GOD | The one and only true God, the greatest of all beings. All-knowing, all-loving, caring and just. He exists eternally as one God in three persons – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. God made the world and everything in it. When he was finished, he saw that it was “very good.” (Gen.1:31) |
PEOPLE | Made in the image of God. In one sense this means we are like him in some ways (rational, creative beings, capable of love, and much more). In another sense, referring to our purpose and vocation: Humans are meant to reflect God’s attributes, character and stewardship upon each other and the world. This is what it means to be “fully human.” |
REBELLION | Although mankind was given absolute freedom, trust, and relationship with God, we chose to rebel (Gen 3:1-7). Instead of worshiping God and reflecting his image, we began to worship ourselves and other created things, severing our fellowship with God. This resulted in our condemnation (Rom. 5:18), suffering, and ultimately death. “For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Rom 3:23).” We are all guilty of sin, resulting in devastating consequences for us and even for the world in which we live (Rom 8:20). |
REDEMPTION | God’s response to our rebellion is his plan of redemption. He sent His Son as a true man who would bear the penalty for sin and die in our place (1 Cor. 15:3). Jesus died, was buried, and rose again, and now reigns at the right hand of the Father as the true Lord of this earth. “Whoever believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16).” Indeed, those who are “in Christ” have restored fellowship with God, and will one day be raised as Christ is raised (Rom 8:11). This kind of “belief” involves more than the acknowledgment of who Christ is. It includes a wholehearted trust and reliance on him for the forgiveness of sins, and a decision to forsake one’s sin (repentance) and live under Christ’s Lordship. It involves putting one’s trust in him as he truly is today – not just a man in history, but a living Savior who knows our hearts and hears our prayers. |
CONSUMMATION | The Bible says that it has been God’s plan for all time to “unite all things in him (Jesus), things in heaven and things on earth (Eph 1:10).” At a time of his choosing, Jesus will return. All earthly rulers and enemies will be put “under his feet” – even death itself (1 Cor 15:24-26). The dead will be raised with new imperishable bodies, some to everlasting joy and fellowship with God, and some to everlasting shame and separation (Dan 12:2). The creation itself will be delivered from its bondage to sin and decay (Rom 8:21). The heavens and earth will “pass away” and be radically transformed (2 Peter 3:7-13; Rev 21:1). Finally, God’s people, the redeemed, will be brought into His presence to live. At this point, God’s creation will be complete, and life – even existence itself – will be as it was meant to be (Rev 20-21). |