| The following explanation of essential
Christian doctrine was copied from 'The
Bible Answer Man" webpage. Hank Hanegraaff often mentions the
pail of orthodoxy which contains the essentials. Whether one
chooses to call the container a pail, box, cup, bowl, pot, or
whatever, it is important to know that once one leaves the container
that holds these essentials, then one is outside of orthodox
Christianity and should not claim the name of Christ. If any of
the essentials are false, then none of the other essentials can
stand. This fact is found through a thorough study of the Bible
and 'The Bible Answer Man' is a good source to find the necessary
references to provide clarity to this fact.
Without further comments, here is the explanation of essential
Christian doctrine from Hank Hanegraaff:
When we talk about the essentials of Christianity we're referring to
the basic elements that make up and characterize our faith, and which,
of course, separate it from other beliefs. Let's survey these
doctrines.
First, we believe in the authority of Scripture, which is
another way of saying that the Bible is God's inspired, infallible,
and inerrant Word. It's the ultimate source for knowledge about God,
as well as the definitive guide for our daily lives.
Next we affirm the existence of a triune God or one God in
three distinct persons - the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
This God is self-existent, eternal, unchanging, omnipotent,
omnipresent, holy, righteous, and loving. God created the universe
from nothing and He rules over His creation sovereignly including both
human and angelic beings.
We also hold that man is a physical and spiritual being who is
created in God's image. But because of his sin or transgression, man
has lost his fellowship with God. The extent of sin is so great that
its effects continue to this very day in the form of cruelty,
suffering, and death.
By God's grace, Jesus Christ - Who is fully God and fully man - was
sent to save us from our bondage to sin. We believe that Christ
was born of a virgin, died for our sins, physically rose from the
dead, and will one day return to judge the world and deliver His
people. Faith in Christ is the only means by which mankind can escape
eternal damnation and judgment.
Finally, we recognize the church as God's ordained institution
headed by Christ. The church is composed of all believers, and is
organized for worship, for fellowship, for the administration of the
sacraments, for spiritual growth and support, and for evangelizing the
world.
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