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. 

Genesis 42

Sometimes when it looks dark, God is just starting to work wonders!

God had blessed Jacob with many herds. With the famine in the land, the family was running out of food and so were all of those cattle and sheep. Jacob had heard that there was food in Egypt, so he gathered his sons and cautiously sent them down after food. He was leery, because he had lost his favored wife and his eldest son from that marriage and he didn't want to loose anyone else. 

He sent the men with gifts and money to pay for everything they might purchase. They were in hard times, but God had provided mightily for them. Here shows an example for our lives when we are in fear of the unknown or of perceived troubles. God had already prepared a way for all of them before hand they just weren't aware of it. So it is in our lives, when we are in fear of change, many times God has already worked it out ahead of time for us. Sometimes, when we sin things down work out right, but the wages or sin our death, so we can expect sin to foul things up. Joseph sees his brothers and decides to try them out and test their intentions. Genesis doesn't record this, but it is almost as if he is see if their hard hearts have softened over the years. He calls them spies and wants proof they are who they say they are. He tells them not to come back unless they bring their youngest brother with them. 

Joseph has witness that his brother's hearts have changed, and he sells them food and returns their money. He keeps Simeon and knows all of their plan because he understood everything that they said but spoke to them through and interpreter. After they return to Jacob, they tell him all that has happened and he is greatly distressed and says he'll never let Benjamin go to Egypt. Little do they all know that God is going to not only deliver them, but have a great reunion as well. 

Genesis 41

Pharaoh's Dream and God's interpretation!

If we wait and remain faith, God will use us again and again for his purpose. Pharaoh was troubled by dreams and no one could interpret the dreams for him and no one could calm him down. The butler finally remembers that he forgot all about Joseph, the one who told him his dream and what it would mean. He confesses to Pharaoh, and Joseph is sent for. 

As always Joseph makes it clear that he will not interpret the dream, but the God of Heaven will reveal all that is hidden. So it will be with us on the day of judgment, nothing will be hid. Joseph reveals that the seven goodly kine and the seven ill kine stand for seven years to come, some of feast and seven more of famine. Joseph by the hand and revealing power of God is able to reveal what all the magicians and soothsayers could not. It will again be the same for us, by God's hand we can accomplish much for the spread of the Gospel, but the accomplishments of this world will all fade. 

Pharaoh now sees the wisdom and power in Joseph by the hand of God and makes him the ruler over all of Egypt and puts him in charge of the seven years of gathering for the seven years of famine. Joseph becomes what he was for his father, for Potipher and also for the jailer. Joseph becomes the man in charge by the hand of God. God not only blesses Joseph, but blesses Egypt because of Joseph. Joseph marries and has Manasseh and Ephraim while living as a ruler in Egypt. God is about to make his hand known to all of his brethren, and to the entire world. 

Genesis 40

As hard as the wait is, God is always on time!

In these first few years that Joseph is sold into slavery, things go well, then poorly. He was the ruler of Potipher's house, but wrongly accused and sent to jail. Now in jail he makes the acquaintance of the chief baker and butler of Pharaoh. They are in jail for upsetting Pharaoh and are having nightmares. Joseph, as seems to always be the case, is willing to help and is looking after the welfare of the people in jail. How Joseph shows compassion on others when it looks like he is the one who needs compassion is an example of Christ's love for us. 

These dreams are similar in parts but different totally in outcome. Isn't this the way of Salvation? We have two paths, one leads to life and light and the other to damnation and death. He interprets these dreams giving all credit to God and taking none for himself, as it should be. The butler has a promising future with Pharaoh, but the baker does not. The baker's dream is interpreted and fulfilled, the baker soon dies at the hand of Pharaoh. As it is with these two servants of Pharaoh, so it is with us that like is short and we will soon be on our way to the end of life's journey.

Joseph asks the butler to remember him and his situation when he returns a position of honor before Pharaoh. The butler unfortunately forgets this request and it seems that once again Joseph draws the short straw and is sent to suffer unjustly. We find out though, that is far from the truth and God has a plan to not only deliver him, but all of his family and future generations of the Hebrews as well. 

Genesis 39

Bad things do happen to good people, but according to God's purpose.

Joseph does what he always does, and that is do the best job he can. If Joseph grumbled and complained about his misfortune, the Bible doesn't record it. He is put as a slave in Potiphar's house and becomes not only a servant, but the overseer of all that Potiphar owns. God is not limited, we only limit ourselves by not believing fully in him. 

Unfortunately for Joseph Potiphar's wife has a straying eye and it is looking toward Joseph. He spurns her advances for a long time, but finally he is caught alone in the house with no one else around and after he runs off from her, in her jealously she makes a story about the cloak he left behind in his haste. Potiphar comes home and his wife tells him all about the story that didn't happen. She even has the gall to blame it on Potiphar because he purchased Joseph. I believe the fact that Potiphar spares Joseph's life and puts him in prison shows God's hand and his own distrust of his wife. 

Again, we don't hear any grumbling or complaining from Joseph, and before long God blesses and he is running the prison like he ran Potiphar's house. We know that through all of this God was putting Joseph in the right place at the right time. If he had cursed God and given up, he never would have delivered his brothers and all of Israel during the famine. The same is in our lives, no matter how bad it might get, serve God with all your heart and God will be faithful in the end.