I write a lot about matters of faith. While I have numerous interests, learning the Scriptures is one of the biggest. In the interest of transparency, here is a brief summary of those things that I hold to be true. I’m generally very confident in my views, and I will defend them in comments.
I’m just a regular guy — I don’t hold a position anywhere, I have some formal education but not much… but I take this stuff seriously enough to have learned quite a bit. If you’ve enjoyed reading my posts here or are just curious where I’m coming from, you may appreciate this statement of my faith.
If I were to describe myself, it would be something like this: I am a Calvinistic, Dispensational Presbyterian Credobaptist who believes in the complete inspiration, authority, and perfection of the Holy Scriptures.
Genesis
- I believe all things were created by God and for God. Psalm 89:11; Colossians 1:16
- The creation account is literal and factual, describing a period of six 24-hour days in which God made the Heaven and the Earth and all that in them is. Genesis 1-2; Exodus 20:11
- Noah’s flood was global, covering the entire planet, and is a historically factual event. Genesis 6:7; 9:11
Theology
- I believe in the verbal, plenary, infallible, and unlimited inerrancy of the Holy Bible. 2 Timothy 3:16
- I believe in the one true God, eternally existing in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, commonly collectively referred to as the Trinity. Isaiah 6:8; John 12:38-41; Acts 28:25-27; 1 John 4:14; John 16:7
- I believe that all humans are sinners, not only by birth but also by choice. Psalm 51:5; Psalm 58:3; Romans 3:23
- I believe that no good works of any kind can merit the favor or grace of God nor admittance into Heaven. Galatians 2:16,21; Ephesians 2:8,9
- I believe that salvation comes only by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. Ephesians 2:8; Romans 5:1
- I believe in the eternal security of believers and the perseverance of the saints. Ephesians 1:13
- I believe that life continues after death–for the unbeliever in Hell and for the believer in Heaven. 2 Thessalonians 1:9; Jude 7; 1 Thessalonians 4:17
- I believe that the Holy Spirit indwells and spiritually baptizes a person at the moment of conversion. Acts 10:44,47; Ephesians 1:13
- I believe that physical water baptism is an outward testimony of an inward change and marks the newness of life one has in Christ. We do not believe baptism is necessary for salvation, but is important for growth after salvation.
Jesus Christ
- I believe in the virgin birth of Jesus Christ. Matthew 1:23
- I believe in the eternal sonship of Jesus Christ. John 3:16; 17:5; 1 John 4:14
- I believe in the deity of Jesus Christ. John 20:28; Hebrews 1:8
- I believe that Jesus Christ’s death at Calvary paid the debt for sin and that sinners must only realize their need and place their faith and trust in Him for salvation. Romans 10:9,10; 1 Peter 2:24
- I believe that Jesus Christ will return for His saints. John 14:3; 1 Corinthians 15:52; 1 Thessalonians 4:16
General
- I believe marriage was instituted by God as a blessing to be shared between men and women only, and that homosexual unions are forbidden according to Scripture. I accept that polygyny is a valid, moral practice while the diverse perversions (polyamory, polyandry, etc.) represent adultery or similar. Matthew 19:4-6; Romans 1:26,27
- I believe that the Bible is God’s word and that it is the supreme rule in all manners of life, faith, and practice. Psalm 119:105; Proverbs 6:22
- I believe in a living faith grounded in the living Word, without the need of man-made religious traditions or doctrines. Mark 7:8; Colossians 2:8