Sunday, August 12, 2018

What I Believe

Recently while walking through Ashland, Virginia, I saw this sign posted in front of somebody’s yard. It reminded me of another sign (with the same phrases but stylized differently) seen days before outside the entrance of a Universalist church near Washington, DC. Many churches have a statement of faith. Unfortunately, some of them promote beliefs contrary to Scripture.

To anyone reading this who believes in the tenets of “Here We Believe”, I offer this response to each one…

“Love is Love” - What does that prove? That’s like saying “blue is blue” or “4=4.” Often what people call love is really lust. What would you say if a 40-year-old wants to “love” your underage child?

“No Human is Illegal” - Every human is precious in God’s sight. However, individuals get in trouble with the law if they choose to do illegal things such as sneaking into a country without going through customs or overstaying their visas.

“Black Lives Matter” - I agree…but so do the lives of whites, Asians, Latinos, and Native Americans. It would be more accurate to say “All Lives Matter.”

“Science is Real” - Scientific discoveries can improve our lives but will never solve moral problems. Evil results when man does not have God’s goodness inside his heart. It's like the cold that results when there is no heat or darkness comes when there is no light. 

“Woman’s Rights are Human Rights” - Both men and woman have basic human rights. One so-called right I don’t agree with is a pregnant woman killing her unborn child. That fetus has a right to live. How would you feel had your mother aborted you?

“Water is Life” - I thank God for clean water but I’m also thankful for oil drilling that provides fuel needed for our vehicles and homes. One should be more concerned with receiving “living water.” (John 7:38) 

“Kindness is Everything” - This is a faulty equation like “Love is Love.” Turn it around and you would probably agree “Everything is Kindness” doesn’t make sense. Yes, we should be kind to each other. It’s a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22). Sadly, people who refuse to hear spiritual truths often react unkindly.

Now let me tell you what I believe…

I believe the Holy Bible is God’s divinely inspired written word - complete and without error in its original Hebrew and Greek texts. (Jeremiah 1:12 NASB, John 1:1, 2 Timothy 3:16) 

I believe there is only one true God who exists as a three-part being: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. (Exodus 20:3, Isaiah 46:9, Matthew 28:19) 

I believe man was created in the image and likeness of God, but became separated from Him because of sin. (Genesis 1:26, Genesis 3:22-23, Romans 6:23) 

I believe Jesus Christ came to Earth as a sinless human being to redeem mankind through His crucifixion, burial, and resurrection. Only His blood can wash away our sins. (John 14:6, Romans 5:9, 1 Corinthians 5:21) 

I believe man cannot save himself through good works. Salvation only comes by believing that Jesus is the Christ and making Him Lord and Savior of our lives. (John 3:3, Ephesians 2:8-9, Romans 10:9) 

I believe water baptism and the Lord’s Supper (communion) are ordinances to be observed by every Christian as a reminder of our redemption. However, these things in themselves do not provide salvation. (Acts 8:36-38, 1 Corinthians 11:23-25, Titus 3:5) 

I believe every Christian should be actively involved in fulfilling the Great Commission. (Mark 16:15, Matthew 10:32-33, Romans 1:16 NIV)

I believe Jesus Christ will return to Earth during the battle of Armageddon and set up His millennial kingdom. At the Great White Throne Judgment, those who do not know the Lord will suffer eternal punishment in the lake of fire. (Revelation 20:15) 

I believe you are reading this for a reason. What do you choose to believe?

“He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.” - John 3:18

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