On these truths I will stand
On Oct. 31, 1517, Martin Luther posted his famous “95 Theses” on the door of All Saints Church in Wittenberg, Germany.
While Luther intended the list as points for debate, his sharp criticism of the Roman Catholic church’s sale of indulgences and his contention that salvation was dependent on faith—not works—brought him into serious conflict with religious and secular authorities.
At the Diet of Worms (imperial assembly) in 1521, authorities commanded Luther to repudiate his writings. He stood alone against the gathering of powerful clergy and political leaders, responding: “Unless I am convicted by Scripture and plain reason (I do not accept the authority of popes and councils because they have contradicted each other), my conscience is captive to the Word of God. I cannot and will not recant anything, for to go against conscience is neither right nor safe. So help me God. Amen.”
Courageous stand
Luther’s courageous stand for his convictions resulted in him being labeled a heretic and eventual excommunication from the church. However, today Luther is universally respected as a man who courageously stood for his convictions.
At the basis of everyone’s Christian faith should be certain doctrinal convictions that form the foundation of our behavior and worldview. In a relativistic age, when biblical truth is eroding amid the gods of diversity and pluralism, standing for these doctrines is especially important for pastors and church leaders.
Recently I’ve been compiling a list of biblical truths that I am determined to stand for regardless of the consequences. These principles form the foundation of my faith. They are my doctrinal “non-negotiables.”
Since the world loves darkness rather than light, I understand these biblical truths inevitably anger those who don’t know Christ. I also acknowledge that some fellow believers may want to tweak a phrase or two.
The certitudes
Still, the following statements are biblical certitudes that define doctrine for me:
1. God created the world, and we are ultimately accountable to Him as the ruler and sustainer of His universe.
2. Every person has value to God, and every human life to be treated with dignity and compassion from conception to natural death.
3. Marriage between a man and a woman is the foundation of the family which is the basic building block of society.
4. Sexual intimacy is a sacred gift from God and is a privilege to be reserved for marriage only.
5. Satan is the ultimate source of evil in the world and the archenemy of all that is good.
6. We have each inherited a carnal nature from Adam and consequently we have all disobeyed
God and are hopelessly trapped in sin and are in desperate need of redemption.
7. Jesus Christ is the only begotten Son of God. He provides the only way to salvation through faith in His atoning death and bodily resurrection.
8. The Bible is the inspired Word of God, the primary means by which we come to know Christ, who is the absolute standard of right and wrong.
9. We place our trust in Christ by repenting of our sin, publicly professing our faith in Christ and being baptized into Him.
10. The Holy Spirit indwells the believer to convict of sin, comfort us in sorrow, empower us to overcome temptation, embolden our witness and guide us in following God’s will.
11. The church is the body of Christ on earth and is a divine source of fellowship, edification and service.
12. Jesus Christ will one day return to earth, and then every knee will bow and every tongue confess that He is Lord.
13. Those who have trusted Christ will reign with Him forever in heaven; those who have rejected Him will be punished for their sins in hell.
14. The primary purpose of life is to glorify God by living in obedience to His commands.
Here I stand
These biblically-based statements form the basics of what I believe. While many of these principles go against a post-Christian culture that chafes against the concept of absolute truth, Jesus warned us that He would at times separate friends and family. But, like Martin Luther we need to say, “Here I stand, I can do no other, so help me God. Amen.”
Photo source: istock
 | Bob Russell became the pastor of Southeast Christian Church at just 22 years old. That small congregation of 120 members became one of the largest churches in America, with 18,000 people attending the four worship services every weekend in 2006 when Bob retired. Now through Bob Russell Ministries, Bob continues to preach at churches; conferences throughout the United States, provide guidance for church leadership, mentor other ministers and author Bible study videos for use in small groups. Learn More » |
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