I do not know how many people read my blog or what all of their religious or theological backgrounds are. I realize that some who have glanced — or perhaps even looked askance — at this blog may have no religious background at all and that some of the “theological jargon” may be so much “white noise.” However, this “white noise” or unfamiliarity with “religious” or “theological” language does NOT preclude this Biblical text from applying:
“For God’s wrath is revealed from Heaven on all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, holding the truth in unrighteousness, because the thing known of God is clearly known within them, for God revealed it to them. For the unseen things of Him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things made, both His eternal power and Godhead, for them to be without excuse. Because knowing God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful. But they became vain in their reasonings, and their undiscerning heart was darkened. Professing to be wise, they became foolish and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into a likeness of an image of corruptible man, and of birds, and four-footed animals, and creeping things. Because of this, God gave them up to impurity in the lusts of their hearts, their bodies to be dishonored among themselves, who changed the truth of God into the lie, and worshiped and served the created thing more than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen” (Romans 1:18-25).
Bottom line: Despite any alleged unfamiliarity with “God-talk” you DO know God but yet do NOT glorify Him for who He truly is.
Some terms (e.g., “Calvinism”; “Arminianism”; “open theism”; “atheism”) are just “theological short-hand” that save me time from unpacking everything contained in a given belief system. With that said, I still for the most part try to use understandable terminology so that anyone reading may comprehend no matter what the “contents” of their background are. If there is confusion about anything I post or comment on please feel free to send me an e-mail at cduncster@gmail.com.
The following, I believe, is a simple and easy to understand statement of what I think the Bible teaches about what ALL Christians believe. While the entirety of the Christian Confession of Faith (CCF) may be found here, I plan on posting and commenting on some portions of this confessional statement.
THE CHRISTIAN CONFESSION OF FAITH
Preface
After more than three years in the making, it is with joy that we present to you the Christian Confession of Faith (CCF). Those who contributed to and gave input into this Confession represent a wide variety of backgrounds and nationalities. At the outset, it was our mission to make a Confession with which every true Christian could agree in full, thus making it truly ecumenical in the good sense of the word. We have accomplished our mission. Whereas other Confessions include extraneous and unbiblical things as well as things over which true Christians can disagree (and, in the case of some Confessions, things with which true Christians must disagree), the CCF is a document that consists of biblical doctrine to which no true Christian will be opposed. It consists of doctrine that distinguishes the Christian Faith from all other religions, including false Christian religions. The other Confessions leave room for their adherents to speak peace to those who believe false gospels; this Confession does not. For the CCF, there is no such thing as a “partial subscriptionist.” If, after reading this Confession, anyone opposes any of the doctrines put forth therein, that person can rightfully be judged to be not of the Christian Faith.
We do not anticipate that the CCF will be popular, even among those professing Christians who say they believe the doctrines of grace, because true Christianity is not popular, even among those who say they believe the doctrines of grace. We do not anticipate that this will be embraced in most “Reformed” or “Calvinist” or “Sovereign Grace” circles, since it does not allow any room for its adherents to engage in spiritual harlotry with God-haters. Many unregenerate people are able to hold to other Confessions in good conscience because other Confessions do not go far enough in distinguishing the true Christian religion from false Christian religions and in proclaiming that all who believe in a false gospel of salvation conditioned on the sinner, as well as all who speak peace to them, are unregenerate.
The CCF is sure to be opposed by all kinds of self-righteous God-hating religionists, from those who believe that there are many ways to God to those who believe that Jesus Christ died for everyone without exception to those who believe that Christians can confess a false gospel to those who deny eternal punishment in hell to those who consider any such God-haters to be their brothers in Christ, to name a few. We expect howls of indignation and ridicule from the false religionists, and we are thankful for the opposition, as it confirms that we are doing what is right.
You will find in the CCF the highest reverence for Scripture as the final authority. All the doctrines contained therein have solid bases in Scripture. You will not find extraneous material or conjecture. We hope that the reader will find it very easy to understand, as one of our goals was to use understandable terminology.
If, after reading the CCF, you agree with all the doctrines therein and would like to formally state to us your agreement with this Confession, please send us the following statement:
“I agree in full with all the doctrines contained in the Christian Confession of Faith, as these doctrines are a Scriptural summary of the Christian Faith. I will not fellowship with anyone who I know opposes at least one of the doctrines contained in this Confession. I will not endorse, promote, or be a part of any church, religious group, missionary work, or denomination that I know (1) opposes at least one of the doctrines contained in this Confession or (2) has at least one member who opposes at least one of the doctrines contained in this Confession.”
We hope that the CCF will be a blessing and a means of unity among our brothers and sisters in Christ around the world, including a means of finding others of like precious faith. We hope that true Christians will use it as a litmus test for fellowship. We hope that it will show the essence of the Christian Faith to those who are ignorant of it. And we hope that it will be another means God uses to bring His people to Himself.
Agrammatos 