In a couple of
posts, I’ve mentioned core Christian beliefs.
So before moving on to more controversial topics (!), let’s answer this question:
what does a radical Christian consider “core” Christian beliefs? Well, since a radical Christian focuses on
the essential roots of Christianity, we’ll begin a long time ago, in a land
far, far away…
Early in Church history, Christians realized they needed to document their core beliefs in order to combat heresies that were clothing themselves as “Christian.” They had the Bible (yes, the Bible as we know it today—a topic for later). But they wanted something that summarized their basic beliefs and opposed the heretics that were already popping up.
Early in Church history, Christians realized they needed to document their core beliefs in order to combat heresies that were clothing themselves as “Christian.” They had the Bible (yes, the Bible as we know it today—a topic for later). But they wanted something that summarized their basic beliefs and opposed the heretics that were already popping up.
What developed were
creeds. The earliest creeds were the Old Roman Creed (http://www.focus-on-god.org/text-collection/creeds/old-roman-creed/)--later becoming the Apostles
Creed—and the Nicene Creed (http://www.creeds.net/ancient/nicene.htm). Over the centuries,
many other creeds followed, but these two are accepted by most denominations
(even the Anabaptists—the extremists of the Reformation—accepted them).
But enough of the history lesson. The real question here is: what are the core beliefs that affect salvation—not just initial conversion, but also lifelong sanctification? The list is pretty short:
- There is one God who eternally exists in three persons: the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
- All people have sinned and separated themselves from the holy God.
- Jesus is the Christ, the only begotten Son of God. He was born of the virgin Mary, lived a sinless life, atoned for our sins in His death, bodily rose again, and is at the right hand of the Father acting as our mediator and advocate.
- Jesus Christ will return in power and glory to judge the living and the dead and to reign forever. Those that are saved will be resurrected to life and those that are lost will be resurrected to damnation.
- Regeneration by the Holy Spirit is essential for salvation.
- The Holy Spirit indwells Christians and enables them to live godly lives.
- Christians are spiritually united.
- Although written by men, the Bible is inspired by God and infallible in divine revelation.
That’s it. The basics are the basics. On these, Christians can agree. If someone disagrees with these and holds a contrary belief, then I suggest they may believe something, but that “something” isn’t Christianity.
Remember the basic beliefs are only the basics. They can’t capture the whole of the Christian experience or biblical revelation. As we delve deeper into biblical study, God reveals more truths to us. At the same time, we will have different interpretations and applications. But while we Christians can debate secondary issues, we shouldn’t divide over them. An old saying that still rings true is “in essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; in all things, charity.”
I can guess what you’re thinking.:“So what? This sounds like theology. What are some practical aspects of the radical Christian life?” Prepare to be challenged in a future post….
But enough of the history lesson. The real question here is: what are the core beliefs that affect salvation—not just initial conversion, but also lifelong sanctification? The list is pretty short:
- There is one God who eternally exists in three persons: the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
- All people have sinned and separated themselves from the holy God.
- Jesus is the Christ, the only begotten Son of God. He was born of the virgin Mary, lived a sinless life, atoned for our sins in His death, bodily rose again, and is at the right hand of the Father acting as our mediator and advocate.
- Jesus Christ will return in power and glory to judge the living and the dead and to reign forever. Those that are saved will be resurrected to life and those that are lost will be resurrected to damnation.
- Regeneration by the Holy Spirit is essential for salvation.
- The Holy Spirit indwells Christians and enables them to live godly lives.
- Christians are spiritually united.
- Although written by men, the Bible is inspired by God and infallible in divine revelation.
That’s it. The basics are the basics. On these, Christians can agree. If someone disagrees with these and holds a contrary belief, then I suggest they may believe something, but that “something” isn’t Christianity.
Remember the basic beliefs are only the basics. They can’t capture the whole of the Christian experience or biblical revelation. As we delve deeper into biblical study, God reveals more truths to us. At the same time, we will have different interpretations and applications. But while we Christians can debate secondary issues, we shouldn’t divide over them. An old saying that still rings true is “in essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; in all things, charity.”
I can guess what you’re thinking.:“So what? This sounds like theology. What are some practical aspects of the radical Christian life?” Prepare to be challenged in a future post….
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