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APOSTLES' Creed (IV)
Page 3
Notes by:  Fred Schwenk


The basic creed of Reformed churches, as most familiarly known, is called the Apostles' Creed.  It has received this title because of its great antiquity; it dates from very early times in the Church, a half century or so from the last writings of the New Testament.


I believe in GOD, the FATHER ALMIGHTY, the CREATOR of heaven and earth, and in JESUS CHRIST, HIS ONLY SON, our LORD:  Who was conceived of the HOLY SPIRIT, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried.  HE descended into hell.  The third day HE arose again from the dead.  HE ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of GOD the FATHER ALMIGHTY, whence HE shall come to judge the living and the dead.  I believe in the HOLY SPIRIT, the holy *catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting.  Amen.

*The word "catholic" refers not to the Roman Catholic Church, but to the universal church of the Lord Jesus Christ.


We continue our journey into the Basic Principles of the Christian Faith. These beliefs are fundamental to our salvation. Although the Church of JESUS CHRIST on earth today is quite fragmented, there are several teachings (doctrines) that are common to all true believers.  We will look at these doctrines one by one in the hopes of strengthening our "like precious faith!"


The forgiveness of sins.




Supporting Scripture:  1 John 1


9"If we confess our sins, HE is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

 

No sin in heaven!  And no sinners in heaven!  Well, where does that leave us?  Without JESUS in our lives, it leaves us outside the gate weeping and gnashing teeth, in utter darkness and separation from ALMIGHTY GOD!

We must never forget this!  We are not just "sinners saved by grace!"  We are changed!  Feel changed?  well, feel it or not, you are, if you have the ONLY SON as SAVIOR!

We have the forgiveness of sin(s) and the cleansing of all unrighteousness! We are made clean.  Here is an illustration:

If you own a pet, let's say a big hairy dog, you know they love to get dirty.  And let's say you have a rule . . . . 

NO DIRTY DOGS IN THE HOUSE!

So, now it is winter and below zero outside, but warm and toasty in the house.  Do you leave the dog outside to freeze or do you change your rules?  Neither!  The third possibility is you find a way to clean the dog!  It may be a hard way, but you love your pet so you do it!  Now that he is clean he can come inside and be fed and petted and curl up by your feet.

I know we are not pets or dogs.  To the FATHER we are HIS precious children!  But the analogy holds.  HE is a Righteous and Holy GOD and will not bend the rules!  And, HE will not let you outside in the cold (unless you run from HIM, and even then HE will pursue).

HE has found a way (by the Blood of HIS SON) to clean us.  So HE does.  HE is faithful and just to forgive us and clean us!  How great is that?  

You may not feel clean and there may be sin in your life that you have not fully dealt with.  But you are alive and HE will not let you go!  HE promised that HE would not lose a single one of us.  

So let's get excited and receive this precious gift!

 

This Study will continue as:  Apostles' Creed (V)

 

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