Bible course
The Bible - The Word of God?
"Sacred Scripture is the inspired Word of God, the faithful textual testimony of the Gospel, and the true and accurate rendering of God's revelation to mankind. In this respect, Sacred Scripture is infallible and fundamental for the Church in all matters of doctrine and life." (2. Tim 3,15-17; 2. Petrus 1,20-21; Joh 17,17)The author of the Epistle to the Hebrews says the following about the way God has spoken throughout the centuries of human existence: “In the past God had spoken to us many times and in many ways…”
How is God?
According to Scripture, God is a divine being in three eternal, consubstantial, yet distinct persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. He is the one true God, eternal, unchanging, almighty, omniscient, and omnipresent. He is the Creator of heaven and earth, the Sustainer of the universe, and the source of salvation for humankind. Although transcendent, God acts directly and personally in relation to humanity. God is love and infinite goodness.Markus 12,29; 1. Timotheus 1,17; ...
Who is Jesus Christ?
God the Son is the second person of the Godhead, begotten eternally by the Father. He is the Word and image of the Father - through him and for him God created all things. He was sent by the Father as Jesus Christ, God, revealed in the flesh, to enable us to gain salvation. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary - he was fully God and fully human, combining two natures in one person. He, the Son of God and Lord of...
What is the message of Jesus Christ?
The gospel is the good news of salvation through God's grace through faith in Jesus Christ. It is the message that Christ died for our sins, that he was buried, was raised on the third day according to the scriptures, and then appeared to his disciples. The gospel is the good news that we can enter the kingdom of God through the saving work of Jesus Christ (1. Korinther 15,1-5; Apostelgeschichte 5,31; Lukas 24,46-48; Johannes 3,16; Matthäus 28,19-20; Markus…
Who or what is the Holy Spirit?
The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Godhead and proceeds eternally from the Father through the Son. He is the Comforter promised by Jesus Christ, whom God sent to all believers. The Holy Spirit lives in us, unites us to the Father and the Son, and transforms us through repentance and sanctification, conforming us to the image of Christ through constant renewal. The Holy Spirit is the source of inspiration and prophecy in the Bible and the source of unity and fellowship in the Church. He…
What is sin?
Sin is lawlessness, a state of rebellion against God. Since the time sin entered the world through Adam and Eve, man has been under the yoke of sin - a yoke that can only be removed by God's grace through Jesus Christ. The sinful condition of humanity is reflected in the tendency to place oneself and one's own interests above God and His will. Sin leads to alienation from God and to suffering and death. Because all people are sinners, they need...
What is baptism?
Water baptism—a sign of the believer's repentance, a sign of accepting Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior—is participation in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Being baptized "with the Holy Spirit and with fire" refers to the renewing and purifying work of the Holy Spirit. The worldwide Church of God practices baptism by immersion. (Matthäus 28,19; Apostelgeschichte 2,38; Römer 6,4-5; Lukas 3,16; 1. Kor 12,13; 1. Petrus 1,3-9; Matthäus 3,16)The evening before his…
What is the church?
The Church, the Body of Christ, is the community of all who believe in Jesus Christ and in whom the Holy Spirit dwells. The Church has the mandate to preach the Gospel, to teach everything that Christ commanded, to baptize, and to shepherd the flock. In fulfilling this mandate, the Church, guided by the Holy Spirit, takes the Bible as its standard and constantly orients itself toward Jesus Christ, its living Head. (1. Kor 12,13; Röm 8,9; Mt 28,19-20; Kol 1,18; Eph 1,22)The church as…
Who or what is Satan?
Angels are created spiritual beings. They are endowed with free will. The holy angels serve God as messengers and agents, are ministering spirits for those who are to attain salvation, and will accompany Christ at his return. The disobedient angels are called demons, evil spirits, and unclean spirits.Hebr 1,14; Offb 1,1; 22,6; Mt 25,31; 2. Petr 2,4; Mk 1,23; Mt 10,1). Satan is a fallen angel, leader of evil forces in the spirit world. In Scripture he is referred to...
What is the New Covenant?
In its basic form, a covenant governs a mutual relationship between God and humanity in the same way that a normal covenant or agreement involves a relationship between two or more people. The New Covenant is in effect because Jesus the testator died. Understanding this is crucial for the believer because the reconciliation we have received is only through “his blood on the cross,” the blood of the New Covenant, the blood of Jesus,…
What is worship?
Worship is the divinely created response to the glory of God. It is motivated by divine love and arises from divine self-revelation to his creation. In worship, the believer enters into communication with God the Father through Jesus Christ, mediated by the Holy Spirit. Worship also means that we humbly and joyfully give God priority in all things. It expresses itself in attitudes and actions such as: prayer, praise, celebration,…
What is the big mission command?
The gospel is the good news of salvation through God's grace through faith in Jesus Christ. It is the message that Christ died for our sins, that he was buried, was raised on the third day according to the scriptures, and then appeared to his disciples. The gospel is the good news that we can enter the kingdom of God through the saving work of Jesus Christ (1. Kor 15,1-5; Apg 5,31; Lukas 24,46-48; Johannes 3,16; Mt 28,19-20; Mk 1,14-15; Apg 8,12; 28,30-31). The…
