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CrossPointe Christian Church Doctrinal Statement |
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Salvation Grace When we sin (rebellion against what pleases God), we deserve to die. Once we sin, we are incapable on our own of re–establishing a good relationship with God. But, God loves us, and still wants us to live with Him forever. God loves us so much that He is willing to save us from our decision to rebel, and from its consequences. He sent His Son, Jesus, to die on our behalf, and to be raised from the dead to provide a promise of eternal life with Him. Since we cannot earn this, it is a gift to us. The Bible tells us this gift is called “grace,” something we do not deserve, but which God is willing to give us as we follow His will. Even though salvation is by grace — that is, it is a gift to people — God has instructed us that it is only received when people are obedient to His will. Salvation is not earned by this obedience, but obedience is required; to disobey is to continue rebelling against God. Our acceptance of God’s grace is demonstrated through both private and public commitments. Faith Faith is the first of the private commitments. Faith has two elements. First, we must accept the facts that we have sinned, that God has provided the means for our salvation (Jesus died on our behalf and was raised from the dead), and that apart from God’s grace we are without hope. Second, we must act in keeping with what we believe. Repentance Repentance means “to turn around.” In other words, when we repent we are turning away from our rebellion from God, and turning toward a life that is pleasing to God. While repentance is a private commitment, it has very public effects. We stop disobeying God, and begin living as He wishes. When we repent, our changed lives demonstrate to God our commitment to live a life pleasing to Him. |
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