Human Creation and the need for Salvation
Statement of belief:
Man was originally created in the image and likeness of God. He fell through disobedience, incurring thereby both physical and spiritual death. All men are born with a sinful nature, are separated from the life of God, and can be saved only through the atoning work of the Lord Jesus Christ. The prospect of the unrepentant and unbelieving person is existence forever in conscious torment, and that of the believer in Christ is everlasting joy and peace.
What do you I believe the following to mean in the above statement?
"created" I believe that “created” means simply that God created humankind. The book of Genesis writes that we were formed from the dust. We (Adam), were breathed into by God by the breath of Life. Genesis 2:7 We (Adam) even spent time with God in the Garden of Eden. Genesis 2:15 I also believe that God made humankind in His image with some of the attributes of God. He created humankind for a relationship with Himself and longed to see us walk in obedience to Him. I do not believe that we (humankind) evolved from any position or source to be what we are today. God “created.”
"born with a sinful nature" I believe that we as humankind are born with a sinful nature. Due to Adam's willful disobedience to God in Genesis Chapter 3 we (humankind) are stained with a spiritual and physical genetic code for sin. Many theologians have waded through the various positions of this very topic for generations and some may still battle for some time into the future. But I believe that the Bible is quite clear that humankind makes their start in life with an uphill battle in the department of sinful nature. I can make this case in a very practical and yet personal way illustrating my 5 year old son. Even though he looks like and angel he finds himself tripping over his halo quite often. We are born into this world with a desire for self-preservation and success with very little effort for the others who walk in our way. Romans 1 speaks of this problem and explains the state of humankind as it is today. We can read or see the effects of the sinful nature in the evening news or when we are attacked in this life for living a godly life.
"Separated from the life of God" I do believe that humankind was initially separated from the life of God due to the sinful disobedience to God performed by Adam and Eve. But what does this actually mean? I believe it means that the opportunity for a complete re-union with God, both physical and spiritual was fractured because of sin. God has great difficulty being in contact with sin. When Adam and Eve sinned He had to punish them and one of those punishments was the fact that they would die physically one day and return to the dust from where they came from. Genesis 3:19 The life of the body which is given to humankind by God would someday cease. The spiritual connection to God was severed. Jesus said in John 3:3,7 that humankind must be "born again" to gain access into the Kingdom of Heaven. The Apostle Paul taught in Ephesians 2:1, 4:18 that we (humankind) are dead spiritually and separated from God due to our sins. Paul also demonstrates the encompassing result of sin and separation from the life God in Romans 3:10,23 by writing that all of humankind are guilty of sin and have fallen short. We (humankind) are left with a choice. We either continue to follow after sin and separation or we choose to follow after God and accept the only point of access to a life of union with God and that is through the acceptance of Jesus Christ as the Lord of our lives, both physical and spiritual.
"existence forever in conscious torment"
I believe this statement is the description of the actual end all result of sin. Hell. I believe that God made humankind to exist eternally with Himself (Trinity). Genesis 1:26 The effect of separation forces the human spirit to exist out of the presence of God. The Bible speaks of a day of final judgment by God when the separation will take its permanency. Revelation 20:11-15 This day will be a day of great joy for some but those who did not choose the Son of God will suffer greatly in a place named Hell. I do believe in Hell and find it as a powerful motivating force for convincing people who have chosen not to accept Jesus as their savior to do so before it’s to late. I honestly cannot imagine the fury and pain that will be inflicted on those who are sent there. It will be a very sad day.
"everlasting joy and peace" I believe this statement is the end result of being born again. John 3:3,8 Those who believe in Jesus Christ and make Him Lord of their lives will find themselves reaping eternal benefits of the "everlasting joy and peace." This will be found only in the presence of God in Heaven. Very little is known about every detail of heaven. You can't investigate it on realtor listing. But what we do know is that Jesus spoke of heaven and hell as a real place. John 5:24 Heaven is a place where there will be no more tears and pain. Revelation 21 It brings me great comfort to know that the great difficulty of this earthly life will be erased and redrawn in the exact opposite in heaven.
Is there salvation without personal faith in Jesus Christ?
I believe that because of sin we are separated from the “life” of God. However, our created spirit/flesh desires to be unified with something. The best fit for this union with God is through the belief and following of Jesus Christ which results in the spirit of man being born again and the offering of new hope and eternal life with God. For those who seek to follow the opposite of God, which basically gives them no chance for union with God, find themselves grasping for true meaning and purpose. This choice is demonstrated by the state of the world we live currently live in. So many people loose themselves in false religions and demonic unions when they choose not to follow God’s plan for salvation. I believe that personal faith in Jesus Christ is the only way to obtain salvation and the life giving regeneration of their spirit. Jesus speaks of this in many ways. He tells everyone that he is the only way in John 14:6, John 10. Paul writes in Romans 6:23 Jesus is the only answer to the penalty of sin. Luke writes in Acts 4:12 salvation is found in no one else except through Jesus. So I tell everyone that asks the question that Yes, Jesus is the only way to heaven.
What of those who have not heard the gospel?
At the end of Jesus' earthly ministry we find Jesus giving his last face-to-face instructions to his disciples. Matthew 28:16-20. This moment in time has been described as the "Great Commission." Jesus basically told his followers to make more disciples of all nations. The key word here is connection with the question concerning the spiritual fate/destination of those who have not heard the gospel and that is the word nations. I believe that God has commanded his church to be a vital player in the spiritual destiny of humankind. While saying all of this from the standpoint of being a former missionary with Youth With A Mission (Y.W.A.M.) I must admit that I struggle with this question but not with the responsibility. Romans 10:13-14 I believe that God is a God of mercy and grace but also a God who is just. Romans 1:17-and following sets a tone for humankind and their response to general and special revelation of God. My heart would be that everyone makes it into heaven but I know all to sadly that there are and will be those who refuse to exercise faith in Jesus Christ. So until He comes back for His church I will do my part to spread and encourage the spreading of the good news of the Gospel to “all the nations.” I believe that 2 Peter 3:9 would help my case. 2 Peter 3:9 “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance."
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