The Fundamentals

I made this blog to give to the students in my Apologetics class so they could have a reference for the main doctrines of the faith.  Found in Chapter 11, "Disciples Defend the Faith" of our 201 book, click here to read in full.
 

Here are the Fundamentals:

1.     The Bible:  The Scriptures, both the Old and New Testament, are verbally inspired by God and are the revelation of God to man, the infallible, authoritative rule of faith and conduct.

A.             Scripture References: 2 Timothy 3:15-17, 1 Thessalonians 2:13, & 2 Peter 1:21.

B.    Scholarly References:  Dr. James White of Alpha and Omega Ministries www.aomin.org has a great book called, “Sola Scriptura!” and a debate with Shabir Ally (Muslim) over the divinity of the New Testament.

Josh McDowell www.josh.org provides great resources on the infallibility of the Bible in his book “New Evidence That Demands a Verdict”, which I think is a must have for every Christian.

2.     The Trinity:  There is only One True God–revealed in three persons...Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (commonly known as the Trinity).

A.             Scripture References:  Deuteronomy 6:4, Isaiah 43:10-11, Matthew 28:19, & Luke 3:22.

B.    Scholarly References:  Dr. James White of Alpha and Omega Ministries www.aomin.org has a great book called, “The Forgotten Trinity”.

3.     Jesus is God:  As God's Son Jesus was both human and divine.

A.      Scripture References:  John 1:1, 1 Timothy 3:16 (KJV), Philippians 2:9-11, Revelations 7:9-11.

B.             Scholarly References:  Josh McDowell www.josh.org has a great book called, “More Than A Carpenter”.

4.     Fall of Man:  Though originally created good by God, man willingly fell to sin when tempted by Satan–ushering evil and death, both physical and spiritual, into the world.

A.             Scripture References:  Genesis 1:26-27, 2:17, 3:6, & Romans 5:12-19.

B.        Scholarly References:  Any good commentary on the book of Romans is worth having.  Tyndale Press makes an excellent commentary on the book of Romans by F.F. Bruce, which is a very valuable and informative resource on the most theological book in the Bible.

5.     Salvation:  Every person can have restored fellowship with God through 'salvation' by accepting Christ's offer of forgiveness for sin.

A.             Scripture References:  Luke 24:47, John 3:3-16, Romans 10:13-15, & Titus 2:11.

B.             Scholarly References:  Every Christian should own at least one theology book so they can see the basic doctrines of the Bible taught thoroughly throughout Scripture.  Moody Press makes a great beginners book called, “The Great Doctrines of the Bible”, by Williams Evans.

6.     Communion & Baptism:  The Bible teaches two practices that every Christian should participate in— (1) Water Baptism by Immersion after repenting of one's sins and receiving Christ's gift of salvation, and (2) Holy Communion (the Lord's Supper) as a symbolic remembrance of Christ's suffering and death for our salvation.

A.      Scripture References:  Baptism:  Matthew 28:19, Mark 16:16, & Acts 10:47-48.  Holy Communion:  Luke 22:19 & 1 Corinthians 11:25-26.

B.        Scholarly References:  Once again a basic theology book will teach these basic truths in depth.

7.     Final Judgment:  A Final Judgment will take place for those who have rejected Christ. They will be judged for their sin and sent to eternal damnation in a punishing lake of fire along with the Devil and his fallen angels.

Those who have been saved and have their names written in the Lamb’s book of life will be given a resurrected body and will live and dwell with God on the new earth forever.

A.             Scripture References:  Matthew 25:46. Mark 9:43-48, 2 Peter 3:13, & Revelations 19--22.

B.           Scholarly References:  Once again a basic theology book will teach these basic truths in depth.