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 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.
- I find the Orthodox 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 rescue humanity by living and dying for the world’s sins and was raised on our behalf. There are various ways/models to describe how we’ve been forgiven through his death and resurrection.
- I believe the Bible is uniquely and divinely inspired and authoritative.
- I believe eternal life has always been granted solely through faith (in God, pre-NT times, and in Christ ever since). I believe it always was up to each individual – through their own free will – to choose whether to believe or reject God/Christ. Believing results in everlasting life with God, while rejection leads to everlasting separation from God (call it however you want to call it1).
- Although works are important on various levels, they do not pertain to salvation. Our sin grieves God and damages us, yet God uses our sins to teach us about truths such as good and evil, as well as love, grace, forgiveness, and humility – as part of our spiritual journey of growth.
For a 380-page-long explanation of my views, read my book ‘The “Gospel” of Divine Abuse.’
1. Several Hebrew and Greek words have all been translated into the same English word, “hell.” But I believe, like most scholars, that each word represents a different idea (Gehena, for example), and therefore I rather use “eternal separation from God” to describe what some consider to be hell. I can’t imagine a reality without God being anything other than misery, sorrow, and distress
