One GOD existing in 3 eternally distinct and co-equal persons persons: The FATHER, the SON, and the HOLY SPIRIT.
For the attributes of GOD, go to: www.equip.org/free/DA275.htm (by CRI)
The FATHER is the head of CHRIST and one with His SON. Only those whom GOD has adopted (born again) can call Him FATHER.
The SON OF GOD, JESUS CHRIST is both fully GOD and fully Man. JESUS is the head of the Church. He is eternal, preexistant, GOD incarnate, conceived by the HOLY SPIRIT virginally born in the Jewish human Mary a descendant of David. CHRIST was tempted yet sinless (impeccable). He is the only SAVIOR and MEDIATOR between GOD and man suffering and dying on the cross for all sin and was buried. Then He resurrected corporally/physically on the third day according to the Scriptures and showed Himself alive by many infallible proofs to more than 500 witnesses. After the resurrection, He was with them for 40 days speaking the things pertaining the kingdom of GOD. Then CHRIST ascended corporally to heaven in a cloud and will come again likewise personally in power and glory. No one knows the day or the hour of His coming except GOD alone.
The HOLY SPIRIT is also GOD and has personal attributes: He weeps, grieves, speaks, guides, teaches, prohibits, and desires. He also baptizes, regenerates, seals, sanctifies, fills, & abides in all the true believers interceding for them. The mission of the HOLY SPIRIT is to convince the world of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment.
All [humans] have sinned and come short of the glory of GOD; there is none righteous. Man is justified by grace through in Christ alone not by works* lest anyone should boast. This is the only means of escaping the condemnation in a literal hell which was prepared for the (literal) Devil and his angels.
*Works are the fruit of salvation not the root of salvation for faith without works is dead. The believer is continually empowered by the HOLY SPIRIT to live a godly life and to reject worldliness. We are to pray and confess our sins directly to GOD alone who is righteous and forgiving because of the blood of Jesus.
The family begins with of one husband and one wife established by God. Therefore, we reject polygamy. The Lord established the father as the head of the household; but the husband must love his wife as the weaker vessel so that his prayers will not be hindered. The children ought to honor and obey their godly parents in everything.
The church is the body & future bride of CHRIST composed of all regenerate believers who were bought by a price (washed and sanctified by the blood of the LAMB). We are the temple of the HOLY SPIRIT. It is the commision of the church to make disciples and preach the GOSPEL of repentance and remission of sins to all creature without partiality. A well balanced church worships and honors God through:
1) singing hymns, psalms, and spiritual songs
2) expositional teaching of the Word applying it to our daily walk
3) practical prayer to the Sovereign GOD who answers according to His will
4) The Sacraments which are:
a) Baptism in the name of the FATHER, of the SON, and of the HOLY SPIRIT as commanded by our LORD.
b) Communion (THE LORD's SUPPER) in remembrance of the vicarious (atoning) death of CHRIST until His return for all the saints.
Go to: "The Sound Sword Purpose" SEE ALSO: CHURCH & ECUMENISM
www.equip.org/essentials/index.asp
www.carm.org/doctrine/3essntls.htm
str.org/free/commentaries/theology/ess_doct.htm
www.greatcom.org/resources/handbook_of_todays_religions/01chap03/default.htm
www.gty.org/bible_faqs/bible_content.php?qa=essentialdoctrines.htm
www.bibletruths.net/great_truths.htm
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/robin.brace.HEY.htm
