What I Believe

I believe that:

The Lord Jesus Christ is God, and that He is man (but no mere man). Matthew 1: 23, Luke 2: 11, John 1: 1, Romans 9: 5, 1 Timothy 2: 5.

He was acquitted by Pilate, but given up by him to be crucified. Matthew 27: 22–26, Luke 23: 13–25, John 18: 37–40, 19: 1–6.

While He was on the cross, God made Him sin: ‘Him who knew not sin He has made sin for us, that we might become God’s ­righteousness in Him.’ 2 Corinthians 5: 21.

While He was on the cross and dead, a ­soldier pierced His side with a spear, and immediately there came out blood and water. John 19: 33–34.

Through faith in Him and in His blood, I am justified from sin. Romans 3: 25.

He was raised again for my justification. Romans 4: 25.

He bore our sins in His body on the tree. 1 Peter 2: 24.

I am separated from the world by His cross. Galatians 6: 14. This is the narrow gate that leads to life. Matthew 7: 13–14.

He is in a body of glory and will change my body to be like His when He comes. Philippians 3: 21.

He manifests Himself to those who keep His word. John 14: 21.

God gives His Holy Spirit to those who obey Him. Acts 5: 32.

Departure from evil is the only way to reach unity amongst Christians. 2 Timothy 2: 19.

The Church has failed publicly, and the many various denominations (sects) are a proof of this.

As a disciple of Jesus Christ:

I follow Him as the Leader. Hebrews 12: 2.

I obey His commands. John 14: 15.

I follow His teachings. I quote from Luke: ‘Think ye that I have come to bring peace in the earth? Nay, I say to you, but rather division: for from henceforth there shall be five in one house divided; three shall be divided against two, and two against three: father against son, and son against father; mother against daughter, and daughter against mother; a mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.’ Luke 12: 51–53. ‘And great crowds went with Him, and turning round, He [Christ] said to them, If any man come to Me, and shall not hate his own father and mother, and wife, and children, and ­brothers, and sisters, yea, and his own life too, he cannot be My disciple.’ Luke 14: 25–26.

I follow the teachings and commands of His apostle Paul. I quote from 2 Timothy 2: 19–21: ‘Yet the firm foun­dation of God stands, having this seal, The Lord knows those that are His; and, Let every one who names the name of the Lord ­withdraw from iniquity. But in a great house there are not only gold and silver ­vessels, but also wooden and earthen; and some to honour, and some to dis­honour. If therefore one shall have purified himself from these in separating himself from them, he shall be a vessel to honour, sanctified, ­serviceable to the Master, ­prepared for every good work’, and 2 Corinthians 6: 14: ‘Be not diversely yoked with unbelievers; for what ­participation is there between righteousness and lawlessness? or what fellowship of light with darkness?’

I do not have communion, 1 Corinthians 10: 16, with anyone who does not obey Paul’s command in 2 Timothy 2 and 2 Corinthians 6.

I do have communion with everyone who obeys Paul. 2 Timothy 2.

In conclusion, I would remark that:

Scripture is the authority as indited by the Holy Spirit. 2 Timothy 3: 16–17. Persons who are convicted by them, depart from evil ­(iniquity). 2 Timothy 2: 19. No one is forced to do so, but if they do not obey Paul’s ­command, 2 Timothy 2, I withdraw from them. ‘Shall two walk together except they be agreed?’ Amos 3: 3.

The quotations are from Scripture which is the law of God to me.

James Taylor Jr

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