Bible Truths (English)

GOD

The Bible teaches us that  God is the creator of the universe (Gen. 1:1). As creator, He is unlike creation - in other words, He is uncreated, He is eternal, without beginning and without end. He is the eternal God (Ex. 15:18; Deut. 33:27). The Bible also teaches us that God is Spirit (Jn. 4:24). No one has ever seen or ever can see God as Spirit for He is invisible (Col. 1:15; 1 Tim. 1:17). God is everywhere (Ps. 139:7-10), is unlimited in power (Matt. 19:26), and is all-wise and all-discerning (Lk. 12:2).

God is One, which, firstly means that He is indivisible and, secondly, that there is no other being who can be called God other than Him. There is only one God (Deut. 4:35). God is the giver of life (Job 33:4). He is the Ruler and Judge of the world that belongs to Him (Ps. 10:16). He will bring all thoughts, words, and deeds of men to judgement in the last day, also called the Day of Judgement (2 Pet. 3:7).

The Bible commands all people everywhere to submit to God in reverential fear, repentance from sin, and obedient faith (Eccl. 12:13; Acts 17:30).

The Bible tells us that God is our Father (Matt. 6:9; Acts 17:29), that He loves us with an everlasting love (Jeremiah 31:3) and so doesn't want us to perish in our sins (the evil thoughts and actions of which each one of us is guilty). Therefore, God prepared a way of salvation for us by Himself taking our place of punishment and suffering for us, when He was incarnated as man and paid our penalty through His eternal sacrifice on the cross. Therefore, also, God is our only Savior (Jude 1:25). Anyone who prays in His heart to this true God is immediately heard by Him because God is everywhere and closer than our very breath (Ps. 34:17; 130:1). Anyone who says "I'm sorry for my sin, please forgive me Lord" is forgiven by God and his sins are removed as far as the east is from the west (in other words, totally erased, Ps. 103:12). This forgiveness and a new start of life are provided to us because of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ (Who is the very Image and Word of God that incarnated as human 2000 years ago) by which He put an end to the old world of sin and death and, by rising up from the death on the third day, brought to us newness of life.

JESUS CHRIST

The Bible tells us that Jesus Christ is the Son of God (Jn.3:16) in whom and through whom God is revealed to us (Heb.1:1,2). He is the Word of God (Jn.1:1), the image of the invisible God (Col.1:15). He was not created or given birth to; He is not a "son" in that sense; He is eternal. He is God (Jn.1:1). He is the only Mediator between God and man (1 Tim.2:5). Whatever is finally known to us about God is known through and in Jesus Christ, because the fullness of Godhead dwells in Him bodily (Col.2:9). He is the express image of God's person, the Creator and Sustainer of the universe (Col.1:16; Heb.1:3). He is not an other God but is God and one with God (Jn.17:22) who is a Trinity. God is Father, God is Son, God is Holy Spirit. But God is not three. He is one. The three are one. How can that be? It is so because God is Truth, God is Joy, and God is Love. As Truth, God is a unity of the Knower, the Known, and the Omniscient Spirit. As Love, He is the Lover, the Beloved, and the Spirit of Love. As Joy, He is the Rejoicer, the Object of Pleasure, and the Spirit of Joy. Jesus existed before Abraham existed (Jn.8:58). Jesus existed before the creation of this universe (Jn.1:1,2). Jesus is eternal.

All things were made through Jesus and for Jesus (Col.1:16). He is the Heir of God, the Firstborn of all creation (Col.1:15). He is the Redeemer of creation, the Savior of the world, for which purpose He became man (Jn.1:14) to suffer the penalty of our sins and fulfill the righteousness of God (Heb.2:9-18). He rose from the dead and became the author of a new creation so that all who receive Him by obedience of faith are made co-heirs of the Kingdom of God. He will return again in the Last Day to judge the living and the dead (2 Tim.4:1).

HOLY  SPIRIT

The Holy Spirit is called in the Bible by various names such as 'the Spirit of God" (Gen. 1:2), "the Spirit of Truth" (Jn. 14:17), "the Holy Spirit" (Lk. 11:13), "the Spirit of Holiness" (Rom. 1:4), and "the Comforter" (Jn. 14:26). The Holy Spirit is the Creator of all things and the Giver of life (Job 33:4; Ps. 104:30). He is the one who inspired the writing of the Scriptures (2 Pet. 1:21). It is through Him that God's miraculous gifts are manifest in the whole world through God's people (1 Sam. 10:10; Acts 10:38; 1 Cor. 12). He is the giver of understanding of spiritual matters (Job 32:8; Isa. 11:2). It is He who anoints God's servants and by Him they are sanctified and consecrated for ministry (Acts 10:38; 1 Jn. 2:27). He is the Great Witness of Jesus Christ who convicts the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment (Jn. 15:26; 16:8). It is by His indwelling filling that the disciples receive power to be the witnesses of Christ in all the world (Acts 1:8).

CREATION

The Bible teaches us that God created the universe and all things in it in six days (Gen. 1,2; Ex. 20:11). The things that are now physically visible were made out of things unseen (Heb. 11:3); in other words, out of nothing. God did not create the world out of necessity but of His own free and sovereign will and for His pleasure (Rev. 4:11). Both darkness and light were created by God (Isa. 45:7; Gen. 1:3) - both are physical, the former an absence of the latter. God created space and time (Ps. 90:2 – 'or ever thou hadst formed {Heb. Chul- to rotate, spin} the earth and the world'). God created the universe for Jesus Christ, who is the heir of all things (Col. 1:16-18; Eph. 1:10).

ANGELS

Angels are immortal and celestial beings created by God (Rev. 19:10; 22:8-9; Col. 2:18; Lk. 20:34-36). They are called "ministering spirits" (Heb. 1:14). They are sexless and numerous (Lk. 20:34-35; Dan. 7:10; Heb. 12:22). There are various kinds of angels. The Cherubim are appointed in the Garden and in presence of God (Gen. 3:24; Ex. 25:22; Eze. 28:13,14). The Seraphim (or "the burning ones") are seen as worshipping God in Isaiah 6:2,3. There are two Archangels, Michael, the captain of Warring Angels (Jude 1:9; Rev. 12:7) and Gabriel, the Messenger of God (Lk. 1:19; Dan. 8:16; 9:21). The angels are also known as "the elect angels" because of their position in the presence of God (1Tim. 5:21). They were those who remained faithful to God during the rebellion of Satan(who was an anointed cherub before his fall).

Angels possess wisdom (2Sam. 14:17; 1 Pet. 1:12), follow the orders of God (Psalm 103:20), stand before God in reverential worship (Neh. 9:6; Heb. 1:6), are meek (2Pet. 2:11), mighty (Ps. 103:20), and holy (Rev. 14:10). They are God's servants and minister only according to the commandment of God (Heb. 1:14; Ps. 103:20).

DEMONS

Demons are those angels who rebelled against God along with Lucifer who is also known as Satan (meaning "adversary), the old serpent, tempter, the wicked one,  ruler of this world, god of this age,  murderer and father of lies (Isa. 14:12-15; Eze. 28:12-19; Jn. 12:31; 2Cor. 4:4; Matt. 4:3; 1Jn. 5:19; Jn. 8:44). Therefore, these demons are also referred to as "angels that kept not their first estate" (Jude 6); they are the fallen angels. They oppose God's work (1Thess. 2:18), deceive the nations (Rev. 20:7-8), are proud (1Tim. 3:6), influencers of godlessness (Eph. 2:2), cruel (1Pet. 5:8), malignant (Job 2:4), and oppressors of mankind with various maladies and sicknesses (Acts 10:38; Mark 9:25). They possess the bodies of unbelievers (Matt. 8:16), can enter into a person (Lk. 22:3), can influence a person's thinking (Acts 5:3), and can even possess the bodies of animals (Lk. 8:33).

A believer can never be demon-possessed since his body is a temple of the Holy Spirit and has no room for demons (1Cor.6:19; 1Cor.10:21).

The demons believe and tremble before God (James 2:19). Satan and his demonic angels await the judgment of God (Matt. 8:29; Rev. 20:10). The believers in Jesus Christ are called to submit to God and resist the devil (James 4:7). One sign of believers is that they shall cast out demons (Mk. 16:17).

Expelling Demons

1. A believer has Christ-given authority to cast out demons (Matt. 10:1,8; Mk. 16:17). The source of this power is Christ alone.
2. Christ cast them out by the Spirit of God (Mt.12:28); therefore, a believer should have a Spirit-filled walk (Gal.5:25).
3. Prayer, fasting and total submission to God is important (Mk. 9:29; James 4:7).
4. The believer should seek the gift of discerning the spirits (1Cor. 12:10).
5. He should not talk with demons, as a general rule (Mk. 1:24). They are deceivers.
6. The believer should cast them out in the Name of Jesus (Acts 16:18).
7. Do not close your eyes when casting out demons: you are commanding, not praying; demons are sometimes seen to be physically violent (Matt.17:15; Acts.19:15,16).
8. The believer should not allow the demon to weaken his/her faith in God, His Word, and the power of Christ's Holy Spirit. One of devil's weapons is doubt (Gen. 3:1; Matt.4:3-10).
9. In every deliverance session, there must be order and discipline among the servants of God; let one minister in authority while the rest back him/her in prayer (1Cor.14:33).
10. All amulets, charms, fetishes, and occultic objects must be removed before any deliverance can take place. The possession of such things provide strongholds for demonic oppression. (Acts 19:19).
11. The delivered must be guided into confession, repentance, belief, and the infilling of the Holy Spirit to avoid serious consequences of demonic return (Matt. 12:44,45). A life of holiness and keeping in the will of God is imperative (1Jn. 5:18).

HUMANS

God created man on the sixth day as male and female made in the image and likeness of God (Gen. 1:26-28). They reflected the honor and glory of God and were given dominion over all creation (Ps. 8:5; Gen. 1:28). God created man as a physical, personal, and spiritual being; thus, man is body, soul, and spirit (Gen.2:7; Job 32:8; Eccl. 11:5; 12:7; 1Thess. 5:23). The first man Adam sinned and through this brought sin and death into the world (Rom. 5:12). The Bible says that in Adam all sinned, therefore death passed on to all men (Rom. 5:12). This death was three-fold in nature: spiritual death (separation from and enmity with God), physical death (separation of spirit from the body), and second death (punishment in hell) (Eph. 2:1; Col. 1:21; Rom. 5:10; Rev. 21:8). Man became mortal through the condemnation of sin.

The Bible says that "flesh and blood" or unregenerate humans "cannot inherit the kingdom of God" since corruption cannot inherit incorruption (1Cor. 15:50). Therefore, the only way of salvation is through regeneration by the Spirit through faith (Jn. 3:5,6). When one accepts the Lordship of Jesus Christ, one passes from the condemnation of the old creation and becomes heir of God's coming kingdom through the Lord Jesus Christ. The others are subject to the god of this world who is the devil (2Cor. 4:4; Eph. 2:2; 1Jn. 5:19).

SALVATION

The Gospel or Good news proclaims that all humans can be saved from their sins by faith in Jesus Christ. God sent Jesus Christ His Son into this world to be the sacrificial Lamb of God that would atone for the sins of the world (Jn. 1:29). The body of Jesus Christ was a sacrificial body anointed and separated by the Holy Spirit (Lk. 1:35; Heb. 10:5). The Holy Spirit revealed the sufferings of Jesus Christ, which He was to suffer for our sins, to the prophets of old (1Pet.1:10,11). Christ became the Mediator between man and God through His incarnation and atoning death; thus, through the sacrifice of His body by the Eternal Spirit (Heb. 9:14) He opened a way for us into God's presence (Heb. 10:19,20).  Through His atoning death and resurrection Jesus Christ has become the path of reconciliation between God and man (Rom. 5:10; Heb. 1:3).

Those who reject this offer of salvation will remain in their condemnation and will "be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power" (2Thess. 1:9). Those who accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior are delivered from the power of darkness into the Kingdom of the Lord Jesus Christ (Col. 1:13). They are given the right to sonship and are co-heirs with Jesus Christ (Jn. 1:12; Rom. 8:17).

The blessings of salvation are as follows:

1. Forgiveness from sins (Eph.1:7).
2. Justification (Rom. 4:25)
3. Eternal life (Jn. 3:16).
4. Citizenship in Heaven (Phil. 3:20).
5. Eternal inheritance (Heb. 9:15).
6. Authority over demons and diseases (Lk. 10:19).
7. The fruit of the Holy Spirit (Gal. 5:22,23).
8. A glorified resurrection (1Cor. 15:51-54).

CHURCH

The Church is the community of the disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ.  She is also known as the Lamb’s wifeप (Rev. 21:9; Eph. 5:25-27; Rev. 19:7), the Body of Christ (1Cor.12:27), and the Temple of God (1Pet.2:5,6; Eph.2:21,22; 1Cor.3:16,17). The Church is "built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone" (Eph.2:20). Therefore, apostolic doctrine and prophetical edification are foundational to the Church (Acts 2:42; 15:32). The Church is a fellowship of fellow-believers. Therefore, Christians are commanded not to forsake assembling together ( Heb.10:25). The Church is the Household of God, His family; therefore, there must be unity, cooperation, edification, and productivity in it (Eph. 2:19; 1Cor.1:10; Jn.13:35; Gal.6:1,2). The Church is both universal and local.

The Lord Jesus Christ appoints apostles, prophets, evangelists, teachers, and pastors for the care and edification of the Church (Eph. 4:11-12). The Holy Spirit gifts individuals with the gifts of the Holy Spirit for the edification of the Church (1Cor.12). The Church is called to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ to every nation, to make disciples out of them and teach them the teachings of Jesus Christ (Matt. 28:19-20). This proclamation is accompanied with signs and wonders that the Lord works to confirm His Word (Mk. 16:20; Heb.2:4).

The two ordinances of the Church are water baptism (Matt.28:19) and the Lord's Table (1Cor.11:23-29).

Jesus Christ will return to this earth for His Church. Then, the dead in Christ will first rise up and those who are alive will be caught up to Him in the clouds to be with Him forever (1Thess.4:16,17).

BIBLE

The Bible is God's Book of instruction for salvation through the faith of Jesus Christ (2Tim.3:15). It was written by holy men of God who were moved by the prophetical anointing of the Holy Spirit  (Heb.1:1; 2Pet.1:20,21). It is, therefore, called the inspired Word of God (2Tim.3:16). The Bible cannot be understood in a worldly manner. The instruction of salvation is communicated to us through the Holy Spirit (1Cor. 2:10-16). Therefore, an unspiritual person can neither understand nor appreciate spiritual things. The Bible is the only infallible guide of divine instruction for man (Rev. 22:6).

The Bible or Scriptures testify about Jesus Christ (Jn. 5:29; Gal.3:8); therefore, it is said that "the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy" (Rev.19:10). The believer is called to read and study the Scriptures (Ps.1:2). The Bible warns against Scripture twisting and against adding to or subtracting from the Scriptures (2Pet.3:16; Rev.22:18,19).

JUDGMENT

The Bible teaches us that all moral beings will be brought to judgment before God in the Last Day of the world. Jesus gave the signs that precede the coming of this Last Day. They are: an increase of apostasy, of false prophets, the coming of the anti-Christ who will persecute the people of God and politically control the world, wars, earthquakes, famines, growing crime rates, rise of cults, and signs in outer space among many things (Matt. 24). After these things, the Son of God will appear in the sky with His mighty angels (2Thess.1:7). He will appear this second time for the salvation of His people and the judgment of the world (Heb.9:28). The dead in Christ will rise first and those disciples who are living will be caught up to Lord to be with Him forever (1Thess.4:16,17). The devil and his angels will be punished in hell (Matt.25:41; Rev.20:10). Those whose names are not written in the Book of life will be thrown into the Lake of fire (Rev.20:15) because they will be judged according to their deeds (Rom.2:5,6; Jude 15).

The faithful in Christ will inherit the Kingdom of God (Rev.21:7).

© Domenic Marbaniang, 2010.