting Him (Heb. 10:29).

For this reason, we should be far more concernedabout maintaining a goodrelationship with the Spiritthan we are about staying ongood terms with our spouse,children, parents, employer,or friends.

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We need the Holy Spirit far

more than we thinkwe do.


THE DOCTRINE OF THE BIBLE

1. Q.What sets theBible apart from allother books?

A. The Bible in its entiretywas written by men who wereinspired by God (2 Tim. 3:16;2 Pet. 1:21). And because it is inspired (lit. “breathedout”) by God, the originaldocuments are without errorof any kind (Jn. 17:17). It isauthoritative in all matters of faith and conduct (2 Tim.3:16-17).

This book is like no otherbook in the world. It is arecord of the life and work of the most important Personin the universe. Behind thepages, storylines, events, andpeople of His book, He waits

to meet personally with everyhonest seeker. While thenatural world reveals God’spower, majesty, and wisdom,the Bible reveals His plan ofpersonal, eternal salvation. Itis the Author of this book andwhat He offers His readersthat make the Bible sotimeless and important.2. Q. How do we knowthat the Bible we holdin our hands accuratelyrepresents the originaldocuments that goback more than 3,500years?

A. The amazing similarityof thousands of well-preservedmanuscript copies gives strongevidence that they accuratelyreflect the originals. We canbe confident that if Godinspired a book to revealHimself, He would overseethe preservation of that book. 3. Q.What evidencecan we give to supportthe claim that the Bibleis the inspired Word ofGod?

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BIBLE


A. Christ repeatedlyexpressed confidence in thereliability of the JewishScriptures—the 39 books ofthe Old Testament (Mt. 5:17-18; Lk. 24:27,44). In thefourth century, the churchfathers declared these 39books plus the 27 books of the New Testament to be divinely inspired,authoritative, and complete.

While the doctrine that the Scriptures are the inspiredand inerrant Word of God is a matter of faith, it is areasonable faith. The unity of the message of these bookswritten over a period of about1,600 years is astounding. Itsaccuracy of historical detail,its completeness of storyline,its amazingly fulfilledprophecies, its beneficialimpact on society, and itstransforming power in thelives of those who read itbelievingly are such powerfultestimonies that it is actuallyunreasonable not to believein the inspired Scriptures.

The best reason to believein the Bible is that Jesus Christ,the perfect God-man, believedin it (Mt. 12:39-42; 19:4-5; Lk.17:26-29). The most personalreason to believe is found byeach individual in the wisdom,rightness, and strength thatcomes from following theBible.4. Q. How can weunderstand the Bible?

A. By asking the help ofits divine Author, by seekingto determine what its humanauthors meant, by interpretingit literally and in context aswe would any other book,and by submitting humbly to its message.5. Q.What should wedo when we encountera Bible passage we can’tunderstand or versesthat seem to contradictone another?

A. If after serious studywe can’t find the answer orsolution, we should proceedto other passages with theassurance that the problem is

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with us, and that someday,either on earth or in heaven,our difficulty will beeliminated.

THE DOCTRINE OF SALVATION

1. Q.What is salvation?A. Salvation is

deliverance from the penalty, pollution, and power of sin (Rom. 6:14,23;Ti. 3:4-6). It is eternally moreimportant than being savedfrom fire, deep water, illness,or loneliness. While mostpeople struggle to be savedfrom social embarrassment,poor health, poverty, orpersonal discouragement, the issue of their eternal well-being is usually overlooked orminimized.

2. Q.What is sin?A. Sin is any thought,

word, or deed that eitherviolates or falls short ofcomplete conformity to God’sholy laws (Rom. 3:23; 1 Jn.3:4). In short, Jesus and Hisapostles taught that sin isanything that doesn’t reflectselfless love for God andothers.3. Q.What has Goddone to providesalvation?

A. He became a memberof the human race in theperson of Jesus Christ (Jn.1:1,14), lived sinlessly as our substitute to fulfill God’srighteous demands (2 Cor.5:21), suffered and died onthe cross to bear the penaltyfor our sins (Mt. 20:28; Rom.4:23-25; 1 Cor. 15:3-4), and rose from the grave tobreak the power of death and defeat Satan (Acts 2:24; Heb. 2:14-15).

In other words, Heaccepted full responsibility to pay the price for the

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SALVATION


consequences of our sin.Although Christ actually tookour place, His suffering wasshared by the Father and theSpirit. Certainly they deeplyfelt the pain of seeing one sodearly loved experience suchterrible humiliation andagony.

4. Q. For whom didChrist die?

A. Jesus Christ died forall, even for those who willnot believe on Him (Jn. 3:16;1 Tim. 2:4-6; Heb. 2:9; 2 Pet.2:1; 1 Jn. 2:2). He died for

those who are sinners bynature (Ps. 51:5), disobedientby choice (Rom. 3:23; Col.1:21; Ti. 3:3), spiritually dead(Eph. 2:1,5), unable to pleaseGod (Rom. 8:8), and underHis wrath and condemnation(Jn. 3:36; Rom. 1:18; 3:19).

Christ died for people who have nothing to offerHim but brokenness andneed. He died for people whohave fallen far short of theiroriginal purpose to know Him(Jn. 17:3), to glorify Him (1Cor. 10:31), and to enjoy Himforever (Rev. 7:15-17; 21:1-4).5. Q.Who will besaved?

A. From the divineperspective, God saves those whom He has chosenfrom before the foundation of the world (Acts 13:48;Rom. 8:30; Eph. 1:4; 2 Th.2:13; 2 Tim. 1:9). From thehuman viewpoint, salvation is legitimately offered toeveryone and is freely givento all who believe on JesusChrist (Mt. 11:28; Jn. 1:12;

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The rescue offered by God

is eternally moreimportant than

being saved fromany other kind

of debt, disease,or death.


3:15-16,36; 6:40,47; 11:25-26; 20:31; Acts 16:31;Rom. 10:9-10).

Our part is not tounderstand the mind andmystery of God but togratefully accept Hisundeserved love. Of this wecan be sure: All who sincerelywant to be saved and whoaccept the invitation to believein Christ will never be turnedaway (Jn. 6:37). In time andeternity they will learn thatthey came because of thechoosing, urging, and drawingof the Father (Jn. 6:39,44,65). 6. Q. On what doesGod base His choosingof some and not othersfor salvation?

A. God sovereignlychooses according to His own good pleasure (Eph. 1:4-11). Although His choice is in harmony with Hisforeknowledge (1 Pet. 1:2), itis not based on it. If God didnot take the initiative, no onewould believe and chooseHim (Jn. 6:44).

7. Q. Does divineelection do away withhuman freedom andresponsibility?

A. No! God is sovereignand man is both free andresponsible. We cannot fullyharmonize these truths, butwe must accept both of themin humility and faith.

This requires reasonabletrust in God. A human parentexpects his small child totrust his parental judgmentwhen that child is not able tosee the big picture. Shouldn’twe grant the infinite God thatsame consideration andrespect?8. Q. How do wereceive salvation?

A. By faith alone. Neitherzealous commitment to goodworks (Eph. 2:8-10; Rom. 4:1-12) nor careful observance ofreligious ritual (Gal. 3:1-9)play a part in obtainingsalvation.

Salvation is not found inour efforts for God but intrusting God’s efforts for us.

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As important as it is to go tochurch, a 50-year record ofperfect attendance would nothelp us qualify in any way forheaven. God does not requireour money, our attendance,our prayers, or our songs. AllHe requires is that we placeour trust in Christ. On thatbasis He gives salvation.Everything else follows.9. Q.What is therepentance called for byJohn the Baptist, Jesus,Paul, and Peter? (Mt.3:1-2; 4:17;Acts 2:38;20:21).

A. Repentance is thatchange of attitude about one’s self, one’s sin, and God,which involves the wholepersonality—mind, emotions,and will. In varying degrees, it always accompanies truefaith. Sorrow for sin oftenaccompanies it and helps give evidence that genuinerepentance has occurred (2 Cor. 7:9-10).10. Q.What is savingfaith?

A. It is personal trust inGod. It is believing that He,on the basis of Christ’ssubstitutionary death andresurrection, forgives andaccepts all who trust in JesusChrist and rely on Him alonefor salvation (Rom. 3:21-26;4:1-25; 5:1-2; Eph. 2:8-10).

It is therefore not what I dobut what I believe that counts.If what I believe is right, doingright will follow. Good worksare the fruit and the evidence(Eph. 2:10; 1 Jn. 3:7-10), notthe ground or the cause.11. Q.What does the Bible mean when it speaks of our justification? (Rom. 5:1-2).

A. The Greek word Paulused is a legal term meaning“to be declared righteous.” Itdepicts the action of God asJudge. When we believe onJesus, He declares us righteous(Rom. 3:24-26), free fromcondemnation (Acts 13:38-39;Rom. 4:8; 8:1), and restored toHis favor (Rom. 5:9-11).

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No human court has everoffered a decision of mercy,pardon, or acquittal thatdeserves more celebrationthan the justification Godoffers to every person whobelieves in Jesus.

12. Q.What issanctification?

A. Sanctification, whichin the Greek language means“set apart,” begins as an actof God by which He setsapart for Himself those whotrust Christ (1 Cor. 6:11; 2 Th. 2:13; 1 Pet. 1:2). This positional sanctificationon God’s part calls for us to respond in practicalsanctification—an ever

increasing separation ofourselves from sin and acontinual growth in holiness(2 Cor. 7:1; 1 Pet. 1:15-16; 2 Pet. 3:18).

God’s command to be holyis as fitting to a Christian asthe insistence of a motherwho requires that herchildren, the dog, and herhusband not track mud, tar,paint, and grease into thehouse.13. Q.What isredemption?

A. Redemption is oursalvation viewed from theperspective of the price Jesuspaid to rescue us. Heredeemed us from the law(Rom. 7:6) and from itspenalty (Gal. 3:13), from our bondage to sin (Rom.6:6,11,18,22; Ti. 2:14), andfrom the domain of Satan(Col. 1:13-14). He did sothrough His death on thecross, the act by which Hemet the demands of God’sholy nature (Mt. 20:28; Eph.1:7; 1 Pet. 1:18-19).

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Good works are the evidence

of salvation,not the basis.


THE DOCTRINE OFCHRISTIAN LIVING

1. Q.What is Christianliving?

A. It is love-controlledconduct that is grounded inand flows from our personalrelationship with Christ. As wegrow in our understanding ofhow much He loves us, wewill grow in our ability to loveGod above all else and to loveour neighbor as ourselves (Mt.22:37-39; Jn. 13:34; Rom.13:8-10; 1 Cor. 13).

Nothing is as important as Christlike love—notknowledge, not religiousobservance, not ability, notrule-keeping, not appearance,not personal sacrifice. Whilewe may be ignorant without

truth, we are nothing withoutChrist and His love.2. Q.What are the evidences of arelationship withChrist?

A. Those who know whatit means to love Christ and to be loved by Him will bemarked by deep gratitude toGod (Col. 3:12-17), regularconversation with Him (1 Th. 5:17), patient trust inHim (1 Pet. 1:6-9), humblesubmission to Him (Jas. 4:6-10), and careful attention tolove others as He has lovedus (1 Jn. 4:7,11).

All of this is beyond our ability to do in our ownstrength. But it is the normalresult of letting Christ, by HisSpirit, live His life through us(Gal. 2:20; 5:16,22-25; Eph.3:16-21; 5:18).3. Q. How can wecommunicate withGod?

A. By regularly andprayerfully expressing ourown hearts to God (Mt. 6:5-

20

CHRISTIAN LIVING


15) and by carefully listeningto Him speak to us throughHis written Word (Ps. 119; 2 Tim. 3:16-17; Heb. 4:12).4. Q.What are theconditions for effectiveprayer?

A. God answers ourprayers when we pray in faith(Mt. 17:20), according to Hiswill (1 Jn. 5:14), with a pureheart (Ps. 66:18), with aforgiving spirit (Mk. 11:25-26), in the Spirit (Eph. 6:18),and with absolute sincerity(Ps. 145:18).5. Q.Why is patienttrust so essential to the Christian life?

A. God is honored andwill honor us when wepatiently trust His wisdom,power, and goodness nomatter how fiery our trials,how deep our griefs, howexcruciating our pain, or howunexplainable His ways are tous (Job 1:20-22; 13:15; 19:25-27; 23:10; 2 Cor. 4:16-18; Jas.1:2-4; 1 Pet. 1:6-9; 4:12-19).6. Q. If love fulfills the

law, why must we keepGod’s commandments?

A. The commands of theBible are God’s guidelines toshow us how we can live outin daily practice the love wehave for Him and ourneighbors (Mt. 22:37-40;Rom. 13:8-10; 1 Jn. 5:3).

Those who do notmeditate on the Word of Godwill soon become distractedand preoccupied with lesserthoughts, routines, anddetails. They will becomemore concerned with theirown desires than with thephysical, spiritual, and eternal needs of others.7. Q.Why is tellingothers about Jesus animportant element inChristian living?

A. Christ commanded it (Mt. 28:19-20), and theeternal needs of othersdemand it (Rom. 1:16-17;10:8-17). It is impossible tolove others as Christ doeswithout being concernedabout their deep, everlasting

21


need. To love others as Christloves them might involvemore than being concernedabout their eternal andspiritual well-being. But itcannot involve less.

THE DOCTRINE OF THE CHURCH

1. Q.What is thechurch?

A. The church is the body of Christ. The termchurch in the New Testamentsometimes refers to the entirebody of people—past,present, and future—whothrough faith in the LordJesus make up the organismcalled the body of Christ, theuniversal church (Eph. 1:22-23; 5:23-32; Heb. 12:23). Atother times the same Greek

word ekklesia (which means“a called-out group”) refers toa local assembly of believers(Rom. 16:5; 1 Cor. 1:2; 16:19;Gal. 1:2; 1 Th. 1:1).

In either case, the churchshould be as important to usas it is to Christ. It is far morethan brick and mortar. Itspeople together make up thebody of Christ. Its membersboth individually andcollectively house the Spirit of Christ.2. Q.When did thechurch begin?

A. The church was bornon the Day of Pentecost, 50 days after our Lord’sresurrection, when the HolySpirit came on a smallnumber of disciples, baptizing them into one bodyand filling them with Hispower (Acts 2:1-13).

By this act, Godtemporarily set aside thenation of Israel as Hisprimary means of revealingHimself to the world. InIsrael’s place, the Lord chose

22

CHURCH


to work through aninternational body of peoplewho were united not bynational affiliation but bypersonal faith in the LordJesus Christ (Gal. 3:27-29;Eph. 2:13–3:10).3. Q.What are theofficers of the localchurch?

A. Two: bishops (elders)and deacons. Theirqualifications are given in 1 Timothy 3:1-13. Turmoil,confusion, and spiritualdissension occur as a result of not taking the spiritualqualifications of churchleaders as seriously as theapostle Paul did. Their role isnot merely administrative—serving on committees andexercising authority. They areto provide the church withexamples of spiritual maturityand Christlikeness.4. Q.What is themeaning of churchbaptism?

A. Baptism in the name of the triune God (Mt. 28:19)

testifies to the believer’s faith (Acts 2:38; 8:37-38),symbolizes the washing awayof his sins (Acts 22:16), andexpresses the believer’sidentification with Christ in His death, burial, andresurrection and his intentionto live a Christ-exalting life(Rom. 6:1-23).

This is far more thaninduction into a fraternity or club. No other ceremonydeserves to be compared withthe importance of this act ofpublic identification withChrist and His people.5. Q.What is themeaning of the Lord’sSupper?

A. The Lord’s Supper is achurch observance in whichbelievers share bread and thecup as a memorial to Christ’scrucified body and shedblood (Mt. 26:26-29; 1 Cor.11:23-26).

By vividly reminding us ofthe price Jesus paid to saveus, Communion calls us toself-examination and spiritual

23


renewal. While it has nosaving power, it is not to beobserved carelessly orindifferently (1 Cor. 11:27-34).6. Q.What is the localchurch to do when amember continues tolive in sin despiterepeated warnings?

A. The church is toconfront such a personlovingly about his sin. If allattempts at correction areresisted, the church is todisassociate itself from themember with the hope andprayer that such action willresult in his repentance andreturn (Mt. 18:15-20; 1 Cor.5:1-13).

If this were done moreconsistently and lovingly,individual members of thechurch would not think it alight or casual thing to live insin while identifying with theLord Jesus Christ.

THE DOCTRINE OF THE FAMILY

1. Q.What is a family?A. A family is the basic

building block of society. It begins when a man andwoman become husband and wife, and it normallygrows as children are born to them (Ps. 127; 128).

When God’s regulationsfor the honor and preservationof the family are ignored,society unravels. Divorce,premarital and extramaritalsex, unwed mothers, abusivehusbands, negligent wives,and rebellious childrencombine to signal the fall of a civilization.2. Q.Why did Godinstitute marriage?

A. God ordained marriage 24

FAMILY


as a lifelong and exclusiveunion of a man and womanto enrich one another (Gen.2:18-24), to fulfill mutuallongings for intimacy (1 Cor.7:1-5; Heb. 13:4), and toprovide a godly home as the proper setting for theprocreation and nurturing of children (Ps. 127; 128).

When marriage loses itsGod-given honor, husbands,wives, and children allexperience the deep woundsof neglect and rejection. Arelationship designed for help,comfort, and encouragementbecomes a primary source ofpain, dissatisfaction, andinsecurity.3. Q.What are theresponsibilities of ahusband to his wife?

A. To love her sacrificiallyas Christ loved the church(Eph. 5:25), to commithimself to a lifetimerelationship (Gen. 2:24; Mt.19:4-6), to be understandingtoward her (1 Pet. 3:7), and tocare for her (Eph. 5:28-30).

It’s not easy to be the kindof husband God intended.Nowhere is a man’s charactertested more intensely.Nowhere is there a greaterneed for the grace and innerstrength of Christ. 4. Q.What are theresponsibilities of a wifeto her husband?

A. To submit to him as tothe Lord (Eph. 5:22-24), tolove him (Ti. 2:4-5), to beconsiderate of his desire forintimacy (1 Cor. 7:3-5), to besexually faithful (Ti. 2:5), andto respect him as the head ofthe home (Eph. 5:33).

It’s not easy to be the kind of wife God intended.Nowhere is a woman’scharacter tested moreintensely. Nowhere is there a greater need for the graceand inner strength of Christ.5. Q.What are theresponsibilities ofparents to theirchildren?

A. By their example aswell as by what they say,

25


parents are to instruct their children in Bible truth(Dt. 6:4-9) and impart tothem a fear of evil and adesire for godliness (Prov. 1:8-10; 3:1-8; 4:1-9; 22:6). Theyare to do this in a kind, gentle way, and back up their teaching by their own conduct so that theirchildren will be inclined tofollow them instead of beingprovoked to anger (Eph. 6:4).6. Q.What is theresponsibility ofchildren to theirparents?

A. Paul commandedchildren to obey and honortheir parents (Eph. 6:1-3). Healso taught that older childrenhave a financial responsibilityto assist their parents if theybecome unable to provide forthemselves (1 Tim. 5:4).

THE DOCTRINE OFTHE SPIRIT WORLD

1. Q.What is the spiritworld?

A. It is that invisiblerealm inhabited by holyangels who actively serveGod for our good (Heb. 1:14)and by Satan’s demonicforces who oppose God andseek to harm us (Eph. 6:12).

Its existence is one of theprimary reasons that things inour world are not always asthey seem. Our challenge isfar greater than merely to dealwith the visible details of life.Our primary struggle for well-being does not dependjust on our flesh-and-bloodrelationships but on unseenfriends and enemies as well.2. Q.What are angels?

26

SPIRIT WORLD


A. Angels are created (Ps. 148:1-5), powerful (Ps.103:20), personal (Lk. 1:26-38; 15:10), deathless (Lk.20:36), spirit beings (Heb.1:14) designed to worship(Heb. 1:6) and serve the Lord(Ps. 103:20), and to ministerto believers (Heb. 1:14).

While natural observationdoes not reveal theirimportance to us, faith in the Word of God assures usthat God’s sovereign provisionin our lives is often mediatedby these invisible servants.Even more astounding is theassurance of the Scripturesthat they do not always remaininvisible. Because of this, theletter to the Hebrews urges us, “Do not forget to entertainstrangers, for by so doing somehave unwittingly entertainedangels” (Heb. 13:2).3. Q.Who is Satan?

A. Satan is an especiallypowerful angel who rebelledagainst God. His act ofrebellion is not describeddirectly in the Bible but is

alluded to in Isaiah’sdescription of the king ofBabylon (14:12-15) andEzekiel’s reference to the kingof Tyre (28:11-19). He is alsoreferred to in the Bible as thedevil, Lucifer, Beelzebub,Belial, serpent, dragon, ruler of this world, god of this age, prince of the powerof the air, angel of light,accuser, tempter, deceiver,murderer, liar, and evil one.

Because of his constantactivity against God and thepeople of God, he is a fargreater threat to us than anyother enemy, personal ornational.4. Q.Who are thedemons?

A. Demons are fallenangels who apparently joinedSatan in his rebellion. Someare active as members ofSatan’s army (Eph. 6:12) whileothers have been imprisonedby God (2 Pet. 2:4; Jude 6).

These personal agents of Satan’s evil empire canstimulate and arouse the

27


worst capacities and desireswithin us. They don’t make us evil, but they willinglydominate those who refuse tosurrender their hearts to God.5. Q.What are theactivities of Satan?

A. With the help of hisdemon followers, he plantsfalse Christians among thetrue (Mt. 13:24-30; 2 Cor.11:13-15). He seeks to devourthe Lord’s people (1 Pet. 5:8).He falsely accuses God’schildren (Job 1:6-12; 2:1-5;Zech. 3:1-10; Rev. 12:10). Herules over the unsaved world(Jn. 12:31; 2 Cor. 4:4; Eph.2:2). He deceives peoplethrough his outright lies (Jn. 8:44) and his cleverlydesigned thought-systems (2 Cor. 4:4; 11:14-15; Col.2:8,20-23; 1 Tim. 4:1-3; 1 Jn.2:15-17; 5:19). And he canpossess nonbelievers (Mk.5:1-13; 6:13; Acts 5:16; 16:16-18; 19:11-12).

We are constantlyinteracting with the workingsof this evil strategist. Often,

like Peter (Mt. 16:23), we areso unaware of the ways ofGod that even our goodintentions can serve Satan’spurposes. For that reason wemust continually depend onthe Lord’s ability to lead us.

6. Q.What did Christdo to assure theultimate defeat ofSatan and his forces?

A. By His death andresurrection, the Lord Jesusbroke Satan’s power (Col.2:14-15; Heb. 2:14-15). So the devil and his forcesoperate today as defeated foes who know they aredoomed to the lake of fire (Mt.8:29; Jas. 2:19; Rev. 20:10).

28

We can be sounaware of God’sways that even

our good intentionscan serve Satan’s

purposes.


It is absolutely essential to keep in mind that Satan’s final outcome is aforegone conclusion. Hispredetermined fate is aterrible reality that shouldhelp us to avoid eithercarelessness or despair.7. Q. How can wedefeat Satan?

A. We who have placedour trust in Christ canovercome Satan in our dailylives by submitting to Godand resisting the devil (Jas.4:7; 1 Pet. 5:8-9); by beingaware of his strategy andavoiding the sins that givehim a foothold in our lives (1 Cor. 7:5; 2 Cor. 2:10-11;Eph. 4:26-27; 1 Tim. 3:6-7);by putting on the full armor of God (Eph. 6:11-18); and by totally rejecting all forms of occult activity, includingmagic, spiritism, andwitchcraft (Lev. 19:26,31;20:6,27; Dt. 18:10-12; Isa.8:19; Mic. 5:12; Gal. 5:19-21;Rev. 21:8; 22:15).

THE DOCTRINE OF THE FUTURE

1. Q.What happenswhen a person dies?

A. The person’s soul-spiritleaves his body and goeseither to Hades, where heconsciously awaitsresurrection, judgment, andeternal punishment, or toheaven, where he consciouslyawaits resurrection, judgment,and eternal reward (Lk.16:19-31; Jn. 5:28-29; 2 Cor.5:8; Phil. 1:21-24; Heb. 9:27).

This universal and personalfact should constantlyinfluence and shape ourattitude toward the present.Each of us lives on the edge of a future that is continuouslydevouring the present andentombing it in the past.

29

FUTURE


2. Q.When willbelievers receive theirresurrection bodies?

A. Believers in the churchage, both living and dead, will receive their resurrectionbodies when Christ returns atthe rapture—that time whenHe comes back to catch upliving believers and concludethe church age (1 Cor. 15:52-58; 1 Th. 4:13-18). OldTestament believers willreceive their resurrectionbodies immediately following the great tribulation (Dan. 12:1-3).

These new bodies will lastforever. Our present strugglesto cope with the problems ofdisease, handicap, andphysical appearance aretemporary inconveniences,not permanent injustices.3. Q.When will Christreturn to catch upbelievers and concludethe church age?

A. It may take place atany moment, at a time whenmany will not expect Him

(Mt. 24:44). Therefore, weshould always be ready (Mt.24:45–25:30) and living insuch a way that we will notbe ashamed when Jesusreturns (1 Jn. 2:28–3:3).

4. Q.What will takeplace on earth in theabsence of the church?

A. The world will gothrough a time of confusionand distress marked by the rise of a world rulerdepicted in Scripture as the “beast,” “man of sin,” and “Antichrist,” who willblaspheme God’s name andpersecute all who turn to

30

Our presentproblems should

be seen astemporary

inconveniences,not permanent

injustices.


Jesus (2 Th. 2:1-12; 1 Jn. 4:1-3; Rev. 13:1-18). While he isviolently opposing God, heand the rest of mankind willexperience supernaturaljudgments from heaven (Rev.6–19). He will be defeated byChrist Himself at His return(Rev. 19:11-21).5. Q.Why will God sendsupernatural judgmentson the earth during thistime?

A. God will use thesejudgments to display Hiswrath against the wickednessof unrepentant mankind (Isa.13:6-16; Rev. 16:4-21), to leada great multitude to savingfaith in Christ (Rev. 7:9-17),to bring about the conversionof the nation of Israel (Ezek.36; 37), and to bring in agolden age when Israel’spromised Messiah will rule as King of the earth for 1,000years (Isa. 2:1-4; 11:1-10; Jer.33:14-16; Rom. 11:25-27;Rev. 20:1-6).6. Q. How will Christ’searthly kingdom end?

A. After 1,000 years, Godwill release Satan (Rev. 20:7)and give mankind one moreopportunity to choosebetween obeying Him or thedevil. Multitudes will makethe wrong choice and join inone last rebellion (Rev. 20:8-9). At this time, God willsupernaturally defeat His foes(Rev. 20:9-10), purge thepresent earth-system with fire(2 Pet. 3:10-13), and assignSatan, fallen angels, and allChrist-rejecting persons toeternal punishment in thelake of fire (Rev. 20:10-15).Then He will create a newheaven and a new earthwhere those whose names are written in the Lamb’sBook of Life will serve Himforever (Rev. 21:1–22:5).

In this light, our Lord said,“What will it profit a man ifhe gains the whole world, andloses his own soul? Or whatwill a man give in exchangefor his soul?” (Mk. 8:36-37).

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WITHOUT LOVE WE ARENOTHING

AAs we conclude, let’sremember that rightdoctrine cannot exist

without love. We can’t thinkrightly unless our thoughtsare motivated by the love ofGod.

It’s easy to forget this. It’s hard to remember thatknowledge without love is like a head without a body.Too often, those who knowtheir doctrine are markedmore by self-centerednessand arrogance than byapproachability and love.

Paul knew that whileknowledge puffs up, love

builds up (1 Cor. 8:1). He knew that all of theknowledge in the world minus love equals nothing.He wrote, “Though I have the gift of prophecy, andunderstand all mysteries and all knowledge . . . buthave not love, I am nothing”(1 Cor. 13:2).

Then the apostle went onto describe the love that willshow whether or not we haveright thinking. He wrote:

Love is patient, love is kind.It does not envy, it does notboast, it is not proud. It isnot rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easilyangered, it keeps no recordof wrongs. Love does notdelight in evil but rejoiceswith the truth. It alwaysprotects, always trusts,always hopes, alwaysperseveres. Love never fails(1 Cor. 13:4-8 NIV). It’s love that motivates us

to correct misbelief and topursue the truth of God.

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Knowledge minus love

equals nothing.


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Spiritual

What we-believe