Baptist Articles of Faith - Articles III - IV

Articles 3 and 4

Continuing with the discussion about the articles of faith we are going into the third and forth articles in the coming weeks. It is good scripture reading and gives us the ability to answer those that might ask about the Gospel. 

Ephesians 6:19

And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,

III Of the Fall of Man

We believe that man was created in holiness, under the law of his Maker; (Genesis 1:27; Genesis 1:31 Ecclesiastes 7:29; Acts 17:26-29; Genesis 2:16-17)

but by voluntary transgression fell from that holy and happy state; (Genesis 3:6-24; Romans 5:12)

in consequence of which all mankind are now sinners; (Romans 5:19; John 3:6; Psalms 51:5; Romans 5:15-19; Romans 8:7)

 not by constraint, but choice; (Isaiah 53:6; Genesis 6:12.Romans 3:18)

being by nature utterly void of that holiness required by the law of God, positively inclined to evil; and therefore under just condemnation to eternal ruin; (Ephesians 2:1-3; Romans 1:18; Romans 1:32; Romans 2:1-16;  Galatians 3:10; Matthew 20:15)

without defense or excuse.  (Ezekiel 18:19-20; Romans 1:20; Romans 3:19; Galatians 3:22) 

   

IV The Way of Salvation

  

We believe that the salvation of sinners is wholly of grace;  (Ephesians 2:8; Matthew 18:11; 1 John 4:10; 1 Corinthians 3:5; 1 Corinthians 3:7; Acts 15:11)

through the mediatorial offices of the Son of God; (John 3:16; John 1:1-14; Hebrews 4:14; Hebrews 12:24)

who by the appointment of the Father, freely took upon him our nature, yet without sin; (Philippians 2:6-7; Hebrews 2:9; Hebrews 2:14; 2 Corinthians 5:21)

honored the divine law by his personal obedience,  (Isaiah 42:21; Philippians 2:8; Galatians 4:4-5; Romans 3:21)

and by his death made a full atonement for our sins;  (Isaiah 53:4-5; Matthew 20:28; Romans 4:25; Romans 3:21-26; 1 John 4:10; 1 John 2:2; 1 Corinthians 15:1-3; Hebrews 9:13-15) 
 

that having risen from the dead he is now enthroned in heaven; (Hebrews 1:8; Hebrews 1:3; Hebrews 8:1; Colossians 3:1-4)

and uniting in his wonderful person the tenderest sympathies with divine perfections, he is every way qualified to be a suitable, a compassionate, and an all-sufficient Savior.  (Hebrews 7:25; Colossians 2:9; Hebrews 2:18; Hebrews 7:26; Psalms 89:19; Psalms 34)

Baptist Articles of Faith - Articles I and II

I want to do a Sunday School series for the Adult Sunday School class that covered the Baptist Articles of Faith as covered in the old Baptist manual. When I was set aside to be ordained I read through the manual and read and reread the Articles of Faith. I think that we ought to not only believe that Jesus is our savior, but we should also know why we believe it to be so.

I know there are many people who wouldn't to share their salvation story with anyone willing to hear it. I believe that if we are asked if we are born again, we wouldn't hide it and gladly tell it. If though, someone asked 'why' you believe what you believe, would you have an answer that was as fast and certain for the questioner? I believe at least in this country, we have very little excuse as to why we might be ignorant of the Holy Bible. I believe a series of lessons on the articles of Faith will be beneficial for everyone who loves the Lord.

This week, we will cover the first two articles of Faith.

 I. OF THE SCRIPTURES 

We believe that the Holy Bible was written by men divinely inspired, and  is a perfect treasure of heavenly instruction; (2 Timothy 3:16-17, 2 Samuel 23:2, 2 Peter 1:21, Acts 1:16, Acts 3:21, John 10:35, Luke 16:29-31, Psalms 119:111, Romans 3:1-2)
that it has God for its author, salvation for its end; (2 Timothy 3:15, 1 Peter 1:10-12, Acts 11:14, Romans 1:16, Mark 16:16, John 5:38-39)
and truth without any mixture of error, for its matter; (Proverbs 30:5-6, John 17:17, Revelation 22:18-19, Romans 3:4)
that it reveals the principles by which God will judge us; (Romans 2:12, John 12:47-48, 1 Corinthians 4:3-4, Luke 10:10-16, Luke 12:47-48)
and therefore is, and shall remain to the end of the world, the true center of Christian union (Philippians 3:16, Ephesians 4:3-6, Philippians 2:1-2, 1 Corinthians 1:10, 1Peter 4:11)
and the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds, and opinions should be tried.  (1 John 4:1, Isaiah 8:20, 1 Thessalonians 5:21, 2 Corinthians 13:5, Acts 17:11, 1 John 4:6, Jude 3:5, Ephesians 6:17, Psalms 119:59-60; Philippians 1:9-11) 
      

 II.  OF THE TRUE GOD 

We believe that there is one, and only one, living and true God, and infinite, intelligent Spirit, whose name is Jehovah, the Maker and Supreme Ruler of heaven and earth, (John 4:24Psalms 147:5; Psalms 83:18; Hebrews 3:4; Romans 1:20; Jeremiah 10:10)
inexpressibly glorious in holiness, (Exodus 15:11; Isaiah 6:3; 1 Peter 1; Revelation 4:6-8)
and worthy of all possible honor, confidence, and love, (Mark 12:30; Revelation 4:11; Matthew 10:37; Jeremiah 2:12-13)
that in the unity of the Godhead there are three persons, the Father, The Son, and the Holy Ghost, (Matthew 28:19; John 15:26; 1 Corinthians 12:4-6; 1 John 5:7)
 equal in every divine perfection, (John 10:30; John 5:17; John 14:23; John 17:5; John 17:10; Acts 5:3-4; 1 Corinthians 2:10-11; Philippians 2:5-6)

and executing distinct but harmonious offices in the great work of 
redemption. (Ephesians 2:18); 2 Corinthians 13:14; Revelation 1:4-5; Comp 2 &7) 

Genesis 50

All Egypt mourns Israel's (Jacob's) death

When the 49th chapter ends, Jacob blesses his children then dies. As we open the fiftieth chapter Joseph cries over his father. They embalm Jacob following Joseph's orders and Joseph asks for permission from Pharaoh to take Jacob to Machpelah to bury him as he promised Jacob he would do. 

Notice this picture here, not only does Pharaoh grant the request to bury Jacob in Canaan, but all Egypt mourns for seventy days and then Pharaoh sends a huge expedition up to Canaan in honor of Jacob and his burial. This is truly the hand of God and speaks of times to come where God will have honor for Christ by those that are not part of the original covenant. That shows the mighty hand of God and his power over all the world and those that are in it. 

Now we see why it is best to never sin in the first place. Christ can forgive us our sins, but unfortunately, we can suffer from a guilty conscience for a long time. Even after all the faithfulness that Joseph has shown his brothers in delivering them and saving their lives, they are afraid that he will get even for the evil they committed to him years ago. Joseph, once hearing this news weeps. The story of Joseph is a forerunner of Christ, and though because of sin this body will die, once our sins are forgiven, they are forgiven forever by Christ Jesus. Joseph and his brothers live in harmony and Joseph lives to see his grandchildren of many generations, telling them of his request to be buried in Canaan once God delivers them back out of Egypt.