Christian Doctine

[Major]

As we approach a new year, it would be helpful if we all considered what Christian Doctrine is. Every single person reading this thread has been approached and or has friends and family who identify with the Christian faith. However.....are they actually Christians????

Because we do not want to argue or lose a friend we do not question their faith. However, most of the time we do not respond to those people because we do not know enough about what it means to actually be a Christian.

Because of the latter I thought it would be helpful if we know what it means to be a Christian and what must be believed to be one. So with that in mind I have put together a list of "essential beliefs" that are required to be called a Christian.

1. The Bible is the inspired, infallible, and inerrant Word of God.
No other writings, revelations or prophecies are to be considered as an authoritative source of truth and/or interpretation of the Bible. No organization, individual and/or group of individuals is to be considered as authoritative in which those words take authority over the Bible.

2. The Deity of Jesus Christ
Jesus is fully God and fully man.

3. The Trinity
There is one God in three distinct persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

4. All men are sinful and are in need of salvation
Romans 3:23....."All have sinned and come short of the glory of God".

5. Jesus Christ died to pay for the sins of all men.
Romans 5:8:........ "But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."

6. Salvation is only possible by faith in Jesus Christ.
John 14:6............."I am the way, the truth and the life and no man comes to the Father except by Me".
Salvation is not through religion, water baptism, observation of the Law or keeping the Sacraments.

7. Jesus Christ died physically and rose again on the 3rd day.
1 Thessalonians 4:14 ..... "For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him."

8. The Second Coming of Jesus Christ.
The Return of Christ is pivotal in Christian eschatology, marking the culmination of history and the fulfillment of God's promises. If we do not accept the Biblical promise of God that He will return, then that idea makes God a liar and if that is the case then He is a sinner and no one is saved.

I am sure that there are those of you who will add to this list what you believe is "essential" and those are welcome as then we can talk about those.
I would encourage you to post the Scriptures that support your theology.

 

[cocoa]

Baptism is essential, the Bible tells us so. I also believe it is necessary to believe in the true presence of the Eucharist. ​

John 6:53​

New King James Version​

53 Then Jesus said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in you.​

​

On Baptism​

1 Peter 3:21​

21 There is also an antitype which now saves us—baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,

• Mark 16:16 “He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.”
• John 3:5 “Jesus answered, ‘I tell you the truth, unless a man is born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.’” (cf. 3:3: “unless a man is born again …”)
• Acts 2:38-41 “And Peter said to them, ‘Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is to you and to your children and to all that are far off, every one whom the Lord our God calls to him.’ And he testified with many other words and exhorted them, saying, ‘Save yourselves from this crooked generation.’ So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.” (cf. 9:17-18; 1 Corinthians 12:13: both associate the Holy Spirit with baptism)
• Acts 22:16 “And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on his name.” (cf. 9:17-18)
• Romans 6:3-4 “Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.”

 

[Prim90]

I add another. The blood of Christ. Without the blood of God the be no remission of sins the sacrifice of sheep and goats were only an expression of things to come of the future fulfilment. up on a cross one Friday. Sadly there there be some amongst our own who no longer believe that the blood has any significance.

 

[In Awe of Him]

8. The Second Coming of Jesus Christ.

It's odd but I never think of Jesus coming back... and I do not mean this in a disrespectful way. My little brain does not do well with things that are not ABSOLUTES... I have placed all of Revelation in the hands of GOD to do with as HE will. I am not denying the second coming of Christ... but it's rather complicated and all these prophesy discussions are a GUESS at best. God has a perfect plan and I believe it but I don't need to know it.

I do however think about death a lot. HA. specifically my own and OH man.... THAT I could think about and talk to God about all the day long. Funny thing I have found is that Christians don't generally like talking about DEATH. I find the topic of raising a body from the dead to be a HORRIFIC thing.... I have a DNR signed... ( Do not resuscitate ). If ANYONE dares to bring me back when I'm gone... OHHHHHHH BOY. HAHA.

Kind of scared to post this as it's not meant to be offensive... It's how I view things.

#1 - 7 on the list are definitely things I think about ALL THE TIME... and I have also noticed the word Christian being used very loosely.
In one forum I belonged to... there were people who did not believe in the Trinity yet called themselves Christians.

I AGREE... we need to be getting back to the BASICS of TRUE CHRISTIANITY.

 

[cocoa]

It's odd but I never think of Jesus coming back... and I do not mean this in a disrespectful way. My little brain does not do well with things that are not ABSOLUTES... I have placed all of Revelation in the hands of GOD to do with as HE will. I am not denying the second coming of Christ... but it's rather complicated and all these prophesy discussions are a GUESS at best. God has a perfect plan and I believe it but I don't need to know it.

I do however think about death a lot. HA. specifically my own and OH man.... THAT I could think about and talk to God about all the day long. Funny thing I have found is that Christians don't generally like talking about DEATH. I find the topic of raising a body from the dead to be a HORRIFIC thing.... I have a DNR signed... ( Do not resuscitate ). If ANYONE dares to bring me back when I'm gone... OHHHHHHH BOY. HAHA.

Kind of scared to post this as it's not meant to be offensive... It's how I view things.

#1 - 7 on the list are definitely things I think about ALL THE TIME... and I have also noticed the word Christian being used very loosely.
In one forum I belonged to... there were people who did not believe in the Trinity yet called themselves Christians.

I AGREE... we need to be getting back to the BASICS of TRUE CHRISTIANITY.

Yes, I don't engage in end times over-think. The Bible says that Christ will return to judge the living and the dead and that's enough for me.
I don't participate in trying to decode prophecy nor do I participate in zionism or make predictions about who the anti christ is or when they'll appear. The Bible says we aren't to make predictions. I'm chill

 

[In Awe of Him]

Yes, I don't engage in end times over-think. The Bible says that Christ will return to judge the living and the dead and that's enough for me.
I don't participate in trying to decode prophecy nor do I participate in zionism or make predictions about who the anti christ is or when they'll appear. The Bible says we aren't to make predictions. I'm chill

You expressed this in a much nicer and better way than me. HA.

 

[Major]

It's odd but I never think of Jesus coming back... and I do not mean this in a disrespectful way. My little brain does not do well with things that are not ABSOLUTES... I have placed all of Revelation in the hands of GOD to do with as HE will. I am not denying the second coming of Christ... but it's rather complicated and all these prophesy discussions are a GUESS at best. God has a perfect plan and I believe it but I don't need to know it.

I do however think about death a lot. HA. specifically my own and OH man.... THAT I could think about and talk to God about all the day long. Funny thing I have found is that Christians don't generally like talking about DEATH. I find the topic of raising a body from the dead to be a HORRIFIC thing.... I have a DNR signed... ( Do not resuscitate ). If ANYONE dares to bring me back when I'm gone... OHHHHHHH BOY. HAHA.

Kind of scared to post this as it's not meant to be offensive... It's how I view things.

#1 - 7 on the list are definitely things I think about ALL THE TIME... and I have also noticed the word Christian being used very loosely.
In one forum I belonged to... there were people who did not believe in the Trinity yet called themselves Christians.

I AGREE... we need to be getting back to the BASICS of TRUE CHRISTIANITY.

I enjoyed your post and honesty.

I hope that you realize that the 2nd Coming of the Lord Jesus is not just in the Revelation. The Second Coming is extensively prophesied in both the Old and New Testaments actually from Genesis and all the prophets.

From Genesis to Zechariah and an unnamed psalmist in Psalm 2:6 foresaw the coming of Christ as a King. Isaiah prophesied that the Messiah would come as a ruler who would bring peace and whose government will never end (Isaiah 9:6–7).
Micah also saw the Messiah coming as a "Ruler in Israel" (Micah 5:2). Daniel envisioned the Messiah's future as well as Ezekiel.

So then, the 2nd Coming of Christ is more that a prophecy.....it is a "Promise"!

 

[bobinfaith]

As we approach a new year, it would be helpful if we all considered what Christian Doctrine is. Every single person reading this thread has been approached and or has friends and family who identify with the Christian faith. However.....are they actually Christians???? Because we do not want to argue or lose a friend we do not question their faith. However, most of the time we do not respond to those people because we do not know enough about what it means to actually be a Christian. Because of the latter I thought it would be helpful if we know what it means to be a Christian and what must be believed to be one. So with that in mind I have put together a list of "essential beliefs" that are required to be called a Christian.

1. The Bible is the inspired, infallible, and inerrant Word of God.
No other writings, revelations or prophecies are to be considered as an authoritative source of truth and/or interpretation of the Bible. No organization, individual and/or group of individuals is to be considered as authoritative in which those words take authority over the Bible.

2. The Deity of Jesus Christ
Jesus is fully God and fully man.

3. The Trinity
There is one God in three distinct persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

4. All men are sinful and are in need of salvation
Romans 3:23....."All have sinned and come short of the glory of God".

5. Jesus Christ died to pay for the sins of all men.
Romans 5:8:........ "But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."

6. Salvation is only possible by faith in Jesus Christ.
John 14:6............."I am the way, the truth and the life and no man comes to the Father except by Me".
Salvation is not through religion, water baptism, observation of the Law or keeping the Sacraments.

7. Jesus Christ died physically and rose again on the 3rd day.
1 Thessalonians 4:14 ..... "For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him."

8. The Second Coming of Jesus Christ.
The Return of Christ is pivotal in Christian eschatology, marking the culmination of history and the fulfillment of God's promises. If we do not accept the Biblical promise of God that He will return, then that idea makes God a liar and if that is the case then He is a sinner and no one is saved.

I am sure that there are those of you who will add to this list what you believe is "essential" and those are welcome as then we can talk about those.
I would encourage you to post the Scriptures that support your theology.

It's odd but I never think of Jesus coming back... and I do not mean this in a disrespectful way. My little brain does not do well with things that are not ABSOLUTES... I have placed all of Revelation in the hands of GOD to do with as HE will. I am not denying the second coming of Christ... but it's rather complicated and all these prophesy discussions are a GUESS at best. God has a perfect plan and I believe it but I don't need to know it. I do however think about death a lot. HA. specifically my own and OH man.... THAT I could think about and talk to God about all the day long. Funny thing I have found is that Christians don't generally like talking about DEATH. I find the topic of raising a body from the dead to be a HORRIFIC thing.... I have a DNR signed... ( Do not resuscitate ). If ANYONE dares to bring me back when I'm gone... OHHHHHHH BOY. HAHA. Kind of scared to post this as it's not meant to be offensive... It's how I view things. #1 - 7 on the list are definitely things I think about ALL THE TIME... and I have also noticed the word Christian being used very loosely. In one forum I belonged to... there were people who did not believe in the Trinity yet called themselves Christians.
AGREE... we need to be getting back to the BASICS of TRUE CHRISTIANITY.

Yes, I don't engage in end times over-think. The Bible says that Christ will return to judge the living and the dead and that's enough for me.
I don't participate in trying to decode prophecy nor do I participate in zionism or make predictions about who the anti christ is or when they'll appear. The Bible says we aren't to make predictions. I'm chill

From the way I understand Major's thread he is posing the question of fundamental and essential belief as Christians. This is important and I agree. There are many Christians who adore the Lord but really aren't equipped the explain the essentials of their faith, especially to a non believer.

I also thank In Awe of Him for her honesty. She wasn't denying the second coming of Christ, she was saying she never thinks of Jesus coming back. I can relate with another situation. Many years ago I got frustrated during a Bible study (trying to impress everyone) with my understanding of 2 Chronicles 7:14 and got confused because we were discussing 2 Corinthians 2:5-11. I was embarrassed and wouldn't talk forgiveness with anyone for awhile, especially when I make simple mistakes.

Someone here recently posted end of last year, whether Revelation, Rapture, historical, futuristic, preterist, are very challenging and require in depth study of God's Word before we can actually apply the application. Cocoa's response is wise in her point with "end times over-think."

This is why I won't discuss in depth Revelation, Daniel, the full course of the Rapture in our forum. It's not that I'm not growing as a Bible student but am discouraged when these discussions become what I call sub-contextualization. Basic Christian understanding of the essentials is not being applied in these studies which should be strongly included.

This Sunday I'm preaching on Revelation 22. The theme of my message describes the benediction of Christ's return. But in order to prepare our disciplined study of God's Word should be a lifetime constant. It equips us to have such discussions and God reveals what is apologetic and erroneous falsehood doctrine.

But He also promises to build each man and woman of God with the important essential belief as a Christian so we're prepared to share why we follow Jesus.

God bless everyone.

Bob

 

[LearningToLetGo]

It's my understanding that Paul was speaking of the Gnostics who pretty much denied the humanity, and thus the sacrifice, of Jesus. You'll find threads of that in other religions. Search non-duality for example. I don't know of any Christian branches that go this far so it seems like we're all saying pretty much the same thing. Pretty much...

 

[cocoa]

Who are the apostolic non trinitarian? Is that like Mormons? Can you even be considered a Christian if you don't believe in the trinity?

 

[In Awe of Him]

Who are the apostolic non trinitarian? Is that like Mormons?

Good morning.... I am taking the liberty of answering this question even though I had to look it up and don't have a clue as to what half of these believe.

So.... thanks to GOOGLE.... This is the list given for apostolic non-trinitarians.

I would label all these sects in the category of CULTS.

I think the group that would try and fight the hardest of TRYING to hold the title of Christian is the Oneness Pentecostals. it is my understanding that the rest on this list have no problem denying Jesus Christ as God.

Please don't let this come back to bite me. HAHA.

Mormonism

Jehovah Witness

Christian Science

Armstrongism

Christadelphians

Oneness Pentecostals

Unification Church

Unity School of Christianity

Scientology

Can you even be considered a Christian if you don't believe in the trinity?

ABSOLUTELY NOT!!!!!!!!!!! and that is the problem... the word Christianity is beginning to be used very loosely. As another form of ATTACK against true Christianity.

 

[cocoa]

Good morning.... I am taking the liberty of answering this question even though I had to look it up and don't have a clue as to what half of these believe.

So.... thanks to GOOGLE.... This is the list given for apostolic non-trinitarians.

I would label all these sects in the category of CULTS.

I think the group that would try and fight the hardest of TRYING to hold the title of Christian is the Oneness Pentecostals. it is my understanding that the rest on this list have no problem denying Jesus Christ as God.

Please don't let this come back to bite me. HAHA.

Mormonism

Jehovah Witness

Christian Science

Armstrongism

Christadelphians

Oneness Pentecostals

Unification Church

Unity School of Christianity

Scientology



ABSOLUTELY NOT!!!!!!!!!!! and that is the problem... the word Christianity is beginning to be used very loosely. As another form of ATTACK against true Christianity.

Thank you!!

 

[In Awe of Him]

You will never get me to state that we don't have free will to CHOOSE God. My experience and conscience will NOT allow it... however... I think often times... when we EXAGGERATE a point... or FOCUS on only one point... we MISS the bigger picture.

Just because God knows ahead of time who is going to accept Him and who is going to reject Him does not mean HE chooses for us. What is the purpose of SALVATION if it is NOT something we personally CHOOSE? What kind of event would salvation be if GOD played it solo??
That would make us puppets... just playing out an already decided game.... and this is NOT what our free will is about... and it's certainly not what SALVATION is about.

I liken the concept of FREE-WILL to a BRIDE and GROOM CHOOSING to marry. A woman can only submit to a man she loves... anything other than LOVE and CHOICE is called DOMINATION and is usually based in FEAR.


25 Jesus answered them, “I told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in My Father’s name, they bear witness of Me. 26 But you do not believe, because you are not of My sheep, [b]as I said to you. 27 My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. 28 And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand. 30 I and My Father are one.”

Please go easy on me @Prim HA. I am taking a risk in answering your post... but I do not have the TEACHING or ability to have an INDEPTH debate. HA.

*** Edit.... I have contacted staff to go over my post to ensure that I have NOT broken any forum rules.

 

[ModeratorTeam]

The Staff would like to mention that there are certain topics that have always created tensions, arguments and angry responses and for that reason, those topics may not be debated here at CFS.

Before this discussion goes past that threshold, please go over the list of "Topics which may not be discussed" located at the top of this Doctrinal Discussions area. (Or click on the blue link in this paragraph.)

The posts in this thread SO FAR are fine, but please move back to the original post # 1 topic.

Thanks, everyone, for your cooperation.


`

 

[Prim90]

In Awe of him as per site rules the subject of Calvinism cannot be discussed in-depth publicly on the site but I’m happy to discuss with you in private. As to one of those authors you mentioned namely John McCarther. That is who I be referring to in my post 4 who I call as one of our own. Who continues unrepentantly to deny the Divine power of the sacrificial blood of Christ. He is not welcome within some fellow congregations due to the very heresy he holds firm to in denying the power of the Blood of God. . As to Forgiven he simply over shot the mark in what he wrote about Calvinism and free will in the negative.. Forgiven has every right to disagree with Calvinism as he likes. But he just can’t state publicly on the forum doctrinally as per site rules and expect no push back from those of a Calvinist view point to sit back and say nothing. That is all. It is much late In Awe of Him. Goodnight Yours Prim

 

[In Awe of Him]

Major.... OK.... and my apologies for going OFF topics ( slightly ). HA.

With regards to Post#1 which is a list of the ESSENTIALS in claiming the name "Christian".

I would like to hear your voice on issues that might be more along the lines of ERROR in interpretation.

For example..... and I will use my own personal experience here.

I have walked away from my only family here due to the fact that I am not able to tolerate the legalistic attitude that is held.
My family are definitely Christian in that they do BELIEVE all the essential points... however.... there is such a disconnect
within the STRICT and JUDGEMENTAL attitudes... that I am UNABLE or perhaps UNWILLING to come together with them
in the spirit of UNITY.

I guess I am wondering WHEN is it OK to walk away from someone who calls themselves a Christian??

Anyone can answer this and I think it is ok to ask if I am using myself as an example. Gosh... LOOKIE at me getting all serious. HA.

 

[In Awe of Him]

In Awe of him as per site rules the subject of Calvinism cannot be discussed in-depth publicly on the site but I’m happy to discuss with you in private. As to one of those authors you mentioned namely John McCarther. That is who I be referring to in my post 4 who I call as one of our own. Who continues unrepentantly to deny the Divine power of the sacrificial blood of Christ. He is not welcome within some fellow congregations do to the very heresy he holds firm to in denying the power of the Blood of God. . As to Forgiven he simply over shot the mark in what he wrote about Calvinism and free will in the negative.. forgiven has every right to disagree with Calvinism as likes but he just can’t state publicly do on the forum doctrinally and expect per site rules and expect no push back from those of a Calvinist view point to sit back and say nothing. That is all. Yours Prim

My precious Prim... I am going to move this into Private message with you. I have to re read what you have written here so give me some time to respond to this in private. I already sent you a message stating I don't think you can answer my questions. HA.

Much Love to you my dear sister in Christ.

 

[Dave F.]

Major.... OK.... and my apologies for going OFF topics ( slightly ). HA.

With regards to Post#1 which is a list of the ESSENTIALS in claiming the name "Christian".

I would like to hear your voice on issues that might be more along the lines of ERROR in interpretation.

For example..... and I will use my own personal experience here.

I have walked away from my only family here due to the fact that I am not able to tolerate the legalistic attitude that is held.
My family are definitely Christian in that they do BELIEVE all the essential points... however.... there is such a disconnect
within the STRICT and JUDGEMENTAL attitudes... that I am UNABLE or perhaps UNWILLING to come together with them
in the spirit of UNITY.

I guess I am wondering WHEN is it OK to walk away from someone who calls themselves a Christian??

Anyone can answer this and I think it is ok to ask if I am using myself as an example. Gosh... LOOKIE at me getting all serious. HA.

2 Timothy 3:5
5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
Having a form of godliness is being religious without having a relationship with Christ, I have heard some call this churchianity, where they are more concerned about looking pious than actually leading others to a right relationship with God.
Just my thoughts. May God continue to bless you In Awe of Him.

 

[Major]

Major.... OK.... and my apologies for going OFF topics ( slightly ). HA.

With regards to Post#1 which is a list of the ESSENTIALS in claiming the name "Christian".

I would like to hear your voice on issues that might be more along the lines of ERROR in interpretation.

For example..... and I will use my own personal experience here.

I have walked away from my only family here due to the fact that I am not able to tolerate the legalistic attitude that is held.
My family are definitely Christian in that they do BELIEVE all the essential points... however.... there is such a disconnect
within the STRICT and JUDGEMENTAL attitudes... that I am UNABLE or perhaps UNWILLING to come together with them
in the spirit of UNITY.

I guess I am wondering WHEN is it OK to walk away from someone who calls themselves a Christian??

Anyone can answer this and I think it is ok to ask if I am using myself as an example. Gosh... LOOKIE at me getting all serious. HA.

I hear you but I will need some more information to make a determination or give you advice.

What I posted is what is "essential" in order to be a Christian. They are things that must be accepted to be a Christian.

Now if you are referring to what your family condemns you of doing and being.....that will require more input.

Example......
1. You make smoke and your family judges you and condemns that action.
There is nothing in the Scriptures that condemn using tobacco but a lot on your body as the Temple of God

2. You make consume alcohol and be judged for that action.
Same answer as #1.

3. You may curse and use God's name in vain and you family judges you and condemns your action.
They should!!!! Using the Lords name in vain breaks the Law of God.

See what I mean?????

 

[Major]

From the way I understand Major's thread he is posing the question of fundamental and essential belief as Christians. This is important and I agree. There are many Christians who adore the Lord but really aren't equipped the explain the essentials of their faith, especially to a non believer.

I also thank In Awe of Him for her honesty. She wasn't denying the second coming of Christ, she was saying she never thinks of Jesus coming back. I can relate with another situation. Many years ago I got frustrated during a Bible study (trying to impress everyone) with my understanding of 2 Chronicles 7:14 and got confused because we were discussing 2 Corinthians 2:5-11. I was embarrassed and wouldn't talk forgiveness with anyone for awhile, especially when I make simple mistakes.

Someone here recently posted end of last year, whether Revelation, Rapture, historical, futuristic, preterist, are very challenging and require in depth study of God's Word before we can actually apply the application. Cocoa's response is wise in her point with "end times over-think."

This is why I won't discuss in depth Revelation, Daniel, the full course of the Rapture in our forum. It's not that I'm not growing as a Bible student but am discouraged when these discussions become what I call sub-contextualization. Basic Christian understanding of the essentials is not being applied in these studies which should be strongly included.

This Sunday I'm preaching on Revelation 22. The theme of my message describes the benediction of Christ's return. But in order to prepare our disciplined study of God's Word should be a lifetime constant. It equips us to have such discussions and God reveals what is apologetic and erroneous falsehood doctrine.

But He also promises to build each man and woman of God with the important essential belief as a Christian so we're prepared to share why we follow Jesus.

God bless everyone.

Bob

Yes......I agree.