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. (
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,
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?
Exodus 15:11
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