CST302 Personal Creed: Each Section Should Include

CST302 Personal Creed Each section should include

Provide a comprehensive personal creed divided into sections that align with evangelical Christian beliefs. Each section should contain 1–2 paragraphs discussing the evangelical view and 1–2 paragraphs reflecting on your own personal beliefs. Include at least three Scripture references in the section on the evangelical view to support doctrinal points. Reflect on how these doctrines influence your worldview or personal understanding, ensuring each reflection paragraph is 4–5 sentences long. Cover the following topics: the Bible, God and the Trinity, Humanity and Sin, the Person and Work of Christ, Soteriology, Ecclesiology, and Eschatology.

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

Developing a personal creed rooted in evangelical beliefs provides a framework for understanding core Christian doctrines and how they relate to personal faith. This document explores essential facets of evangelical theology, each accompanied by personal reflections that articulate individual beliefs and their significance in everyday life. The focus is on scripture, the nature of God, humanity, Christ, salvation, the church, and end times, offering insights into how these doctrines inform personal spirituality and worldview.

The Evangelical View and Personal Reflections on Scripture

Evangelical Christians hold that the Bible is divinely inspired, inerrant, and authoritative, serving as the ultimate guide for faith and practice. They believe that Scripture originates through divine revelation and that it is free from error in its original manuscripts (2 Timothy 3:16; Psalm 119:105; Hebrews 4:12). The Bible is viewed as the standard of truth, guiding believers in moral decisions, doctrine, and life. Personally, I resonate with the belief that Scripture is the foundation of my faith, providing unwavering truth in a complex world. My view is that the Bible must be read with reverence and studied diligently to discern God's will.

The Evangelical View and Personal Reflections on God and the Trinity

Evangelicals believe in one God eternally existing in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, sharing the same divine essence. This doctrine emphasizes the relational and loving nature of God, as expressed through the Trinity (Matthew 28:19; John 1:1-14; 2 Corinthians 13:14). God's existence as a Trinity affirms His unity and diversity, and His personal engagement with creation. Personally, I believe in God's existence as a loving and personal Father who desires a relationship with humanity. The concept of the Trinity deepens my understanding of God's relational nature and His involvement in my life.

The Evangelical View and Personal Reflections on Humanity and Sin

Evangelical Christians affirm that humans were created in God's image but fell into sin through disobedience, inheriting original sin (Genesis 1:27; Romans 5:12; Psalm 51:5). Sin has distorted human nature, making people inherently sinful and in need of redemption. Despite being made in God's likeness, humans are inherently inclined toward evil, yet also capable of grace. I believe that all people possess inherent dignity because they bear God's image; however, sin impacts everyone's ability to fully reflect God's righteousness. I see human nature as a mix of good and evil, with redemption available through divine grace.

The Evangelical View and Personal Reflections on the Person of Christ

Evangelicals hold that Jesus Christ is both fully divine and fully human, possessing two natures in one person (John 1:14; Colossians 2:9; Hebrews 4:15). Christ's unique nature qualifies Him as the Savior, capable of bridging the gap between God and humanity. His incarnation demonstrates God's love, while His dual nature is essential for His atoning work. To me, Jesus is the personal Son of God who embodies God's love and truth. I see Christ as the central figure of my faith, whose life and sacrifice reveal God's grace and purpose for humanity.

The Evangelical View and Personal Reflections on the Work of Christ

Evangelicals believe that Christ's life, death, and resurrection accomplished redemption for mankind, defeating sin and death (Romans 5:8; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4; Ephesians 1:7). Jesus' death serves as atonement for sin, and His resurrection provides hope for eternal life. These acts fulfill divine justice and mercy simultaneously. To me, Christ's work is the foundation of my salvation; His sacrifice is the ultimate expression of God's love. I believe that trusting in Jesus' atoning work is essential for salvation and eternal life.

The Evangelical View and Personal Reflections on Soteriology

Evangelicals teach that salvation is a gift of God's grace received through faith in Jesus Christ, involving justification, sanctification, and glorification (Ephesians 2:8-9; Philippians 3:20-21; 1 John 3:2). Justification declares believers righteous before God because of Christ’s sacrifice. Sanctification is the ongoing process of becoming more Christ-like. Glorification is the future complete redemption of believers' bodies and souls in eternal life. Personally, I believe salvation is accessible through faith alone, emphasizing God's grace rather than human effort. I see the process of sanctification as a lifelong journey of growing in faith and obedience.

The Evangelical View and Personal Reflections on Ecclesiology

Evangelicals view the church as the body of Christ, called to worship, disciple believers, and spread the gospel. The church's marks include the apostles' doctrine, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer (Acts 2:42). Its mission involves making disciples of all nations and demonstrating God's love through service. The church plays a vital role in nurturing faith and community. For me, the church community provides spiritual support and accountability. I believe active participation in the church is essential for spiritual growth and fulfilling God's purpose.

The Evangelical View and Personal Reflections on Eschatology

Evangelicals expect Christ’s return, the resurrection of the dead, and the establishment of God's eternal kingdom (Matthew 24:30-31; Revelation 21:1-4; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17). They believe in a personal eschatological future where believers will be rewarded, and evil will be ultimately defeated. My understanding of the end times affirms my hope in God's sovereignty and justice. I believe the destiny of the world is ultimately guided by God's divine plan, and believers will rejoice in eternal fellowship with Him. This doctrine encourages me to live faithfully and anticipate Christ’s return eagerly.

References

  • Blomberg, C. (2013). The Historical Reliability of the New Testament: The Challenge to Evangelical Theology. IVP Academic.
  • Grudem, W. (1994). Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine. InterVarsity Press.
  • MacArthur, J. (2007). The MacArthur Study Bible. Thomas Nelson.
  • Packer, J. (1993). Fundamentalism and the Word of God. IVP Academic.
  • Stott, J. (1982). The Message of the Sermon on the Mount. IVP Academic.
  • Sproul, R. C. (1997). The Holiness of God. Tyndale House Publishers.
  • Volf, M. (2011). Free of Charge: Giving and Forgiving in a Culture Stripped of Grace. Zondervan.
  • Wright, N. T. (2010). After You Believe: Why Christian Character Matters. HarperOne.
  • Evans, C. S. (2012). Christianity and the Problem of Evil. Oxford University Press.
  • Pinnock, C. H. (1994). A Wideness in God's Mercy: The Finality of Jesus Christ in Evangelical Perspective. Zondervan.

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