In the fall of 2016 and spring of 2017 I took a pair of theology classes from Gateway Baptist Theological Seminary. One of the exercises for those classes was to write a credo for each of the doctrines we covered. Each credo was to be one page long and had very specific formatting instructions. After the class was over I decided to share them here and imported them into the blog.
I found this to be a very useful exercise and highly recommend it to any others who have an interest in theology. It is one thing to have a mental image of your beliefs. It is quite a different thing to take the time and effort to express them on paper, especially in a form that others can read and hopefully understand.
One thing to note about these credos is that they reflect my beliefs at the time they were written. I continue to seek to grow in my understanding of God, his word, and the truths it contains. And as a result at times my thoughts on a specific doctrine might change or be refined. And you will actually find that to be true throughout the posts on this blog. I try and update when I run into something that needs it. But there have been an awful lot of posts made here over the years.
God
What I Believe about God: I believe that God exists, that he is the creator of all, and that he is transcendent, immanent, infinite, triune, self-existent, loving, good, and personal. (January 5, 2017)
Creation and Providence
What I Believe about Creation and Providence: I believe that God is the creator of all that is, apart from himself. And that by his providence he preserves the creation and directs it toward his purpose in creation. (January 6, 2017)
The Bible
What I Believe about The Bible: I believe that the Bible is the inspired word of God, is authoritative in all matters of faith and practice, and is truthful in what it teaches and affirms. (January 7, 2017)
Humanity
What I Believe about Humanity: I believe that humans are created by God and are his image bearers. He has given us rule over the earth. But we have fallen and are separated from him now. (January 18, 2017)
Sin
What I Believe about Sin: I believe that there are two aspects to sin. Disobedience to God, and a nature that is focused on self and personal desire. Sin separates me from God. (February 18, 2017)
Jesus Christ
What I Believe about Christ: I believe that Jesus is fully God and fully man, the second person of the Trinity. He became man, died on a cross, and rose again so that we could have life. (March 27, 2017)
The Holy Spirit
What I Believe about the Holy Spirit: I believe the Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity. That he convicts of sin and that he indwells the believer. He teaches, corrects, and equips us. (April 26, 2017)
The Church
What I Believe about the Church: I believe the church is the body of Christ, made up of all believers across place and time. The church represents Christ in our world today. (June 9, 2017)
Salvation
What I Believe about Salvation: I believe that salvation is a gracious work of God. It has three parts: coming into a relationship with God; walking with the Holy Spirit; and glorification. (July 3, 2017)
Last Things
What I Believe about Last Things: I believe that Christ is now reigning on his throne. And that he will return at the end of the age for his own, who will then be with him for eternity. (July 30, 2017)
Please feel free to leave comments on any of these topics. I would love to hear from you.
