As the third installment of Systematic Theology is quickly approaching, I wanted to share my previous confession form Sys Theo II with you.
It's been almost a year since this intentional theological journey started. I remember the first class throwing my head into such a spin that I spent the next night tracking down drink ingredients. It actually still makes me laugh. It's funny to be able to compare how different my life is a year from that point. The growth of the last year has been exhausting at points, surprising, frustrating...wanting to give up all over again...knowing I could never fully give up. God has been faithful and I am grateful.
The topics covered in this next class are actually the reason why I took the two prerequisites: salvation, forgiveness, and baptism. I'm excited to see growth/understanding in these areas. Unlike last year, I'm fully ready and excited to wrestle with these teachings!
Confession on Humanity and Sin
HUMANITY
I believe creation was set in motion by the will and word of God. God created the world out of nothing. He spoke and formed that which did not exist before. God purposely created the world for his pleasure and good will, though he did not have to. Creation fulfills this purpose when it glorifies the creator. (Gen. 1 & 2; Is. 45:18; Ps. 19:1; Col 1:16; Rev 4:11 )
I believe God’s creation is valuable, because it has been made by him. He has declared his creation good. Therefore, I believe we are doing the will of God when we participate in and care for creation. (Gen. 1)
I believe God created humanity in his image and likeness. As image bearers he has set us apart and given us the capacity for free will, intelligence, and emotions. In his likeness we were instilled with the ability to recognize and adhere to the morality of God, with the purpose of living in loving relationship with God and others, while taking care of the earth. (Gen 1:27; Gen. 9:6; Ps. 139:14-16; Jm. 3:9)
I believe humans were created from and are meant for the earth. Out of dust God fashioned the first man and placed him on earth to thrive. Our everlastingl home will be on a fully restored earth. (Gen. 1:27-30; Gen. 2:7-8; Rev 21:1-4)
I believe humans are made of two parts: body and soul. These two are meant to work as an integrated whole. Though death will one day separate the two, the hope is that the both will be reunited in the future. (Is. 26:9; Lk. 1:46-47; Ph. 1:21-24)
SIN
I believe sin is active rebellion against God. Sin entered the world through Adam and Eve, who placed themselves in a position to decide what was right and wrong when they willfully disobeyed God’s command to not eat from the tree of knowledge of good and evil. This initial sin caused the peace of God’s will to be broken. The consequence of this brokenness is death, which touches every part of creation. (Gen. 3; Ps. 14:2-3; Rm. 3:23)
I believe Adam’s original rebellion caused human to be born polluted by sin. From Adam’s sin all of humanity was corrupted. We no longer have the ability to fully reflect the image of God or act within his moral will. Every human seeks independence from God and therefore shares in Adam’s guilt. (Gen. 3; Rm. 5:12-14; 1 Cor. 15:21-22; 1 Jn. 1:8-10)
I believe sin prevents society from being what God intended it to be. We have some capacity to work toward good, but are unable to restore our relationship to God, others, and creation, to their pre-fall states. (Rom 3:12)
I believe the consequences of sin extend to the earth and animal kingdom. In this way, death entered the world through disease, natural disasters, and violence in animals. (Rm. 8:20-22)
I believe that God instilled common grace as a way to preserve and promote redemption for his creation. Humans are able to do good acts, though not to their full extent. (Gen. 20:6; Matt. 5:45; Rm. 13:1-5; Heb. 1:2-3)
Confession on the Son
I believe God the Father chose to rescue humanity from sin by sending his one and only Son, Jesus Christ, in human form. (Jn. 3:16-21)
I believe Jesus is a single person who is fully divine and fully human; he possesses all of the characteristics of God and of perfect humanity, including a body and a soul. Because of his fully human nature Jesus could have sinned, but his moral will prevented him from doing so. Jesus’ oneness and two natures cannot be confused, changed, divided or separated without losing aspects of both. (Jn. 1:1, 14, Heb.
2:14-18)
I believe through Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, he paid the penalty for sin which humanity could not. He fulfilled this work to bring about restoration between God and creation. These acts freed humanity from sin, removed Satan’s control and conquered death. (Heb. 4:14-15; 10:1-18; Rom. 3:25-26, 6; 1 Jn 3:8)
I believe that by example and word, Jesus showed us how to obey the will of God. He lived a life of sinlessness. His teachings illuminate truth, call us to obedience, and speak of God’s love. (Rom. 5:12-21)
I believe Jesus willingly went to the cross to take the punishment for all human rebellion. This act restores peace between God and creation and allows us to stand before God without shame or guilt. (Rom. 5:1-2; Gal. 4:4-8)
I believe Jesus rose from the dead. Through his resurrection, he conquered death and the hold Satan had on humanity. Because of his resurrection we are declared to be right before God. (Jn. 20; Rom. 4:25; Col. 2:13-15; 1 Cor. 15)
I believe Jesus ascended and is seated in Heaven. He speaks to God on our behalf, sends the Holy Spirit to guide us, and rules over the entire world. (Acts 1:9; Heb. 2:1-18; 7:23-25)
I believe God loves humanity and desires for us to be brought back to right relationship with him. It is through Jesus’ life, death, resurrection and ascension that we may be rescued from our rebellion. These acts are sufficient for all and effective for everyone who will accept and believe the works of Jesus. (1 Tim. 2:4-6, 4:9-10)
Confession on the Holy Spirit
I believe the Holy Spirit is a distinct and equal member of the Trinity. He has both personal characteristics, such as intelligence, will, and emotions, as well as divine characteristics; he is all-knowing, all-powerful and eternal. The Holy Spirit accomplishes the will of the Trinity in cooperation with the Father and the Son. (Jn. 14:26; 1 Cor. 12:11; Eph 4:30; Acts 5:3-4; Matt. 12:31; Mark 3:29; Rom. 8:26; Jn. 16:8)
I believe the Holy Spirit is the means by which God governs and sustains creation. His presence is seen in the Old Testament through creation, the empowerment of saint, and the theme of salvation. (Gen. 1:2; Job 26:13; Ps. 104:29-30; Is 32:15; 1 Sam. 16-13)
I believe the Holy Spirit participated in God’s redemptive act through the life of Jesus. Through the Holy Spirit Jesus was conceived, empowered at his baptism, guided in the wilderness to be tempted, taught in power, offered himself as a sacrifice, and rose from the dead. (Lk 2:52; Matt. 3:16; Lk. 3:22; Mark 1:12; Mark 1:8; Lk 4:14; Matt. 12:25-32)
I believe the Holy Spirit, at Pentecost, established a new covenant and a new people of God, the Church. (1 Cor 12:13, Acts 2:38)
I believe the Holy Spirit brings individuals into new life at the moment of salvation. He enables us to live the mission of the Church, gives us knowledge to discern Scripture, guides us into holy living, seals us into the body of Christ, and gives us individual gifts to serve the Church. Through the Holy Spirit’s work, indwelt believers can participate with God’s redemption of the world.(Titus 3:5; Eph. 5:18; 1 Cor. 6:12-20; 2:10-16; Eph. 6:18; Gal. 5:16-26; Eph. 1:13-14; Eph. 4:11, Rom. 12:6-8, 1 Pet. 4:11, 1 Cor. 12:4-11, 28)
I burnt some Sara Groves CDs for my road trip. A number of her songs spoke a lot into my life, but I was taken off guard by how much I related to this song. It's amazing the transformation one's life can take in a year...so subtle that it's all of a sudden you realize how different things are...how different life is...how good life is! It had me at the first stanza.
Less Like Scars by Sara Groves
It's been a hard year But I'm climbing out of the rubble These lessons are hard Healing changes are subtle But every day it's
Less like tearing, more like building Less like captive, more like willing Less like breakdown, more like surrender Less like haunting, more like remember
And I feel you here And you're picking up the pieces Forever faithful It seemed out of my hands, a bad situation But you are able And in your hands the pain and hurt Look less like scars and more like Character
Less like a prison, more like my room It's less like a casket, more like a womb Less like dying, more like transcending Less like fear, less like an ending
And I feel you here And you're picking up the pieces Forever faithful It seemed out of my hands, a bad situation But you are able And in your hands the pain and hurt Look less like scars
Just a little while ago I couldn't feel the power or the hope I couldn't cope, I couldn't feel a thing Just a little while back I was desperate, broken, laid out, hoping You would come
And I need you And I want you here And I feel you
And I know you're here And you're picking up the pieces Forever faithful It seemed out of my hands, a bad, bad situation But you are able
And in your hands the pain and hurt Look less like scars (x3)
I began working on my next confession for class. This one's on Humanity and Sin. It's kicking my brain.
Throughout college I got by on my procrastination tactic. I had a knack for pumping out excellent papers just days or hours before they were due. And truth be told, last semester was no different. I'm generally pleases with my work and the corresponding response to it. This time it's different. For one thing, I don't think we've been learning as much as last class. Two, I don't take this lightly. When I say I believe something I want to make sure that's accurate. So with one night to go and only 1/3 of the way to being done, I will be finding myself holed up in a coffee shop tomorrow. Preferably one that served dinner.
Oh confessions, you bring me joy, but I also think you to be a product of the Fall.
My friends Laura and Aaron are part of some amazing work at their church. Read about it here.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
I have unanswered prayers I have trouble I wish wasn’t there And I have asked a thousand ways That you would take my pain away You would take my pain away
I am trying to understand How to walk this weary land Make straight the paths that crooked lie Oh Lord, before these feet of mine Oh Lord, before these feet of mine
When my world is shaking, heaven stands When my heart is breaking I never leave your hands
When you walked upon the earth You healed the broken, lost and hurt I know you hate to see me cry One day you will set all things right Yeah, one day you will set all things right
When my world is shaking, heaven stands When my heart is breaking I never leave your hands
Your hands that shaped the world Are holding me They hold me still ~JJ Heller
2010 has been a lot of cleaning up. Habits, thoughts, deeds...stuff I didn't want in my life anymore. Little by little they are being torn down. But as this cleaning goes deeper and deeper, I'm reminded that restoration is something you have to allow to happen. Our individual will power cannot transform our hearts from darkness to light. So tonight, after a very long time, I thank God for showing me just how light, life can be!
I shall pass this way but once; any good therefore, that I can do or any kindness that I can show to any human being, let me do it now. Let me not defer nor neglect it, for I shall not pas this way again.
Relationships played a significant role in the lives of my friends and family over the last 12 months: additions, subtractions, multiplications. Strangely, my own past post came to mind today, and it caught me so off guard. I was filing papers and was brought up short by this thought, "I'm glad I'm single." What? Where did that come from?! A filing induced confession? But it made me smile to find myself in this state of mind/being. It's funny to arrive at almost the exact same spot you where a year ago.
This past Fall, in response to a number of overwhelming faith and life questions, I enrolled in Systematic Theology I at a local seminary. The first class almost sent me over the edge and I wondered if this was the choice that would actually make me lose my faith. The semester was challenging, but at the end I am left with two documents containing what I've learned and believe, or at least what I'm trying to believe (still working on some points).
A few days ago a friend asked, "So what do you believe." I stumbled through my answer as I tried to pull out segments from the two confessions. I figured it was time to review them.
We were given the chance to write a rough draft, have the professor critique it, and then submit a final draft. Writing two drafts is up there with practicing, so I only wrote one. It may be a little rickety in spots, but it sums up my semester of pondering and learning.
Confession on Revelation
I believe God reveals himself in three general ways. Through the created, natural world we know of and about God. He created man in his image and instilled everyone with a sense of his existence and presence. Throughout history and continuing today, God interacts with his creation in meaningful ways. (Ps 19:1-6; Romans 1:19-21,32; Acts 17:26-29 )
I believe, as a result of the fall, humans cannot properly understand God’s revelation of himself or true reality. Sin distorts our ability to see God in nature, history, or his image in ourselves and others. (Gen 3; Rom 1:18-23)
I believe God actively works through special revelation to correct the distortion of general revelation. It is through special revelation that we gain knowledge of God that we would not otherwise know. (Rom. 1:16-23, Heb 1:1-4)
I believe all special revelation reveals the character of God. Throughout history God has used visions and dreams, the law, miracles, appearances, and prophecy to make himself known. These revelations are never in conflict with general revelation, but provided us with a greater understanding of God. (Heb 1:1-4, Isaiah 1:1, Ex 3, 14, 20)
I believe the ultimate form of special revelation occurred in the person of Jesus Christ. He took on flesh to proclaim the reality of God. Jesus reveals what is true about God’s nature, character, intentions, and desires and by observing Jesus we can better understand God. (Heb 1:3, Jn 1:1-12)
I believe Scripture points us to these recorded revelations and acts as a revelation in itself. It is authored by both God and man, through the mystery of the Holy Spirit. The text accurately reveals what is true of God. (2 Tim 3:16; 2 Peter 1:21, Luke 1:1-4)
I believe in the sixty-six books of the Bible. The canon includes two divisions, with thirty-nine books in the Old Testament and twenty-seven in the New Testament.
I believe that because God is the author of all Scripture, the Bible is trustworthy in what is proclaimed, authoritative to our lives and united in its message. The Bible is without error and fully true in what it affirms. Its authority comes from its author and therefore is the final word in all matters of faith and holy living. Likewise, with God as the author, the message of the entire scripture is wholly united and does not contradict itself. (2 Tim. 3:16; John 17:17, Psalm 33:4, Matt 4:1-4, 7, 10, 1 Jn 5:9, Eph 2:20, Gen. 1:1, Rev 21:1)
I believe the Bible, as the word of God, is powerful and is what it claims to be. The Scriptures and the Holy Spirit testify to its self-authenticating nature. Because the Bible is the word of God, its message and teachings are powerful for understanding God’s true reality about salvation and holy living. (Isaiah 55:11, Heb. 4:12,13, Rom. 15:4, 1 Thess. 2:13, 1 John 5:9, 1 Cor. 2:12-14)
I believe that Scripture is clear and sufficient in (I’m still working on what I actually believe about the sufficiency and perspicuity of Scripture. Out of all the marks, these are the two that I’ve really had to wrestle with. I’ll continue to do that and have this section completed for my final draft.)
I believe that although Scripture spoke to specific people at specific times, God’s message is applicable and relevant to all believers in contemporary times. The Scriptures will continue to speak to generations to come. (2 Peter 1:3, 2 Tim 3:16, Deut. 5:1-3, Ps 119:89, Is 40:8)
Confession on the Doctrine of God
Creator
I believe in one God, creator of all things. (Gen 1:1-2)
I believe God is of one nature and three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, neither inferior, nor superior to each other. He is independent from what he’s created and depends on nothing for his existence. God finds perfect community within himself. (Gen 1:1- 2, 26; Matt 3:16-17; Mk 1:10-11; Lk 3:21-22; Jn 1:1-3, 33-34, 15:26; 2 Cor 13:14)
I believe God is simple. He has no body or parts. He is spirit. (Deut 6:4; Mk 12:29; Jn 4:24; Gal 3:20)
I believe God is eternal. He has always been in existence. He has no beginning and no end. Though he is outside of time, God can interact in and through time.(Gen 21:33; Is 26:4; Jer 10:10; Ps 90:2, 102:11-12; Rev 1:8)
I believe God’s changing actions are rooted in his unchanging character. His nature, knowledge, and moral will are constant. His actions reflect his interaction with creation through time and history. (Nm 23:19; 1 Sam 15:29; Ps 33:11, 102:27; Mal 3:6; Heb 13:8; Js 1:17)
I believe God is all-knowing. He has knowledge of past, present, and future events, including human thoughts and needs, actions, and his corresponding responses. In his wisdom he knows what is morally right and wrong and therefore knows all truth. (Pr 3:19; Rom 16:27; 1 Cor 2:7; Eph 1:8, 3:10)
I believe God is all-powerful. He can do anything that is inside his moral will and consistent with his character. (Ex 15:1-6, 11; Ps 18:1-3, 46-50; Rom 1:20, Eph 1:18-22)
I believe God is present everywhere at once in his total being. He is spirit and has no physical form. He is present at every point in space and every moment in time in all his fullness. (Ps 14:5, 46:1, 139:7-12; Jer 23:23-24; Acts 7:48-49)
I believe that God is good. He is concerned with the well-being of humanity and acts to promote it. (Jas 1:17, Matt 7:11)
Fall
I believe God gave Adam and Eve the freedom to choose between right and wrong. He allowed them to choose disobedience. Their choice, which went against God’s moral will, allowed evil to enter the world. He is not responsible for evil, yet he permits it through his allowing of humanity to willingly pursue disobedience. (Gen 3; Jas 1:13-15)
I believe God voluntarily suffers with his creation. He suffers from a position of strength that does not limit or control him. He does not allow his emotions to lead to sin. (Gen 6:6; Is 63:9-10; Jer 31:20; Mk 15:33-34; Jn 11:32-35; 1 Cor 1:21; Eph 4:30)
I believe God cannot be in the presence of sin. He justly judges the actions of sinful humanity as they stand in contrast to the nature and goodness of God. (Num 16; Ro 1:18-26)
Redeemer
I believe God loves humanity deeply. His loving actions provided a way to eliminate his wrath toward us through the death of his Son on the cross. Because of God’s love for us, we can respond in love. (Gen 1:31; Ps 145:9; Mk 10:18).
I believe God is gracious. He extends his favor when we do not deserve it. He gives freely to whom he chooses. He sustains his creations and allows us to enter into relationship with him. (Ps 145:9; 1 Pt 2:3; Eph 2:8)
I believe God is merciful to offer us salvation. He recognized our inability to save ourselves and provided a solution. He is merciful in forgiving sin. He does not forget about or overlook our suffering. (Matt 9:8; Eph 2:4; Tit 3:5)
I believe God is patient. He allows time for the disobedient to turn from their ways. (Num 14; Rom 2:4; 2 Pt 3)
Who is like You, O LORD, among the gods? Who is like You, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders?
