The Basis of Our Faith

The Triumph of the Cross

The basis of our faith is not man’s wisdom or ability. It is not even man’s talent or ability to share it. It is in the power of God. Romans 1:16 “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.”

Christ crucified is the heart of the Gospel message. 1 Corinthians 15:3–4 “For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures,”

There on the cross God’s wrath toward our sin was satisfied. When Jesus cried out, Mark 15:34 “At the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?” which is translated, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?””

There on the cross God’s mercy was displayed toward sinners, Luke 23:34 “But Jesus was saying, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.” And they cast lots, dividing up His garments among themselves.”

There on the cross God’s promise of eternal life was offered, Luke 23:43 “And He said to him, “Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise.””

There on the cross Jesus completely fulfilled the Scripture, John 19:28 “After this, Jesus, knowing that all things had already been accomplished, to fulfill the Scripture, said, “I am thirsty.””

There on the cross God’s plan of redemption was fully accomplished, John 19:30 “Therefore when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And He bowed His head and gave up His spirit.”

The Transcendent Plan of the Father

God’s plan of salvation was determined before the time began to bring us to glory.

It was hidden from the wise in this world, and has been made accessible to all.

This mystery has been revealed to us! “What eye had not seen, nor ear heard, nor man dreamed up, God has prepared for those who love Him!”

The mystery revealed is that in Christ, we would be granted “righteousness, sanctification, and redemption” by the triumph of the cross over sin. That we would be given eternal life by the triumph of the resurrection over death.

The Testimony of the Spirit

The Spirit has revealed to us what we have in Christ.

Romans 8:15–17 NKJV

15 For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” 16 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.

The Spirit teaches us how to live for Christ.

The Spirit has given us the very mind of Christ!

The basis for our faith and our hope for eternal life is not man’s wisdom, it is the Power of God displayed in the Triumph of the Cross. It is the Plan of God from the foundation of the world. It is the Spirit of God empowering us to live for Him!