Basic Beliefs

comments copyright Clark H Smith

It is sufficient to say that I believe the Bible. Humans of finite intelligence and wisdom can at best repeat what the God-inspired writers of the Holy Scriptures have said. "All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work." (II Timothy 3.16-17)

In many cases, our words of explanation only detract from the truth and beauty of the Bible. The following is an emphasis of certain teachings that I hold as fundamental.

What the Bible says about God

God is The Creator: In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. (Genesis 1.1)

God loves people: And we have come to know and have believed the love which God has for us. God is love. . . . (I John 4:16)

God judges people according to their conduct: And if you address as Father the One who impartially judges according to each man's work, conduct yourselves in fear during the time of your stay upon earth (1 Peter 1:17)

God freely saves people from the punishment required by wrong thought and conduct (sin): For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 6:23)
 

What the Bible says about Humanity Humans are created to praise their Creator: "The people whom I formed for myself, will declare My praise." (Isaiah 43:21)

Humans are separated from God because of our own personal sin: All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23)

You were formerly alienated and hostile in mind, engaged in evil deeds (Colossians 1:21)

Humans sense the presence of God and desire fellowship with Him: He made from one, every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined their appointed times, and the boundaries of their habitation, that they should seek God, if perhaps they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us (Acts 17:26-27)

Humans who receive the restoration (or salvation) of fellowship and friendship with God will escape eternity in a real Hell and spend eternity in a real Heaven:For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life. (John 3:16)

Humans are restored to friendship with God through our ongoing faith in His offer of salvation: For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God (Ephesians 2:8)

Humans are to live a life that reflects their faith: Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children (Ephesians 5:1)

As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts {which were yours} in your ignorance, but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior; because it is written, "You shall be holy, for I am holy." (1 Peter 1:14-16)

I urge you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. (Romans 12:1-2)
 

What the Bible says about Jesus Christ Jesus Christ is fully God:For in Him all the fulness of Deity dwells in bodily form (Colossians 2:9)

[Jesus] said to them, "But who do you say that I am?"
Simon Peter answered and said, "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God." (Matthew 16:15-16)

Jesus Christ took away our punishment for sin by His death on the Cross of Calvary: He [God] made Him [Jesus] who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. (2 Corinthians 5:21)

It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost of all.(1 Timothy 1:15)

Jesus Christ was resurrected from the dead by the Power of God: [Jesus] was declared the Son of God with power by the resurrection from the dead, according to the Spirit of holiness, Jesus Christ our Lord (Romans 1:4)
 

What the Bible says about Salvation
"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life." (John 3:16)

Jesus said..."I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through Me." (John 14:6)

There is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men, by which we must be saved... " (Acts 4:12)

"And it shall be, that everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved." (Acts 2:21)

For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God (Ephesians 2:8)


What responsibilities members have to mature in faith and righteousness

Whatever is not from faith is sin. (Romans 14:23)

But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you. (Matthew 6:33)

Become sober-minded as you ought, and stop sinning; for some have no knowledge of God. I speak this to your shame. (I Corinthians 15:34)
 

How we resolve conflicts between members: And if your brother sins, go and reprove him in private; if he listens to you, you have won your brother. But if he does not listen to you, take one or two more with you, so that by the mouth of two or three witnesses every fact may be confirmed. And if he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax-gatherer. (Matthew 18:15-17)

If therefore you are presenting your offering at the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your offering there before the altar, and go your way; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and present your offering. (Matthew 5:23-24)

email Clark

go Home