What the Bible Teaches

The Bible is the verbally inspired Word of God, and is therefore God-breathed. It is inerrant, containing no mistakes, myths, or contradictions. It is infallible, and so absolutely trustworthy. 2 Peter 1:21, 2 Timothy 3:16, John 17:17, John 10:35.

All miracles recorded in the Bible (e.g. the story of Jonah, the virgin birth of Christ, Jesus changing water to wine, calming the storm, curing the sick, raising the dead) are historical events that really happened. John 20:30-31.

Christ made all the statements attributed to Him in the Bible. Jesus is true God and true man. John 14:26, Mark 14:61-62, Luke 4:41.

We must look to the Word of God in the Bible -- SCRIPTURE ALONE -- for authoritative information about the way to heaven and for guidance in living a God-pleasing life. The 66 Canonical Books of the Bible do not contradict each other. Any translation that inaccurately reflects the original Hebrew and Greek texts should be avoided. Proverbs 30:5-6, Revelation 22:18-19.

Life begins at fertilization. Every child, regardless of mental or physical condition, is a precious gift of God. Abortion is murder. It is a transgressing of God’s will in the Fifth Commandment. See Law/Gospel Tab to understand more about Christ's forgiveness.  Exodus 20:13, Job 10:8-12, Psalm 127:3, Psalm 139:13-14, Jeremiah 1:5.

Visible churches (church groups and denominations) are based on a confession of how each individual member, church, or denomination (synod) submits to the teachings God's Word (John 8:31-32). Because we cannot read hearts, we base our fellowship with other believers on the individual’s confession about God's Word and conduct in life (Matthew 7:15-16, 1 John 4:1).

United by confession: It is God’s will that Christians be united in their confession of all that the Bible teaches before joining in the practice of religious fellowship (worshiping, praying, and celebrating Lord’s Supper together) or engaging in church work. 1 Corinthians 1:10, Philippians 2:1-2, Acts 2:42, 1 Corinthians 10:16-17, Romans 15:5-6, 16:17-18.

A False teacher is one who holds to a teaching contrary to the Word of God as a confession/profession of their faith. That holding doesn’t necessarily damn to hell, but it certainly doesn’t build up the body of Christ nor should be tolerated. (Acts 20:28-30, Romans 16:17-20, Galatians 5:7-10, 2 Peter 2:1-2, ).

A Weak brother  is one who has stumbled into error, does not seek to involve or approve others in their error, and is willing to be instructed from the Word of God (Galatians 6:1, Romans 15:1).

(compare “Religious Unionism” and "Mission of the Church" below)

Unbelievers are converted to faith in Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit working through the Means of Grace, the Gospel in Word and Sacraments. Romans 10:17, 1 Cor. 6:11, 4:15, 12:3; 1 Peter 1:23; Titus 3:4-5.

All human beings are born spiritually blind and dead in sin. Therefore they are unable to believe in Christ or make the decision to come to Him on their own. John 1:12-13, Romans 8:6-7, 1 Corinthians 2:14, 1 Corinthians 12:3.

No one is able to contribute in any way, or cooperate with God even a little, in his conversion. Ephesians 2:4-5,8-9, 1 Corinthians 12:3.

God created the world in six days by the power of His Word. The story of the creation, as recorded in Genesis 1, is a historical fact. See also Exodus 20:11, Hebrews 11:3.

Each of the creation days was an ordinary 24-hour day. Genesis 1, Exodus 20:11.

Adam and Eve were real historical persons. Genesis 1:26-27, Matthew 19:4.

A Sacrament is a sacred act: not what we do for God, but what He does for us!

Baptism means "to wash"

Meaning: Christ and His Apostles point to Baptism as a means of entering the kingdom of God (Romans 6:3-4). Baptism is a spiritual rebirth by the Holy Spirit through water and the Word. Baptism washes away sin and saves. Through baptism God forgives all sin (both original sin and actual sin). John 3:5-6, Titus 3:5, Acts 2:38, 22:16; 1 Peter 3:21.

Application: The Bible doesn’t specify how the water should be applied in Baptism. The word “baptize” in the original Greek language simply means “to wash” (Acts 22:16).

Infant Baptism: It is God’s will that infants be baptized. (Acts 2:38-39) We baptize infants because 1) infants too are a part of “all nations” (Matthew 28:19-20), 2) infants too are sinful from conception (Psalm 51:15), and 3) infants too can believe (Luke 18:15-17).

Adult Baptism: (accepting Christ) - No one can say that Jesus is Lord, except by the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:3). God creates faith in our hearts apart from any work or acceptance of Him on our own (Titus 3:4-7). Like the earth receiving a seed in the ground (1 Corinthians 3:6).

Triune God: Only baptisms administered in the name of the Triune God are valid. Matthew 28:19.

A Sacrament is a sacred act: not what we do for God, but what He does for us!

Communion means "sharing or participating together"

Communion (Real Presence): The body and blood of Christ are miraculously present in the Lord’s Supper in, with, and under the earthly elements, bread and wine. Matthew 26:26-28, Mark 14:22-24, Luke 22:18-20, 1 Corinthians 10:17, 11:24-25.

Communion with Christ: In the Lord’s Supper Jesus gives the blessing of the forgiveness of sins to all believing communicants. God blesses each believing communicant with the gift of salvation (eternal life in heaven) along with the gift of forgiveness. Luke 1:77.

Communion with Confessional Christians: When Christians commune with each other they give expression to the Spirit-worked like-minded unity of faith they share. The practice of close communion is out of love and concern for the believer and their soul, even among our own members (see definition below). John 17:20-23; Romans 5:5-6, 16:17-20; 1 Corinthians 1:10, 10:17, 11:27-29.

Close(d) Communion - There are those who say differences in teachings aren’t really that important. However, the LORD gives both Old Testament regulations in regards to the Passover (Exodus 12:43-51) and New Testament examples of this truth (1 Timothy 1:18-20; Romans 16:17). We practice Close(d) Communion out of love and concern for the believer and their soul, even among our own members (1 Corinthians 11:27-29).

God has justified (declared not guilty) all sinners for the sake of Jesus Christ, who made atonement for the sins of the world (objective justification) by His substitutionary death on the cross. Romans 3:24-25; 4:25; Galatians 2:16; 3:11

We are justified by grace THROUGH FAITH ALONE (subjective justification). Romans 5:18-19, 1 Corinthians 5:18-21.

God's Law is described in the Broad sense of everything He teaches us from the Word of God in the Bible (Psalm 119:105). Law is also used in the narrow sense as a curb to warn sinners, a mirror to convict sinners, and a rule to guide sinners in righteous behavior that honors Him.  The Laws of God's Word can fall into three categories: Moral law (10 Commandments), Ceremonial law (temple worship), and Civil law (social regulations for the nation of Israel).

God's Gospel is described in the Broad sense as the entire Word of God that leads sinners to learn of their Savior Jesus Christ (John 20:31). Gospel is also used in the narrow sense in describing the specific work of Christ's redemption to save sinners and gift eternal life through His perfect righteousness (John 3:16-17).

The Great Commission is to baptize all nations and to teach all that the Lord has commanded in Scripture ... and only Scripture. Matthew 28:20, 2 Timothy 4:1-5.

Membership in a congregation is a blessing from God to build up faith (Acts 2:42), to walk and Commune united (1 Corinthians 10:16-17), and to care for one another’s faith and life (Galatians 6:10).

Discipline in the Church is commanded by God in Scripture (Matthew 18:15-20). It is meant to be carried out with patient love towards and from all members as well as elected members on behalf of the congregation (Hebrews 13:17). The goal of any discipline or admonishment from God’s Word is to direct the soul back to following Christ (Galatians 6:1). If a member of the congregation is unrepentant of any particular public or private sin, they will be asked to refrain from taking the Lord’s Supper until fruits of repentance are evident (1 John 1:5-9).

(compare “Church Fellowship” and "Mission of the Church")

False teaching is any teaching that contradicts the Truth of the Bible. (The teachings of the Bible are clear.) Jeremiah 23:31-32, Psalm 119:105, John 8:31-32).

All religious teachings should be tested in the light of Scripture. Teachings contrary to Scripture should be rejected. Jeremiah 23:25-29, 1 Thessalonians 5:21-22, 1 John 4:1.

God tells us to avoid religious fellowship with false teachers as soon as it is noticed that they are defending or promoting (“sticking to”) their error. Romans 16:17-18.

God tells us to avoid religious fellowship with false teachers out of love for the false teachers (to warn them of the danger to their faith) and out of love for our souls (to prevent our faith from being damaged or destroyed). 1 Corinthians 14:8, Galatians 5:9, 2 Timothy 2:17-19.4

Jesus rose physically from the dead on Easter morning. Matthew 28, Luke 24, 1 Corinthians 15.

All the dead will physically rise on the Last Day. Believers will enter eternal life in heaven. Unbelievers will suffer eternal punishment in hell. Job 19:26-27, Matthew 25:31-46, John 5:28-29, 1 Corinthians 15:51-57.

(compare “Second Coming of Christ” below)

Jesus died on the cross for all sinners and God has declared all of them forgiven for Jesus’ sake. Romans 5:6, 2 Corinthians 5:19, 1 John 2:2.

The sinner is saved BY GRACE ALONE through faith in Christ, apart from the works of the law. Romans 3:24; Galatians 2:16; Ephesians 2:8-9.

God wants to save everyone. 1 Timothy 2:4, 2 Peter 3:9.

Jesus Christ is the one and only way to heaven. Acts 4:12, John 14:6, 1 John 5:11-12.

(compare “Justification” above)

On the Last Day the Lord Jesus will come from heaven to the judge the living and the dead. Matthew 25:31-46, John 5:28-29; Acts 1:11, 10:42, 17:30-31; Romans 2:5.

The return of Christ for judgment at the end of the world is certain. The exact time of His return and of the end is only known by God. Matthew 24:36, 1 Peter 4:7, 2 Peter 3:10.

(compare “Resurrection” above)

Adultery is any sexual activity or intercourse between a married person and someone who is not his or her spouse (Exodus 20:14, Proverbs 6:32, Matthew 5:27-28).

Fornication is any sexual activity or intercourse among people who are not married (Hebrews 13:4). God makes it clear that sexual immorality should be put away from us and not cause others to stumble into sin (Ephesians 5:3).

Heterosexuality is the sexual desire, activity, or intercourse between members of the opposite sex (1 Corinthians 6:9). God calls these lusts, desires and actions sinful outside of marriage (Matthew 5:28, Hebrews 13:4).

Homosexuality is the sexual desire, activity, or intercourse between members of the same sex (Romans 1:26-27). God calls these desires or actions sinful whether married or not (1 Corinthians 6:9, 1 Timothy 1:10).

Transgenderism is spoken against by God in that He created us male and female since the beginning (Mark 10:6-9, Deuteronomy 22:5).

Churches who desire to be faithful to God's Word should not condone living together outside of marriage, bless same-sex marriages, nor retain in the public ministry those who defend, condone, or persist in words or actions contrary to God’s Word. We assure the repentant who are struggling against any sin that they have forgiveness through the blood of Christ. God provides the remedy for all moral failure through faith in Jesus Christ and the life changing power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 1:18-32, 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, 1 John 1:5-9. See Law/Gospel Tab for God's Word about forgiveness.

Sin literally means "to miss the mark" of perfection in keeping God’s commandment(s) perfectly. Matthew 5:48.  See Law/Gospel Tab. There are three types of sin:

• Inherited sin (original) - The sin that every person inherits from Adam and Eve (Romans 5:12).
• Sin of Commission - When we transgress God’s law by doing something that His law prohibits (Exodus 20:13).
• Sin of Omission - When we transgress God’s law by not doing something that His law commands (Exodus 20:8).

Man lost the perfect righteousness and knowledge of God’s will (image of God) with which he was created. This happened when he was tempted by Satan and sinned (Genesis 3). Since the fall into sin, everyone is conceived and born in sin (original or birth sin). Everyone is inclined by nature to transgress God’s law by evil thoughts, words, and deeds (actual sin). Psalm 51:5, Genesis 5:3; Matthew 15:19, 1 John 3:4.

All people are accountable to God for their birth sin and their actual sin, including babies. Both adults and children are liable for God’s punishment for their sin. Romans 5:12, 6:23a.

The true God is Triune (one God in three Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit). All three Persons of the Godhead are co-eternal, and co-equal in honor, power, and glory. Deuteronomy 6:4, Numbers 6:24-26, Matthew 28:19; John 8:58; 14:7-10, 16; 15:26; 2 Corinthians 13:14; the Apostles, Nicene, and Athanasian Creeds.

Jesus Christ was miraculously conceived in Mary’s womb by the power of the Holy Spirit. He was born of a virgin. Isaiah 7:14, Matthew 1:23, Luke 2:35.

Headship - is the principle that defines the roles God has placed for men and women in the home and in the church (1 Corinthians 11:3). Christ is the supreme authority and guide for men and women.  The headship principle established by God in his creation of man and woman and the institution of marriage (Genesis 2) is not simply a matter of culture or tradition.

In the home - A godly understanding of the headship role is seen in the husband’s selfless, humble leadership. Sin unfortunately inclines a husband to either desire domination, or passivity (Ephesians 5:21-33). Rather, a husband is to reflect how Christ sacrificially behaves towards us. A wife’s godly understanding is seen in willingly to submit herself to the spiritual leadership of her husband, instead of a sinful usurpation, or servility. Submit is the same understanding used of Jesus’ lovingly submitting to His Father’s will (John 6:38; 1 Peter 3:1-7).

In the church - Sin inclines men toward a worldly love of power or abandonment of spiritual responsibility (1 Peter 5:3). Sin inclines women to resist limitations on their roles or neglect the use of their gifts in appropriate ministries. Redemption in Christ gives men and women an equal share in the blessings of salvation (Galatians 3:28). Still, some teaching/governing roles are restricted to men (1 Corinthians 11:1-16, 14:34-36; 1 Timothy 2:8-15). This is not based on God-given gifts or ability, but on God’s designation of these roles from before and after the fall into sin (further study). Men and women who have a heartfelt call to ministry should not use that feeling to ignore God’s direction for particular ministries. Rather, Biblical teaching should remain the authority for testing our subjective and submissive discernment of God’s will for all of us in our lives (1 Peter 4:11).

In society - Scripture doesn’t indicate a designation of these headship roles like He does within the home or in the church, so neither should we. However, both men and women alike should show one another the love and respect Christ calls for from all His disciples regardless of gender (Ephesians 5:21; 1 Peter 5:5).