Dion Astwood
God is triune: one God, three persons. Those persons are the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ) and the Holy Spirit. God is eternal, all knowing, all powerful, omnipresent, perfect, holy, loving and unchanging.
Jesus pre-existed eternally with the Father and the Holy Spirit. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born by the virgin Mary. He was fully God and fully man. Jesus lived a sinless life, was crucified, died and was resurrected in boldily form on the third day. He ascended to the Father in heaven. Jesus will return to judge the living and the dead.
The bible is revelation from God to man. It is inspired of God and is inerrant in the original manuscripts. It is the final authority of faith for Christians. The ultimate guide to the interpretation of Scripture is Scripture.
God created the world in six normal consecutive days approximately 6000 years ago. The first man (Adam) and woman (Eve) were created on day 6. All humans descend from these two people.
Adam and Eve sinned against God. Eve sinned first through being deceived. Adam sinned second in knowing rebellion. Adam bears responsibility for the Fall of the human race. All humans subsequently, and because of this, have a sinful nature. Death (both physical and spiritual) are a result of the Fall and no human or nephesh animal experienced death prior to this.
As judgement on mankind, God sent a flood that covered the entire earth including all the mountains of that time. Only Noah and 7 other people survived the flood by living on a purpose built ark. Noah took land animals (probably only air-breathing animals) on the ark and all land animals descend from these.
All people deserve to be alienated eternally from God. Salvation is the state of coming into a right relationship with God. Salvation is only through Jesus and is not available any other way. It is offered to all people. It is conditional on choosing to follow Jesus. It is a free gift from God, a work of his grace and unable to be earned. Salvation is evidenced in changed lives. Saved people walk (metaphorically) towards Jesus and do good works.
Because of our sin we come under God’s wrath and condemnation. God requires death as punishment for sin. Jesus’ death meets God’s just requirements for punishment on our behalf if we avail ourselves of it.
Baptism is commanded by Jesus for all people who follow him. It is symbolic of dying to one’s own way of living, and rising to live in God’s ways. It is not necessary for salvation, but if the nature and necessity of baptism is fully understood and declined, then willingness to obey Jesus must be questioned (and hence salvation).
All men who have ever lived will be raised to face judgement by Jesus at the end of the age. Those who have availed themselves of his salvation will gain eternal life with him. If one is not saved through Jesus, he will be condemned to everlasting punishment in Hell.