Theology is the study of the nature of God and religious belief (Dictionary.com).
Theology is nice but theology does not equal the Gospel. In the Christian faith people can interpret what the Bible says in different ways because everyone brings their different perspective and worldview to anything they read.
However, there are foundational truths that exist in the Word of God REGARDLESS of ones theology.
What are the facts:
In the Bible it says...
-We were created (Genesis 1:26-27)
-We had a personal relationship with God (He walked with Adam and Eve in the garden Genesis 3:8)
-We sinned (Adam and Eve ate from the forbidden tree Genesis 3) and it destroyed that relationship causing sin to enter the world and us to all be born into sin
-Over the years people worked to get the relationship back but they were only temporary fixes (atonement by animal sacrifice; Hebrews 9:1-10)
-Jesus was born (Matthew 1:18-25; Luke 2:1-20)
-Jesus died to be the permanent solution to our broken relationship with God (Salvation; 1 John 2:2)
-He rose, ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of the God the Father working on our behalf, becoming our direct access line to God (1 Corinthians 15:1-9)
Theology is nice but theology does not equal the Gospel. In the Christian faith people can interpret what the Bible says in different ways because everyone brings their different perspective and worldview to anything they read.
However, there are foundational truths that exist in the Word of God REGARDLESS of ones theology.
What are the facts:
In the Bible it says...
-We were created (Genesis 1:26-27)
-We had a personal relationship with God (He walked with Adam and Eve in the garden Genesis 3:8)
-We sinned (Adam and Eve ate from the forbidden tree Genesis 3) and it destroyed that relationship causing sin to enter the world and us to all be born into sin
-Over the years people worked to get the relationship back but they were only temporary fixes (atonement by animal sacrifice; Hebrews 9:1-10)
-Jesus was born (Matthew 1:18-25; Luke 2:1-20)
-Jesus died to be the permanent solution to our broken relationship with God (Salvation; 1 John 2:2)
-He rose, ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of the God the Father working on our behalf, becoming our direct access line to God (1 Corinthians 15:1-9)
-In order for you to restore your personal relationship with God you have to believe in your heart that Jesus was born, died, rose and ascended, say it with you mouth (Romans 10:9-10). That’s it.
Those are the absolute clearest things in the Bible and aren’t open to interpretation. This is the basis of faith in and relationship wit h God.
People will try to argue there is another way but the Bible clearly says, there is no other way to God the Father but through Jesus.
If any of these foundational truths aren’t fact then all of Christianity falls apart. There are no levels to this. If Jesus wasn’t the perfect sacrifice we would still be fcuked, arsed out, going to the tabernacle to ask the priest to go into the holy of holies for me (Hebrew 9:1-10). We should all still be doing animal sacrifices to the chagrin of PETA.
Just like in math doing a proof. If one part is not true then none of it’s true. There is no Gospel, no Good News. A lie that has lasted thousands of years. Could you imagine?
Religion and theology is cool but without the Gospel it’s just a set of life rules that make “Christianity “ just like every other religion. Rules that you are going to most certainly break. It’s inevitable. That’s why the relationship is key.
When you are in relationship with God a mess up isn’t the end. A mistake is just a setback. You can wake up with nothing and still have joy. But you have to accept Christ. If you haven’t done this you are religious but not in relationship with God.
And bump what other people have told you. There aren’t a bunch of things you have to do to earn Salvation or to be eligible. Just come to God say you do bad stuff (aka are a sinner) believe in your heart that Jesus died for your sins and says it with your mouth. That’s it.
Then just like any relationship you have to cultivate it. You do this by reading the Word and praying at a minimum. Worshiping with like minded people, and worship music are great too.
As I say, there are no levels to this. The Gospel IS the Gospel, it’s the whole point. The rest are just guidelines.
Those are the absolute clearest things in the Bible and aren’t open to interpretation. This is the basis of faith in and relationship wit h God.
People will try to argue there is another way but the Bible clearly says, there is no other way to God the Father but through Jesus.
If any of these foundational truths aren’t fact then all of Christianity falls apart. There are no levels to this. If Jesus wasn’t the perfect sacrifice we would still be fcuked, arsed out, going to the tabernacle to ask the priest to go into the holy of holies for me (Hebrew 9:1-10). We should all still be doing animal sacrifices to the chagrin of PETA.
Just like in math doing a proof. If one part is not true then none of it’s true. There is no Gospel, no Good News. A lie that has lasted thousands of years. Could you imagine?
Religion and theology is cool but without the Gospel it’s just a set of life rules that make “Christianity “ just like every other religion. Rules that you are going to most certainly break. It’s inevitable. That’s why the relationship is key.
When you are in relationship with God a mess up isn’t the end. A mistake is just a setback. You can wake up with nothing and still have joy. But you have to accept Christ. If you haven’t done this you are religious but not in relationship with God.
And bump what other people have told you. There aren’t a bunch of things you have to do to earn Salvation or to be eligible. Just come to God say you do bad stuff (aka are a sinner) believe in your heart that Jesus died for your sins and says it with your mouth. That’s it.
Then just like any relationship you have to cultivate it. You do this by reading the Word and praying at a minimum. Worshiping with like minded people, and worship music are great too.
As I say, there are no levels to this. The Gospel IS the Gospel, it’s the whole point. The rest are just guidelines.
The Unlikely Missionary
DHW
Comments
Post a Comment