Pan Christianity Creed Suggestion
I. Introduction
As argued in the previous article (Trinity, Unnecessary Barrier), we acknowledge that the doctrine of the Trinity is an excellent academic product that explores the existential nature of God and Jesus throughout Christian history. However, we would like to point out a clear problem with the current culture that teaches these human theological frameworks as if they were unchanging biblical truths, rejects other views, and labels them as heretics. Christianity must reflect on our own history that we directly opposed the teachings of Jesus, who emphasized carrying out the commandments with love rather than vain doctrinal debates, and must create a new history of restoration.
Within the unshakable proposition that “God is one and only,” there have been many attempts and views to harmoniously understand the identity of Jesus, the Messiah, and the Holy Spirit who works in the lives of believers. We assert that these diverse views should be respected as long as they do not undermine the fundamental beliefs of Christianity.
Then, what should be the content of the fundamental faith of Christianity that can never be compromised? In this paper, we would like to propose the content of that core belief.
II. Pan Christianity Creed
A. Concerning God
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The One Creator God: Believing in the one, eternal God, who is the Creator of heaven and earth and all things within them, and the Sovereign Ruler of all (Deuteronomy 6:4, Isaiah 43:10, Genesis 1).1
B. Concerning Jesus Christ
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Is the Messiah (Christ): Believing that Jesus of Nazareth is the Messiah (Christ) promised in the Old Testament, sent by God the Father (John 17:3, Acts 2:36).5
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Special Status as Son of God: Believing that Jesus, as the 'Son of God,' has a unique and intimate relationship with God the Father, reveals the Father, and fulfills His will (John 1:14, 18; Hebrews 1:3).6
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Authority as Lord: Confessing Jesus as 'Lord' (Kyrios), submitting to His teachings and commands, and accepting Him as the master of one’s life (Romans 10:9, Philippians 2:11).1
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Salvific Significance of His Life, Death, and Resurrection: Believing in Jesus' historical life, authoritative teachings, miracles, His substitutionary death on the cross for the forgiveness of human sins and reconciliation with God (though interpretations of the specific mechanism of atonement may vary), and His physical resurrection as confirmation of His divinity and mission and proof of victory over death (1 Corinthians 15:3-4, Romans 10:9).5
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Ascension and Return: Believing that Jesus ascended into heaven after His resurrection and will return at the end of time to judge the living and the dead.5
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Salvation through Jesus Christ: Believing that through faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, one’s relationship with God is restored, sins are forgiven, and eternal life is obtained (John 3:16, 17:3; Acts 4:12; Romans 10:9-10).5
III. Conclusion
We have tried our best to organize the core contents of faith that the Bible demands of us regarding God, the Messiah, and the Holy Spirit, but it would be impossible to fully express the faith that the Bible demands in a few sentences. In addition, clearly defining the identity and relationship between God and the Messiah is fundamentally beyond human wisdom.
In the life of a believer, there is nothing more important than practicing the commandments with love for God and neighbors. We must liquidate the past of erecting unnecessary barriers between brothers and sisters of the same faith who believe in Jesus Christ through excessive doctrinal debates and unite in the truth. The mission that the church must pursue in this very era is to focus on and follow the essential teachings of the Bible, not the traditions of men. When we do so, we believe that Christianity will truly become the light of the world and we will be able to come one step closer to the vision of the kingdom of God where Israel and Gentiles unite as one and truly serve God.