Articles of Faith 9 and 10

 IX.  OF GOD'S PURPOSE OF GRACE 

We believe that Election is the eternal purpose of God, according to which he graciously regenerates, sanctifies, and saves sinners;  (2 Timothy 1:8-9; Ephesians 1:3-14; 1 Peter 1:1-2; Romans 11:5-6; John 15:16; 1 John 4:19)
that being perfectly consistent with the free agency of man, it comprehends all the means in connection with the end; (2 Thessalonians 2:13-14; Acts 13:48; John 10:16; Matthew 20:16; Acts 15:14)
that it is a most glorious display of God's sovereign goodness, being infinitely free, wise, holy, and unchangeable; (Exodus 33; Matthew 20:15; Ephesians 1:11 Romans 9:23-24; Jeremiah 31:3; Romans 11:28-29; James 1:17-18; 2 Timothy 1:9; Romans 11:32-36)
that it utterly excludes boasting, and promotes humility love, prayer, praise, trust in God, and active imitation of his free mercy; (1 Corinthians 4:7; 1 Corinthians 1:26-31; Romans 3:27; Romans 4:16; Colossians 3:12; 1 Corinthians 15:10; 1 Peter 5:10; 1 Thessalonians 2:12-13; 1 Peter 2:9; Luke 18:7)
that it encourages the use of means in the highest degree; (2 Timothy 2:10; 1 Corinthians 9:22; John 6:37-40; 2 Peter 1:10)
that it may be ascertained by its effects in all who truly believe the gospel; (1 Thessalonians 1:4-10)
that it is the foundation of Christian assurance; (Romans 8:28-31; Isaiah 42:16; Romans 11:29)
and that to ascertain it with regard to ourselves demands and deserves the utmost diligence.  (2 Peter 1; Philippians 3:12; Hebrews 6:11) 
   

  

 X.  OF SANCTIFICATION 

We believe that Sanctification is the process by which, according to the will of God, we are made partakers of his holiness; (1 Thessalonians 4:3; 1 Thessalonians 5:23; 2 Corinthians 7:1; 1 Corinthians 13:9; Ephesians 1:4)
that it is a progressive work; (Proverbs 4:18; Hebrews 6:1-2; 2 Peter 1:5-8; Philippians 3:12-16)
that it is begun in regeneration; (1 John 2:29; Romans 8:5; John 3:6; Philippians 1:9-11)
and that it is carried on in the hearts of believers by the presence and power of the Holy Spirit, the Sealer and Comforter, in the continual use of the appointed means, especially the word of God, self-examination, self-denial, watchfulness, and prayer.  (Philippians 2:12-13; Ephesians 4:11-12; Ephesians 4:30; Ephesians 6:18; 1 Peter 2:2; 2 Peter 3:18; 2 Corinthians 13:5; Luke 9:23; Luke 11:35; Matthew 26:41; Ephesians 6:18) 

Baptist Articles of Faith 7 and 8

We continue to cover the Articles of Faith in our Sunday School class. 

VII. OF GRACE IN REGENERATION

We believe that, in order to be saved, sinners must be regenerated or  born again; (John 3:3; John 3:6-7; 1 Corinthians 2:14; Revelation 14:3; Revelation 21:27)

that regeneration consists in giving a holy disposition to the mind;  (2 Corinthians 5:17; Ezekiel 36:26; (Deuteronomy 30:6; Romans 2:28-29; Romans 5:5; 1 John 4:7)

that it is effected, in a manner above our comprehension, by the power of the Holy Spirit in connection with divine truth; (John 3:8; John 1:13; James 1:16-17; 1 Corinthians 1:30; Philippians 2:13)

so as to secure our voluntary obedience to the gospel;  (1 Peter 1:22-25; 1 John 5:1; Ephesians 4:20-23; Colossians 3:9-11)

and that its proper evidence appears in the holy fruits of repentance and faith and newness of life.  (Ephesians 5:9; Romans 8:9; Galatians 5:16-23; Ephesians 2:14-21; Matthew 3:8-10; Matthew 7:20; 1 John 5:4; 1 John 5:18) 
 

VIII.  OF REPENTANCE AND FAITH

We believe that Repentance and Faith are sacred duties, and also inseparable graces, wrought in our souls by the regenerating Spirit of God; (Mark 1:15; Acts 11:18; Ephesians 2:8;1 John 5:1)

whereby, being deeply convinced of our guilt, danger, and helplessness, and of the way of salvation by Christ; (John 16:8; Acts 2:37-38; Acts 16:30-31)

we turn to God with unfeigned contrition, confession, and supplication for mercy; (Luke 18:13; Luke 15:18-21; James 4:7-10; 2 Corinthians 7:11; Romans 10:12-13; Psalms 51)

at the same time heartily receiving the Lord Jesus Christ as our Prophet, Priest, and King, and relying on him alone as the only and all-sufficient Savior. (Romans 10:9-11; Acts 3:22-23; Hebrews 4:14; Psalms 2:6; Hebrews 1:8; Hebrews 7:25; 2 Timothy 1:12) 

Baptist Articles of Faith - V - VI

V. Justification

We believe that the great gospel blessing which Christ; (John 1:16; Ephesians 3:8)
secures to such as believe in him is Justification;  (Acts 13:39; Isaiah 53:11-12; Romans 8:1)
that Justification includes the pardon of sin; (Romans 5:9; Zechariah 13:1; Matthew 9:6; Acts 10:43)
and the promise of eternal life on principles of righteousness;  (Romans 5:17; Titus 3:5-6; 1 Peter 3:7; 1 John 2:25; Romans 5:21)
that it is bestowed, not in consideration of any works of righteousness which we have done, but solely through faith in the Redeemer's blood; (Romans 4:4-5; Romans 5:21; Romans 6:23; Philippians 3:7-9)
by virtue of which faith his perfect righteousness is freely imputed to us of God; (Romans 5:19; Romans 3:24-26; Romans 4:23-25; 1 John 2:12)
that it brings us into a state of most blessed peace and favor with God, and secures every other blessing needful for time and eternity. (Romans 5:1-3; Romans 5:11; 1 Corinthians 1:30-31; Matthew 6:33; 1 Timothy 4:8) 

  

VI. The Freeness of Salvation

  

We believe that the blessings of salvation are made free to all by the  gospel;  (Isaiah 55:1; Revelation 22:17; Luke 14:17)
that it is the immediate duty of all to accept them by a cordial, penitent, and obedient faith; (Romans 16:25-26; Mark 1:15; Romans 1:15-17)
and that nothing prevents the salvation of the greatest sinner on earth but his own inherent depravity and voluntary rejection of the gospel; (John 5:40; Matthew 23:37; Romans 9:32; Proverbs 1:24Acts 13:46)
which rejection involves him in an aggravated condemnation; (John 3:19; Matthew 11:20; Luke 19:27; 2 Thessalonians 1:8)

Spotlight on Eric Liddell

Eric Liddell

Eric Liddell was born in 1902 in Tianjin (pronounced Chen-gen) China to Mr and Mrs Liddell who were Scottish missionaries to China. Eric spent the first years of his life in China until him and his brother were enrolled in a school for children of missionaries in London England. While attending school in London, Eric did well in academics, but excelled at sports. He played rugby, but it appears right away that he could run almost like no one else.

He was recruited to speak for the Glasgow Students’ Evangelical Union because of his strong Christian faith and what was believed to be his ability to draw large crowds because of his new feats in running.

Mr Liddell went on to school at Edinburgh and excelled at running setting the 100 meter record at 9.7 seconds. He would hold this record for twenty three years before it was finally broken. In the 1924 Olympiad he won a bronze in the 200 meter race and a gold in the 400 meter race. He did not run his favored race which was the 100 meter race because it was on Sunday and Liddell wouldn’t run on the Sabbath because of his convictions.

Eric would later go back to China in 1925 as a missionary in Tianjin as well as Xiaozhang. (pronounce shoa ghong). He taught and evangelized in this poverty stricken part of China for years. He would compete against other runners from time to time, and eventually married another missionary and had three girls; the last of which he would not meet.

When the Japanese invaded China during World War II, they eventually made it to Tianjin and Liddell and other missionaries were imprisoned. He would eventually become a leader to the prisoners and help out the best he could even though supplies were scarce at best.

The last letter he wrote to his wife he describes a ‘nervous breakdown’ he had because of the pressure and work in the prison camp. He actually had an inoperable brain tumor to go along with his malnourishment and mistreatment. When he died it was said to have a great impact on the whole camp, especially the young prisoners. His last words are said to be ‘It’s complete surrender’ talking about his life for Christ.

The 1981 movie Chariots of Fire is based on Eric and Harold Abrahams life and the Olympics. This is also a memorial dedicated to his honor in the former Weihsien Internment Camp.

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.