Top Ten Christian Principles

by

Michael Rubacha

Christian Worldview and Apologetics PHI 633 Dr. Terry Weaver January 17, 2012

Top Ten Christian Principles

TOP TEN CHRISTIAN PRINCIPLES

I dont necessarily believe that any two Christians must believe the same ten principles; I believe the gospel is simpler than that. Jesus Christ and him crucified1 (1 Cor. 2:2 NIV) will take a man beyond necessity. Nevertheless, Ive compiled a list that I think is quite orthodox: 1. All have sinned and need forgiveness. Christians cannot deny this claim. Without

accepting this principle, no one could repent and become a Christian. But this is clearly taught: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God2 (Rom. 3:23), There is not a righteous man on earth who does what is right and never sins3 (Eccl. 7:20), and When they sin against youfor there is no one who does not sin4 (1 Kings 8:46). So we all need a Savior for the forgiveness of sins. 2. The crucifixion. Without the crucifixion there can be no forgiveness of sins

because without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness5 (Heb. 9:22). Jesus was clear at the Last Supper that His blood would bring forgiveness when He says, This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins6 (Mat. 26:28). And Paul

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1 Corinthians 2:2 NIV 1984 Romans 3:23 Ecclesiastes 7:20 1 Kings 8:46 Hebrews 9:22 Matthew 26:28

Top Ten Christian Principles

reaffirms this truth by writing, In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins7 (Eph. 1:7). 3. The bodily resurrection of Christ. If Christ has not been raised, your faith is

futile; you are still in your sins8 (1 Cor. 15:17). We must believe that Christ was raised from the dead because without His resurrection we also will not raise. Paul describes this as one of the items of first importance in 1 Corinthians 15:3-4, and states elsewhere, [Christ] was raised to life for our justification9 (Rom. 4:25). If He did not resurrect then we have no justification before Goddeath wins. 4. Salvation is found in none but Jesus. Jesus Himself declares, I am the way and

the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me10 (John 14:6). The Apostles believed this and were sure to spread the news, Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved11 (Acts 4:12). No Christian should deny this exclusivity. 5. Christ is the perfect sin-free sacrifice. Because He was able to offer Himself

unblemished to God12 (Heb 9:14) our consciences are cleansed from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God13 (Heb 9:14). If He was not sin-free, God would have rejected

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Ephesians 1:7 1 Corinthians 15:17 Romans 4:25 John 14:6 Acts 4:12 Hebrew 9:14 Hebrews 9:14

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Top Ten Christian Principles

Him as a Passover Lamb, because such a lamb must be without defect14 (Exo. 12:5). If God had rejected Him, then wed all still be under the wrath of God.15 6. All Scripture is God-breathed. If we dont believe this then how can we trust any

Scripture? And if we trust no Scripture then how can we be saved? But we have great assurance because, All Scripture is God-breathed16 (2 Tim. 3:16) and Every word of God is flawless17 (Prov. 30:5). 7. Salvation comes through faith, not works. The Apostles and elders argued this

point, We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved18 (Acts 15:11). Paul defended it to the Galatians, Are you so foolish? After beginning with the Spirit, are you now trying to attain your goal by human effort?19 (Gal. 3:3). And Martin Luther was excommunicated for it, This one and firm rock, which we call the doctrine of justification is the chief article of the whole Christian doctrine, which comprehends the understanding of all godliness.20 8. God is triune. The Father is God, the Son is God, The Spirit is God; but there is

only one God. If this is not agreed upon then the deity being worshiped is not the one true God.

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Exodus 12:5 John 3:36 2 Timothy 3:16 Proverbs 30:5 Acts 15:11 Galatians 3:3

Herbert Bouman, The Doctrine of Justification in the Lutheran Confessions, Concordia Theological Monthly 26, no. 11 (November 1955): 801-19.

Top Ten Christian Principles

Most affirm that the Father is God, My Father, whom you claim as your God21 (John 8:54). Fewer will affirm that the Son is God, For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form22 (Col. 2:9) and that the Spirit is God, Now the Lord is the Spirit23 (2 Cor. 3:17). But all three are God and one God, The LORD our God, the LORD is one24 (Deut. 6:4). 9. All will stand before the judgment seat of Christ. Why would anyone evangelize

if there was no eternal judgment? In fact, Paul reiterates this same point, Since, then, we know what it is to fear the Lord, we try to persuade men25 (2 Cor. 5:11). And just before this he says, For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad26 (2 Cor. 5:10). So then, there will be a final judgment when All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another27 (Mat. 25:32). 10. God does not want anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

Christians should all agree that, God does not show favoritism28 (Rom. 2:11). And since He does not show favoritism, He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance29 (2 Pet. 3:9). Therefore, we should act as Christs ambassadors, imploring
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John 8:54 Colossians 2:9 2 Corinthians 3:17 Deuteronomy 6:4 2 Corinthians 5:11 2 Corinthians 5:10 Matthew 25:32 Romans 2:11 2 Peter 3:9

Top Ten Christian Principles

the world to Be reconciled to God30 (2 Cor. 5:20) and Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord31 (Acts. 3:19).

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2 Corinthians 5:20 Acts 3:19

Top Ten Christian Principles

WORKS CITED Bouman, Herbert. The Doctrine of Justification in the Lutheran Confessions. Concordia Theological Monthly 26, no. 11 (November 1955): 801-19.