
A statement of faith is a document that outlines the core beliefs of a church or religious organization. It is similar to a mission statement in that it details the values and principles that the church stands for. The purpose of a statement of faith is to provide clarity and direction to the members and leaders of the church, as well as to inform visitors and the wider community about what they can expect from the church. It typically covers a range of topics, including the Bible, God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, salvation, and other theological and ethical subjects. A statement of faith serves as a foundation for the church's teachings and practices, helping to ensure that the church remains true to its initial values and providing a sense of unity and community for its members.
What You'll Learn
The Bible as the Word of God
A statement of faith is a document that outlines the beliefs of a church or religious organisation. It is similar to a mission statement in that it details everything the church stands for, helping the church remain true to its values and educating the public about what to expect.
For instance, the Samaritan's Purse ministry bases its statement of faith on the belief that "the Bible is the inspired, the only infallible, authoritative Word of God revealing the love of God to the world." This belief is supported by specific Bible verses such as 1 Thessalonians 2:13, 2 Timothy 3:15-17, and John 3:16. They affirm the accuracy and applicability of the Bible to their lives and ministry.
Similarly, River Church Baltimore holds that "the Bible is the source of all doctrine, instruction, correction, and reproof," and that it is "inspired, infallible, incorruptible, and authoritative." They cite 2 Timothy 3:16-17 as the scriptural basis for this assertion. Such statements emphasise the importance of the Bible as the foundation of their faith and practices.
Macquarie Life Church, meanwhile, expresses its belief "that the Bible is God's Word. It is accurate, authoritative, and applicable to our everyday lives." By including this statement on their "About Us" page, they ensure that visitors and members are clear about their stance on the Bible's authority and relevance.
These examples demonstrate how a statement of faith centred on the Bible as the Word of God provides clarity and direction for the church and its congregation. It establishes the Bible as the ultimate source of truth and guidance, shaping the beliefs and practices of the religious organisation.
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The nature of God
A statement of faith is a document that outlines the doctrine of a church, detailing everything the church stands for. It is a way to remain true to the church's initial values and to educate people about what to expect. The nature of God is a central tenet of a statement of faith.
God the Father is often described as the creator and sustainer of the universe, the source of all life, and the one who loves and cares for His creation. He is seen as the ultimate authority and the one to whom worship and prayer are directed.
God the Son refers to Jesus Christ, who is believed to be both fully God and fully man. Jesus is said to have been born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, performed miracles, died on the cross for the sins of humanity, and rose again on the third day. Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus is believed to have provided the way for salvation and redemption for mankind.
The Holy Spirit is described as the third person of the Trinity and is often referred to as the Comforter or Advocate. The Holy Spirit is believed to indwell in believers, empowering them to live a godly life and to be witnesses of Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit is also associated with spiritual gifts and the transformation of believers into the likeness of Christ.
In a statement of faith, the nature of God is usually affirmed as being eternal, all-powerful, all-knowing, and present everywhere. God is described as loving, merciful, just, holy, and faithful. These attributes are often supported by specific Bible verses and form the basis for the beliefs and teachings of the church.
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The role of Jesus Christ
A statement of faith is a document that outlines the doctrine of a church, detailing everything the church stands for. It is a way to remain true to the church's initial values and to educate the public about what to expect. The role of Jesus Christ is central to any statement of faith.
Jesus Christ is God, the Son, and the second person of the Trinity. He is fully God and fully man, possessing both deity and humanity. Jesus was born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, performed miracles, and died on the cross for the forgiveness of sins. His sacrifice is the only way for a person to have a true, forgiven relationship with God. Through his death and resurrection, Jesus accomplished the saving, atoning, and redemptive work necessary for our salvation.
The shedding of Jesus' blood is sufficient to cleanse mankind of all sin. He rose from the dead, ascended to the right hand of God the Father, and will return again in glory and power to judge the living and the dead. Jesus' resurrection is a guarantee of our own resurrection to eternal life.
Jesus is also recognised as both Saviour and Lord, and is the only mediator between God and mankind. His role as mediator is essential, as there is no other name under heaven by which we must be saved.
The statement of faith helps to clarify the church's beliefs about Jesus Christ and His role in salvation. It provides a clear understanding of who Jesus is and what He has done, allowing visitors and members to connect with the church's doctrine and find a sense of community with fellow believers.
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The role of the Holy Spirit
A statement of faith is a document that outlines the doctrine of a church. It is similar to a mission statement in that it details everything the church stands for, helping the church remain true to its values and educating the public about what to expect.
The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Holy Trinity, which also includes God the Father and God the Son (Jesus Christ). The Holy Spirit is co-equal with the Father and the Son, yet distinct. The Holy Spirit is referred to as a "Helper", "Comforter", "Advocate", and "Counsellor".
The Holy Spirit has many roles and functions in the lives of believers. The Spirit works in the hearts of all people, convicting them of their sinfulness and leading them to salvation. The Spirit takes up permanent residence in the hearts of believers, guiding, comforting, and teaching them. The Holy Spirit also gives believers spiritual gifts and produces fruit in their lives, such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in the application of salvation to individuals. The Spirit brings conviction to the unbeliever, causing them to see the truth of the gospel and leading them to faith in Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit unites the believer with Christ and the church, and enables them to live a victorious life over sin. The Holy Spirit indwells the believer permanently, sealing them and guaranteeing their salvation.
The Holy Spirit is also involved in the creation of the world and has a ministry of restraining sin. In the coming kingdom of Jesus Christ, the Spirit will be present in God's people and upon the King.
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The nature of sin and salvation
A statement of faith is a document that outlines a church's beliefs and values, helping members of the congregation understand what the church stands for and what they can expect. It is a way to remain true to the church's initial values and educate the public about its doctrine.
The Nature of Sin
Sin is the failure to keep God's law and uphold His righteousness, thus failing to glorify Him fully. It is a broken relationship with God, a state of rebellion and disobedience against His commands. While sin can manifest in many ways, it ultimately stems from the disobedience of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, which corrupted all people except for Jesus Christ.
Sin is described in the Bible as a falling short of God's glory, a rebellion against His will, and an offence against His law. It is a willful act and a present state of human existence, infecting both personal and social realms. It includes thoughts, words, and actions, and it has corrupted all aspects of creation.
The Nature of Salvation
Salvation, on the other hand, is deliverance or redemption from sin and its consequences. In Christianity, salvation comes through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, who atoned for human sin. It is a free gift from God, received by faith alone, and it offers eternal life.
Salvation restores our relationship with God, who is loving and merciful. It is a transformative process, bringing about likeness to God or union with Him. It is a gift of God's grace, justifying sinners and making them righteous through Christ's sacrifice.
Salvation is not just individual but also has a communal aspect, as it is inseparable from the salvation of others. It is not earned by works but is a result of God's initiative and grace. It requires faith and repentance, and it leads to a changed life, bearing good fruit as evidence of a true relationship with God.
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