Statement of Faith

"I believe the Bible is the innerrant word of God. Therefore the Bible is my statement of faith."

I have read many, many statements from organizations and from individuals who have done their best to explain what it is they believe to those who would like to know.  Typically, I have looked for these statements as a way of finding out if they agree with with what I believe.  I now realize that any biblical understanding we have is by the grace of God alone, and it is partial understanding at best, as God sees fit for us at any given time.

In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes: even so, Father; for so it seemed good in thy sight. (Luke 10:21)

For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith. (Romans 1:17)

But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. (1 Corinthians 2:9-10)

Because of passages like these all throughout the Bible, I believe it is only through ongoing study and prayer that fuller and deeper understanding is revealed to us by the holy Spirit of God as we remain lovingly repentant and teachable.  If we are truly seeking him, then God will continually open our understanding as our faith grows.  There are things I now believe that I did not believe years or even months ago, even though I have claimed to be a Christian for over twenty-five years.  Some of those things are represented on this site.  I'm sure many other aspects of truth yet remain to be revealed to me, as God in his mercy and wisdom allows.  Perhaps you have an understanding that can help me grow; in a similar way I hope views represented on this site help you grow.  Understandably then, our personal statements of faith about what we believe should also need constant updates as we all grow in Christ.

However, I have found no clearer, more honest, humble, and appropriate "all-purpose" statement of faith than that which follows (and it has the added convenience of not needing constant updates!):

"I believe the Bible is the innerrant word of God. Therefore the Bible is my statement of faith.

Specifics are found in what I share and if anything I share is not found in the Bible then it is a lie and not worth sharing. I do not believe in pulling a scripture here and a scripture there to make a point, but in using the Word of God in context. I would love to expound on key beliefs here, but most use a statement of faith to determine whether someone shares their own beliefs and not to determine whether someone believes the Word of God. If you have found my page because of a particular entry, and then sought this page to find out whether I pass your test, I refer you back to the entry you found and whether or not it stands up to scripture. My entire ministry is devoted to leading people to truth, and if that person is a non-believer or a false convert, there is only one resource which I can refer them to. That is the Word of God; and a second but related resource is prayer. Let God be true and every man a liar."

Authored by James, the Mechanic