SOME THINGS WE BELIEVE

Text:  Hebrews 11:6.

Purpose:  To learn some fundamental truths which Christians hold in common, and in which they may confidently rest.

Introduction

Sometimes people ask, "What does the church believe on this or that point?" In many cases there is no truthful answer, for one finds great diversity among Christians -and "the church" is simply a collective term for Christians considered together. Christians had differences in New Testament times on some points. There is no absolute, authoritative guidebook except the Bible, and the Bible is greater than any one person's comprehension and understanding of it.
But there are certain truths which true Christians do hold in common, both in New Testament times and today. This lesson will note several statements from Scripture which are there said to be believed by God's people, and on which His people today are also to be in accord. In each case, men may raise questions beyond the clear teaching of Scripture, and in those cases one will find diversity of opinion and understanding. However, on the statements contained in Scripture itself, harmony may and should result.

Body

I. Christianity is primarily a practical religion, not a creedal one. That is to say, Christians are known by their manner of life, not simply by their agreement to a mental creed.

   A. This is the way Jesus pictures judgment: not a measure of every opinion held, but of practical deeds of mercy in Christ's name (Matthew 25).

   B. The emphasis today may be misplaced in many instances. Men sometimes are more concerned with quarrelling over scruples (explicitly forbidden by Paul in Romans 14:1) than in the teaching which leads to godliness. Very often, strife proves to be over impractical matters which affect only one's mind and not his faith in Jesus or godly living.

II. Yet some things are specifically stated by Scripture as matters to be believed by all Christians. On these matters there should be unity. Even here, when men go beyond the clear teaching of Scripture into human speculation and reason, they find great differences. We must learn still to "speak where the Bible speaks, and to be silent where the Bible is silent." Sometimes we are not.

   A. God exists and He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6).

        1. Enoch's example in a godless world inspires us here.

            a. Enoch is said to have pleased God.

            b. Without faith it is impossible to please Him.

            c. Therefore we know that Enoch obtained his good testimony through his faith.

        2. Because God is, we may seek Him. Because He rewards, we want to seek Him. Without this double confidence, Christianity would be worthless and all human effort in the dark.

        3. The Bible does not answer many specific questions as to the nature of God. Here men may differ in opinion, and we should be content to say what the Bible does -- and stop.

   B. God who exists and rewards, also loves us (I John 4:16).

        1. We believe that God loves us, because of what He has done in His Son Jesus Christ. God is for us, and He wishes us to respond to Him in that confidence.

        2. The Bible does not delve into the exact manner of God's planning before the world began. Some theologians spend much time arguing about the specific "order of decrees," a topic not mentioned in the Word of God. Let us be sure of what the Bible plainly says, and then leave what is not revealed with God.

   C. Jesus is "in" the Father and the Father "in" Jesus (John 14:11).

        1. All we need to know of the Father we may see in Jesus Christ.

        2. When we look at Jesus Christ, we always see the nature of God the Father in human flesh.

        3. What Jesus did for sinners is the express will and purpose of Jehovah the Creator, the God of the Old Testament. They are never at cross purposes -- though they both had a Cross purpose.

        4. The Bible does not explain the exact "how" of the Trinity -- nor does it actually use that term. We may believe all that Scripture does state about Father, Son and Holy Spirit, without pressing opinions based on human reason not declared in the Word of God.

   D. Jesus, the Son of God, lived a life totally pleasing to God, died for the sins of the world, was buried, rose again, ascended to heaven, and commissioned chosen witnesses to offer salvation in His name until He comes again (Luke 1:1).

        1. These are things "surely believed among us."

        2. Curiosity raises many questions which must be left unanswered.

   E. Jesus died and rose again; therefore His people will be raised also (I Thessalonians 4:14).

        1. These great truths are clearly stated and are held with certainty.

        2. Many questions are left unanswered as to the exact nature of the resurrection body, the precise events of the End, the literal description of the new heavens and new earth wherein dwells righteousness. We may thank God for His precious promises without quarrelling over what we do not know. Who argues about the millennium at a funeral service?

   F. Through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved (Acts 15:11).

        1. While living faith leads to obedience, the only means of salvation is the grace of God, and the only principle for receiving that grace is faith in Jesus Christ. This great fundamental of the gospel is in danger of being lost at times, amidst the controversies and reactions brought on by earlier errorists. This is a sterling truth worthy of our total confidence.

        2. Scripture does not reveal the exact "how" of justification and Christ's atonement. We may believe all that it does say without speculating any farther. The passing "issues" of each generation should be measured by the greater truth that salvation is by the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ. This will give a needed perspective in which balanced thinking can lead to fruitful study and more careful obedience.

   G. If we died with Christ, we shall also live with Him (Romans 6:8).

        1. In the context, "living with Christ" seems to refer to the present life of communion with the Lord. Because we shared in His death, we also now share with Him in life separate from the dominion of Satan.

        2. While Scripture enjoins holiness (without it no one can see God!) and states many specifics of godly living, it is silent on many points of application. When we make application beyond the clear statement of Scripture, we need to remember the difference between the two. God told us what we need to know; we cannot improve on what He has said.

Conclusion

There are two dangers regarding believing doctrine. Some do not accept the clearly-stated teaching of Scripture. We have seen seven great truths which the Bible itself says are to be believed. Others insist on teachings which perhaps are logically true, but are not clearly stated in Scripture. While deductions are inevitable for thinking people, we must remember the distinction between God's word and our opinion.

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