Standing Firm

Beloved . . . [I] exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.  Jude 3

  “The faith” is the embodiment of Christian doctrine that is undeniably and irrefutably attested to in the Holy Scriptures, and that has been held from generation to generation unquestioningly. The doctrines that have been defended and upon which many have staked their very lives. Even so, we must continue in the Apostles Doctrine unflinchingly.

  The earnest defense of the exclusivity of Jesus Christ our Lord as the only way by which anyone, anywhere and at any time can receive salvation is of foremost importance (John 14:6; Acts 4:12). Jesus, as the God-man, is the one and only mediator that meets the criteria necessary to make full redemption for mankind and complete reconciliation with the Father by a perfect, and thus, acceptable sacrifice (1 Timothy 2:3-6).

  Perfect humanity and undiminished deity united in the one person, Jesus Christ, was preserved through the virgin birth of our Savior. Thus, the title He bore of Emmanuel, which being interpreted is God with us (Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:23). All of this being said, the Word, that was God, became flesh and dwelt among us for the purpose of saving His people from their sins as the one who was sinless (John 1:1;14; Matthew 1:21; 1 Peter 1:22). Jesus took our sins in His own body upon the cross, becoming sin for us, the one who never sinned, to suffer the consequences of our sin in our place (1 Peter 2:24; 2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Peter 3:18). Therefore, Christ’s obedience unto death, even the death of the cross for you and me has paved the way, by a perfect payment, for us to go free from the eternal condemnation, damnation, and punishment of our sin through faith in His blood (Philippians 2:8; 1 Peter 1:18-21; Romans 3:24-26).

  The evidence concerning Christ’s person and work of salvation (both His death and resurrection); we hold onto with the utmost fervor as believers, and hold forth with the utmost confidence to unbelievers. God wishes for none to perish, but for all to come to repentance and faith in the Lord Jesus (2 Peter 3:9). Believing in God the Son is to accept the testimony of God the Father that will bring everlasting life, freedom from any condemnation, and a crossing over from death to life (John 5:24; Romans 8:1).