THE EXISTENCE OF GOD
Scripture teaches the existence of one God who created everything (Genesis 1:1; John 1:1-3). By virtue of being made in the image of God, everyone knows (but rejects) that the true God exists (Romans 1:20). Through the revelation that came with Jesus Christ, we know that this one God exists as a Trinity of Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19).
THE REVELATION OF GOD
The Christian’s belief in the existence of God is based on his revelation in Scripture (Hebrew 11:6). Scripture reveals that there is only one God (1 Corinthians 8:6; Isaiah 46:5-10), though people craft many gods out of rebellion to his revelation in creation (Romans 1:21-23). The Bible is God’s true complete, special revelation of himself to mankind (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
GOD IS JUST AND PUNISHES SIN
The true and living God is our Creator, and we owe him our obedience (Mark 12:30- 31). Because God is holy, he expects that his image bearers reflect his holy character (Leviticus 11:44-45). God promises to punish every sin (Exodus 34:6-7; Romans 6:23).
WE ARE SINNERS AND DESERVE PUNISHMENT
THERE IS NOTHING WE CAN DO TO ESCAPE ETERNAL PUNISHMENT
Like everyone else since Adam, we too are sinners who daily break God’s revealed will with our words, thoughts, and deeds (Romans 3:10, 23; James 3:2). Our sin deserves eternal punishment (Matthew 25:41-46).
No amount of good works can avert the punishment due to us for our sins (Ephesians 2:8-9; James 2:10).
JESUS IS GOD INCARNATE
Jesus is God in the flesh who added humanity to his deity (Colossians 2:9). Jesus has revealed that God is a trinity of persons, of which he is the second person (Matthew 28:19). Jesus continues to be both God and man in one person for all eternity (1 Thessalonians 4:13-17).
JESUS CAME TO ACCOMPLISH SALVATION FOR SINNERS
Jesus came as the promised eternal King of God’s eternal Kingdom (Daniel 7:13-14; 2 Samuel 7:12-17). His mission of restoring God’s Kingdom involved him being the Saviour of God’s people (Matthew 1:21). Jesus did everything necessary for sinners to be completely saved for all eternity (Hebrews 7:25).
THE BENEFITS OF JESUS’ SAVING WORK CAN BE RECEIVED ONLY THROUGH FAITH
Salvation is a gift of grace that cannot be earned by our own efforts (Ephesians 2:8-9). We receive God’s free gift through faith alone (Galatians 2:16). In order for us to benefit from Christ’s work, we must trust him only as our Saviour (1 Timothy 2:5; John 14:6).
TO RECEIVE JESUS IS TO RECEIVE HIM AS SAVIOUR AND KING
KING JESUS HAS GIVEN HIS HOLY SPIRIT TO ENABLE OUR OBEDIENCE
THE HONOUR AND REPUTATION OF KING JESUS MUST BE THE AIM OF OUR LIVES
Jesus came to save us both from the penalty and the power of our sins (1 Corinthians 15:3; Romans 6:8-11). To trust Jesus as Saviour is to trust him to do both in our life (Mark 1:15). Our obedience to him is the evidence of our trust in and love for him (John 14:15; Luke 6:46).
Jesus commands radical obedience from his followers (Luke 9:23-24; Matthew 10:26- 33). Jesus empowers his followers for his radical call by the gift of the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:4; Galatians 5:16, 22-23).
The world learns about Jesus from those who follow him (1 Peter 2:12; 3:1; John 17:20-21). Everything we do should be driven by the desire to honour Christ and make his gospel winsome to others (Colossians 3:17; Titus 2:9-10; 1 Corinthians 6:5-8).
A FAITHFUL CHURCH MEMBER PARTICIPATES REGULARLY IN THE PUBLIC WORSHIP OF THE CHURCH
FAITHFUL CHURCH MEMBERS USE THEIR SPIRITUAL GIFTS TO SERVE OTHER CHURCH MEMBERS
FAITHFUL CHURCH MEMBERS USE THEIR FINANCES TO SUPPORT THE MINISTRIES OF THE CHURCH
We are saved to be part of God’s people, and our weekly gatherings for public worship are the clearest demonstration of this reality (1 Corinthians 12:12-13; John 17:20-21). We need the encouragement of public worship (Psalm 135:15-18; 2 Corinthians 3:18; Ephesians 4:11-13). Our attendance at and participation in public worship is an encouragement to fellow church members (Hebrews 10:24-25).
The work of the church is the responsibility of every church member (1 Peter 2:5; Ephesians 4:11-12). Every Christian has been given spiritual gifts to serve the local church (1 Corinthians 12:7). We will give an account of our stewardship of our gifts (1 Peter 4:10; 1 Corinthians 3:10-15).
We are called to financially support those elders who focus on preaching and teaching (Numbers 18:21; 1 Corinthians 9:14; 1 Timothy 5:17-18). We are also to use our financial resources to help the needs of fellow church members (1 John 3:17-18; Galatians 6:9-10; 1 Timothy 6:17-19). We will give an account of the stewardship of our resources (Luke 16:10-13; Matthew 25:14-30).
A COMMITMENT TO RESPOND TO THE CARE OF THE ELDERS
A COMMITMENT TO RECEIVE THE DISCIPLINE OF THE CHURCH
A COMMITMENT TO RETAIN THE UNITY OF THE CHURCH
Christ, the King of the Church, has put elders over the spiritual care of his flock (Ephesians 4:11-13; Hebrews 13:17). The elders are to equip each member for the work of the ministry (Ephesians 4:12; Hebrews 13:7; 1 Peter 5:3). Members should gladly receive the public and private instruction of their elders (Hebrews 13:17; 1 Timothy 4:13; 1 Thessalonians 2:8).
Each member has a responsibility to counsel and care for the others (Colossians 3:12- 16; Hebrews 3:12-13). Discipline starts at the level of one member addressing the spiritual needs of another member (Galatians 6:1-2; Matthew 18:15). We should be glad to be in a local church that loves us enough to kick us out if we walk away from the gospel in either doctrine or morals (Matthew 18:15-18; 2 Corinthians 2:5-11; Proverbs 27:5-6).
We don’t have to create unity in the church; it already exists because of the work of Christ and the ministry of the Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:12-13). Our calling is to preserve at all costs the unity that we have with one another (1 Corinthians 6:1-8). Christ threatens terrible things if we “destroy” his church through bringing disunity (1 Corinthians 3:16-17).