Essentials Of The Faith

The Essentials of the Faith

The Essentials of the Faith

Copyright by Norman L. Geisler 2006Copyright by Norman L. Geisler 2006

The Essential of the Faith The Essential of the Faith “In essentials, unity;

in non-essentials, liberty,

and in all things, charity.” (Rupertus Meldenius, A. D. 1627 in Philip Schaff, History of the Christian Church, 7.650-653)

“In essentials, unity;

in non-essentials, liberty,

and in all things, charity.” (Rupertus Meldenius, A. D. 1627 in Philip Schaff, History of the Christian Church, 7.650-653)

What Are The Essentials?What Are The Essentials?• The Gospel is Essential• 1. We are saved by the gospel (Rom. 1:16):

– “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.”

• 2. Paul defined the gospel (1 Cor. 15:1-5):– “I declare to you the gospel…by which you are saved…that

Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scripture, and that He was seen by Cephas, then by the twelve.”

• The Gospel is Essential• 1. We are saved by the gospel (Rom. 1:16):

– “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.”

• 2. Paul defined the gospel (1 Cor. 15:1-5):– “I declare to you the gospel…by which you are saved…that

Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scripture, and that He was seen by Cephas, then by the twelve.”

3. Three aspects of the gospel:3. Three aspects of the gospel:– Salvation from:

• a. The penalty of sin (justification)-- past (I was saved)

• b. The power of sin (sanctification)-- present (I am being saved)

• c. The presence of sin (glorification)-- future (I will be saved).

– Salvation from:• a. The penalty of sin (justification)--

past (I was saved)• b. The power of sin (sanctification)--

present (I am being saved)• c. The presence of sin (glorification)--

future (I will be saved).

4. Romans Explains the Gospel4. Romans Explains the Gospel

– [Condemnation---Rom. 1-3]

• I. Essential to Justification-----Rom. 4-5

• (declaring us righteous positionally)

• II. Essential to Sanctification--Rom. 6-7

• (making us righteous progressively)

• III. Essential to Glorification----Rom. 8

• (making us righteous permanently)

– [Condemnation---Rom. 1-3]

• I. Essential to Justification-----Rom. 4-5

• (declaring us righteous positionally)

• II. Essential to Sanctification--Rom. 6-7

• (making us righteous progressively)

• III. Essential to Glorification----Rom. 8

• (making us righteous permanently)

• I. Essential to Justification:• 1. Human depravity

• 2. Mary’s virginity • 3. Christ’s purity • 4. Christ’s deity • 5. Christ’s humanity • 6. God’s unity

• 7. God’s tri-unity • 8. The necessity of God’s grace

• 9. The necessity of our Faith

• 10. Christ’s atoning death • 11. Christ’s bodily resurrection• II. Essentials to Sanctification• 12. Christ’s bodily ascension

• 13. Christ present session • III. Essentials to Glorification

• 14. Christ’s bodily return


• 2. Mary’s virginity • 3. Christ’s purity • 4. Christ’s deity • 5. Christ’s humanity • 6. God’s unity

• 7. God’s tri-unity • 8. The necessity of God’s grace

• 9. The necessity of our Faith

• 10. Christ’s atoning death • 11. Christ’s bodily resurrection• II. Essentials to Sanctification• 12. Christ’s bodily ascension

• 13. Christ present session • III. Essentials to Glorification

• 14. Christ’s bodily return


• “As it is written: “There is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands, no one who seeks God. All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one”…. “There is no fear of God before their eyes.” Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God.…There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Rom. 3:10-23).


• “As it is written: “There is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands, no one who seeks God. All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one”…. “There is no fear of God before their eyes.” Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God.…There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Rom. 3:10-23).

• I. Essential to Justification:• 2. Mary’s virginity

• “This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit…. [An angel said]: “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: “The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel”--which means, “God with us.” (Mt. 1:18-23).

•

•

• I. Essential to Justification:• 2. Mary’s virginity

• “This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit…. [An angel said]: “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: “The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel”--which means, “God with us.” (Mt. 1:18-23).

•

•

• I. Essential to Justification:• 3. Christ’s purity • “He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth”

(1 Peter 2:22).• “For we . . . have one who has been tempted in every way, just

as we are—yet was without sin” (Heb. 4:15). • “For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the

unrighteous, to bring you to God” (1 Peter 3:18). • “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us….” (2 Cor.

5:21). • “Christ [is] a lamb without blemish or defect” (1 Pet 1:19).

• I. Essential to Justification:• 3. Christ’s purity • “He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth”

(1 Peter 2:22).• “For we . . . have one who has been tempted in every way, just

as we are—yet was without sin” (Heb. 4:15). • “For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the

unrighteous, to bring you to God” (1 Peter 3:18). • “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us….” (2 Cor.

5:21). • “Christ [is] a lamb without blemish or defect” (1 Pet 1:19).

• I. Essential to Justification:• 4. Christ’s deity • “Simon Peter answered and said, ‘You are the Christ, the Son of the Living

God” (Mt. 16:1).• “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word

was God” (Jn. 1:1).• “In Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily” (Col. 2:9).• “But unto the Son He said, ‘Your throne O God is forever and ever’” (Heb.

1:8). • “Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM” (Jn. 8:58 cf. Ex.

3:14). • “Thomas answered and said to Him, ‘My Lord and my God’” (Jn. 20:28).

• I. Essential to Justification:• 4. Christ’s deity • “Simon Peter answered and said, ‘You are the Christ, the Son of the Living

God” (Mt. 16:1).• “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word

was God” (Jn. 1:1).• “In Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily” (Col. 2:9).• “But unto the Son He said, ‘Your throne O God is forever and ever’” (Heb.

1:8). • “Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM” (Jn. 8:58 cf. Ex.

3:14). • “Thomas answered and said to Him, ‘My Lord and my God’” (Jn. 20:28).

• I. Essential to Justification:• 5. Christ’s humanity• “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. (Jn. 1:14). • “Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God...”

(1 Jn. 4:2). • “For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus”

(1 Tim. 2:5).

• “Christ Jesus: taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness…” (Phil. 2:7-8).

• “Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil” (Heb. 2:14).

•

• I. Essential to Justification:• 5. Christ’s humanity• “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. (Jn. 1:14). • “Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God...”

(1 Jn. 4:2). • “For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus”

(1 Tim. 2:5).

• “Christ Jesus: taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness…” (Phil. 2:7-8).

• “Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil” (Heb. 2:14).

•

• I. Essential to Justification:• 6. God’s unity • “Hear O Israel: The LORD our God, the Lord is one!” (Deut. 6:4). • “I am the LORD your God…. You shall have no other gods before

Me” (Ex. 20:2-3). • “Before me no god was formed, nor will there be one after me. I,

even I, am the LORD, and apart from me there is no savior” (Isa. 43:10-11).

• Jesus answered: “The first of all the commandments is ‘Hear O Israel, the LORD our god, the LORD is one…’” (Mt. 22:30).

• “For there is one God…” (1 Tim. 2:5).• “There is no other God but one” (1 Cor. 8:4).

• I. Essential to Justification:• 6. God’s unity • “Hear O Israel: The LORD our God, the Lord is one!” (Deut. 6:4). • “I am the LORD your God…. You shall have no other gods before

Me” (Ex. 20:2-3). • “Before me no god was formed, nor will there be one after me. I,

even I, am the LORD, and apart from me there is no savior” (Isa. 43:10-11).

• Jesus answered: “The first of all the commandments is ‘Hear O Israel, the LORD our god, the LORD is one…’” (Mt. 22:30).

• “For there is one God…” (1 Tim. 2:5).• “There is no other God but one” (1 Cor. 8:4).

• I. Essential to Justification:• 7. God’s tri-unity

• “As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, ‘This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased’” (Mt. 3:16-17).

• “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit...” (Mt. 28:19).

• “May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all” (2 Cor. 13:14).

• I. Essential to Justification:• 7. God’s tri-unity

• “As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, ‘This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased’” (Mt. 3:16-17).

• “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit...” (Mt. 28:19).

• “May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all” (2 Cor. 13:14).

• I. Essential to Justification:• 8. The necessity of God’s grace

• “If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing” (Jn. 15:5).

• “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast” (Eph. 2:8-9).

• “He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy” (Titus 3:5-7).

• “It does not, therefore, depend on man’s desire or effort, but on God’s mercy” (Rom. 9:16).

• I. Essential to Justification:• 8. The necessity of God’s grace

• “If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing” (Jn. 15:5).

• “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast” (Eph. 2:8-9).

• “He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy” (Titus 3:5-7).

• “It does not, therefore, depend on man’s desire or effort, but on God’s mercy” (Rom. 9:16).

• I. Essential to Justification:• 9. The necessity of our Faith

• “Abraham believed God and it was imputed to him for righteousness” (Gen. 15:6).

• “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him” (Heb. 11:6).

• “However, to the man who does not work but trusts God who justifies the wicked, his faith is credited as righteousness” (Rom. 4:5).

• “The just shall live by faith” (Rom. 1:17).

• I. Essential to Justification:• 9. The necessity of our Faith

• “Abraham believed God and it was imputed to him for righteousness” (Gen. 15:6).

• “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him” (Heb. 11:6).

• “However, to the man who does not work but trusts God who justifies the wicked, his faith is credited as righteousness” (Rom. 4:5).

• “The just shall live by faith” (Rom. 1:17).

• I. Essential to Justification:• 10. Christ’s atoning death• “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to

serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mk. 10:45). • “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in

him we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Cor. 5:21). • “For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the

unrighteous, to bring you to God.” (1 Pet. 3:18), • “He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we

might die to sins and live for righteousness” (1 Pet. 2:24).

• I. Essential to Justification:• 10. Christ’s atoning death• “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to

serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mk. 10:45). • “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in

him we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Cor. 5:21). • “For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the

unrighteous, to bring you to God.” (1 Pet. 3:18), • “He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we

might die to sins and live for righteousness” (1 Pet. 2:24).

• I. Essential to Justification:• 11. Christ’s bodily resurrection• “He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for

our justification” (Rom. 4:25). • “That if you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in

your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved” (Rom. 10:9).

• “Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that . . . he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures...” (1 Cor. 15:3-5).

• “And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins.” (1 Cor. 15:14-19).

• “Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have.” (Lk. 24:39).

• I. Essential to Justification:• 11. Christ’s bodily resurrection• “He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for

our justification” (Rom. 4:25). • “That if you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in

your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved” (Rom. 10:9).

• “Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that . . . he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures...” (1 Cor. 15:3-5).

• “And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins.” (1 Cor. 15:14-19).

• “Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have.” (Lk. 24:39).

I. Essential to Justification (1-11)

II. Essential to Sanctification (12-13)

I. Essential to Justification (1-11)


II. Essential to Sanctification (12-13) 12. Christ’s bodily ascension

• “But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you” (Jn. 16:7).

• “When he had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, he lifted up his hands and blessed them. While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven” (Lk. 24:50-51).

• “After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going...” (Acts 1:9-11).

II. Essential to Sanctification (12-13) 12. Christ’s bodily ascension

• “But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you” (Jn. 16:7).

• “When he had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, he lifted up his hands and blessed them. While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven” (Lk. 24:50-51).

• “After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going...” (Acts 1:9-11).


13. Christ’s priestly session

• “After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven” (Heb. 1:3).

• “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way...” (Heb. 4:15).

• “Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them” (Heb. 7:25).

• “But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One” (1 Jn. 2:1).


13. Christ’s priestly session

• “After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven” (Heb. 1:3).

• “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way...” (Heb. 4:15).

• “Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them” (Heb. 7:25).

• “But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One” (1 Jn. 2:1).

I. Essentials to Justification (1-11)


III. Essential to Glorification (14)

14. Christ’s second coming

I. Essentials to Justification (1-11)


III. Essential to Glorification (14)

14. Christ’s second coming

III. Essential to Glorification 14. Christ’s second coming

III. Essential to Glorification 14. Christ’s second coming

• “Look, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him; and all the peoples of the earth will mourn because of him” (Rev. 1:7).

• “At that time the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and all the nations of the earth will mourn. They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky, with power and great glory” (Mt. 24:30).

• “Behold, I am coming quickly and My reward is with me, to give every one according to his work” (Rev. 22:12).

• “ I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and makes war.... Out of his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. “He will rule them with an iron scepter”…. On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS” (Rev. 19:11-16).

• “Look, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him; and all the peoples of the earth will mourn because of him” (Rev. 1:7).

• “At that time the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and all the nations of the earth will mourn. They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky, with power and great glory” (Mt. 24:30).

• “Behold, I am coming quickly and My reward is with me, to give every one according to his work” (Rev. 22:12).

• “ I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and makes war.... Out of his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. “He will rule them with an iron scepter”…. On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS” (Rev. 19:11-16).

III. Essential to Glorification 14. Christ’s second coming a. Heaven b. Hell

III. Essential to Glorification 14. Christ’s second coming a. Heaven b. Hell

• •

a. Heavena. Heaven • “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me.

In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you I will come again and receive you to Myself” (Jn. 14:1-3).

• “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away” (Rev. 21:4).

• “Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.” (1 Cor. 13:12).

•

• “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me.

In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you I will come again and receive you to Myself” (Jn. 14:1-3).

• “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away” (Rev. 21:4).

• “Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.” (1 Cor. 13:12).

•

b. Hellb. Hell • “This will happen when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven in blazing

fire with his powerful angels. He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the majesty of his power” (2 Thes. 1:7-9).

• “Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. Earth and sky fled from his presence, and there was no place for them. And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne…. The dead were judged according to what they had done.... Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. If anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire” (Rev. 20:11-14).

•

• “This will happen when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven in blazing

fire with his powerful angels. He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the majesty of his power” (2 Thes. 1:7-9).

• “Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. Earth and sky fled from his presence, and there was no place for them. And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne…. The dead were judged according to what they had done.... Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. If anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire” (Rev. 20:11-14).

•

IV. Essentials to Believe* for SalvationIV. Essentials to Believe* for Salvation• A. All essentials are normatively necessary to be true

for salvation to be possible today.• B. Not all essentials are normatively necessary to

believe explicitly to be saved today.• 1. Necessary to believe in all ages (Heb. 11:6)• a. Human depravity

• b. God’s unity• c. Necessity of grace

• d. Necessity of faith

• A. All essentials are normatively necessary to be true for salvation to be possible today.

• B. Not all essentials are normatively necessary to believe explicitly to be saved today.

• 1. Necessary to believe in all ages (Heb. 11:6)• a. Human depravity

• b. God’s unity• c. Necessity of grace

• d. Necessity of faith

IV. Essentials to Believe* for SalvationIV. Essentials to Believe* for Salvation• A. All essentials are normatively necessary to

be true for salvation to be possible today.

• B. Not all essentials are normatively necessary to believe to be saved today.

• 1. Necessary to believe in all ages

• 2. Necessary to believe* in this age



• 1. Necessary to believe in all ages

• 2. Necessary to believe* in this age

IV. Essentials to Believe* for SalvationIV. Essentials to Believe* for Salvation• A. All essentials are normatively necessary to be true for

salvation to be possible today.• B. Not all essentials are normatively necessary to believe

to be saved today.• 1. Necessary to believe in all ages• 2. Necessary to believe* in this age

– a. Human depravity e. Christ’s deity

– b. God’s unity f. Christ’s humanity c. Necessity of grace g. Christ’s atoning death d. Necessity of faith h. Christ’s bodily resurrection

– *Belief in these must be at least implicit with no explicit disbelief.



• 1. Necessary to believe in all ages• 2. Necessary to believe* in this age

– a. Human depravity e. Christ’s deity

– b. God’s unity f. Christ’s humanity c. Necessity of grace g. Christ’s atoning death d. Necessity of faith h. Christ’s bodily resurrection

– *Belief in these must be at least implicit with no explicit disbelief.

Things Necessary to BelieveThings Necessary to Believe1. There is one God. 5. Christ died for my sins.

– 2. We are sinners. 6. Christ rose from the dead.– 3. Christ is God. 7. We are saved by God’s grace.– 4. Christ is Man. 8. We must believe Christ did this. – Heb. 11:6: “He who comes to God [1] must believe [8] that He is and

that He is a rewarder [7] of those who diligently seek Him.”– Acts 16:31: “Believe [8] on the Lord [3]Jesus Christ [8]and you will be

saved” (cf. Acts 4:12).– Eph. 2:8-9: “For by grace are you saved [7] through faith [8], and that

not of yourselves. It is a gift of God; not of works [7]….”– Rom. 10:9:“That if you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is

Lord,’[3] and believe [8] in your heart that God raised him from the dead [6], you will be saved” (Rom. 10:9; 1 Cor. 15:12f).

– 1Tim. 2:5: “For there is one God [1]and one mediator between God and man [7], the Man [4]Christ Jesus” (cf. 1 Jn. 4:2).

1. There is one God. 5. Christ died for my sins.– 2. We are sinners. 6. Christ rose from the dead.– 3. Christ is God. 7. We are saved by God’s grace.– 4. Christ is Man. 8. We must believe Christ did this. – Heb. 11:6: “He who comes to God [1] must believe [8] that He is and

that He is a rewarder [7] of those who diligently seek Him.”– Acts 16:31: “Believe [8] on the Lord [3]Jesus Christ [8]and you will be

saved” (cf. Acts 4:12).– Eph. 2:8-9: “For by grace are you saved [7] through faith [8], and that

not of yourselves. It is a gift of God; not of works [7]….”– Rom. 10:9:“That if you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is

Lord,’[3] and believe [8] in your heart that God raised him from the dead [6], you will be saved” (Rom. 10:9; 1 Cor. 15:12f).

– 1Tim. 2:5: “For there is one God [1]and one mediator between God and man [7], the Man [4]Christ Jesus” (cf. 1 Jn. 4:2).

Three Kinds of EssentialsThree Kinds of Essentials

• Essentials for:• I. Having Salvation (1-14)

• II. Knowing about Salvation (15)• 15. Bible’s Infallibility and Inerrancy



II. Knowing about Salvation 15. Bible’s Infallibility and Inerrancy

II. Knowing about Salvation 15. Bible’s Infallibility and Inerrancy

1. It is divinely authoritative (Mt. 4:4, 7, 10)

2. It is imperishable (Mt. 5:17-18)

3. It is infallible (Jn. 10:35)

4. It is inerrant (without error) (Mt. 22:29)

5. It is historically reliable (Mt. 12:40; Mt. 24:37-38)

6. It is scientifically accurate (Mt. 19:4-5)

7. It has ultimate supremacy (Mt. 15:3, 6)

1. It is divinely authoritative (Mt. 4:4, 7, 10)

2. It is imperishable (Mt. 5:17-18)

3. It is infallible (Jn. 10:35)

4. It is inerrant (without error) (Mt. 22:29)

5. It is historically reliable (Mt. 12:40; Mt. 24:37-38)

6. It is scientifically accurate (Mt. 19:4-5)

7. It has ultimate supremacy (Mt. 15:3, 6)

Three Kinds of EssentialsThree Kinds of Essentials



• III. Interpreting Salvation (16)• 16. Literal Method



• III. Interpreting Salvation (16)• 16. Literal Method

Reasons for a Literal InterpretationReasons for a Literal Interpretation

1. It is the universal approach in everyday life.

2. Even those who deny it expect their view to be taken literally.

3. Even symbols and figures of speech have a literal meaning.

4. There is no objective way to test non-literal interpretations.

5. Non-literal views undermine crucial Bible truths necessary for salvation.

1. It is the universal approach in everyday life.

2. Even those who deny it expect their view to be taken literally.

3. Even symbols and figures of speech have a literal meaning.

4. There is no objective way to test non-literal interpretations.

5. Non-literal views undermine crucial Bible truths necessary for salvation.

Essentials vs. Non-EssentialsEssentials vs. Non-Essentials• I. “In Essentials, Unity” • I. “In Essentials, Unity”

Essentials vs. Non-EssentialsEssentials vs. Non-Essentials• I. “In Essentials, Unity”• A. If you don’t stand for something, then you

may fall for anything.

• I. “In Essentials, Unity”• A. If you don’t stand for something, then you

may fall for anything.


may fall for anything.• B. It is better to be divided by truth than to be

united by error.



united by error.



united by error.

• II. “In Non-Essentials, Liberty”• Two Great Errors:



united by error.

• II. “In Non-Essentials, Liberty”• Two Great Errors:



united by error.

• II. “In Non-Essentials, Liberty”• Two Great Errors:• A. Not uniting on essentials (minoring in majors)•



united by error.

• II. “In Non-Essentials, Liberty”• Two Great Errors:• A. Not uniting on essentials (minoring in majors)•

Essentials vs. Non-EssentialsEssentials vs. Non-Essentials• I. “In Essentials, Unity”• A. If you don’t stand for something, then you may

fall for anything.• B. It is better to be divided by truth than to be

united by error.

• II. “In Non-Essentials, Liberty”• Two Great Errors:• A. Not uniting on essentials (minoring in majors)- the error of

the extreme Left.• B. Dividing over non-essentials (majoring in

minors)--the error of the extreme Right.

• I. “In Essentials, Unity”• A. If you don’t stand for something, then you may

fall for anything.• B. It is better to be divided by truth than to be

united by error.

• II. “In Non-Essentials, Liberty”• Two Great Errors:• A. Not uniting on essentials (minoring in majors)- the error of

the extreme Left.• B. Dividing over non-essentials (majoring in

minors)--the error of the extreme Right.

Non-Essentials of the FaithNon-Essentials of the Faith• 1. The age of the earth (2 Pet. 3:8).

– “…with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.”

• 2. The name of a Church (1 Cor. 1:12-13).– “Each of you says, ‘I am of Paul,’ or ‘I am of Apollos, or ‘I am of Christ.

Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?”

• 3. The form of Government (1 Cor. 14:40).• (Episcopal vs. Presbyterian vs. Congregational)

• --“Let all things be done decently and in order.”• 4. The mode of Baptism (sprinkling, pouring,

dipping).

• 1. The age of the earth (2 Pet. 3:8).– “…with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years

as one day.”

• 2. The name of a Church (1 Cor. 1:12-13).– “Each of you says, ‘I am of Paul,’ or ‘I am of Apollos, or ‘I am of Christ.

Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?”

• 3. The form of Government (1 Cor. 14:40).• (Episcopal vs. Presbyterian vs. Congregational)

• --“Let all things be done decently and in order.”• 4. The mode of Baptism (sprinkling, pouring,

dipping).

Non-Essentials of the FaithNon-Essentials of the Faith• 5. The type of music (Eph. 5:19)

– “…be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.”

• 6. The ministry of women (1 Cor. 12) – There are no sex symbols on the gifts!– The question is one of authority, not ministry.

• 7. The time of Christ’s Coming– “But of that day, no one knows, no, not even the angels in heaven,

but My Father only.” (Mt. 24:36). – “It is not for you to know the times and seasons which the Father

has put in His own authority” (Acts 1:7).

• 5. The type of music (Eph. 5:19)– “…be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and

hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.”

• 6. The ministry of women (1 Cor. 12) – There are no sex symbols on the gifts!– The question is one of authority, not ministry.

• 7. The time of Christ’s Coming– “But of that day, no one knows, no, not even the angels in heaven,

but My Father only.” (Mt. 24:36). – “It is not for you to know the times and seasons which the Father

has put in His own authority” (Acts 1:7).

Non-Essentials of the FaithNon-Essentials of the Faith• 8. The gifts of the Spirit:• a. God desires the fruit of Spirit over

the gifts of Spirit (Gal. 5:22).

• b. God want’s us to do the work of an evangelist, even if we do not have the gift of an evangelist (2 Tim. 4:5).

• c. God want’s us to use the one tongue we have over seeking many we don’t have (1 Cor.14:19).

• 9. Calvinism vs. Arminianism• Note: It is not that these are unimportant but that they are: a)

not tests of orthodoxy; b) not tests of Christian fellowship.

• 8. The gifts of the Spirit:• a. God desires the fruit of Spirit over

the gifts of Spirit (Gal. 5:22).

• b. God want’s us to do the work of an evangelist, even if we do not have the gift of an evangelist (2 Tim. 4:5).

• c. God want’s us to use the one tongue we have over seeking many we don’t have (1 Cor.14:19).

• 9. Calvinism vs. Arminianism• Note: It is not that these are unimportant but that they are: a)

not tests of orthodoxy; b) not tests of Christian fellowship.

In All Things, CharityIn All Things, Charity• I. “In Essentials, Unity”• II. “In Non-Essentials, Liberty”• III. “In All things, Charity” • A. We should love the truth of God (Psa. 119:97).• B. We should love the God of truth (Mt. 22:37). • C. We should love those who are in error (Mt. 5:44). • D. We should speak the truth in love (Eph. 4:15). • E. We should love the Giver, not the gift.• 1. We should not exalt the gifts from God but the God from whom we got

the gifts (Jn. 4:24).• 2. God is good when He gives (Js. 1:17).

• 3. God is good when He takes away (Job. 1:21).

• I. “In Essentials, Unity”• II. “In Non-Essentials, Liberty”• III. “In All things, Charity” • A. We should love the truth of God (Psa. 119:97).• B. We should love the God of truth (Mt. 22:37). • C. We should love those who are in error (Mt. 5:44). • D. We should speak the truth in love (Eph. 4:15). • E. We should love the Giver, not the gift.• 1. We should not exalt the gifts from God but the God from whom we got

the gifts (Jn. 4:24).• 2. God is good when He gives (Js. 1:17).

• 3. God is good when He takes away (Job. 1:21).

The Essentials of the FaithThe Essentials of the Faith

• I. The Logical Approach (above)

• II. The Historical Approach (below)

• A. The Early Creeds • B. The Early Councils

• I. The Logical Approach (above)

• II. The Historical Approach (below)

• A. The Early Creeds • B. The Early Councils

The Bible and the CreedsThe Bible and the Creeds1. The Bible is the basis for all the early creeds

One Bible Two Testaments Three Creeds (Apostles’, Nicene, Chalcedon) Four Councils (Nicea (325), Constantinople (381),

Ephesus (431), Chalcedon (451) Five Centuries 3. It is not the main topic of the creeds but the

basis for all of them.4. “Scripture,” “prophets,” what “the Lord

Jesus” and the “Apostles” “taught” (viz., NT) are mentioned in the creeds (see Nicene Creed and Chalcedon Creed).

1. The Bible is the basis for all the early creeds One Bible

Two Testaments Three Creeds (Apostles’, Nicene, Chalcedon) Four Councils (Nicea (325), Constantinople (381),

Ephesus (431), Chalcedon (451) Five Centuries 3. It is not the main topic of the creeds but the

basis for all of them.4. “Scripture,” “prophets,” what “the Lord

Jesus” and the “Apostles” “taught” (viz., NT) are mentioned in the creeds (see Nicene Creed and Chalcedon Creed).

Only The Bible is Infallible;The Creeds are Helpful

Only The Bible is Infallible;The Creeds are Helpful

St. Augustine: “I have learned to yield this respect and honour only to the canonical books of Scripture: of these alone do I most firmly believe that the authors were completely free from error.”

Thomas Aquinas: “We believe the prophets and apostles because the Lord has been their witness by performing miracles…. And we believe the successors of the apostles and the prophets [viz., Fathers] only in so far as they tell us those things which the apostles and prophets have left in their writings” (On Truth, 14.10, ad 11).

St. Augustine: “I have learned to yield this respect and honour only to the canonical books of Scripture: of these alone do I most firmly believe that the authors were completely free from error.”

Thomas Aquinas: “We believe the prophets and apostles because the Lord has been their witness by performing miracles…. And we believe the successors of the apostles and the prophets [viz., Fathers] only in so far as they tell us those things which the apostles and prophets have left in their writings” (On Truth, 14.10, ad 11).

The Apostles’ Creed

The Apostles’ Creed2ndCentury 2ndCentury

The Apostle’s CreedThe Apostle’s Creed• I believe [9]in God [6], the Father Almighty, the Creator of

heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord [4]:Who was conceived of the Holy Spirit [7], born of the Virgin Mary [2, 3], suffered [10] under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died [5], and was buried. (He descended into hell.) The third day He arose again from the dead [11].

• He ascended into heaven [12] and sits at the right hand of God the Father [13]Almighty, whence He shall come to judge the living and the dead [14]. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic [universal] church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness [8] of sins [1], the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting [14]. Amen.

• Note: All 14 salvation doctrines are in this Creed .

• I believe [9]in God [6], the Father Almighty, the Creator of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord [4]:Who was conceived of the Holy Spirit [7], born of the Virgin Mary [2, 3], suffered [10] under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died [5], and was buried. (He descended into hell.) The third day He arose again from the dead [11].

• He ascended into heaven [12] and sits at the right hand of God the Father [13]Almighty, whence He shall come to judge the living and the dead [14]. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic [universal] church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness [8] of sins [1], the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting [14]. Amen.

• Note: All 14 salvation doctrines are in this Creed .

The Nicene Creed (325)

The Nicene Creed (325)• We believe [9] in one God [6], the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven

and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen.

• We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, light from light, true God from true God, begotten, not made [4] , of one Being [6] with the Father; through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation [10] he came down from heaven, was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary [2, 3] and became truly human [5] . For our sake he was crucified [10] under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again [11] in accordance with the Scriptures [15]; he ascended into heaven [12] and is seated at the right hand of the Father [13]. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end [14]. We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father [and the Son], who with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified [7], who has spoken through the prophets [15]. We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness [8] of sins [1]. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come [14]. Amen.

• *All 15 salvation doctrines plus Scripture are contained here.

• We believe [9] in one God [6], the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen.

• We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, light from light, true God from true God, begotten, not made [4] , of one Being [6] with the Father; through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation [10] he came down from heaven, was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary [2, 3] and became truly human [5] . For our sake he was crucified [10] under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again [11] in accordance with the Scriptures [15]; he ascended into heaven [12] and is seated at the right hand of the Father [13]. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end [14]. We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father [and the Son], who with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified [7], who has spoken through the prophets [15]. We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness [8] of sins [1]. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come [14]. Amen.

• *All 15 salvation doctrines plus Scripture are contained here.

• The Chalcedonian Creed (451)• Following, then, the holy fathers, we unite in teaching all men to

confess the one and only Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. This selfsame one is perfect [3]both in deity [4] and in humanness [5]; this selfsame one is also actually God [4] and actually man, with a rational soul and a body [5]. He is of the same reality as God as far as his deity is concerned [7] and of the same reality as we ourselves as far as his humanness is concerned; thus like us in all respects, sin [1] only excepted. Before time began he was begotten of the Father, in respect of his deity, and now in these "last days," for us and behalf of our salvation, this selfsame one was born of Mary the virgin [2], who is God-bearer in respect of his humanness.

• The Chalcedonian Creed (451)• Following, then, the holy fathers, we unite in teaching all men to

confess the one and only Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. This selfsame one is perfect [3]both in deity [4] and in humanness [5]; this selfsame one is also actually God [4] and actually man, with a rational soul and a body [5]. He is of the same reality as God as far as his deity is concerned [7] and of the same reality as we ourselves as far as his humanness is concerned; thus like us in all respects, sin [1] only excepted. Before time began he was begotten of the Father, in respect of his deity, and now in these "last days," for us and behalf of our salvation, this selfsame one was born of Mary the virgin [2], who is God-bearer in respect of his humanness.

• We also teach that we apprehend this one and only Christ-Son, Lord, only-begotten -- in two natures [4,5]; and we do this without confusing the two natures, without transmuting one nature into the other, without dividing them into two separate categories, without contrasting them according to area or function The distinctiveness of each nature is not nullified by the union. Instead, the "properties" of each nature are conserved and both natures concur in one "person” [4,5] and in one reality [hypostasis]. They are not divided or cut into two persons, but are together the one and only and only-begotten Word [Logos] of God, the Lord Jesus Christ. Thus have the prophets of old [15] testified; thus the Lord Jesus Christ himself taught [15] us; thus the Symbol of Fathers [the Nicene Creed] handed down to us. [It affirms the 15 of Nicea; stresses God-man Christ]

• We also teach that we apprehend this one and only Christ-Son, Lord, only-begotten -- in two natures [4,5]; and we do this without confusing the two natures, without transmuting one nature into the other, without dividing them into two separate categories, without contrasting them according to area or function The distinctiveness of each nature is not nullified by the union. Instead, the "properties" of each nature are conserved and both natures concur in one "person” [4,5] and in one reality [hypostasis]. They are not divided or cut into two persons, but are together the one and only and only-begotten Word [Logos] of God, the Lord Jesus Christ. Thus have the prophets of old [15] testified; thus the Lord Jesus Christ himself taught [15] us; thus the Symbol of Fathers [the Nicene Creed] handed down to us. [It affirms the 15 of Nicea; stresses God-man Christ]

ConclusionConclusion• 1. These early Creeds contain all fourteen

doctrines necessary for salvation.

• 2. This means that both historically and logically the same essential doctrines emerge.

• 3. There are other doctrines too (e.g., Bible, creation, and the universal Church), but they are not necessary to believe for salvation.

• a. The Bible is the basis for the Creeds.

• b. A literal interpretation is used to get them.

• 1. These early Creeds contain all fourteen doctrines necessary for salvation.

• 2. This means that both historically and logically the same essential doctrines emerge.

• 3. There are other doctrines too (e.g., Bible, creation, and the universal Church), but they are not necessary to believe for salvation.

• a. The Bible is the basis for the Creeds.

• b. A literal interpretation is used to get them.

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Essentials Of The Faith

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