What I Believe
The Nicene Creed
The words of the Nicene Creed, written over 1700 years ago during the 4th century
is the best summation of the beliefs of Historical Christianity, and have grounded the church and it's doctrine for centuries. This has been modified as a personal statement of faith.
The Christian Worldview
Reality in four "Big Questions"
Where Did We Come From?
God has always existed. God created the universe and the earth "ex nihilo" or "out of nothing" as described in Genesis 1. Once he created the earth, he created man "in his own image"--a process that was different than any living thing He had created. It was because of this difference that we hold a unique standing in the world as His children that distinguishes us from all creation, and like God, we were given free will to love freely and without coercion.
What is Our Problem?
We all know that there are bad things that shouldn't happen. So where did these problems come from? Sin.
Sin is the term that is used to describe a break in moral law. Since God is the standard of the law, when we break from the standard, there is a break in our relationship with Him. Adam and Eve, the first humans, where the first to break the relationship, but as one continues to read the Biblical accounts (or look outside), one can see that it has never been exclusive to them. While some violations only cause consequences for ourselves, often times our actions will affect others or the environment around us.
What is the Solution?
Since the first days of humanity, the punishment for sin has always been death (Romans 6:23). God cannot contradict his character, so even though he loved his creation, he could not simply "let it go" (since being the highest moral law is what makes him God). The only way to save humanity is to take on the punishment himself. He sent His own son, Jesus, to be made incarnate to take our place for our death sentence. Because he is perfect, he can perfectly take the place for any sin committed or that will be committed for anyone in existence. The only thing left for humanity to do is to believe and submit to the Lordship of God to restore the relationship as it was originally designed to be in the beginning of reality.
How Will Things End for Us?
Because Jesus took the place for the punishment we should have received, those who put their faith and trust in His sacrifice are able to live eternally in direct fellowship with him according to his original plan. We have the peace that we are able to live out our lives and purpose in the way that best follows the plan God has for us.