WHAT DO WE BELIEVE?
To answer this question properly, much needs to be said by way of
introduction. However, for the sake of time, allow us to outline the difference
as simply as we can. We will only
make three brief introductory points. First, what we believe is rooted in WHO we
believe. This is not an intellectual or academic exercise. It is a living
relationship with Jesus, THE Christ, the Lord of glory, our Savior.
That is the reason we refuse to allow our desire to be a witness for Him
to be reduced to a debate. Second, the differences in what we believe are not a
matter of theological emphases. Denominations have been created over one
doctrine or tradition being emphasized over another.
The difference in what we believe and what most believe is the difference
in eternal life and eternal death. Third, we understand, from personal
experience, that the only way to savingly see the difference between the truth
and a lie is by the free and sovereign grace of God. He is the only one that can
make us to differ from another. So, what are the differences?
1. We do not believe God loves everybody.
We believe the love of God is only to be found in Christ, and that was
determined by God before the world began. Eph.1:4
2. We do not believe Christ died for everybody.
He laid down His life for the sheep not the goats. It is not for us to
try to figure out which one men are. His sheep will hear His voice and they will
follow Him. Christ purposed to save His elect, and He fulfilled all He came to
do. Jn.10:26-27; Is.42:1-4
3. We do not believe God, in any way, wills all men to be saved.
God is God. His will is always accomplished. If He willed all men to be saved
then all men would be saved. The
purpose of God according to election will stand
Rom.9:11, 8:28
4. We do not believe man has a “free will”. Man's will is in
bondage to his
5. We do not believe the gospel is an “offer” of salvation to be
accepted by man. The gospel is the declaration of the “good news” that Christ
has DONE everything necessary to secure the salvation of His people. God is not
waiting for us to DO something to make what Christ did work for us. 2Tim.1:9 “It
is finished!” Jn.19:30 This message of grace is irresistible to the elect.
6. We do not believe our faith is the effectual cause of our
salvation. The
7. We do not believe the Bible is a rule book for Christian living.
We believe it is in its entirety a revelation of the glorious person and
accomplished work of the Lord Jesus Christ.
He Himself is our rule of life. Lk.24:44-45
8. In short, we believe that “salvation is of the Lord”. He gets
all the glory for saving a dead dog sinner such as I.
We know there are some who will want to
argue these points with verses of Scripture they think refute what we believe.
Remember the first point in the introduction.
We will not shame Christ by making Him the subject of a debate. “I know
Whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have
committed unto Him against that day.”
If you have an interest in this gospel we would encourage you to listen
to the gospel preached by a faithful gospel preacher.
The Lord uses the preaching of Christ crucified to save them which
believe. Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God.
GRACE GOSPEL CHURCH
423 E. 6TH STREET
APOPKA, FL 32703
321-438-4554