Over the ages, as the various churches have responded to divisive issues of the time, they have defined other statements, beyond what is stated in the creeds, to clarify what they believe.  You can find a bewildering array of these.

Seeing an overload of different peoples’ views tends to be distracting and discouraging, it takes our focus away from seeking God’s guidance through the Holy Spirit.

But . . .

If you need to check how churches have responded to questions on belief, their statements of faith may be helpful for reference.

People

Other Statements – examples of content:

  • Inspiration and authority of the Bible, being wholly true as the Word of God, and the source for doctrine and teaching.
  • As per the creeds – triune nature of God.
  • That the nature of Jesus Christ is both true God and true man.
  • Man was created in the image of God, fell into sin and separated from God, is responsible for his sin, but retains a natural knowledge of God.
  • That Jesus suffered and died on the cross as the ultimate sacrifice for our sin, to reconcile us to God.
  • As per the creeds – Jesus resurrection, ascension, and coming return.
  • Jesus’ sacrifice, death, and resurrection secured forgiveness and resurrection for all who repent and believe.
  • Faith in Christ is the only means by which forgiveness of sin and salvation is received.
  • Conversion, repentance, and faith, are gifts of God through the Holy Spirit, which may be rejected by hearers.
  • The indwelling of the Holy Spirit for all who receive Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.
  • Salvation and fellowship with God is given to all who place their faith and trust in Jesus, and who receive Him to live within them through the Holy Spirit.
  • The church is the invisible communion of all who believe in Christ as their Saviour.
  • The return of Jesus to judge the world; to receive into glory those who have believed in Him, and the resurrection to judgment of unbelievers.

References and Links

These are some of the references you may find on the internet.

Anglican Church 39 Articles of Religion:
https://acl.asn.au/the-thirty-nine-articles/

Lutheran Church of Australia – What Lutherans believe:
https://www.lca.org.au/about-us/lutherans-worldwide/what-lutherans-believe/#:~:text=In%20the%20words%20of%20the,this%20and%20more%20for%20us

US Presbyterian:
https://www.presbyterianmission.org/what-we-believe/brief-statement-of-faith/

Pittsburgh Bible Baptist Statement of Faith:
https://www.bbcpittsburgh.com/uploads/6/9/5/2/69523511/bbc_doctrinal_statement.pdf

Baptist Churches of South Australian Foundation Values:
https://sabaptist.asn.au/values/

Gateway Baptist church:
https://gatewaybaptist.com.au/about/faithstatement/

The Catholic Church of S. E. Queensland, key Catholic beliefs:
https://brisbanecatholic.org.au/life/teachings-of-the-catholic-church/#key-catholic-beliefs

Chaos - pexels-ann-h

1 Corinthians 8:1-2

We know that we all have knowledge.

Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies.

And if anyone thinks that he knows anything, he knows nothing yet as he ought to know.

But if anyone loves God, this one is known by Him.

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