From early on, the church has emphasized that Jesus is the only-begotten Son of God. We find this phrase in the Apostles’ Creed and Nicene Creed. Until recently, it was also found in English Bibles, for instance in the well-known verse, John 3:16: God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son. … Continue reading “One and Only” or “Only-Begotten”?
Tag: Apostles' Creed
The Apostles’ Creed
The Apostles’ Creed is a summary of Christian doctrine used throughout the Western church. Legend has it that each of the twelve apostles wrote one of its articles; but the actual history of the creed is complicated. (A detailed study of its development can be found in J.N.D. Kelly, Early Christian Creeds.) The Apostles’ Creed … Continue reading The Apostles’ Creed
What to believe? (LD 7, q&a 22)
Introduction You can only be saved if you believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. The catechism made that very clear in q&a 20. Faith is what “grafts you into” the Saviour, that is, connects you with him on an essential level, so that his righteousness becomes your righteousness, and his holiness becomes your holiness, and … Continue reading What to believe? (LD 7, q&a 22)
PreCon 03: The confessions of the church
Why we use confessions "… do you wholeheartedly believe the doctrine of the Word of God, summarized in the confessions …?" We believe that the Bible contains God's special revelation. It is authoritative, necessary, perspicuous, and sufficient to teach us all we need to know about our salvation. Yet the church has also adopted some … Continue reading PreCon 03: The confessions of the church