A basic, simplistic, straightforward, and concise statement of my faith
The pagans often expressed fear of their gods, which was their motivation to worship, but Jesus employed the term “Abba” to depict a divine loving Father. In Hebrew, Abba is more than just “Father.” It signifies an intimate and personal relationship.
God is the epitome of a loving Parent (1 Corinthians 8:6), eager to embrace everyone as His children (1 Timothy 2:4-6), regardless of their missteps. The choice, however, lies with us (Romans 10:10). It is up to each individual, utilizing their own free will, to recognize God as their Father by acknowledging what he’d done for them through the death of Christ. It is we who decide whether or not we wish to spend eternity with Him, as love is always a matter of personal choice. To draw a parallel, I will always love and accept my son regardless of his actions. It is up to him to acknowledge me as his father, but my recognition of him as my cherished son will remain regardless.
- I believe in the God of Israel, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who is omniscient, omnipotent, holy, loving, gracious, etc.
- Although I find human attempts to explain the nature of God feeble and barren, I find the model of the Trinity (one God in three persons; Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) to be the most compelling explanation.
- I believe that God revealed Himself to humankind through Yeshua (Jesus Christ), who is the incarnation of God. Jesus came to atone for humanity by living and dying for the world’s sins and was raised on our behalf, acknowledging there are various ways/models to describe how Jesus’ death and resurrection liberated us.
- I believe the Bible is uniquely and divinely inspired and authoritative, yet should not be confused with “The Word of God,” which is Jesus.
- Although works are important on various levels, I do not believe they pertain to salvation. Our sin grieves God, hurts us, damages society and our loved ones, and reduces our blessings as well as future heavenly treasures, yet God uses human sin to teach us about truths such as good and evil, free will, justice, grace, forgiveness, humility, etc., as part of our spiritual journey of growth.
