Primary Doctrine | Ben Markel

The Holy Scriptures

I believe the Bible is the inspired, infallible, authoritative, and sufficient Word of God. Through the Scriptures, God has revealed Himself, His will, and His plan of redemption in Jesus Christ. Because they are God’s Word, the Scriptures are the final authority for what I believe and how I live.

God

I believe there is one eternal God who exists in three Persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three Persons are coequal, coeternal, and of one divine essence, deserving the same worship, glory, and obedience. There is one God, not three gods, who alone is the Creator and Sustainer of all things.

Jesus Christ

I believe Jesus Christ is fully God and fully man, the eternal Son of God who became flesh for our salvation. He was born of the virgin Mary, lived a sinless life, died as the atoning sacrifice for our sins, rose bodily from the dead, ascended into heaven, and will bodily return in glory to judge the living and the dead.

The Holy Spirit

I believe the Holy Spirit is fully God, the third Person of the Trinity, who gives new life to those who believe the gospel. He indwells every believer, sanctifies us, equips us for faithful service, and continually conforms us to the image of Jesus Christ.

Humanity

I believe every human being is created in the image of God and therefore possesses inherent dignity and value. Humanity was created for fellowship with God, yet through Adam’s fall every person now enters the world under the curse of sin and stands in need of redemption through Jesus Christ.

Sin

I believe all people are sinners by nature and by choice and are unable to reconcile themselves to God through their own efforts. Sin separates us from our Creator, leaves us guilty before His righteous judgment, and demonstrates our complete need for His saving grace.

Salvation

I believe salvation is by God’s grace alone through faith alone in Jesus Christ alone. It is not earned by works, religious ceremonies, or human merit, but is the free gift of God received by trusting in the finished work of Christ on the cross and His victorious resurrection.

The Church

I believe the Church is the body of Christ, composed of all who have been united to Him through faith. The Church exists to worship God, proclaim the gospel, make disciples, encourage believers, and display the glory of Christ until He returns.

The Christian Life

I believe every Christian is called to follow Jesus Christ in faith, holiness, love, and obedience. While salvation is entirely the work of God’s grace, those who have been redeemed are continually transformed by the Holy Spirit and called to live lives that glorify God.

Last Things

I believe Jesus Christ will bodily return in glory to raise the dead, judge all mankind, and bring God’s redemptive plan to its perfect completion. Those who belong to Christ will enjoy everlasting life in His presence, while His righteous judgment will be fully and finally accomplished.