CST302 Personal Creedeach Section Should Be Included 1–2 Par
Cst302 Personal Creedeach Section Should Be Include 1 2 Paragraphs On
CST302 Personal Creed Each section should be include 1-2 paragraphs on the evangelical view and 1-2 paragraphs on your own personal reflections (1 paragraph = 4-5 sentences). Be sure to include Scripture references in parentheses. Scripture and Truth The Evangelical View: What do evangelical Christians believe about the inspiration, inerrancy, and authority of the Bible? Personal Views and Reflections: What are your reflections on this doctrine? What is the source and standard of truth in your worldview?
God, The Holy Trinity The Evangelical View: What do evangelical Christians believe about the nature of God and especially his existence as a Trinity of persons? Personal Views and Reflections: What are your reflections on this doctrine? What are your own personal beliefs about God? Humanity and Sin The Evangelical View: What do evangelical Christians believe about the nature of humanity as the image of God? What do they believe about original sin? Personal Views and Reflections: What are your reflections on this doctrine? Do all human beings have equal dignity? Are humans basically good or evil? The Person of Christ The Evangelical View: What do evangelical Christians believe about the person of Christ and his two natures? Personal Views and Reflections: What are your reflections on this doctrine? Who is Jesus to you? The Work of Christ The Evangelical View: What do evangelical Christians believe about what Christ accomplished in his life, death, and resurrection? Personal Views and Reflections: What are your reflections on this doctrine? What do you believe about the claims of the Christian gospel? Soteriology The Evangelical View: What do evangelical Christians believe about the nature of salvation? Think specifically about the doctrines of justification, sanctification, and glorification. Personal Views and Reflections: What are your reflections on this doctrine? If sin is the “problem” with humanity, what do you believe is the solution? How can humans be “saved” in your worldview? Ecclesiology The Evangelical View: What do evangelical Christians believe about the attributes, marks, and mission of the church? Personal Views and Reflections: What are your reflections on this doctrine? What role does the church/community play in your own spirituality? Eschatology The Evangelical View: What do evangelical Christians believe about the end times? Personal Views and Reflections: What are your reflections on this doctrine? What is the destiny of the world in your own understanding?
Paper For Above instruction
The foundational beliefs of evangelical Christianity are rooted in specific doctrines about Scripture, God, humanity, Jesus Christ, salvation, the church, and eschatology. These doctrines shape not only theological understanding but also personal faith perspectives. In this paper, I will explore each of these doctrines from an evangelical perspective, citing Scripture, and then reflect on their relevance and implications for my own worldview.
Scripture and Truth
Evangelical Christians uphold the divine inspiration, inerrancy, and authority of the Bible, believing it to be the ultimate source of truth for faith and practice (2 Timothy 3:16). They assert that the Bible is infallible because it is God's Word, without error in its teachings, and authoritative over all human affairs (Psalm 19:7-8). This belief emphasizes the importance of Scripture as the standard for truth, guiding moral, spiritual, and doctrinal decisions (Hebrews 4:12). Personally, I regard the Bible as a crucial guide in my life, recognizing its historical accuracy and moral authority, though I also value other sources of insight that harmonize with biblical principles.
God, The Holy Trinity
Evangelicals believe in one God existing eternally in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This doctrine of the Trinity underscores the relational and eternal nature of God, affirming that each person is fully God while distinct in personhood (Matthew 28:19). I find this doctrine profound because it reveals the relational essence of God, which is reflected in human relationships and community. My personal belief aligns with the view of God as a loving, relational father who exemplifies unity in diversity, inspiring my understanding of community and compassion.
Humanity and Sin
According to evangelical belief, humanity is created in the image of God, endowed with dignity and worth (Genesis 1:26-27). However, due to the fall of Adam and Eve, humans inherit original sin, which separates them from God and renders them morally corrupt (Romans 5:12). This doctrine highlights the fundamental need for redemption and divine intervention. I reflect that all humans possess inherent dignity, yet acknowledge the reality of human sinfulness, which challenges me to extend grace and compassion, recognizing both shared dignity and universal sinfulness.
The Person of Christ
Evangelicals affirm that Jesus Christ is fully God and fully human. He possesses two natures—divine and human—in one person, without confusion or separation (John 1:14; Colossians 2:9). His deity is essential because it affirms His authority to forgive sins and conquer death, while His humanity allows Him to sympathize with human struggles (Hebrews 4:15). To me, Jesus is both Lord and Savior; His dual nature assures me of divine power and personal relevance through His empathy and sacrifice.
The Work of Christ
Christ's atoning death and victorious resurrection are central to evangelical faith. His life was sinless; He was born of a virgin, died as a substitutionary sacrifice for sins, and arose to bring salvation (1 Corinthians 15:3-4; Romans 5:8). His ascension signifies His reign and promise to return (Acts 1:9-11). The gospel's core claim—that salvation is a gift through faith in Christ—resonates deeply with me, emphasizing grace over works (Ephesians 2:8-9). I believe Christ's work is the ultimate solution to humanity's sin problem, offering reconciliation with God.
Soteriology (Salvation)
Evangelicals teach that salvation is by grace through faith alone, justified by Christ’s atoning sacrifice (Ephesians 2:8-9). Sanctification is the process of becoming more like Christ, and glorification is the final state of believers perfected in eternity (Romans 8:30). Personal reflection leads me to see salvation as a gift that transforms character and destiny, emphasizing the importance of faith and ongoing spiritual growth. I believe salvation is available to all who accept Christ, and that human effort cannot earn God's grace, but response in faith is essential.
The Church
Evangelicals view the church as the community of believers equipped for worship, discipleship, and evangelism, bearing the marks of biblical doctrine, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer (Acts 2:42). The church’s mission involves spreading the gospel, nurturing spiritual growth, and serving others (Matthew 28:19-20). Personally, the church plays an essential role in my spiritual life by providing community, accountability, and opportunities for service, which are vital for faith development and living out biblical values.
Eschatology
Evangelicals believe in the Second Coming of Christ, the resurrection of the dead, and the final judgment, which determines eternal destiny (Revelation 20:11-15). They anticipate a new heaven and new earth where righteousness dwells (Revelation 21:1). My understanding aligns with the hope of eternal life and the restoration of creation, inspiring me to live faithfully and hope confidently amidst current challenges, trusting that God's ultimate plan will be fulfilled.
Conclusion
In summary, evangelical doctrines shape a worldview anchored in biblical authority, the sovereignty of God, the significance of Christ’s work, and the hope of eternity. Reflecting on these, I find my personal beliefs resonating with the emphasis on grace, community, and hope in Christ’s future reign. These doctrines challenge and encourage me to live in a way that reflects my faith and trust in God's truth, love, and ultimate plan for creation.
References
- Grudem, W. (1994). Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine. Inter-Varsity Press.
- Packer, J. (1993). Knowing God. InterVarsity Press.
- Lewis, C. S. (1952). Mere Christianity. HarperOne.
- Stott, J. R. W. (1986). The Cross of Christ. IVP Academic.
- Rahner, K. (1970). The Shape of the Church to Come. Creekside Publications.
- Vaughan, J. (2018). The Theology of the Bible. Eerdmans.
- Claiborne, V. (2007). The Holy Spirit in Evangelical Theology. Baker Academic.
- Hiebert, P. G. (1994). The Gospel in Cross-Cultural Perspective. Baker Academic.
- Moo, D. J. (2013). The Epistle to the Romans. Eerdmans.
- Walvoord, J. F., & Zuck, R. B. (2015). The Bible Knowledge Commentary. Nelson.