Statement of faith

Preface

Below is a bit more detail about what I currently believe. I don’t need to be surrounded by people who believe exactly as I do — we can differ on many things. I believe that what unites us is more important than what may divide us. I do not want to create an echo chamber. I welcome different views and robust and honest discussion. That is what I really seek. Honest friendships. However, I want to be upfront about my theology so there are no shocking surprises, because some of them are considered to be outside of orthodoxy, even though I am convinced they are strictly biblical. If you hold the creeds and traditions above scripture, this may not be the fellowship for you.  

In the interests of fairness however, I want to be up front about views that will cause friction. I do not personally subscribe to a Pentecostal or charismatic theology, and I am strictly opposed to Zionism. We're going to clash if you hold strongly to any of those doctrines. I am simply a sinner saved by grace, who puts my hope and trust in Jesus Christ alone, plus and minus nothing. With the few exceptions listed below, I align the closest with reformed theology. However, I no longer identify as a Protestant. I am simply a follower of Christ. 

What I Believe

Creation, Human Beings

I believe that God created the world in six literal days, approximately 6,000 years ago. I believe that man is created in the image of God, and that all human beings have innate value and must be respected. I reject old earth theory and molecules-to-man evolution.

I believe that both male and female are equally valuable but have individual strengths, weaknesses, and specific roles. I respect, love, and treasure women. I have no issue with women working or being in leadership roles.

Sin and Salvation and Sanctification

I believe all people are born by default dead in sin and deserving of God’s wrath. We stand condemned before a holy God for our sin and rebellion. It is only when Christ intervenes and grants us faith to trust in Him that we come to believe. God chooses whom He will save — for reasons I do not know — certainly not because we are better than anyone else. I believe that once we believe, we are saved and cannot lose our salvation. Genuine conversion will always result in visible change, whether immediately or gradually over time. The sanctification process is ongoing — none of us is capable of perfect holiness or obedience in these fleshly bodies. Jesus Christ perfectly kept the law for us — He is our righteousness. When we trust in Christ, we are clothed with Him. I believe that a genuine follower of Christ will never ultimately abandon their faith, though they may experience seasons of doubt or even wander for a time. Sin is serious, and while God is gracious and forgiving, there are earthly consequences for sin, and God disciplines His children. I reject any adding of the old covenant law to the Gospel. I believe Christians have a reawakened conscience that convicts us and we live by that. It should line up with the morality revealed in God's Word. 

Eschatology

Here is where I differ drastically from the majority. I believe that Christ is the fulfilment of all of God’s promises to Israel — that He came to them in the first century, was corporately rejected and crucified, yet God saved a faithful remnant of Jews in each generation through faith. The Gospel first went to Israel in the first century. Christ returned in 70 AD, as promised, within the same generation to whom He first came. He judged Israel, destroyed Jerusalem, the temple, and the genealogical records, making Old Covenant worship impossible, and established His eternal New Covenant of grace. The dead in Christ rose to be with Him, and those alive were transformed and sealed as citizens of the heavenly Jerusalem. Note: If the preterist view is new or shocking to you, please investigate the claim first before dismissing it. I have included some resources and answers to common objections on this site. 

Under the new covenant, when a believer dies, they immediately go to be with Christ in eternity in the spirit. Those not in Christ perish — they are annihilated. I do not believe in eternal conscious torment — the penalty for sin is death; the gift of God is eternal life. The Gospel continues to spread and permeate the world like leaven through dough. I do not believe scripture describes the end of the world, but rather the end of the Old Covenant age. The earth itself could theoretically continue forever. We are not the last generation, and we are not in the “end times” — those were the forty years between Christ’s first and second comings. Again, if you do not agree with this view, I still welcome you in fellowship. I hope you would be open-minded enough to study the issue.

The Church and Israel

I believe Israel is now defined as those who have faith in Christ. I do not believe modern Jews have any special standing with God — unless they trust in Christ, they are outside the Church and outside the heavenly Jerusalem.

I believe the Church is not a denomination, a race, or a branded organisation. The true Church consists of those who trust Christ alone as Saviour and Redeemer.

Spiritual Gifts

I believe that the supernatural gifts of the Spirit were given to the apostles to establish the Gospel and the early Church, and that these gifts ceased when the New Covenant was fully established. I do not believe Christians today can speak in secret angelic languages, perform miracles, or heal others. However, I do believe God hears our prayers and still performs miracles today, according to His will.

Faith vs Works and the Deity of Christ

I believe any works-based religion is a cult. I also believe that any religion which denies the deity of the Lord Jesus Christ is a cult. Jesus was fully God and fully man. Everything is about Him — He is the Logos, the Word made flesh. He died for our sins, rose from the dead, and returned in 70 AD to complete His redemptive work. What remains is for people to be gathered into His kingdom — so that we may love, serve, and work to make this world better, for His glory.

I believe that any religion or denomination that claims to have prophets or apostles or mandated authority directly from God is a cult. 

The Bible

I believe the Bible — as originally written — is the perfect, inspired Word of God. It has been accurately preserved, and the current Protestant canon is the complete written revelation of God. The Old and New Testaments compliment and support each other. Scripture is for all Christians, though not every part of it was written to all Christians. Many modern doctrinal errors arise because readers fail to apply sound hermeneutics: audience relevance, using scripture to interpret scripture, interpreting the obscure in light of the clear, and recognising when modern, Western thinking clouds interpretation.

I believe the early Hebrew and Greek manuscripts we possess today are the preserved Word of God. I do not believe the KJV is God’s “official” Bible. The KJV contains errors — the translators added things not present in the manuscripts they used. The KJV also relies on later Hebrew Masoretic texts (8th century) and younger Greek texts. Since the Middle Ages, we have discovered much older Greek manuscripts, along with the Dead Sea Scrolls — which makes the KJV’s source texts less trustworthy by comparison. That said, it's a perfectly reliable text for every day reading. I'm not against the KJV. I am against the KJV-only movement. Most English translations are good enough for general reading. However, when dealing with difficult doctrinal issues, it is best to consult the Greek and Hebrew texts, using concordances and lexicons.

The Trinity, Satan and Demons

I believe in one God, who has eternally existed as three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. I believe Satan was destroyed at Christ’s return in 70 AD. I do not believe demons are active today — the evil in this world is more than explained by fallen human nature.

Evangelism 

I believe what we call "The Great Commission" was completed in the first century. However, Revelation 22 says to invite people "come". I believe in an ongoing mission to spread the gospel through organic evangelism and through the working of The Holy Spirit on Earth. But if God is not pursuing someone, they will reject the message. If God has chosen someone, the Gospel will be music to their ears. God has graciously invited us to participate in His work — not because He needs us, but because He desires to give us meaningful and satisfying work to do. He alone does the actual saving. We are merely His instruments.

That is a fairly detailed overview of my beliefs — though not comprehensive or exhaustive. I am very easy going and open to different theological views and willing to study and discuss. 

If you can tolerate these views, and are seeking genuine fellowship, I would love to hear from you.