What We Believe and Teach: God

The Evangelical Free Church of America is an association of autonomous churches united around these theological convictions: …

(Preamble to the Statement of Faith adopted by the EFCA Conference on June 26, 2008)

A Statement of Faith is more than a mere catalogue of theological propositions; it is an affirmation of convictions. In that sense, it is a confession, a creed (for the Latin word credo means “I believe”). As a corporate rather than mere individual expression (“We believe …”), it unites its adherents in a common faith. Moreover, a Statement of Faith is a declaration of identity. Not only the affirmations made but also the choices of what to include or exclude locate a group on an ecclesiastical grid and define what it considers most important. Our Statement of Faith reveals a great deal about who we are.[1]

What is a Conviction?

1 Thessalonians 1:5 (NIV84) — because our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake.

Hebrews 11:1 (NIV84) — Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.

Hebrews 11:1 NIV

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia CONVICT; CONVICTION

It always implies the presentation of evidence. It is a decision presumed to be based upon a careful and discriminating consideration of all the proofs offered, and has a legal character, the verdict being rendered

Conviction is proving, or making something certain.

Why are convictions, the things we believe, important?

All that we do comes out of what we believe.

Presuppositions Authority, Truth (Epistemology)

Ideas (Knowledge, Logic, Beliefs & Wisdom)

Feelings

Values

Actions

As a church, a group of people united around common beliefs, those common beliefs define who we are, how we think, what we value and what we do. It also provides security for knowing what will be taught and followed in our church gatherings.

More important than saying we believe something, is being convicted that it is true. It is easy to say, “I believe.” What we really believe will be seen in our actions. Convictions will be the basis for how we feel about things, what we value, and what we do.

On the following pages are our convictions. Our prayer is that they will truly be our convictions, and our lives will be changed by these truths.

God

We believe in one God, Creator of all things, holy, infinitely perfect, and eternally existing in a loving unity of three equally divine Persons: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Having limitless knowledge and sovereign power, God has graciously purposed from eternity to redeem a people for Himself and to make all things new for His own glory. Article 1, EFCA Statement of Faith

How do we get to know someone?

Observe what they do.

Hear what they say.

Talk to others who know them… as long as what they say lines up with what we observe and hear from the person we are getting to know.

How do we get to know God?

Observe what He has done and is doing.

Hear what He has to say (the Bible)

Talk to others who know Him… as long as what they say lines up with what we observe of His actions and hear from His word.

Read Genesis 1 - Observe what He has done. Hear what He has to say. Listen to what is said about Him. What do we learn about God?

We believe in one God...

God alone is God

Psalm 86:10 (NIV84) — For you are great and do marvelous deeds; you alone are God.

Isaiah 43:10 (NIV84) — “You are my witnesses,” declares the LORD, “and my servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he. Before me no god was formed, nor will there be one after me.

*Isaiah 46:9 (NIV84) — Remember the former things, those of long ago; I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me.

Isaiah 46:9 NIV

Remember the former things, those of long ago; I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me.

Deut. 32:39; Ps 83:18; Is 37:16; 44:6, 8; Mark 12:29; 1 Cor 8:4

Creator of all things,...

God is Creator,

Genesis 1:1 (NIV84) — In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.

*Exodus 20:11 (NIV84) — For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.

Exodus 20:11 NIV

For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.

Nehemiah 9:6 (NIV84) — You alone are the LORD. You made the heavens, even the highest heavens, and all their starry host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them. You give life to everything, and the multitudes of heaven worship you.

Isaiah 37:16 (NIV84) — “O LORD Almighty, God of Israel, enthroned between the cherubim, you alone are God over all the kingdoms of the earth. You have made heaven and earth.

Acts 17:24 (NIV84) — “The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by hands.

Revelation 4:11 (NIV84) — “You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.”

God created out of nothing

*Hebrews 11:3 (NIV84) — By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.

Hebrews 11:3 NIV

By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.

Romans 4:17 NIV

As it is written: “I have made you a father of many nations.” He is our father in the sight of God, in whom he believed—the God who gives life to the dead and calls into being things that were not.

*Creatio ex nihilo is a helpful concept “if we understand it to mean that physical entities were created out of the nonphysical resources of God’s omnipotence. Technically, the expression is applicable only to the creation of inorganic substances, for God did employ previously created inorganic materials in forming the bodies of living things.” Whitcomb, The Early Earth, 21.

Charles Caldwell Ryrie, Basic Theology: A Popular Systematic Guide to Understanding Biblical Truth (Chicago, IL: Moody Press, 1999), 207.

All God created was good

*Genesis 1:31 (NIV84) — God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning—the sixth day.

Genesis 1:31 NIV

God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning—the sixth day.

1 Timothy 4:4 (NIV84) — For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving,

God created with order and purpose

*Isaiah 45:18 (NIV84) — For this is what the LORD says— he who created the heavens, he is God; he who fashioned and made the earth, he founded it; he did not create it to be empty, but formed it to be inhabited— he says: “I am the LORD, and there is no other.

Isaiah 45:18 NIV

For this is what the Lord says— he who created the heavens, he is God; he who fashioned and made the earth, he founded it; he did not create it to be empty, but formed it to be inhabited— he says: “I am the Lord, and there is no other.

God created the first man and woman in his image (we will discuss what it means to be in the ‘image of God’ in another class)

Genesis 1:26–27 (NIV84) — Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.” So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.

Later, Creation was corrupted by sin (we will discuss this later)

holy, infinitely perfect,...

God is Holy

Isaiah 6:3 (NIV84) — And they were calling to one another: “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.”

*Revelation 4:8 (NIV84) — Each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around, even under his wings. Day and night they never stop saying: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come.”,

Revelation 4:8 NIV

Each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around, even under its wings. Day and night they never stop saying: “ ‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty,’ who was, and is, and is to come.”

Revelation 4:11 (NIV84) — “You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.”

God is Eternal

Exodus 3:14 (NIV84) — God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I AM has sent me to you.’ ”

*Psalm 90:2 (NIV84) — Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.

Psalm 90:2 NIV

Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the whole world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.

God is Perfect

Deuteronomy 32:4 (NIV84) — He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he.

Deuteronomy 32:4 NIV

He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he.

God is Sovereign

*Isaiah 46:10 (NIV84) — I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say: My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.

Isaiah 46:10 NIV

I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.’

Ephesians 1:11 (NIV84) — In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will,

God is Loving

1 John 4:8 (NIV84) — Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.

1 John 4:8 NIV

Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.

eternally existing in a loving unity of three equally divine Persons: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit...

God is Triune -

Genesis 1:26 - Let us make man in our image

One God exists in three persons

Deuteronomy 6:4 (NIV84) — Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. (Elohim (plural form) is one)

Deuteronomy 6:4 NIV

Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.

Matthew 3:16–17 (NIV84) — As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”

Matthew 28:18–20 (NIV84) — Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

The Father is God

John 6:27 (NIV84) — Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. On him God the Father has placed his seal of approval.

The Son is God

*John 1:1 (NIV84) — In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

John 1:1 NIV

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

Romans 9:5 (NIV84) — Theirs are the patriarchs, and from them is traced the human ancestry of Christ, who is God over all, forever praised! Amen.

Titus 2:13 (NIV84) — while we wait for the blessed hope—the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ,

2 Peter 1:1 (NIV84) — Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who through the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ have received a faith as precious as ours:

Hebrews 1:8 (NIV84) — But about the Son he says, “Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever, and righteousness will be the scepter of your kingdom.

The Spirit is God

Acts 5:3–4 (NIV84) — Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land? Didn’t it belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, wasn’t the money at your disposal? What made you think of doing such a thing? You have not lied to men but to God.”

Acts 5:3–4 NIV

Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land? Didn’t it belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, wasn’t the money at your disposal? What made you think of doing such a thing? You have not lied just to human beings but to God.”

having limitless knowledge and sovereign power...

God is Omniscient

*Psalm 147:5 (NIV) ...Great is our Lord and mighty in power; his understanding has no limit.

Psalm 147:5 NIV

Great is our Lord and mighty in power; his understanding has no limit.

Romans 11:33 (NIV84) — Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out!

God is Omnipotent

Revelation 19:6 (NIV84) — Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting: “Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns.

Revelation 19:6 NIV

Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting: “Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns.

God is Omnipresent

Psalm 139:7–12 (NIV84) — Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,” even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.

Psalm 139:7–12 NIV

Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,” even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.

God has graciously purposed from eternity to redeem a people for Himself and to make all things new for His own glory.

God will redeem a people for Himself

Genesis 12:1–3 (NIV84) — The LORD had said to Abram, “Leave your country, your people and your father’s household and go to the land I will show you. “I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.”

*Revelation 7:9–10 (NIV84) — After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. And they cried out in a loud voice: “Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.”

Revelation 7:9–10 NIV

After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. And they cried out in a loud voice: “Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.”

Revelation 21:3 (NIV) — And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.

God will make all things new

Romans 8:19–21 (NIV84) — The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God.

*Revelation 21:1–5 (NIV84) — Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”

Revelation 21:1–5 NIV

Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”

God is Unchangeable

Malachi 3:6 (NIV84) — “I the LORD do not change. So you, O descendants of Jacob, are not destroyed.

Malachi 3:6 NIV

“I the Lord do not change. So you, the descendants of Jacob, are not destroyed.

God will be glorified

Revelation 5:13 (NIV84) — Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, singing: “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!”

Revelation 5:13 NIV

Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, saying: “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!”

Q. Why is God being creator important?

Q. How does the belief in the Trinity enhance our understanding of God? Jesus? Worship? Our redemption?

Q. How does this truth about God’s person and attributes differ from the position of open theism, which believes God has limited what He knows?

Q. What is the benefit of knowing that God has a plan? That it is gracious and eternal? That God has redeemed us “for Himself”? That His goal is to “make all things new”?

Q. What is the significance of affirming that God’s purpose is to “redeem a people”?

[1]EFCA, Evangelical Convictions, n.d.