There are things in the Christian life that are nonessential for a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. For example, views of the end times are hotly debated and vary greatly. One's opinion and beliefs of how everything plays out in the end does not affect a person's eternal destination. We can have diversity in a lot of areas and continue to walk side by side in unity and harmony. At Stafford Crossing, we have three sayings we use to maintain harmony and unity in the midst of diversity: (1) In essential beliefs, we have unity. (2) In nonessential beliefs, we have liberty. (3) In all our beliefs, we show love. However, there are some essentials we must agree on and they are called our basic Bible beliefs.
ABOUT GOD
God is the Creator and Sustainer of the universe (Genesis 1:1; Psalm 8:3; Psalm 24:1-2; Hebrews 11:3). He is holy (Isaiah 6), all-powerful (Job 38-40), all-knowing (Psalm 139:2-4), and ever-present (Psalm 139:7-10). He exists eternally in three persons: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit; yet He is one.
ABOUT GOD THE FATHER
God as Father rules over His universe. He is in all and over all of creation and has a plan for every individual's life (Jeremiah 29:11; Ephesians 2:10). He loves the people of the world so much that He sent His Son to pay the price for people's sin (John 3:16).
ABOUT GOD THE SON
Jesus is the Son of God, the Christ, and the Savior of the world. He was born of a virgin, and while tempted like all people, Jesus lived a perfect and sinless life while here on earth (Hebrews 4:14-15), and showed tremendous love for all persons with whom He came in contact. Jesus was put to death on a Roman cross. His death, in God's perfect plan, paid the price for the sins of all humanity (Romans 5:8; 2 Corinthians 5:21). He arose from the dead after three days to live forever and reign with all authority in heaven and on earth (Matthew 28:18; John 20:1-30).
ABOUT GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT
The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of God. He was active at creation (Genesis 1:2), and is present in the world to make people aware of their need for Jesus Christ. He provides the Christian with power and direction for living, understanding of spiritual truth, and guidance in doing what is right (John 14:26; John 16:13).
ABOUT THE BIBLE
The Bible is the definitive record of God's dealings with humankind. It was written by human authors under the supernatural inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Its message is one of judgment for our sins alongside the message of hope and salvation in Jesus Christ (2 Timothy 3:15-17). It is truth, without any mixture of error, and the only reliable authority for our understanding of God and His dealings with us (2 Peter 1:21).
ABOUT HUMANITY
Humanity was created in the image of God and is the crowning achievement of God's creative handiwork (Genesis 1:27). However, this image was permanently marred shortly after creation when human beings chose to disobey the One who had made them. This disobedience led to separation from God, both spiritually and physically (Genesis 3). Since we are so inclined toward sin, we cannot achieve the degree of perfection necessary to stand in God's holy presence (Romans 3:23; James 2:10).
ABOUT SALVATION
Salvation is a gift from God to people whereby they are rescued from life without Christ and restored in relationship to Him. God allowed His Son Jesus to literally "become sin" in our place and pay the penalty for the wrong we have done (John 1:14; John 3:16; 2 Corinthians 5:21). He did this because He loves us and wants us to have a full and complete life (John 10:10). People can never make up for sin by self-improvement or good works. Only by accepting God's offer of forgiveness can people be saved from sin's penalty (Ephesians 2:8-9). When we turn from a self-ruled life and turn to Jesus in faith, we receive salvation and are "born again" (John 3:3-5).
ABOUT ETERNAL LIFE
Death seals the eternal destiny of each person (Hebrews 9:27). For all people, there will be a resurrection of the body into the spiritual world and a judgment that will determine the fate of each individual (1 Corinthians 15:12-28, 35-58; 1 Thessalonians 4:15-18). Those who have trusted in Christ will be taken into the very presence of God for all eternity in Heaven. Those who have chosen to reject His free gift of salvation will be eternally banished from His presence in Hell (Matthew 25:31-46; John 3:16; Revelation 20:15).