Essential Christian Doctrines

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NightTwister

NightTwister

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It's been 6 years since this was a topic, and there has been some discussion on other threads recently, so a new thread seems to make sense. What are the ESSENTIAL Christian doctrines? These are doctrines that divide us from other quasi-Christian religions (e.g. LDS, JW, etc.). I'll start things off with an edited list of Statement of Beliefs from my church on the essentials:

God
God is the Creator and Ruler of the universe. He has eternally existed in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three are co-equal and are one God.
Biblical References: Genesis 1:1, 26–27, 3:22; Psalm 90:2; Matthew 28:19; 2 Corinthians 13:14; 1 Peter 1:2

Jesus
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 by dying on the 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 claim His own and take them to that same Heaven.
‍Biblical References: Isaiah 9:6; Matthew 1:22–23; John 1:1–5; 14:10–30; Acts 1:9–11; Romans 1:3–4; 1 Corinthians 15:3,4; 1 Timothy 6:14–15; Titus 2:13; Hebrew 4:14–15

Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is co-equal with the Father and the Son. He is present in the world to make men aware of their need for Jesus Christ. He also lives in every Christian from the moment of salvation. He is our intercessor and provides the Christian with power for living, understanding of spiritual truth, and guidance in doing what is right.
‍Biblical References: John 14:16, 16:7–14, 17; Acts 1:8; Romans 8:26–27; 1 Corinthians 2:12, 3:16; 2 Corinthians 3:16–17; Galatians 5:25; Ephesians 1:13; 5:18

The Bible
The Bible is God’s Word to us. Human authors, under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit, wrote it. It is the supreme source of truth for Christian beliefs and living. Because it is God inspired, it is the truth without any mixture or error.
‍Biblical References: Psalm 119:105, 160; Proverbs 30:5–6; Matthew 5:18; 2 Timothy 3:16–17; 1 Peter 1:25; 2 Peter 1:20–21, 3:15–16

Eternity
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.
‍Biblical References: John 3:16; 14:17; Romans 6:23; 8:17–18; 1 Corinthians 2:7–9; Revelation 20:15

This should be a good starting point. Feel free to agree, disagree, modify, add, etc.
 
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Theoretically, someone could live by these 2 doctrines and have everything they needed:
  1. Believe in the heart that God raised Jesus from the dead and acknowledge his lordship with water baptism in his name
  2. Treat others like they'd like to be treated, and don't treat others like they wouldn't want to be treated
This is based on the following verses:

Because if you acknowledge lord Jesus with your mouth, and believe in your heart that GOD raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes into righteousness, and with the mouth one acknowledges into salvation. Romans 10:9-10​
​
Therefore, all things, whatever you desire that men should do to you, so also you should do to them; for this is the law and the prophets. Matthew 7:12​
 
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NightTwister said:
It's been 6 years since this was a topic, and there has been some discussion on other threads recently, so a new thread seems to make sense. What are the ESSENTIAL Christian doctrines? These are doctrines that divide us from other quasi-Christian religions (e.g. LDS, JW, etc.). I'll start things off with an edited list of Statement of Beliefs from my church on the essentials:

God
God is the Creator and Ruler of the universe. He has eternally existed in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three are co-equal and are one God.
Biblical References: Genesis 1:1, 26–27, 3:22; Psalm 90:2; Matthew 28:19; 2 Corinthians 13:14; 1 Peter 1:2

Jesus
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 by dying on the 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 claim His own and take them to that same Heaven.
‍Biblical References: Isaiah 9:6; Matthew 1:22–23; John 1:1–5; 14:10–30; Acts 1:9–11; Romans 1:3–4; 1 Corinthians 15:3,4; 1 Timothy 6:14–15; Titus 2:13; Hebrew 4:14–15

Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is co-equal with the Father and the Son. He is present in the world to make men aware of their need for Jesus Christ. He also lives in every Christian from the moment of salvation. He is our intercessor and provides the Christian with power for living, understanding of spiritual truth, and guidance in doing what is right.
‍Biblical References: John 14:16, 16:7–14, 17; Acts 1:8; Romans 8:26–27; 1 Corinthians 2:12, 3:16; 2 Corinthians 3:16–17; Galatians 5:25; Ephesians 1:13; 5:18

The Bible
The Bible is God’s Word to us. Human authors, under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit, wrote it. It is the supreme source of truth for Christian beliefs and living. Because it is God inspired, it is the truth without any mixture or error.
‍Biblical References: Psalm 119:105, 160; Proverbs 30:5–6; Matthew 5:18; 2 Timothy 3:16–17; 1 Peter 1:25; 2 Peter 1:20–21, 3:15–16

Eternity
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.
‍Biblical References: John 3:16; 14:17; Romans 6:23; 8:17–18; 1 Corinthians 2:7–9; Revelation 20:15

This should be a good starting point. Feel free to agree, disagree, modify, add, etc.
Click to expand...

Hello NT, I have posted my way of discussing the essential doctrines on the Kerygma thread,
and I am willing to discuss what you have posted here also.
 
ChristRoseFromTheDead said:
Theoretically, someone could live by these 2 doctrines and have everything they needed:
  1. Believe in the heart that God raised Jesus from the dead and acknowledge his lordship with water baptism in his name
  2. Treat others like they'd like to be treated, and don't treat others like they wouldn't want to be treated
This is based on the following verses:

Because if you acknowledge lord Jesus with your mouth, and believe in your heart that GOD raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes into righteousness, and with the mouth one acknowledges into salvation. Romans 10:9-10​
​
Therefore, all things, whatever you desire that men should do to you, so also you should do to them; for this is the law and the prophets. Matthew 7:12​
Click to expand...
Definitions are important, like the ones stated in my first post. For instance, you have to believe in your heart that God raised Jesus from the dead, but you have to have the right "Jesus." There are many religions that have another one, which is why that's important.

"But I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ. For if someone comes and proclaims another Jesus than the one we proclaimed, or if you receive a different spirit from the one you received, or if you accept a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it readily enough." 2 For 11:3-4 ESV
 
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NightTwister said:
Feel free to respond to what I posted in comment #1.
Click to expand...

Okay, and you feel free to respond to #1 in what I posted on the Kerygma thread.

The essential doctrine is the answer to the question, "What must I do to be saved". The answer is what I refer to by the Greek term "kerygma", meaning preaching, referring to preaching of the essential Gospel. With this understanding I will comment on your #1.

God
God is the Creator and Ruler of the universe. He has eternally existed in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three are co-equal and are one God.
Biblical References: Genesis 1:1, 26–27, 3:22; Psalm 90:2; Matthew 28:19; 2 Corinthians 13:14; 1 Peter 1:2

Yes, I agree that this doctrine is part of what is essential to believe in order to be saved. My #1 also cites God the Creator/Savior.

I will look for your comments regarding my #1 on the Kerygma thread.
 
NightTwister said:
Definitions are important, like the ones stated in my first post. For instance, you have to believe in your heart that God raised Jesus from the dead, but you have to have the right "Jesus." There are many religions that have another one, which is why that's important.
Click to expand...

Agree, but I don't consider definitions separate doctrines.
 
NightTwister said:
He has eternally existed in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three are co-equal and are one God.
Click to expand...


Not agreeing, nor disagreeing, but, in the context of "the Son," which is the man, Jesus, He has not been eternally existent, because "Jesus" was human.

I will humbly not agree that neither the Father, nor the Holy Spirit, be referred to as "persons."

God is Spirit, not a "person," except through the manifestation via Jesus Christ.

I understand the "Trinity Doctrine," I used to teach it, and even started writing a (what I thought was an undisputable) book confirming the existence of "three individuals sharing the same essence,."

That project only confirmed to me that God is One, as He often clearly stated, with no "separation" as often taught in that doctrine.

I don't perceive that there are "three individual persons," I see one God who has, as a single entity, reached down to us by becoming "God among us," or "God in the flesh," and still remaining an unseparated extension of our Creator.

I personally think that the entire concept of a trinity limits the fullness of Who God is and His Image.
 
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Boughtwithaprice said:
Not agreeing, nor disagreeing, but, in the context of "the Son," which is the man, Jesus, He has not been eternally existent, because "Jesus" was human.

I will humbly not agree that neither the Father, nor the Holy Spirit, be referred to as "persons."

God is Spirit, not a "person," except through the manifestation via Jesus Christ.

I understand the "Trinity Doctrine," I used to teach it, and even started writing a (what I thought was an undisputable) book confirming the existence of "three individuals sharing the same essence,."

That project only confirmed to me that God is One, as He often clearly stated, with no "separation" as often taught in that doctrine.

I don't perceive that there are "three individual persons," I see one God who has, as a single entity, reached down to us by becoming "God among us," or "God in the flesh," and still remaining an unseparated extension of our Creator.

I personally think that the entire concept of a trinity limits the fullness of Who God is and His Image.
Click to expand...
The Arian heresy was rejected in the 4th Century.
 
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NightTwister said:
It's been 6 years since this was a topic, and there has been some discussion on other threads recently, so a new thread seems to make sense. What are the ESSENTIAL Christian doctrines? These are doctrines that divide us from other quasi-Christian religions (e.g. LDS, JW, etc.). I'll start things off with an edited list of Statement of Beliefs from my church on the essentials:

God
God is the Creator and Ruler of the universe. He has eternally existed in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three are co-equal and are one God.
Biblical References: Genesis 1:1, 26–27, 3:22; Psalm 90:2; Matthew 28:19; 2 Corinthians 13:14; 1 Peter 1:2

Jesus
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 by dying on the 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 claim His own and take them to that same Heaven.
‍Biblical References: Isaiah 9:6; Matthew 1:22–23; John 1:1–5; 14:10–30; Acts 1:9–11; Romans 1:3–4; 1 Corinthians 15:3,4; 1 Timothy 6:14–15; Titus 2:13; Hebrew 4:14–15

Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is co-equal with the Father and the Son. He is present in the world to make men aware of their need for Jesus Christ. He also lives in every Christian from the moment of salvation. He is our intercessor and provides the Christian with power for living, understanding of spiritual truth, and guidance in doing what is right.
‍Biblical References: John 14:16, 16:7–14, 17; Acts 1:8; Romans 8:26–27; 1 Corinthians 2:12, 3:16; 2 Corinthians 3:16–17; Galatians 5:25; Ephesians 1:13; 5:18

The Bible
The Bible is God’s Word to us. Human authors, under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit, wrote it. It is the supreme source of truth for Christian beliefs and living. Because it is God inspired, it is the truth without any mixture or error.
‍Biblical References: Psalm 119:105, 160; Proverbs 30:5–6; Matthew 5:18; 2 Timothy 3:16–17; 1 Peter 1:25; 2 Peter 1:20–21, 3:15–16

Eternity
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.
‍Biblical References: John 3:16; 14:17; Romans 6:23; 8:17–18; 1 Corinthians 2:7–9; Revelation 20:15

This should be a good starting point. Feel free to agree, disagree, modify, add, etc.
Click to expand...
Yep. Sounds good
 
NightTwister said:
This should be a good starting point. Feel free to agree, disagree, modify, add, etc.
Click to expand...
Add:

Worship/Praise

John 4:24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

Revelation 4:10-11 The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying, Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.




.
 
reneweddaybyday said:
Add:

Worship/Praise

John 4:24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

Revelation 4:10-11 The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying, Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.




.
Click to expand...
Not an essential doctrine. This isn't something that separates true Christians.
 
I think in determining what are essential Christian doctrines the question needs to be asked, "essential for what?" It seems that Christians are more focused on driving as many stakes in the ground as possible in order to separate themselves from others, rather than on doing the things that are essential, like faith and love.

The world doesn't know we are Christ's disciples through doctrine, but through the love we have for one another. When everyone's busy distinguishing their brand from others, love takes a backseat.

A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. In this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. John 13:34-35​
 
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Boughtwithaprice said:
Not agreeing, nor disagreeing, but, in the context of "the Son," which is the man, Jesus, He has not been eternally existent, because "Jesus" was human.

I will humbly not agree that neither the Father, nor the Holy Spirit, be referred to as "persons."

God is Spirit, not a "person," except through the manifestation via Jesus Christ.

I understand the "Trinity Doctrine," I used to teach it, and even started writing a (what I thought was an undisputable) book confirming the existence of "three individuals sharing the same essence,."

That project only confirmed to me that God is One, as He often clearly stated, with no "separation" as often taught in that doctrine.

I don't perceive that there are "three individual persons," I see one God who has, as a single entity, reached down to us by becoming "God among us," or "God in the flesh," and still remaining an unseparated extension of our Creator.

I personally think that the entire concept of a trinity limits the fullness of Who God is and His Image.
Click to expand...

True of what you say but how could a Holy Spirit that God is take on the the sufferings of man unless he himself became flesh-human-Jesus?
We have a loving God but also a just God. Who clothed himself in humility (flesh) to identify with the sufferings of man.
But to do this he became a little lower than the angels. Leaving his first estate.
According to scripture God is limitless in his abilities but he cannot dwell nor even look upon sin but in order to be a just God who does judge the world wouldnt he have to experience the temptations and frailty of man and overcome them for us to provide a means of escape? Jesus being led by the Holy Spirit is another example for us being led by the Holy Spirit. Showing the fruits and Devine intervention witness that testifies we are his.
 
NightTwister said:
The Arian heresy was rejected in the 4th Century.
Click to expand...
I'm not getting involved in this or that but you and I have had conversations where I have mentioned Church Fathers so it's obvious that I am Church History advocate.

So to answer your question based upon Church History it was rejected by the RCC!

They also pray first to Mary.

I'm done just wanted to enlighten the readers to who actually rejected the belief.
 
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