CST302 Personal Creed: Evangelical Beliefs and Personal Reflections

This assignment presents a student's personal creed, reflecting on key theological concepts from an evangelical perspective. The creed begins by exploring the student's understanding of scripture, its inspiration, and authority, contrasting it with their personal views on truth and interpretation. It then delves into the nature of God, embracing the Trinity while acknowledging the roles the God takes. The assignment continues to address humanity and sin, examining the concept of original sin and the desire for virtue. The student's beliefs about the person and works of Jesus Christ are detailed, emphasizing his role as a teacher, sacrifice, and path to eternal life. Soteriology, ecclesiology, and eschatology are also discussed, with the student's views on salvation, the church's role, and the end times. The student integrates their personal reflections with evangelical teachings, providing a well-rounded exploration of their faith. References are also included.

1
Personal Creed
Student’s Name
Institutional Affiliation
Supervisor
Date

2
Scripture and truth
The bible is the word of God that has been revealed to men inspired by the Holy Spirit.
Paul accredits his teaching and writings to inspiration by the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:4). The
inerrancy is an assumed truth based on the inspiration of the scriptures. In (Kings 17:24) Elijah is
proclaimed as a man of God and that whatever comes from God is true. The church teaches on
“sola scriptura” that teaches the bible as the final authority.
My view is that the Bible is inspired by God to teach on values of how to live. However,
due to societal biases, parts of the bible may have errors in interpretation. The final authority
should lie with the teachings of Jesus Christ as they were the word of God.
God, The Holy Trinity
There is only one God (Deuteronomy 6:4). McGrath attempts to explain the concept of
the trinity by viewing the three as roles that God assumes. In (John 10:30) Jesus proclaims that
He and the Father are one. For instance, if three points are brought together their harmony
transcends to give a triangle which is a single unit.
I believe that God the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit are one person. (John 1:1) speaks
of their harmony in existence at the beginning. The different forms God takes are oriented
towards a single goal of salvation. My understanding of God as a single entity taking roles
hinges on His transcendent nature attempting to have a relationship/ salvation for non-
transcendent human beings.

3
Humanity and Sin
Christians believe that human beings were made in the image and likeness of God
(Genesis 1:26-28). Human beings were good but turned away from this goodness (God) resulting
in original sin. However, there is still room for reconciliation with God through accepting and
following the teachings of Jesus Christ.
In my experience, all human beings have a predisposition toward sin. Despite this, there
is a great desire and admiration of virtue. Therefore, the nature of human beings, whether good
or evil, should not be founded on their beliefs and actions and not an intrinsic state.
Nature of Jesus
Evangelical teachings claim that Jesus was a perfect man and perfect God. God became a
man (1 Timothy 3: 16). Human salvation required a sacrifice. The sacrifice offered to God had to
be without blemish (Exodus 12:5). Jesus was born without original sin (1 John 3: 5). This is
because he was God, who cannot coexist with sin.
Jesus is the blueprint of what all human beings should strive for. In his nature as a perfect
man and perfect God, he was still humble enough to live out his immediate life until his time
came. Additionally, knowing Jesus the man allows me to better understand my relationship with
him as God.

4
Works of Christ
In life, Jesus Christ was a teacher (Mark 6:34). He offered guidance and wisdom through
his parables. In death, he offered the ultimate sacrifice for human sin. Finally, through his
resurrection, he offered a path to eternal life for all men.
The Christian gospel claims that Jesus Christ is the way, the truth, and the life. I believe
this to be true because numerous of Jesus’ teachings resonate with what all people consider a
virtue.
Soteriology
For human beings to attain salvation they have to believe in Jesus Christ as their one true
God and savior (Corinthians 5:21). The result of this salvation is receiving grace and eternal.
This is known as sanctification and glorification (Ephesians 2: 8-9). The salvation obtained
through accepting Jesus is known as justification.
In my view sin is not the problem because it is not the cause of death. This is justified by
the fact that plants and animals devoid of original sin still die. However, a society that believes in
morality improves the quality of life humans have. Human salvation is hinged on treating each
other with dignity.
Ecclesiology
It is believed that the church is holy because it was founded by Jesus Christ. The church
is universal for all. It is a singular entity comprising of Christians. Finally, those within the
church have a mission to spread the news of salvation (2 Corinthians 5:20)

5
I believe that we all share suffering and a desire to overcome it. Therefore, I agree with
the church being one and universal. The church and community offer me an opportunity to
practice virtue among those closest to me. Additionally, the church offers me guidance on how to
grow in my spirituality.
Eschatology
The teachings speak of a seven-year tribulation before the second coming of Christ. The
true Christians will be taken up to heaven. Jesus Christ will return (Mathew 24:27). There will be
a final battle between good and evil.
I believe that this doctrine gives hope to Christians. Every day people face extended
hardships, knowing that their salvation is at hand allows them to push forward. My opinion is
that we need not concern ourselves with the end of the world as it is inevitable. It is more prudent
to strive as individuals in improving ourselves.

6
References
McGrath, A. E. (2011). Theology: The basics. Hoboken.