The Scriptures

Origin

The original manuscripts of Scripture are God breathed; The Holy Spirit bore along and enabled men to write the Scriptures. Every word, thought and concept in the original text of Scripture is verbally and plenarily inspired ¹. The books that were written through men by the bearing along of the Holy Spirit, are the 66 books comprising of the Old and New Testament which books constitute the entire written revelation from God.

Dispensation and Ages

When the Scriptures are taken literally, they teach of ages and seven dispensations ².

An age is a period in which God shows something about Himself to intelligent beings.

A dispensation is a period of time in which God shows something to mankind about man.

Purpose

The Scriptures are profitable for doctrine to be learned but not practiced, reproof, correction, and instruction (child training) in righteousness for the man of God ³. (Scripture contains information for the man of God to learn from and doctrine to live by.)

The Nature of God

God is the Сreator and Sustainer of all things, seen and unseen¹. He is eternal and unchangeable in His nature³.

The Essence of God

His essence is Spirit. This essence is self-existing, one, and immense ²

Attributes (Seven attributes of God)

His attributes are omnipotent, omniscient, holy (set apart), righteous, goodness, love, and truth⁴ .

Three Persons, One God

God exists in a trinity of three distinct inseparable Persons; the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit⁵ . All three Persons share the same essence and attributes. In the Godhead, all three Persons are equal⁶.

God the Father

This Person of the Godhead is revealed to us as the one that is the ultimate source of all things; all things are out from the Father.¹

God the Father’s Fatherhood Relationship

God the Father’s fatherhood relationship to God the Son shows that they are equal in nature while the Son can be voluntarily submissive to the Father in carrying out the decree². This Person of the Godhead displays the fatherhood type of relationship that He has to spirit beings as well as saved and unsaved mankind ³. The Fatherhood relationship shows that God is the source of all things.

His Past and Present Work

He sent the Son to be a propitiation (satisfaction) for the sins of the world

The Gospel Message: Salvation according to the Scriptures

1. We have all sinned (Romans 3:23; Romans 5:12-21).
2. The penalty for sin is spiritual and physical death, resulting in eternal separation from God (Romans 5:12-21; 6:23).
3. Christ died for our sins (Romans 5:8; 1 Corinthians 15:3; 1 Peter 3:18).
4. Christ was raised as proof that all who believe are justified before God (Romans 4:25; Galatians 1:1; Ephesians 1:20).
5. Salvation is by Grace – God’s attitude whereby He gives you a benefit without consideration of merit. Therefore, salvation cannot be earned. It is only gained by faith (taking God at His Word, Hebrews 11:1). (Ephesians 2:8-9).
6. What is required for Salvation?
   • The Bible teaches that we believe that Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again on the third day according to the Scriptures to be saved (1 Corinthians 15:3, 4).
   • God provides you with the faith to believe (Philippians 1:29; 1 Corinthians 3:5), so it is in no way a work by you – Salvation is by Grace.
   • Direct this faith at Christ by believing that He died for your sins, was buried, and rose again on the third day according to the Scriptures and you will be saved.

What is Next? – The Christian Life

• Be immersed (baptized) into water for a testimony of your association with Christ’s death and resurrection (Matthew 28:19; Titus 3:5 – Water baptism is not for salvation).
• Participate regularly in Christian fellowship (Hebrews 10:24, 25).
• Grow in grace and the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18).