WHAT
WE BELIEVE
God
Genesis 1:1,26,27; 3:22 Psalm 90:2 Matthew 28:19 I Peter
1:2 II Corinthians 13:14
God is the Creator and Ruler of the universe. He has eternally
existed in three personalities: the Father, the Son, and
the Holy Spirit. These three are co-equal and are one God.
Man
Genesis 1:27 Psalm 8:3-6 Isaiah 53:6a Romans 3:23 Isaiah
59:1-2
Man is made in the spiritual image of God, to be like Him
in character. He is the supreme object of God's creation.
Although man has tremendous potential for good, he is marred
by an attitude of disobedience toward God called "sin."
This attitude separates man from God.
Eternity
John 3:16 I John 2:25 & 5:11-13 Romans 6:23 Revelation
20:15
Man was created to exist forever. He will either exist eternally
separated from God by sin, or in union with God, through
forgiveness and salvation. To be eternally separated from
God is Hell. To be eternally in union with Him is eternal
life. Heaven and Hell are places of eternal existence.
Jesus Christ
Matthew 1:22-23 Isaiah 9:6 John 1:1-5 & 14:10-30
Hebrews 4:14-15 I Corinthians 15:3-4 Romans 1:3-4 Acts 1:9-11
I Timothy 6:14-15 Titus 2:13
Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He is co-equal with the
Father. Jesus lived a sinless human life and offered Himself
as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all men by dying
on a cross. He arose from the dead after three days to demonstrate
His power over sin and death. He ascended to Heaven's glory
and will return again to earth to reign as King of Kings
and Lord of Lords.
Salvation
Romans 6:23 Ephesians 2:8-9 John 14:6 & 1:12 Titus
3:5 Galatians 3:26 Romans 5:1
Salvation is a gift from God to man. Man can never make
up for his sin by self-improvement or good works. Only by
trusting in Jesus Christ as God's offer of forgiveness can
man be saved from sin's penalty. Eternal life begins the
moment one receives Jesus Christ into his life by faith.
Eternal Security
John 10:29 II Timothy 1:12 Hebrews 7:25 & 10:10-14
I Peter 1:3-5
Because God gives man eternal life through Jesus Christ,
the believer is secure in that salvation for eternity. Salvation
is maintained by the grace and power of God, not by the
self-effort of the Christian. It is the grace and keeping
power of God that gives this security.
The Holy Spirit
II Corinthians 3:17 John 16:7-13 & 14:16-17 Acts
1:8 I Corinthians 2:12 & 3:16 Ephesians 1:13 Galatians
5:25 Ephesians 5:18
The Holy Spirit is equal with the Father and the Son as
God. He is present in the world to make men aware of their
need for Jesus Christ. He also lives in every Christian
from the moment of salvation. He provides the Christian
with power for living, understanding of spiritual truth,
and guidance in doing what is right. The Christian seeks
to live under His control daily.
The Bible
II Timothy 3:16-17 II Peter 1:20-21 II Timothy 1:13
Psalm 119:105,160 & 12:6 Proverbs 30:5
The Bible is God's Word to all men. It was written by human
authors under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit.
It is the supreme source of truth for Christian beliefs
and living. Because it is inspired by God, it is truth without
any mixture of error.
Grow in Christ by following through with
baptism and uniting with a church. You will find new Christian
friends and grow in your new life in Christ.
Please let us know if this is your decision at smbc@southmain.org
See Video at www.kristo.com
|