Basic Christianity PDF

Basic Christianity. The Trinity, Divinity of Jesus & How We Are Saved. The Trinity Or How The Bible Characterizes God What is the Trinity? The essence of the Trinity lies in the belief that there is one God existing eternally as three distinct Persons: the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the H...

Basic Christianity. The Trinity, Divinity of Jesus & How We Are Saved. The Trinity Or How The Bible Characterizes God What is the Trinity? The essence of the Trinity lies in the belief that there is one God existing eternally as three distinct Persons: the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit. This concept expresses three vital truths - the distinct personhood of each, the full deity of each, and the oneness of God. The Trinity Or How The Bible Characterizes God The internal lines identify the nature, substance, or essence of each person: 1. The Father is God. 2. The Son is God. 3. The Holy Spirit is God. https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/ justin-taylor/what-do-we-mean-by-personand-essence-in-the-doctrine-of-the-trinity/ The Trinity Or How The Bible Characterizes God The lines of the triangle represent two sets of propositions. First, they remind us that while each of the persons in the Godhead is God (fully divine), the persons are distinct. 1. The Father is not the Son. 2. The Son is not the Father. 3. The Father is not the Holy Spirit. 4. The Holy Spirit is not the Father. 5. The Son is not the Holy Spirit. 6. The Holy Spirit is not the Son. The Trinity Or How The Bible Characterizes God Another aspect indicated by the lines on the triangle is that of mutual indwelling. The three persons indwell each other in the one being of God. 1. The Father is in the Son. 2. The Son is in the Father. 3. The Father is in the Holy Spirit. 4. The Holy Spirit is in the Father. 5. The Son is in the Holy Spirit. 6. The Holy Spirit is in the Son. The Trinity Or How The Bible Characterizes God There is only one God The Lord is one God (Deuteronomy 4:35; 6:4; Galatians 3:20; Ephesians 4:6) There is no other God (Deuteronomy 32:39; 2 Samuel 7:22; 1 Chronicles 17:20; Psalm 86:10; Isaiah 43:10; 44:6; 45:18) The Trinity Or How The Bible Characterizes God God is simultaneously a plurality and unity He is characterized as “us” (Genesis 1:26-28) There are two Lords/Yahwehs (Genesis 19:24; Isaiah 48:16; Zechariah 2:9; Malachi 3:1; Hebrews 1:8) The Trinity Or How The Bible Characterizes God Jesus is God The Word is God (John 1:1) Jesus is in very nature God (Philippians 2:6) Christ is God over all (Romans 9:5) The church of God was bought with God’s (i.e. Jesus’) own blood (Acts 20:28) Jesus and God are one (John 10:30-33) Thomas refers to Jesus as God (John 20:28) Paul refers to Jesus as God (Titus 2:13) John refers to Jesus as God (1 John 5:20) The Trinity Or How The Bible Characterizes God Jesus has God’s attributes Jesus is eternal (John 1:1-3; 8:58; Colossians 1:17) Jesus is immutable (Hebrews 1:10-12; 13:8) Jesus is/gives life (John 1:4; 5:26; 6:33; 11:25; 14:6; Acts 3:15) Jesus is the fullness of the Godhead (Colossians 2:9) Jesus is sovereign (Matthew 28:18; John 3:31; 17:2; Philippians 2:9-10; Colossians 1:18; 1 Peter 3:22) Jesus is omnipresent (Matthew 18:20; John 14:23; Ephesians 4:10) Jesus is omnipotent (Philippians 3:21) The Trinity Or How The Bible Characterizes God Jesus has God’s attributes continued… Jesus created the world (John 1:3, 10; 1 Corinthians 8:6; Colossians 1:16; Hebrews 1:8, 10) Jesus preserves the world (Colossians 1:17; Hebrews 1:3) Jesus forgives sins (Matthew 9:2, 6; Luke 7:48) Jesus sends the Holy Spirit (John 15:26; Acts 1:4-5) Jesus resurrects (John 6:27, 40; 10:28; 11:25) Jesus judges (John 5:22-27; Acts 17:31; 1 Corinthians 4:5; 2 Corinthians 5:10; 2 Timothy 4:1) Jesus receives worship (Matthew 2:2, 11; 14:33; 28:9, 17; 24:52; John 9:38; Hebrews 1:6; Revelation 5:8-14) Jesus receives prayer and is prayed to (Acts 7:59; 1 Corinthians 1:2) The Trinity Or How The Bible Characterizes God God and Jesus have the same title/accomplish the same thing The “I Am” and the “I Am He” God is the “I Am” and “I Am He” (Exodus 3:13-14; Isaiah 43:10) Jesus is the “I Am” and “I Am He” (John 8:24, 58; 18:3) The rst and the last God is the rst and the last (Isaiah 44:6; 48:12; Revelation 4:8) Jesus is the rst and the last (Revelation 1:17; 22:13) The King of Kings God is the King of Kings (1 Timothy 6:15) fi fi fi Jesus is the King of Kings (Revelation 17:14; 19:16) The Trinity Or How The Bible Characterizes God God and Jesus have the same title/accomplish the same thing continued… King or Lord of Glory God is the King of glory (Psalm 24:7, 10; Isaiah 6:1-3) Jesus is the King of glory (John 12:41; 1 Corinthians 2:8) The Redeemer God is the Redeemer (Psalm 78:34; Isaiah 47:4)\ Jesus redeemed us (Galatians 3:13) The Savior God is the Savior (Isaiah 49:26; 1 Timothy 1:1; 4:10) Jesus is the Savior (Luke 2:10-11; John 4:42; Acts 4:12; Philippians 3:20) Jesus is God and Savior (Titus 2:13) The Trinity Or How The Bible Characterizes God God and Jesus have the same title/accomplish the same thing The Shepherd God is the Shepherd (Psalm 23:1; 100:3; Isaiah 40:11) Jesus is the Shepherd (John 10:11, 14; Hebrews 13:20; 1 Peter 2:25) The rock God is the rock (1 Samuel 2:2; Psalm 18:2; 31:2; 89:26 Isaiah 17:10-11) Jesus is the rock (1 Corinthians 10:4) The coming One God is coming, prepare the way (Isaiah 40:3; Malachi 3:1) Jesus has come (Matthew 3:3; Luke 7:27) The Trinity Or How The Bible Characterizes God The Messiah is God and human Mary’s son would be called “God with us” (Isaiah 7:14; 9:5-6; Jeremiah 23:5-6) The Messiah will be called the Eternal Father (Isaiah 9:6) The Trinity Or How The Bible Characterizes God The Holy Spirit is God The Holy Spirit is referred to as God (Acts 5:3-4; 2 Corinthians 3:17) The Trinity Or How The Bible Characterizes God The Holy Spirit is characterized as a Person He can be grieved (Isaiah 63:10; Ephesians 4:30) He counsels (John 14:16; 15:26) He testi es (John 15:26; Hebrews 10:15) fi He teaches (John 14:26) The Trinity Or How The Bible Characterizes God The Holy Spirit is characterized as a Person He hears, speaks, and guides (Mark 13:11; Luke 4:1; John 16:13; Acts 13:2) He warns (Acts 20:23) He convicts of sin (John 16:8) He intercedes and strengthens (Acts 9:31; Romans 8:26-27) He searches, reveals, and knows (1 Corinthians 2:10-11) https://wisedisciple.org/podcast-episodes/bible-blueprint-the-trinity Jesus is Fully God and Fully Human Hypostatic Union The hypostatic union, states that Jesus Christ is both fully divine and fully human. This term, derived from the Greek words “hypostasis” (essence) and “union,” underscores the unique coexistence of Jesus’ divine and human natures within one person. Jesus is Fully God and Fully Human Hypostatic Union: The Son before the incarnation (Jesus) The Son refers to the second person of the Holy Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Before the incarnation, the Son existed eternally in a relationship with the Father and the Holy Spirit. Eternality of the Son: John 1:1-2 (ESV): “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God.” • This passage from the Gospel of John emphasizes the Word (Gk: Logos), fi identi ed as the Son, eternally existing before the beginning of time with God. Jesus is Fully God and Fully Human Hypostatic Union: The Son before the incarnation (Jesus) Colossians 1:16-17 (CSB): “For everything was created by him, in heaven and on earth, the visible and the invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and by him, all things hold together.” • This verse emphasizes the Son’s involvement in the creation of all things and His role as the sustainer of the universe. Jesus is Fully God and Fully Human Hypostatic Union: The Son before the incarnation (Jesus) John 17:5 (CSB): “Now, Father, glorify me in your presence with that glory I had with you before the world existed.” • In Jesus’ prayer, He refers to the glory shared with the Father before the world existed, emphasizing His eternal nature. Jesus is Fully God and Fully Human Hypostatic Union: The Son before the incarnation (Jesus) Revelation 22:13 (CSB): “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the rst and the last, the beginning and the end.” • Jesus identi es Himself as the Alpha and the Omega, signifying His eternal existence from the beginning to the end. John 8:58 (CSB): “Jesus said to them, ‘Truly I tell you, before Abraham was, I am.’” • Jesus’ statement echoes the divine name “I AM” and a rms His existence ffi fi fi before Abraham. Jesus is Fully God and Fully Human Hypostatic Union Dual Nature: Reference: John 1:14 (NIV) - “The Word became esh and made his dwelling among us.” Explanation: Jesus possesses both a divine nature, identi ed as the Word, and a human nature as evidenced by His dwelling among humanity. Unity in One Person: Reference: Colossians 2:9 (NIV) - “For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form.” fi fl Explanation: The fullness of God is manifest in Jesus, illustrating the unity of divine and human in one person. Jesus is Fully God and Fully Human Hypostatic Union No Division or Separation: Reference: Hebrews 4:15 (NIV) - “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.” Explanation: Jesus’ temptations and experiences re ect His complete humanity without any division from His divine nature. Immutable Divine Nature: Reference: Hebrews 13:8 (NIV) - “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” fl Explanation: Jesus’ unchanging nature attests to His immutability as the eternal Son of God. Jesus is Fully God and Fully Human Hypostatic Union Complete Humanity: Reference: Philippians 2:7 (NIV) - “rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.” Explanation: Jesus embraced complete humanity, taking on the nature of a servant and being made in human likeness. Importance for Redemption: Reference: 1 Timothy 2:5 (NIV) - “For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus.” Explanation: Jesus, as fully God and fully human, serves as the mediator between humanity and God. Jesus is Fully God and Fully Human Hypostatic Union Incarnation: Reference: John 1:1, 14 (NIV) - "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God... The Word became esh and made his dwelling among us." Explanation: The incarnation signi es the divine Word becoming esh, exemplifying the hypostatic union. fl fl fi Jesus is the reason for the season! Salvation What are we saved from? Salvation refers to being saved from the consequences of sin and separation from God. Salvation What are we saved from? Sin: De nition: Sin is the violation or transgression of God's moral law. Reference: Romans 3:23 (NIV) - “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Condemnation: De nition: Due to sin, humanity stands condemned and deserving of God’s judgment. fi fi Reference: Romans 6:23 (NIV) - “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Salvation What are we saved from? Separation from God: De nition: Sin creates a separation between humans and God, hindering a relationship with the divine. Reference: Isaiah 59:2 (NIV) - “But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear.” Eternal Death: De nition: The consequence of unaddressed sin is spiritual death and eternal separation from God. fi fi fi fi fi Reference: Revelation 20:14-15 (NIV) - “Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of re. The lake of re is the second death. Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of re.” Salvation What are we saved from? God’s Wrath: De nition: Sin incurs God's righteous anger and judgment. Reference: Romans 1:18 (NIV) - “The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness.” Bondage to Sin: De nition: Apart from salvation, humanity is enslaved to sin and unable to break free. fi fi fi Reference: Romans 6:6 (NIV) - “For we know that our old self was cruci ed with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin.” Salvation What are we saved from? Temporal Consequences: De nition: Sin has temporal consequences in this life, including brokenness, su ering, and the corruption of the created order. fl fl fi ff Reference: Galatians 6:7-8 (NIV) - “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their esh, from the esh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.” Salvation How are we saved? Acts 16:25-34 (Page 1371) About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the jail were shaken, and immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone’s chains came loose. When the jailer woke up and saw the doors of the prison standing open, he drew his sword and was going to kill himself, since he thought the prisoners had escaped. 25 26 27 28 But Paul called out in a loud voice, “Don’t harm yourself, because we’re all here!” The jailer called for lights, rushed in, and fell down trembling before Paul and Silas. He escorted them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” 29 30 They said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.” And they spoke the word of the Lord to him along with everyone in his house. He took them the same hour of the night and washed their wounds. Right away he and all his family were baptized. He brought them into his house, set a meal before them, and rejoiced because he had come to believe in God with his entire household. 31 32 33 34 Salvation How are we saved? John 3:16 (CSB) “For God loved the world in this way: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” Romans 10:13 (CSB) “For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Ephesians 2:8-9 (CSB) “For you are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God's gift—not from works, so that no one can boast.” Salvation How are we saved? Acts 4:12 (CSB) “There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to people by which we must be saved.” John 14:6 (CSB) “Jesus told him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’” John 3:36 (CSB) The one who believes in the Son has eternal life, but the one who rejects the Son will not see life; instead, the wrath of God remains on him. Romans 5:1 (CSB) fi Therefore, since we have been justi ed by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Salvation How are we saved? By grace alone: Salvation is a gift from God, not earned by human efforts or merits. Ephesians 2:8-9 (CSB): “For you are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God’s gift—not from works, so that no one can boast.” Salvation How are we saved? Through faith alone: Salvation is received through faith, trusting in Jesus Christ. Romans 3:28 (CSB): “For we conclude that a person is justified by faith apart from the works of the law.” Galatians 2:16 (CSB): “yet we know that no one is justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ.” Salvation How are we saved? In Christ alone: Salvation is found only in Jesus Christ; He is the exclusive means of redemption. John 14:6 (CSB): “Jesus told him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’” Acts 4:12 (CSB): “There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to people by which we must be saved.” Salvation How are we saved? The Gospel The core of the Gospel is the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 (CSB): “For I passed on to you as most important what I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures…” Salvation How are we saved? The Gospel’s Simplicity The Gospel message is straightforward and accessible to all. Romans 10:9 (CSB): “If you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Satan Corrupts God’s Word Twisting Scripture From the garden of Eden to the present day, Satan’s ageold strategy revolves around distorting God's Word. Much like the serpent’s crafty question to Eve, “Did God really say?” (Genesis 3:1), Satan seeks to instill doubt and confusion about the truth of Scripture. Even today, he continues to twist God’s Word, aiming to undermine its clarity and lead believers astray. By understanding these deceptive tactics, we can fortify ourselves with discernment and stand firm in the unwavering truth of God’s Word. Satan Corrupts God’s Word Twisting Scripture: Questions he may ask Denying the Divinity of Jesus: “Does the Bible really teach that Jesus is God?” This tactic seeks to cast uncertainty on the clear biblical teachings about the divinity of Christ. Promoting Salvation by Works: “Did God really say that faith alone is enough for salvation?” This approach aims to introduce a works-based salvation, undermining the foundational truth of salvation by grace through faith. Satan Corrupts God’s Word Twisting Scripture: Questions he may ask Twisting God’s Promises: “Did God really say you'll be saved by faith alone? Surely, you must add your own e orts.” fi ff This twist attempts to dilute the purity of God’s grace, leading people away from trusting solely in the nished work of Christ. Satan Corrupts God’s Word Twisting Scripture: The Trinity Modalism is a heretical view that denies the distinct, coexisting persons within the Godhead (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit). Instead, modalism asserts that God exists in different “modes” or manifestations at different times, but not as three distinct persons simultaneously. Satan Corrupts God’s Word Twisting Scripture: The Trinity Misrepresentation of Jesus’ Baptism: • Modalism asserts that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are di erent manifestations at various times. • Verses: Matthew 3:16-17 • Answer: The simultaneous presence of the Father’s voice, the Son being ff baptized, and the Holy Spirit descending reveals three distinct persons. Satan Corrupts God’s Word Twisting Scripture: The Trinity Jesus’ Prayer in the Garden: • Modalism struggles to explain Jesus praying to the Father if they are not distinct persons. • Verse: Matthew 26:39 • Answer: Jesus’ prayer demonstrates a genuine interaction between distinct persons within the Godhead. Satan Corrupts God’s Word Twisting Scripture: Jesus as God Jehovah’s Witnesses: Belief: They believe that Jesus is not God but rather the rst and highest creation of God. They view Jesus as the archangel Michael who became human. Mormonism (Latter-day Saints): fi Belief: Mormons believe that Jesus is a separate and distinct being from God the Father. They consider Jesus to be a divine being, (Lucifer’s brother) but not the Almighty God. Satan Corrupts God’s Word Twisting Scripture: Jesus as God Unitarian Universalism: • Belief: Unitarian Universalists often reject the traditional Christian doctrine of the Trinity, viewing Jesus as a great moral teacher or prophet, but not as God. Oneness Pentecostalism (Modalism): • Belief: Oneness Pentecostals reject the traditional Trinity and believe that ff Jesus is the one God who manifests Himself in di erent modes, not as a distinct person in the Godhead. Satan Corrupts God’s Word Twisting Scripture: Jesus as God Misusing Mark 13:32 - “But about that day or hour no one knows... neither the Son”: Misinterpretation: Critics may point to Mark 13:32, where Jesus says that neither the angels nor the Son knows the day or hour of His return, to suggest a limitation in Jesus' knowledge. Biblical Clari cation: The passage underscores Jesus’ humanity and divine mystery. It doesn't diminish His deity but highlights the voluntary self-limitation during the incarnation. Distorting John 14:28 - “The Father is greater than I”: Misinterpretation: Some might quote John 14:28, where Jesus says, “the Father is greater than I,” to argue that Jesus is claiming inferiority to the Father. fi fi Biblical Clari cation: In context, Jesus is emphasizing His submission to the Father’s will during His earthly ministry. This doesn't negate His equality within the Trinity. Satan Corrupts God’s Word Twisting Scripture: Jesus as God Misreading Philippians 2:6-7 - “Emptied Himself”: Misinterpretation: Detractors may focus on Philippians 2:6-7, stating that Jesus “emptied Himself,” to argue that Jesus gave up His divine attributes during the incarnation. Biblical Clari cation: The “emptying” refers to Jesus’ voluntary veiling of glory, not a loss of deity. He took on human form while remaining fully God. Misapplying Revelation 3:14 - “The Beginning of God’s creation”: Misinterpretation: Critics might use Revelation 3:14, where Jesus is called “the Beginning of God’s creation,” to claim that Jesus is a created being. fi fi Biblical Clari cation: The term “Beginning” in this context refers to Jesus’ role as the originator and source of creation, not that He is a created being. Which is why it’s translated “originator” in the CSB Satan Corrupts God’s Word Twisting Scripture: Salvation by works Twisting James 2:17 - “Faith Without Works is Dead”: Misinterpretation: Some may argue that James is teaching that without visible works, one’s faith is insu cient for salvation. This interpretation can lead to the misconception that salvation requires a combination of faith and works. ffi fi Biblical Clari cation: James is addressing the relationship between genuine faith and its evidence through works. He is not suggesting that works contribute to salvation but emphasizing that true faith naturally produces the desire to do good works. Satan Corrupts God’s Word Twisting Scripture: Salvation by works Twisting James 2:24 - “Justi ed by Works”: Misinterpretation: Detractors may isolate James 2:24, which states, “You see that a person is justi ed by works and not by faith alone,” to argue that works contribute to justi cation. fi fi fi fi fi Biblical Clari cation: The context of James emphasizes that true faith is demonstrated by works. James is not teaching justi cation by works but highlighting the inseparable connection between genuine faith and righteous living. Satan Corrupts God’s Word Twisting Scripture: Salvation by works (pg. 1552) Satan Corrupts God’s Word Twisting Scripture: Salvation by works Distorting Matthew 19:16-17 - “Keep the Commandments to Have Eternal Life”: Misinterpretation: Critics may highlight Jesus’ words to the rich young ruler in Matthew 19, suggesting that keeping commandments is necessary for eternal life. fi Biblical Clari cation: Jesus’ response was meant to reveal the man’s reliance on his works. The encounter illustrates the impossibility of earning salvation through personal merit, pointing to the need for dependence on God. Satan Corrupts God’s Word Twisting Scripture: Salvation by works Misunderstanding Galatians 5:19-21 - “Works of the Flesh”: Misinterpretation: Some might argue that Galatians 5:19-21 implies that engaging in sinful behaviors can lead to loss of salvation. fl fl fi Biblical Clari cation: The passage lists the works of the esh but doesn't suggest that believers can lose their salvation due to sin. The emphasis is on the contrast between a life led by the Spirit and one dominated by the esh. Satan Corrupts God’s Word Twisting Scripture: Salvation by works Misusing Philippians 2:12 - “Work Out Your Salvation”: Misinterpretation: Critics may focus on the phrase “work out your own salvation” in Philippians 2:12, claiming it implies that salvation requires personal e ort. fi fi ff Biblical Clari cation: The context emphasizes God’s work in believers, and the following verse (Philippians 2:13) clari es that it is God who works in us. “Working out” (not “working for”) salvation refers to the ongoing process of living out the salvation God has graciously provided. Satan Corrupts God’s Word Twisting Scripture: Salvation by works Misusing Ephesians 2:8-10 - “created in Christ Jesus for good works…”: Misinterpretation: Critics may quote Ephesians 2:8-10, a rming salvation by grace, but then argue that one must still maintain their salvation through ongoing good works. ffi fi Biblical Clari cation: Ephesians 2:8-10 makes it clear that salvation is a gift from God, not a result of works. However, it doesn’t imply that subsequent works are necessary to secure or maintain salvation. Works are the fruit of genuine faith, not the root of salvation. Satan Corrupts God’s Word Twisting Scripture: Salvation by works Out-of-Context Use of Revelation 3:16 - “I Will Spit You Out”: Misinterpretation: Critics might misuse this verse to argue that believers can lose their salvation through a lack of works. fi Biblical Clari cation: In context, Revelation 3:16 speaks to lukewarmness and compromise of the laodicean church during the end times. It doesn’t support the idea that salvation can be lost but underscores the call for genuine commitment. Conclusion: In conclusion, remember: Jesus is God, the Trinity is biblical, and our salvation is solely by God’s grace through faith in Christ. It’s not about our works, but about trusting in Him for redemption. Let this truth guide your life and don’t allow the enemies lies to convince you otherwise.