What does the Bible say about our beliefs?

I. DEFINING THE NATURE AND SOURCE OF BELIEF

Beliefs, in the biblical sense, begin with recognizing that there is one eternal Creator who made the universe and everything in it (Genesis 1:1). This belief is not merely intellectual; it encompasses trust and devotion. Scripture repeatedly affirms that the foundation of these beliefs lies in divine revelation. As it is written, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction…” (2 Timothy 3:16, partial).

Human beings are created to seek truth and meaning. According to the Bible, discovering truth begins with knowing God, who reveals Himself in both the natural world (Romans 1:20) and the written Word (Psalm 119:105). Because of this, the ultimate standard to which believers turn for matters of life, faith, and doctrine is Scripture.

II. BELIEFS ABOUT GOD

1. God’s Eternal Nature

From the earliest pages of Genesis to the final chapters of Revelation, Scripture proclaims God’s eternal existence. “Before the mountains were born… from everlasting to everlasting You are God” (Psalm 90:2, partial). He is presented as all-powerful (Jeremiah 32:17), all-knowing (Psalm 147:5), and ever-present (Psalm 139:7–10). Underlying all this is the consistent claim that God uniquely created the universe out of nothing, which aligns with the principle of cause and effect found in various philosophical and scientific discussions about the origin of the universe.

2. God’s Triune Nature

The Bible consistently reveals the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit as coexistent and coeternal. In passages like Matthew 28:19, the three persons are mentioned together: “baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (partial). Early manuscripts such as the Codex Sinaiticus and Codex Vaticanus preserve these texts, underscoring the manuscript evidence for the Trinity’s biblical foundation.

III. BELIEFS ABOUT JESUS CHRIST

1. His Divine Identity

The Bible identifies Jesus as the eternal Word who was “with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1, partial). Although manifested in human form (Philippians 2:7–8), His eternal origin as God the Son is central to Christian belief.

2. His Death and Resurrection

The core of biblical faith is the historical and bodily resurrection of Christ. “He is not here; He has risen!” (Luke 24:6, partial). Multiple historical sources, including accounts of early Christian martyrs and secular historians (e.g., Josephus in Antiquities 18.3.3, though debated), reinforce the claim that the disciples believed they had encountered the risen Jesus. The earliest New Testament writings (1 Corinthians 15:3–8) date close to the events themselves, supporting the historical credibility of Christ’s resurrection.

3. Salvation Through Christ Alone

Scripture emphasizes that salvation comes exclusively through faith in Jesus Christ. “There is salvation in no one else,” as Acts 4:12 (BSB, partial) proclaims. Believers are called to repent of sin and place their trust in Him, confessing that Christ is Lord (Romans 10:9). In philosophical and behavioral terms, the transformation that follows this belief is seen in changed lives and renewed hearts (2 Corinthians 5:17).

IV. BELIEFS ABOUT THE HOLY SPIRIT

1. He is a Person, Not Merely a Force

The Holy Spirit teaches (John 14:26), guides (John 16:13), and can be grieved (Ephesians 4:30). These personal qualities depict the Holy Spirit as coequal and coeternal with the Father and the Son.

2. His Role in the Believer’s Life

According to Scripture, the Holy Spirit indwells believers, empowering them for holy living (Galatians 5:22–23). He also provides spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 12:4–7) that serve the body of believers, manifesting God’s miraculous power even today.

V. BELIEFS ABOUT SCRIPTURE’S AUTHORITY AND RELIABILITY

1. Inspired and Inerrant

“All Scripture is God-breathed” (2 Timothy 3:16, partial), underscoring the view that the words of the Bible come directly under divine authority. Early manuscripts such as those found among the Dead Sea Scrolls and other archaeological findings consistently affirm the careful transmission of biblical texts. Scholars point to the remarkable consistency across thousands of textual fragments, testifying to the Bible’s reliability.

2. Historical and Archaeological Validation

Numerous geographical and cultural references in Scripture match findings from archaeology. Excavations at ancient sites like Jericho suggest occupational layers that align with biblical timelines. The Tel Dan Stele, the Mesha Stele, and other inscriptions reference biblical figures and events, providing external confirmation of biblical history.

VI. BELIEFS ABOUT CREATION AND INTELLIGENT DESIGN

1. Origins in Scripture

“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1). This declaration is repeated in passages like Exodus 20:11. The genealogical records in Genesis 5 and 11 offer a framework for a young earth chronology, tracing a direct line from Adam to subsequent generations. While the Bible’s central premise is theological rather than scientific, these genealogies have been used to estimate a timeframe of several thousand years, consistent with a more conservative interpretation.

2. Scientific Considerations

Those who affirm intelligent design point to finely tuned constants in physics, irreducible complexity in biological systems, and other features that strongly suggest a purposeful designer. Though different scientific models exist, many interpret geological formations and fossil records as sharing evidence of catastrophic events—such as a global flood (Genesis 7–8)—rather than solely gradual processes over millions of years.

VII. BELIEFS ABOUT HUMANITY AND OUR PURPOSE

1. Created in God’s Image

Human beings are described as uniquely made “in the image of God” (Genesis 1:27, partial), signifying dignity and responsibility. This image-bearing function implies that humanity is more than a product of chance; we carry moral, spiritual, and rational capacities intended to reflect God’s character.

2. Our Chief Purpose

Scripture highlights that we are to love God and love others (Matthew 22:37–39). In so doing, we glorify Him. According to passages like Isaiah 43:7, humanity’s ultimate purpose is to bring honor to God, living in harmony with His will and pointing others toward His sovereignty.

VIII. BELIEFS ABOUT SALVATION AND ETERNAL LIFE

1. Necessity of Faith

Faith is described as “the assurance of what we hope for and the certainty of what we do not see” (Hebrews 11:1, partial). This faith is foundational for salvation, prompting believers to trust God’s promises and expect eternal life.

2. Eternal Hope

The Bible teaches eternal life in the presence of God for those who trust in Christ (John 3:16). For believers, death transitions into eternal fellowship with the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:8). This eternal hope shapes believers’ worldview, reframing life’s trials in light of God’s greater plan.

IX. BELIEFS IN THE DAILY LIFE OF A BELIEVER

1. Ethical Conduct and Transformation

Faith finds expression in moral living. Believers, united with Christ, show love, mercy, honesty, and humility (Colossians 3:12–14). Behavioral changes become tangible evidence of transformed hearts.

2. Community and Worship

Christians gather for fellowship, prayer, study of Scripture (Acts 2:42), and worship. These corporate practices strengthen faith, sharpen understanding, and cultivate an environment of mutual growth.

X. CONCLUSION

The Bible speaks robustly about the nature and scope of our beliefs—centered on God’s self-revelation, secured in the person and work of Jesus Christ, illuminated by the Holy Spirit, and upheld by the authority of Scripture. Archaeological and historical findings reinforce Scripture’s reliability, while intelligent design and philosophical inquiry support the belief that a personal Creator shaped the cosmos.

Ultimately, Scripture teaches that humans were created to glorify God, find salvation through Christ, and reflect His nature in daily life. This divine calling forms the foundation of biblical belief, inviting everyone to explore the claims of the Bible, encounter the risen Christ, and experience the transformative power of faith.