Soteriology Doctrinal Statement

God exists in Holy Trinity as Father, Son—the Lord Jesus Christ—and Holy Spirit, co-equal, co-eternal. One God, three persons, as Missio Dei. God created man as Imago Dei. Upon belief in Jesus Christ, man is indwelled by Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit.


Original sin, beginning with the Fall of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, is imputed to all mankind. God responded to Adam and Eve with the first animal sacrifice to cover the effects of sin, foreshadowing the ultimate sacrifice of Christ. Sin results in man's total depravity, affecting the heart and mind while resulting in spiritual, physical, and eternal death, along with spiritual warfare with Satan.


Man's salvation depends upon Christ's substitutionary, sacrificial death for man; providing redemption, reconciliation, propitiation, and justification by grace with belief in, through and by Jesus Christ at the Cross. Justification results in our sanctification.


The gospel of salvation is the message of God's grace. Grace comes through the death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins for those who believe and accept this message for eternal life with God. The relationship with Jesus Christ and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit results in our producing spiritual fruit, including works pleasing to God. Forgiveness of sins comes only through faith in Christ's death and resurrection, and his substitutionary atonement.


I believe God chooses and leads people of all ages and mental capacities to respond to Him. Man is saved from eternal damnation, the consequence of sin, immediately upon the aforementioned belief in Christ (z). The believer develops maturity while walking in the Spirit.


Believers receive the promised Holy Spirit sent by Christ from the Father and forgiveness of sins from our belief in Christ as Lord who died for our sins. This provides us with spiritual regeneration, resulting in impartation
of eternal life along with the sealing, Baptism, anointing, indwelling and filling of the Spirit.


Conversely, scripture clearly states that unbelievers, those rejecting belief in Jesus Christ as their Lord and savior, will not be saved.


See Christ, Believe Christ, Achieve with Christ!


Rick E. Meyer
See, Believe, Achieve Inc.
Health
www.rickEmeyer.com

[1] Mt 1:18-23; 3:16-17; 4:1-4; 10:20-22; 12:15-18, 28, 31-32; 22:41-45; 28:18-20; Mk 1:8-12; 12:35-37; Lk 1:30-35; 1:41-45; 1:67-69; 2:25-30; 3:21-22; 4:1-14, 16-19; 10:21-22; 11:13; 12:8-12; Jn 1:32-34

[1] Acts 20:28; Rom 9:5; Phil 2:5-8; Col 1:15-18; 2:9; Heb 1:2-6; Ti1:3-4; 2:13; 2 Pt 1:1; Jn 1:1-3; 1:18; 8:58; 10:30; 20:28; Mt 28:19

[1] Jn 14:26; Rom 8:26; opera ad extra trinitatis indivisa sunt – ‘the external works of the Trinity are undivided.’ (Ferguson, Sinclair B., The Holy Spirit: Contours of Christian Theology, 43)

[1] Mt 28:19; Acts 5:3-4, 9; 2 Cor 3:17-18

[1] Jn 14:6-11, 26; 15:26; Rom 8:27; 1 Cor 2:10-13; 12:11

[1] “Missio Dei, the Latin phrase literally denotes the ‘mission of God.’ This signifies “God’s own sending; and God sending us.” (Horrell, J. Scott; The Trinity and Mission: The Starting Point of Soteriology, DTS Missions Conference; Class Notes, DTS Spring 2013, 1-8)

[1] Image of God: Gn 1:26, 5:1, 9:6; 1 Co 11:7; Ro 8:29; Jas 3:9; Eph 4:24; Col 3:10. “Likeness to God. Man is unique among the creatures in that he is like God and therefore able to have communion and fellowship with God” (Walter A. Elwell and Barry J. Beitzel, Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 1988), 1017). This likeness includes spiritual attributes of God, while avoiding becoming a god in any context, means or imagination.

[1] Acts 3:14-19; “Spirit of Christ”, Jn 13-16 “Jesus’ farewell discourse”, “For Jesus” the Spirit is a Spirit of sonship and assurance” c.f. Rom 8:15-16 (Ferguson, Sinclair B., The Holy Spirit: Contours of Christian Theology,35-56)

[1] (Horrell, J. Scott; The Trinity and Mission: The Starting Point of Soteriology, DTS Missions Conference; Class Notes, DTS Spring 2013, 5-6)

[1] Rom 3:23; This sin is unavoidable to every human, because of Adam and Eve’s Fall in the Garden of Eden. However, this sin is also forgiven with belief in Christ as discussed later in this statement.

[1] Resulting from disobedience or unfaithfulness, followed by pride and ambition, “The defection was infidelitas, a lack of trust in God and His Word” turning man inward to self and away from God. (J. Lanier Burns, ST103 Angelogy, Anthropology, and Hamartiology class notes, DTS Fall 2012)

[1] Gn 3:1-14

[1] Gn 3:21

[1] Our thoughts, words and actions contrasting God’s holy—perfect—character.

[1] “The image of God in mankind has been defaced but not erased (annihilation of man)” The will of the Creator enables the retention of dignity in humanity. (J. Lanier Burns, ST103 Angelogy, Anthropology, and Hamartiology class notes, DTS Fall 2012)

[1] Eph 2:3, 4:18-19; Ti 3:3; Jn 8:34

[1] Eph 4:17-18; 1 Cor 2:14; Rom 8:7; Col 1:21

[1] Eph 2:1-5; Col 2:13; Jn 3:36; 1 Jn 5:11-12

[1] Gn 3:19; Heb 2:14-15

[1] Rv 20:14-15; 2 Thes 1:8-9

[1] 2 Cor 4:3-4; Heb 2:14-15; Eph 2:1-2, 6:10-17; 1 Jn 3:7-10; Jn 8:44; (Horrell, J. Scott; ST104A Class Notes, DTS Spring 2013, “Sin, Fall and Its Effects”, 11-12)

[1] Rom 3:23; “Salvation” appears 111t in 108 verses in the OT (Logos Bible Software 5, NASB95 Bible)

“The OT deals with salvation in a promissory and provisional way.” (The Cross and Salvation; Demarest, Bruce; “Introduction to The Doctrine of Salvation,” P. 25-31)

[1] Gn 22:1-9; Ex 12:12-13, 21-23; Jn 1:29; 1 Cor 5:7; Leviticus 1:2-5; 3:2, 16:1-34; Is 53:3-10; The Greek preposition ““Anti” means “in place of” (Lk 11:11), “instead of” Mt 20:28; Mk 10:45” (Horrell, J. Scott; ST104A Class Notes, DTS Spring 2013, “What Christ Did on the Cross”, 8)

[1] Redemption’s definition, “The act of paying the ransom / price to purchase something.” “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law; he himself paid the price to free sinners from the power, consequences, and condemnation of sin.” (Horrell, J. Scott; ST104A Class Notes, DTS Spring 2013, “What Christ Did on the Cross”, 9); Redemption (Eph. 4:1) “Sin paid for”, (Toussaint, Stanley D.; BE106 Acts and the Epistles, Class Notes, Fall 2012)

[1] Rom 5:10; Mt 5:24; Definition-“To reconcile,” “to make peace; trade enmity with friendship” Eph 1:10; 2:16; Col 1:20-22 (Horrell, J. Scott; ST104A Class Notes, DTS Spring 2013, “What Christ Did on the Cross”, 11)

[1] 1 Jn 4:10; Rom 3:25; Heb 2:17; Lev 17:11; “Divine Wrath”; Propitiation—God is Satisfied (1 Jn. 2:2)—God can now turn toward man. Man must now turn to God—Reconciliation—Redemption (Eph. 4:1 “Sin paid for”), (Toussaint, Stanley D.; BE106 Acts and the Epistles, Class Notes, Fall 2012)

[1] “To justify; vindicate; treat as just/righteous,” “righteous, just, upright” Lk 18:9-14; Acts 13:38-39; Ro 1:17; 3:19-26, 28; 4:1-5; 5:1,9; 8:29-30; 2 Co 5:21 Gal 2:16 Eph 1:4; Ti 3:4-7 (Horrell, J. Scott; ST104A Class Notes, DTS Spring 2013, “What Christ Did on the Cross”, 12)

[1] Rom 5:1-8:39; Jn 3:14-21; Acts 16:30-31; Mk 16:16; Eph 2:4; 2 Thes 2:16; Rv 1:5

[1] “make holy, set apart for as sacred to God” (Horrell, J. Scott; ST104A Class Notes, DTS Spring 2013, “What Christ Did on the Cross”, 22); “The method of justification determines the method of sanctification,” Dr. Stanley D. Toussaint.

[1] (The Cross and Salvation; Demarest, Bruce; “Christ Died for Sins Once for All (1 Pt 3:18), The Doctrine of Atonement,” P. 147-199)

[1] Rom. 4:1-17; 11:6; Gal. 3:8-9; Eph. 2:8-9; Grace includes forgiveness, salvation, regeneration, repentance and the love of God: In the OT hesed which often meant “steadfast love” and occasionally “loyalty”, “an attitude of faithfulness”; also ḥēn meaning “favor” specifically undeserved favor—action—from a greater (often divine) authority to a lesser authority (D. R. W. Wood and I. Howard Marshall, New Bible Dictionary, 3rd ed. (Leicester, England; Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1996), 433). God’s Riches at Christ Expense: Man possesses, nor may he/she acquire, any merit for salvation away from Christ on the Cross as discussed in this statement and the referenced scripture.

[1] Hos 13:4-14

[1] Acts 1:9

[1] “Sin is any disposition or act contrary to God.” (J. Scott Horrell, Dallas Theological Seminary, ST104A Soteriology, Class Notes, Class definition of sin)

[1] “eternal” root:αιων appears 194t in 162 verses in the NT; “Salvation” appears 111t in 108 verses in the OT (Logos Bible Software 5, NASB95 Bible)

[1] Jn 1:17, 3:36, 6:40, 11:25; Rom 5, 6:23; Is 43:11; Mt 25:46;

[1] Gal 5:22-26

[1] Jas 2:14-26; Heb 11:6

[1] Eph 2:8-9; Acts 15:1-12, 16:29-31; Man fails to earn any salvation through his efforts, spiritual fruit, works, sacraments or circumcision; rather “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved…”

[1] Jn 13:18, 15:16, 19

[1] Lk 1:41; Ps 22:9-10, 71:5, 139:16; Is 49:1; Jer 1:5,

[Z] The Bible lacks any reference to the inability to believe based on age or health. Belief occurs spiritually, as opposed to intellectually. Ro 8:26-27 says the Holy Spirit intercedes for us when our own cerebral capacities prove inadequate. Paul, writing by the power of the Holy Spirit, says “we,” thus including himself as a called apostle by the will of God (Ro 1:1); Paul avoids a conditional statement, including the consideration of age or IQ (intelligent quotient). Ro 8:31-39 states nothing separates us from the love of God, surely this includes knowing / believing in Him. “Nothing” must omit the limitations of age and mental health. If not, what other limitations might one include to undermine the meaning of “nothing”? Therefore, God through the interceding of the Holy Spirit provides each person the ability to believe according to God’s will. Additionally, Dallas Theological Seminary Professor Dr. Lanier Burns states that sin makes people crazy. This verifies the lack of cerebral adequacy of all humans, due to original sin.

[1] Rom 6:23

[1] Acts 16:30-31

[1] Jn 3:16-20

[1] 1 Cor 2:6; Eph 4:13; Heb 5:14, 6:1; The Natural Person (2 Cor 2:14, rejects “the things of the Spirit of God”), The Spiritual Man (1 Cor 2) represents the ideal Christian, The Infant Christian (1 Cor 3) Immature Christian—“fleshen, implying weakness”, The Carnal Christian (1 Cor 3:3-4)—poor testimony, willfully denies spiritual growth (Toussaint, Stanley D., TAI Series (Think About It): People Come in Four Sizes)

[1] Is 42:5; Rom 8:4; Gal 5:16, 25;

[1] John 14:26, 20:22; Acts 2:38; ‘spirit’ Heb. rauch; Gk. pneuma – “the expulsion of wind or breath, the idea of air in motion. ‘Spirit’ expresses, ‘the breath of life’, power, energy and life.” ‘Divine Spirit’  -- “the energy of life in God”; filled with the Spirit Jn 2:19-22 (Ferguson, Sinclair B., The Holy Spirit: Contours of Christian Theology, 16-17, 22) Synonyms used: Comforter, Counselor, Helper.

[1] Jn 14:26;

[1] Jn 3:3-7; Ti 3:5-7; 1 Pt 1:3, 23; 1Jn 2:29; 3:9; 4:7; 5:1, 4,18

[1] Jn 3:15-16, 36; Eternal, eternity, or permanent appears 94t in the Bible (NASB95) (Logos Bible Software 5, April 2013)

[1] Eph 1:13-14; 4:30 2 Co 1:22 “down payment”; The sealing and confirmation of loving trust between the Father and the Incarnate Son. (Ferguson, Sinclair B., The Holy Spirit: Contours of Christian Theology,49);Seal or Sealing appears 32t in the NT (NASB95) (Logos Bible Software 5, April 2013)

[1] 1Co 12:13; Acts 1:5,8; 11:15-17; Baptize or one of its derivatives appears 71t in the NT (NASB95) (Logos Bible Software 5, April 2013)

[1] 2 Cor 1:21-22; 1 Jn2:20, 27

[1] Jn 14:16-17; Ro 8:9-11, 16; 1Co 6:19; “another Counselor”; We receive the Holy Spirit once.

[1] Lk 1:5; Eph 5:18; Acts 2:4; 4:8, 31; 5:3; 6:3,5,8; 9:17; Rom 15:13; A Christian often has many “filling of the Spirit” (Horrell, J. Scott; ST104A Class Notes, DTS Spring 2013, “What Christ Did on the Cross”, 19-22) and (Toussaint, Stanley D.; BE106 Acts and the Epistles, Class Notes, Fall 2012) (Logos Bible Software 5, April 2013, NASB95)

[1] 1 Ti 5:8; Heb 3:12

[1] Rev 21:8; Jn 3:16-21, 14:6; Acts 16:30-31; Rom 1:18-20; Paul, in Acts, specifically states that belief in Jesus is required for salvation. While the Bible speaks of predestination (Rom 8:29-30; 1 Cor 2:7; Eph 1:5-12), Christians should continually evangelize—spread the good news of Jesus Christ—as instructed in the Great Commission (Mt 28:16-20). Paul provides an excellent example of evangelizing to everyone despite the personal consequences (c.f. Missionary Journeys in Acts)

  

Doctrinal Statement: Ecclesiology and Sanctification

A DEFINITION AND EXPLANATION OF ECCELESIOLOGY AND SANCTIFICATION

By: Ben Lowery, Claude Williams, Katherine Bailey, Rick E. Meyer, Rodney Knudsen, Sarah Yopp

Dallas Theological Seminary

Fall 2012

 

EDIFICATION
We believe edification is an essential mark of the church, to teach, equip, and build up believers in their faith. This is done through fellowship, hearing the preached Word, observing the Lord's Supper, discipleship, prayer, confession and service. Members of the church make up one body, with Christ as the head, and are edified by corporately sharing their differing Spiritual gifts, growing together in unity and maturity.

 

EVANGELISM and EXALTATION

The prudent unified local and universal church pursues the commission of making disciples of all nations. The church recognizes individual and corporal relationships developed from representing Christ's image, provides evangelism's foundation.

    The church repetitively proclaims the salvific good news of Jesus' death and resurrection to unbelievers. The church will appropriately defend, and clarify the gospel. Abiding in the Vine of Christ produces the fruit of love and spiritual nutrition to share with, and attract all the world-— neighbors, city, state, nation, and globe. The church acknowledges the evangelist lacks control of evangelism's results.

The chief end of a man is to praise God. Therefore, the chief end of the church must also be to exalt and praise God in a similar manner. The church's worship should focus on the glory and majesty of our Creator and Redeemer, the triune God in all things and through all things.

The term worship is sometimes applied to all Christians' life, that everything we do should be an act of worship and to glorify God. We worship God with joy, with confession of Jesus Christ as Lord, confession of sins, the reading of God's word, through music and song and with Thanksgiving, all to the glory of God and his will. 
    

ORDER
 A primary component of the proper ordering of the church is the Biblically established offices of the church. These include: Elders (Pastors and Overseers being included in this category), Deacons, and possibly Deaconesses. Historically there has been a plurality of elders with one functioning as the head Elder/ Pastor. The elders are responsible for the care of their local church, and they seek to develop the believers in it for the work of the ministry (Ephesians 4:12). Deacons and Deaconesses assist the elders of the church in ministry tasks, serving as the servants of the church. While there is some flexibility in how a church is organized and lead, a church without these functional offices cannot claim to be Biblically based in its leadership structure. As an essential corollary "church leaders imply church members." How else will the leaders be able to distinguish whom they are to lead?

 

ORDINANCES
We believe that there are two ordinances, or sacraments, mandated in scripture. These sacraments are to be administered by ordained ministers of the Church. The first sacrament, baptism, is the sign, seal, and symbol marking entrance into the church for a disciple; it accompanies the forgiveness of sins; and it is a prerequisite for participation in the second sacrament. The second sacrament, the Lord's Supper, is the means of ongoing covenant renewal for the baptized disciple and is rightly observed corporately and ideally observed weekly.


ORTHODOXY
We believe that in order for a gathering of people to be considered a church, among other things, the body must be comprised of people who hold to basic orthodox beliefs and practice them as a corporate group. These orthodox beliefs being the triune God as creator and redeemer, the fall and resulting depravity, the person and work of Christ, salvation by grace through faith, the inspiration and authority of the scriptures, redeemed humanity incorporated into Christ and the restoration of humanity and creation. Acknowledging that in any church there will be a small minority that does not belong to Christ the standard of orthodoxy applies to the true body of Christ.

Doctrinal Statement of the Holy Trinity

DOCTRINAL STATEMENT ON THE HOLY TRINITY
A Paper Presented to Dr. Nathan Holsteen Dallas Theological Seminary In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Course ST102 Trinitarianism
by P.J. Beets, Nxxx Xxxxx, Buddy Head, Rick Meyer, and Kristen Zion April 12, 2012


We believe in one God, who is eternally existent in three persons – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Each member of the Godhead mutually indwells each other yet is distinct in personhood and role. The Old Testament and New Testament attest to both the oneness and the plurality of personhood within the Godhead.


We believe that while there is unity within the members of the Godhead there is also diversity. These distinctions are illustrated through their roles and relationship with each other. Thus the Father is the architect of the plan of redemption.
The Son executes the plan of redemption, has his being from the Father, and was only submissive to the Holy Spirit during His incarnation. The Holy Spirit has his being from the Father, is sent by both the Father and the Son, was authoritative over the Son during His incarnation, had as his chief role to mediate the presence of Christ to believers, and has been resident with us (the church) since Pentecost.


  We believe in God the Father, the first person of the Trinity, who is Almighty and the Maker of heaven and earth. He can be known through Jesus, the Word, the Holy Spirit, and love. He is eternal, forgiving, good, gracious, holy, incomprehensible, infinite, invisible, long-suffering, loving, merciful, and wise. He is mystery, self-existent, simple, free, perfect, and impassable. His character, ways, life, truth, and purposes do not change. He is sovereign, judge, reconciler, and all will return to Him. The Father is the principle of the Trinity but not the cause. The Father begat the Son and sent the Holy Spirit.


We believe in God the Son, the second person of the Trinity. He eternally exists equally with indivisible from, and yet distinct from God the Father and God the Holy Spirit. We believe in the complete deity of Jesus Christ, the Son of God in human flesh and the only begotten from the Father, conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. Jesus is fully God and fully man, but without sin, consisting of a divine nature and a human nature, but existing as one person.
 Jesus came to earth to take the form of a man in order to suffer and die on a cross and to pay the penalty of sin for all mankind. He physically rose from the dead on the third day, providing the way of salvation for all who believe in him. Jesus is the sacrifice for sin and way of salvation. Because Jesus Christ is God, he is worthy of the praise and worship of all creation. He will come again to judge the world.

We believe in God the Holy Spirit, the third person of the Trinity, eternally coexisting as one substance (Gk. homosteses) with the Father and the Son, while differing in personhood and function. He instigates life — Christ —and regenerates our souls. The Spirit of truth convicts the soul of sin and glorifies the Father and Son. He speaks through the prophets , authors all scripture, and writes God’s laws on our hearts and minds. The Holy Spirit provides comfort and counseling to all believers. We receive fruits of the Spirit, whom also seals our inheritance.


End Notes The foundational truth of Judaism (and then Christianity) is discovered in Deuteronomy 6.4 – “Hear, O Israel, the Lord is our God, the Lord is one!” Based on this text, both Judaism and Christianity are monotheistic.
Orthodox Christians have always and only affirmed the existence of one God. The first phrase of the Nicene Creed (325 AD) is “We believe in one God.” See Wayne A. Grudem, Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1994), 1169. Gen 21:3; Deut 33:27; Psa 90:2; Psa 145:13; Isa 9:6; Isa 40:8; Jer 10:10; Dan 7:14; 27; Rom 16:26; 1 Tim 1:17; 6:16; Heb 9:14.


The first person to use the term triad to indicate the three persons of God was Theophilus of Antioch. Irenaeus developed this triadic view of God, using Scripture to stress both the unity of God and the equal deity of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Tertullian argued against modalism and used the terms trinity (trinitas in Latin) and person (persona in Latin) to describe the fact that God is one in substance yet three in form. For more discussion, see Robert Letham, The Holy Trinity: In Scripture, History, Theology, and Worship, (Phillipsburg, New Jersey: P&R Publishing, 2004), 90-101.


The doctrine of perichoresis, though not named until much later, was emphasized by Athanasius and the Cappadocians. Perichoresis indicates “the full mutual indwelling of the three persons in the one being of God” (Letham, 178). John of Damascus developed this concept, stressing the inseparability and unbreakability of union within the Trinity. A belief in perichoresis is a defense against the threat of tritheism. For discussion, see Robert Letham, The Holy Trinity: In Scripture, History, Theology, and Worship, (Phillipsburg, New Jersey: P&R Publishing, 2004), 178-183.


The church developed language in the first four centuries AD which would adequately explain the oneness and threeness of God. Linguistic confusion was common.


The Greek terms homoousias and hypostasis could be used interchangeably and many did not recognize them as distinct terms. Thus, confusion over the exact relationships between the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit were common, even after Nicea. Basil the Great was the first to clearly distinguish the homoousias (the identical ontology of God) from the hypostases (the three separate persons of God).


Other Cappadocians, including Gregory of Nyssa and Gregory Nazianzen, followed Basil’s focus on the hypostases and also discussed the interrelations between the persons of the Godhead. Says Letham, “A more flexible vocabulary, developing around 362, allowed terms like homoousios, ousia, and hypostasis to be reformulated in a way that opened the door to a new understanding of the Trinity” (Letham, 166). For more discussion, see Robert Letham, The Holy Trinity: In Scripture, History, Theology, and Worship, (Phillipsburg, New Jersey: P&R Publishing, 2004), 118-121; 146-166.


See the next four paragraphs for discussion of the interrelations and distinct roles of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. OT texts that stress the oneness of God are Deut 6:4, 32:29, Isa 42:8, 43:10, 45:21-22, and Mal 2:10. Yet, plurality in the Godhead can be seen in the OT, veiled though it may be. Plural terms for God include Elohim (all throughout OT), Most High Ones (Dan 7:18, 22), Makers (Eccl 12:1), and Husbands (Isa 54:4). Other texts which reveal the plurality within the Godhead are Psa 45:6-7, 110:1, Isa 44:6, 48:16, Dan 7:13-14, and Zech 12:10. The NT provides the clearest scriptural descriptions of the Trinity. Some key texts include Matt 28:19, Rom 15:30, 1 Cor 12:3-6, 2 Cor 13:14, Gal 4:4-6, Col 1:3-8, 2 Thess 2:13-14, and Titus 3:4-7. Triadic patterns appear most frequently in John (14:16-17; 15:26; 16:7; 20:21-23) and Ephesians (2:18; 4:3-6; 3:14-17; 5:18-20; 6:10-11). Deut 6:4; John 10:30 Bruce Ware, Father, Son, & Holy Spirit (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books, 2005), 69. Ephesians 1:9-12 1 John 4:14 John 5:26 Bruce Ware, Father, Son, & Holy Spirit (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books, 2005), 87-94. John 15:26 John 14:16-17; 15:26 Matthew 4:1 J.I. Packer, Keeping in Step with the Spirit (Old Tappan, NJ: Revell, 1984), 49. Acts 2 For language of Apostles’ Creed and Nicene Creed, see Wayne A. Grudem, Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1994), 1169; Gen 1:1; Exod 6:3. John 14:7, 9 J.I. Packer, Knowing God, (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1973), 37. For discussion of the Westminster Confession of Faith, see Wayne A. Grudem, Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1994), 1179; Deut 33:27; Neh 9:17; Ps 86:5; Ps 103:8; Isa 6:3; Rom 11:33-34; 1 Tim 1:17; Exod 20:6; Lam 3:22; Deut 4:31; Jer 10:12. Nathan D. Holsteen, “Trinitarianism,” class discussion for ST102 (Dallas Theological Seminary, Spring Semester, 2012); Deut 29:29; Isa 40:12-28; 1 John 1:5. Packer, Knowing God, 77-80. Fountainhead. St Athanasius, On the Incarnation: The Treatise De Incarnatione Verbi Dei, rev. ed. Popular Patristics Series, trans. and ed. a Religious of C. S. M. V. (Crestwood, NY: St Vladimir’s Seminary Press, 1996), 28. Isa 2:4 2 Cor 5:18-19 1 Cor 15:24-28 Robert Letham, The Holy Trinity: In Scripture, History, Theology, and Worship (Phillipsburg, NJ: P & R Publishing Company, 2004), 232. For language of Chalcedonian creed, see Wayne A. Grudem, Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1994), 1169-70; Ps 2:7; The word “begotten,” monogenēs, means “only” or “unique“ not “born of.” See E. E. Carpenter and P. W. Comfort, Holman Treasury of Key Bible Words: 200 Greek and 200 Hebrew Words Defined and Explained (Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2000), 349. John 14:16-17 The Son is equal with the Father and the Spirit in that each is fully God and the Son is of the same essence as the Father and Holy Spirit. This concept was confirmed by the defining of the term homoousios by the Council of Nicea. For further discussion on the Nicene Creed and the language affirmed by the Council see Robert Letham, The Holy Trinity: In Scripture, History, Theology, and Worship, (Phillipsburg, New Jersey: P&R Publishing, 2004), 115-126. Jesus Christ is portrayed as divine in the Scriptures in relation to his attributes, works, titles, and the worship he receives. Some passages that display his omnipotence include Matthew 8:26-27, 14:9, 28:18, and John 2:1-11. Passages that reveal his omnipresence are Matthew 18:20, and 28:20. Other passages such as Mark 2:8, John 2:25, 6:64, 16:30, and 21:17 attribute omniscience to him. For further study on Christ’s divinity in relation to his attributes, divine titles, and works see Wayne A. Grudem, Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1994), 543-552.


For a list of passages further confirming Christ’s deity also see Robert Letham, The Holy Trinity: In Scripture, History, Theology, and Worship (Phillipsburg, New Jersey: P&R Publishing, 2004), 53-54. According to John 1:14, Jesus was begotten by the Father and became flesh. The conception by the Holy Spirit and virgin birth are confirmed in Matthew 1:18-25 and Luke 1:26-35. This belief stands on the creed spelled out at the Council of Chalcedon in A.D. 451. For an English translation of the creed, see the following Philip Schaff’s translation in Wayne A. Grudem, Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1994), 557. The scriptural evidence for Christ’s divinity has already been laid out above. According to Hebrews 2:17 the Son had to be made like man in every way in order to make propitiation for the sin of mankind. It is important to note that he was without sin. If Christ had been sinful then he could not have served as a proper sacrifice for sin. This is affirmed by the following passages: 1 Corinthians 15:1-8, Philippians 2:5-8, Hebrews 1:2-3, and Colossians 1:13-23. Scripture testifies to Christ’s sacrifice for sin in Romans 10:8-9, Hebrews 9:8-15, and 10:14. In the pages of Scripture Jesus is clearly worshiped. In passages such as Matthew 2:11, 21:14-16, 28:9, Luke 19:38-40, John 20:28, his followers worship him and in Philippians 2:8-11it is predicted that one day all will worship Christ. Some of the passages foretelling his second coming include the following: Matthew 24:44, John 14:3, Acts 1:11, 2 Peter 3:10, 1 John 3:2 and Revelation 22:20. Holsteen “Trinitarianism” class notes: 1. Intelligence (John 14:26, John 15:26, Romans 8:27, 1 Corinthians 2:10-13) 2. Personal Will (Acts 8:29, Acts 13:2, Acts 16:6, 1 Corinthians 12:11) 3. Manifests Emotions (Ephesians 4:30, Hebrews 10:29) 4. Stands Parallel to Son as the other Counselor (John 14:26, Romans 8:26) 5. Blasphemy against the Father or Son can be forgiven, NOT against the Holy Spirit (Matthew 12:31) 6. Comforts (Acts 9:31, Romans 8:26, John 16:13-14), Acts 2:38. Genesis 1:1-2 Genesis 1:26; John 1:18; John 1:20; John 6:63-65 Mt. 1:18 Robert Letham, The Holy Trinity: In Scripture, History, Theology, and Worship (Phillipsburg, New Jersey: P&R Publishing, 2004), 56. The Holy Spirit acts in every stage of redemption, including the conception and ascension of Jesus Christ. The angel, Gabriel, compares the Holy Spirit’s role in the conception of Mary (Luke 1:35) with creation (Genesis 1:2). John 16:12-15 John 16:8 In both Luke 3:22 and John 1:32-33 the Spirit descends on Christ in the form of a dove. 2 Timothy 3:16, 2 Peter 1:20-21, 3:2 Hebrews 10:15-16 Robert Letham, The Holy Trinity: In Scripture, History, Theology, and Worship (Phillipsburg, New Jersey: P&R Publishing, 2004), 58. In John 14:16, the “Spirit” (paraclētos or paraclete) is often translated “comforter” or “counselor.” It is believed this connotation favors a “defense attorney” (i.e. Counselor), representing believers to diabolos (devil). Also, see John 14:26 – “…But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and will cause you to remember everything I said to you.” Galatians 5:22 Ephesians 1:13

Doctrinal Statement

Rick E. Meyer See, Believe, Achieve Inc. www.rickEmeyer.com ST101N: Introduction to Theology Doctrinal Statement of Scripture A. Inspiration I believe the entire canonized Bible is the pure, inerrant Word of God, written by the Holy Spirit through faithful, obedient servants chosen by God who is the Father, the Lord Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. The Bible is written through men, absent their independent thoughts, using events and observations of their lives to convey the message of the Holy Spirit to God’s people . The canonized Bible remains at sixty-six books as writings are from prophets, apostles or Christ. Cannon of Scripture indicates the books acknowledge as the inspired word of God by the Church . B. Inerrancy The pure, inerrant, word of God is internally absorbed when reading scripture and listening to his voice. Jesus says that his sheep know his voice . Those who do not know the Father, do not know his voice . Metabolism commences with acknowledging the pure authenticity of God's word, this acknowledgement solidifies belief. Belief enhances the transformation of internalized scripture from potential to kinetic. This acknowledgement includes confessing God's wisdom far exceeds our own. Scripture only appears errant, when I lack sufficient wisdom, knowledge and understanding. The Holy Spirit is the only source of revelation , thus is sought for sufficiency. A pure word is a pure Lord Jesus Christ, the Word made flesh ! Scripture is alive , continually and perpetually transforming those who open their heart to its truth, closer to God’s image. Complete transformation only occurs at the end of earthly life. An impure Word is an impure Christ. An impure Christ negates his death and resurrection for the forgiveness of eternal sin for all who trust in Him, confessing sole dependence upon His purity and resulting death and resurrection for the forgiveness of our personal sin. I believe the eternal Godhead exists in Trinity of the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit . They are three distinct persons of one God, existing in equality of attributes and nature; and in worthiness of praise and adoration. Jesus existing in eternity Genesis “our image.” I believe man is innately sinful from Adam , Jesus Christ is the only way to eternity with God in heaven. C. Authority The Bible molds and transforms my spiritual, emotional, financial , recreational and physical life . When God’s Word and my thoughts and actions are incongruent, my thoughts and actions must change – not the Bible. The Bible is used for teaching and rebuking. When man’s thought and desires are incongruent with scripture, it is man whom must change. Wisdom brings joyful rebuke, conviction and change. Ultimately, my belief of the above testimony authentication radiates from my eyes, voice tonality, words and actions of loving and forgiving others and me . End Notes: ST101N Bibliology: Cannon Horrell P. 49 Charles Ryrie “There is nothing in the text that deceives.” ST101N Horrell Class notes P. 39 2 Ti 3:16 “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.” Scripture originate in God, exhaled by Him through the human authors to all of mankind. Charles Ryrie “God’s superintendent of the human authors so that, using their own personalities, they composed and recorded with error His revelation to man in his words of the original manuscript.” ST101N Horrell Class Notes P. 49 BIBLIOLOGY THE CANNON OF SCRIPTURE Jn. 10:27 My brother in-law owns a large sheep herd, up to 1,000 ewes in addition to their lambs existing as twins and triplets. These sheep respond to his voice, they do not respond to my voice. We know our earthly parents’ voice, likewise we know our Heavenly Father’s voice. For example, when I was about fifteen months old, my dad said I quickly went from standing right beside him to climbing about twenty feet up the ladder on the nearby windmill tower in our farmyard. I began walking at seven months old, and loved climbing. Dad yelled at me to "Get Down!!" I can only imagine the concern racing through his mind; upon hearing his voice, I nearly jumped, because I know and respect my father's voice. I would have been non-respondent to a stranger’s voice. Dad's voice would have no meaning to a stranger. For those who have never met their parents, would they recognize their father's voice? How can anyone recognize something they have not heard. Unfortunately, not all recognize God's voice. Unfortunately, not all know Christ. "The miracles I do in my Father's name speak for me, but you do not believe because you are not my sheep." John 10:25-26 Is transforming God's Word, written or spoken, through people a miracle? Is maintaining accuracy of the Word while translating between languages a miracle? I believe both are miracles. Jesus is the Word made Flesh as described in the first chapter of John. Occasionally I hear people say the Bible is NOT God's pure Word, rather simply stories of faithful people during that time. They lack belief of God's ability to speak to the prophets and the interpreters of language over time, because they are unfamiliar with God's voice in their life. Knowing Jesus enables us to comprehend and believe the miracle of God's pure Word in scripture as written by other sheep belonging to Christ. Christ's sheep know His voice, enabling them to believe His miracles. Knowing and hearing Christ's voice allows us to comprehend and believe the human transcribers of scripture also knew, listened and obeyed the pure Word of God. If you have difficulty believing scripture is the pure Word of God, pray for God to open your heart and ears allowing you to know and hear Christ's voice as one of His sheep. Jn. 5:37 “And the Father who sent me has himself testified concerning me. You have never heard his voice nor seen his form, nor does his word dwell in you, for you do not believe the one he sent.” 2 Pe 1:20-21 “Trust the Lord's Calculations” December 22, 2010 Proverbs 3:5 – 7 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil.” The method of deriving the correct answers in chemistry or physics courses frequently seems illogical or confusing; perhaps errant. Simple math fails to solve advanced equations! Often in chemistry and physics equations, we must know and properly use constants, such as the speed of gravitation acceleration of 9.81 meters per second per second. A commonly used constant in chemistry is Avogadro’s number of 6.023 x 1023 particles /g. atom. A vast array of other constants and factors are used for advanced calculations. Those using advanced calculations regularly every day, view them as “common sense.” A Beta Sig alumnus and world renowned Professor of Chemical Engineering at Kansas State, Dr. Larry Erickson, calculates extremely advanced equations in his mind – strictly cerebral! To assure proper perspective, an assignment in his class includes calculations enduring up to 40 minutes in Microsoft Excel. These equations epitomize complexity! Most of us, would compare the raw data with the final product, uttering this does not make sense. My mind does not currently possess the wisdom to comprehend and calculate those equations. Are the final products wrong based on my lack of understanding and inability to successfully complete these calculations? Absurd!!! The calculated products are right once calculated properly whether me or anyone else besides the person making the calculations understands. Yet, how often do we hear people, claim the Bible does not make sense simply because we lack the ability to comprehend? How often do we claim God’s ways, his voice in our life, cannot be true because the product is beyond our understanding and ability to calculate how we are transformed from where we are to where God is placing us? Does God use constants in his equations of which we are unaware? Does Avogadro’s number change or cease to exist based on someone’s intellectual capacity? Equally, God’s constants remain regardless of our human understanding. Jesus Christ, the word made flesh, who is one and the same as the Father, alpha and omega, states that he is, “The same yesterday, today and tomorrow.” The triune God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit may speak to you directly or indirectly; revealing awesome plans for you; lying beyond our comprehension. Believe!!! Christ’s calculations containing the eternal Wisdom, Knowledge and Understanding of Creation; involve constants beyond the cumulative of human understanding. Leaning on our own understanding or wisdom instead of Christ’s Wisdom, Knowledge and Understanding while fearing him, results in foolishness leading to failure. These amazing constants and complex calculations are why we are to trust and fear him. As we acknowledge his advance calculating ability, he will make our paths straight; even when the math does not add up. Pr. 30:5-6 Jn. 1:1 Jn. 5:46 Class notes P. 19 BIBLIOGY: AUTHORITY AND INSPIRATION OF SCRIPTURE “The Bible is alive – it has hands and grabs hold of me, it has feet and runs after me.” Rev. Dr. Martin Luther Jn. 14:26 Mt. 28:18–19, 9Mk 12:29; 9Jn 1:14; 9Acts 5:3–4; 2 9Cor. 13:14; 9Heb. 1:1–3; 9Rev. 1:4–6 Romans 5 Jn. 14:6 Jn. 17:3 Romans 5:1 Pr. 3:5-6 Pr. 16:3 Pr. 17:16 Dan Schneider’s prayer at the starting line of Kansas’ State Cross country meet our senior year, “Lord, Help us run a race to glorify you, whether first place or last.” We sought becoming the first team in twenty years to repeat as the best in Kansas. Our Manhattan High (KS) team prioritized glorify Christ ahead of our glory and desires. We did win the title, and alphabetized by THE HARRIER among the top twenty teams in America. My thoughts are derived from reading and studying cover to cover dozens of times; as well as decades of continual topic study. Additionally, I average reading two to three a week in the past twenty years, and approximately five per week this past decade. A significant portion of these thought producing books are authored by theologians such as Martin Luther, Charles Swindoll, Charles Stanley, Norman Vincent Peale, Billy Graham, Ron Ball and others. Before moving to Dallas in August 2011, I donated most to charity; thus they are no longer in my possession to reference specifically. Yet the Holy Spirit working through these books, highly influences my thou