Kids

God is the Creator and Ruler of the universe. He has eternally existed in three personalities: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three are co-equal and are one God.

Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He is co-equal with the Father. Jesus lived a sinless human life and offered himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all people by dying on a cross. He arose from the dead after three days to demonstrate his power over sin and death. He ascended to Heaven’s glory and will return again someday to reign as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

The Holy Spirit is co-equal with the Father and Jesus Christ. He is present in the world to make people aware of their need for Jesus Christ. He also lives in every Christian from the moment of salvation, providing the Christian with power for living, understanding of spiritual truth, and guidance in doing what is right. He gives every believer at least one spiritual gift when they are saved. As Christians we seek to live under his control daily.

The Bible is God’s word to us. It was written by human authors, under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is the supreme source of truth for Christian beliefs and living. Because it is inspired by God, it is the truth without any mixture of error.

People are made in the spiritual image of God, to be like him in character. People are the supreme object of God’s creation. Although every person has tremendous potential for good, all of us are marred by an attitude of disobedience toward God called “sin.” This attitude separates people from God and causes many problems in life.

Salvation is a free gift from God for those who will choose to accept it. What is God saving us from? His righteous anger against the rebellion (“sin”) in our hearts. God promised that sin would incur death. God sent his son, Jesus Christ, to become the substitute by dying on a cross. By trusting in Jesus Christ, God gave us the way to be saved from his righteous anger towards our sin. Why can’t I simply live a “good life”? Here’s the problem: we cannot work off our sin debt, even by self-improvement, good works, or being a “good person.” Salvation is not something we can earn; it is a gift. When we turn from our self-ruled life to Jesus in faith, we are saved. What does Jesus teach me to do? The Scripture teaches that real belief leads to repentance and is expressed by confessing Jesus as Lord and surrendering to him in baptism. Thus, we are saved by grace through faith.

Because God gives us eternal life through Jesus Christ, the believer is secure in that salvation for eternity. God’s grace covers our sins daily as we humble ourselves to his will. Salvation is maintained by the grace and power of God, not by the self-effort of the Christian. It is the grace and keeping power of God that gives us this security.

People were created to exist forever. We will either exist eternally separated from God by sin or eternally with God through forgiveness and salvation. To be eternally separated from God is hell. To be eternally in union with him is eternal life. Heaven and hell are real places of eternal existence.