The simplicity of our Christian Faith

Christians rarely agree on much of anything, but there is one thing we should all have agreement regarding and that is the purpose and accomplishments of Jesus Christ. How can there be any question regarding the legal redemption and justification purchased for us through the death of Jesus? How can there be any question regarding the victory over sin and death found in the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ?

Jesus fulfilled every criterion to be our Savior. Jesus lovingly paid the price for our redemption through the shedding of His Holy blood. Through His sacrifice, propitiation has been made for the sins of all mankind and God could (and did) close the books on Adam’s transgression and its consequences.

By the stripes of Jesus we have been healed and made whole. The blood of Jesus purchased our redemption. The burial of Jesus sealed our justification and the resurrection of Christ won the victory over death and made available eternal life to those who believe. Because of all these things, we can trust the promise of God that Christ will return to lead us to our eternal home in glory.

Christians may vehemently disagree with each other on social issues, specific meanings of various scriptures, the role of the Church and a whole variety of other things; but there should be no disagreement regarding who Jesus Christ was, what He accomplished and what is to come. Of course, having just said this, we all know there will continue to be little unity on these matters unfortunately.

For what it is worth, I believe in what is laid out in what is known as the “Apostles Creed”:

“I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth.

And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; he descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic Church; the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. AMEN.”

I remember reciting this creed in the Presbyterian church I grew up in. I remember hearing this creed recited in various other churches over the years. If there is a creed that most Christians can live with, the Apostles creed is it.

As we go through these days leading up to the celebration of the suffering, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, we should unite as Christians in what we hold common and take a break from the incessant bickering that plagues our faith. Jesus died for our sins, was raised on the third day and is one day coming back. We have been redeemed and granted the gift of eternal life. How is that for keeping things simple!