Biblical Faith

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Unitarians

is the designation for a free religious community guided by values ​​such as humanism, reason, and tolerance. Alongside this group, there are the so-called "Unitarian Christians". In contrast to Binitarians or Trinitarians—who teach that GOD consists of two or three "persons", respectively—Unitarian Christians believe that GOD exists as a single "person": namely, as the Father in heaven ( John 17,3  /  1st Corinthians 8,4-6 ). While Unitarians reject binding dogmas and sacred scriptures, Unitarian Christians base their faith solely on the Bible ( Romans 10,17 ). While Unitarians view truth as something personal that each individual must discover through their own reason and experience, Unitarian Christians believe that GOD's Word is the source of all truth ( Psalm 119,160  /  John 17,17 ). While most Unitarians hold a pantheistic worldview—according to which GOD and the universe, along with everything within it, are identical—Unitarian Christians distinguish between the one and only Creator God and everything GOD has created ( Isaiah 44,24  /  Isaiah 45,5  /  Isaiah 46,9 ). While Unitarians are organized democratically and place great value on the self-determined participation of their members, Unitarian Christians align themselves with the directives of the Bible ( Titus 1,5-9 ).

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Universalism

is a false doctrine founded in the early third century AD by the "Church Father" Origen (185–253/254 AD). It rests on the assumption that a loving GOD is incompatible with eternal damnation, as the Bible teaches it. From this, Origen concluded that GOD’s will to save would ultimately prevail over human rebellion, and that all unbelievers—and even the Devil—would eventually be purified and reconciled with GOD. Although this is an appealing idea, there is no basis for it in the Bible; rather, it involves projecting a human theory onto GOD’s Word. Furthermore, the doctrine of universal reconciliation is based on a flawed understanding of GOD’s love. Scripture teaches that there are two possible outcomes: eternal life or eternal death ( Daniel 12,2  /  John 5,28 f.  /  John 12,25  /  Romans 2,5-10  /  Romans 6,23 ). Whoever heeds GOD’s call receives eternal life and is absolved of their guilt. For those who refuse to repent, that guilt remains ( Romans 3,23 ). Yet, because GOD loves us, He offers everyone the opportunity to be reconciled with Him. The precondition is that we repent of our sins, believe in Jesus, and obey his commandments will. For only faith in Jesus can save (​ John 3,16  /  Acts 4,12  /  Acts 16,30 f. ). Thus, a person’s eternal destiny depends on their personal decision. Since every human being possesses free will, each is capable of resisting GOD. Nowhere does GOD’s Word teach that unbelievers receive a second chance after death. Rather, Holy Scripture warns that a life without GOD leads to ruin ( John 3,18 + 36  /  John 12,48 ). In this respect, a person's eternal destiny depends on their personal decision. Since every human being possesses free will, they are capable of resisting GOD. Nowhere does GOD’s Word teach that unbelievers receive a second chance after death. On the contrary, Scripture warns that a life without GOD leads to ruin (​ 2nd Thessalonians 1,8-10  /  Hebrews 9,27  /  1st Peter 4,17 f. ). For this reason, GOD calls upon every person to repent here and now ( Isaiah 55,6 f.  /  Mark 1,15  /  Acts 2,37 f.  /  2nd Corinthians 5,20  /  Hebrews 3,15 ). GOD is gracious and merciful, and He desires that all people be saved ( Ezekiel 33,11  /  1st Timothy 2,3 f. ). Yet GOD’s love is neither unlimited nor unconditional. Whoever seizes the opportunity during their lifetime can be saved. But whoever refuses to be reconciled with GOD excludes themselves from eternal life. For such a person, there is no hope (​ Romans 2,12  /  1st Corinthians 1,18 / ​ 2nd Corinthians 2,15 f.  / ​ 2nd Corinthians 4,3 f. ). This in no way contradicts GOD’s love, since, after all, every person has the opportunity to be saved.

 

Jesus explains that the path to life is narrow and that only a few reach the destination ( Matthew 7,13 f.  /  Luke 13,23 f. ). Furthermore, Jesus makes it clear that access to GOD’s kingdom is granted only to those who live according to GOD’s will ( Matthew 7,21-23  ​/  Hebrews 10,26-31). The New Testament explicitly names groups of people who will not inherit GOD’s kingdom; these include, among others, adulterers, the sexually immoral, and idolaters, as well as the greedy and drunkards ( 1st Corinthians 6,9 f.  /  Ephesians 5,5 ). All these warnings would make no sense if, in the end, everyone were to be saved. The Bible teaches just as clearly that the devil and his angels—who tempt people toward evil—along with all the ungodly, will end up in the lake of fire and meet their end there ( Matthew 3,11 f.  /  Matthew 13,40-43  /  Matthew5,41 + 46  /  John 15,5 f.  /  Hebrews 6,4-8  /  Jude 1,5-7  /  Revelation 20,11-15  /  Revlation 21,8   /  Revelation 22,14 f.  ). The doctrine of universal reconciliation is not only unbiblical but also poses a great danger to both believers and non-believers. It endangers believers because they rely on the assumption that none of their unbelieving fellow human beings will be lost. It endangers non-believers because it suggests to them that there is no condemnation, regardless of whether they choose for or against GOD during their lives. This constitutes a grave distortion of the biblical message of salvation. For this reason, the doctrine of universal reconciliation must be fundamentally rejected.

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Violence / War

The Bible recounts stories of war and destruction, as well as killings, genocides, and acts of plunder commanded by GOD. This is one of the reasons why people mistakenly believe that GOD is evil or cruel. In truth, however, GOD’s intentions are entirely peaceful ( Jeremiah 29,11 ). GOD desires for us to live in peace. GOD’s commandments form the foundation for lasting peace. Yet, because most people are unwilling to abide by His commandments, the world is filled with violence and injustice ( Genesis 6,5-13  /  Romans 1,18-32 ). Cain’s murder of his brother Abel was the first act of violence recorded in the Bible ( Genesis 4,1-16 ). Since then, war and violence have shaped the course of human history. The root causes are usually hatred, envy, and resentment, as well as greed for money, power, control, and resources. Despite numerous efforts to establish peace, the bloodshed on earth continues unabated. Because GOD loves us, He constantly calls upon us to turn away from our self-destructive paths. On the other hand, because GOD is just and cares for the well-being of all people, He intervenes time and again to punish those who commit evil and sow discord. Conversely, GOD rewards those who live righteously and strive for peace ( Psalm 5,13  /  Psalm 34,12-15  /  Proverbs 10,6  /  Matthew 5,9 /  Acts 10,35  /  Romans 2,6-11 ). When GOD Himself employs violence, it is a consequence of sin and serves to restore justice and peace. This also applies to the death penalties imposed under the Old Covenant for murder, adultery, or idolatry. Unlike humans, GOD never acts arbitrarily or out of selfish motives. Sometimes GOD uses people and nations to execute judgment upon other nations or to glorify Himself. At other times, GOD allows afflictions so that people may become aware of their dependence on Him and seek His help and protection. The Bible speaks of two great wars that will take place at the end of this age. The first is the Battle of Megiddo (Hebrew: Armageddon), which will take place at the Second Coming of Jesus. In this event, the greatest human army in history, under the control of the Devil and his henchmen, will march out to fight against Jesus and His angels, only to be completely destroyed ( Revelation 14,17 ). The second and final battle takes place 1,000 years later, following the resurrection of the unrighteous. Once again, the Devil will gather all nations to fight against the saints. This time, all godless people, along with the Devil and his angels, will be destroyed once and for all ( Revelation 20,7-10 ). This will mark the end of war and violence on earth ( Isaiah 2,4  /  Revelation 21,4 ).

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The primary reason GOD commanded the extermination of peoples and nations in the Old Testament was idolatry—that is, the worship of false "gods". GOD condemns and abhors every form of idolatry, as it robs the one true GOD of the honor due to Him and instead bestows it upon "gods" (idols) that do not truly exist. The first two of the Ten Commandments explicitly warn that GOD severely punishes idolatry ( Exodus 20,1-6 ). Because pagan nations had profaned GOD’s holy name through their idolatry, GOD commanded Israel—His chosen people—to fight them, seize their land, and execute the ban upon them; that is, to kill both people and livestock. In this way, GOD sought to eradicate every trace of pagan worship. Furthermore, the Israelites needed to be protected from being tempted to worship false "gods" and thereby incurring GOD’s wrath themselves. Additionally, Israel faced a constant threat from its enemies, making military action unavoidable. At the same time, this allowed GOD to glorify Himself and demonstrate His power and faithfulness toward His people. With GOD’s help, the Israelites succeeded in defeating their adversaries despite the latter's military superiority. With the coming of Jesus, a new phase in GOD’s plan of salvation for humanity began. Since then, GOD has been working through believers across the globe. Jesus preached love for all people—including love for one’s enemies—and called for the consistent renunciation of violence and retaliation ( Matthew 5,38-48  /  Matthew 26,52 ). Consequently, neither the medieval Crusades nor violent colonization can be justified by the faith. Christians are called to forgive, to make peace, and to overcome evil through love and good deeds, thereby winning people for GOD ( Matthew 5,9  /  Luke 17,3 f.  /  Romans 12,19-21  /  Colossians 3,13 f.  /  1st Peter 3,9-11 ). At the same time, they are to leave the judgment of the godless to GOD. From the beginning until the present day, Christians have repeatedly fallen victim to hatred and violence, particularly in Muslim and socialist countries. Even before the advent of Christianity, prophets who preached in GOD’s name were persecuted and killed. Even the Catholic papacy shed the blood of believers over the course of many centuries. The Bible makes it clear that anyone who believes in Jesus and lives a godly life must expect persecution ( Acts 14,22  /  Philippians 1,29  /  2nd Timothy 3,12 ). Nevertheless, Christians need not resort to violence to defend their own lives or the lives of others, for they know they will rise to eternal life. GOD grants those united with Jesus the strength to endure suffering and to bear injustice with love ( Romans 8,18 + 37  /  Romans 12,17 f.  /  1st Corinthians 10,13  /  1st Corinthians 13,4-8  /  2nd Corinthians 12,9  /  Hebrews 2,10 ). Moreover, Jesus promises a great reward to all who suffer for the sake of their faith. Therefore, Christians may rejoice even amidst persecution ( Matthew 5,10-12  /  Apostelgeschichte 5,40-42  /  1. Petrus 4,16 ).

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Weather

GOD is the Lord over the weather. He created the weather cycle, and He can influence it at will ( Leviticus 26,3 f.  /  Deuteronomy 28,12  /  Job 5,10  /  Job 26,8 f.  /  Job 28,25-27 /  Job 37,12 f.  /  Job 38,22-30  /  Psalm 135,7  /  Psalm 147,8  /  Psalm 148,8  /   Jeremiah 5,24  /  Jeremiah 10,13 ). The Bible often refers to weather phenomena as expressions of divine power (wind and thunderstorms), as blessings (rain), and as divine judgment (dry spells and drought, as well as high water and floods). In this sense, natural disasters are not matters of chance but the direct consequence of sin or human-caused environmental pollution. Furthermore, Holy Scripture explains that extreme weather phenomena such as frost and heat only appeared after the Flood ( Genesis 8,22 ). One can therefore assume that the Earth's climate prior to the Flood was predominantly uniformly warm. Likewise, it can be assumed that the climatic conditions on the New Earth, which GOD promises to His children, will be mild and pleasant at all times ( Revelation 22,1-5 ).

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Wisdom

The Bible distinguishes between human and divine wisdom. While human wisdom stems from the intellect (i.e., logic, knowledge, and experience), divine wisdom is based on a relationship with GOD ( Proverbs 2,6 ). Those who love and fear GOD align their lives with His commandments; this is the mark of true wisdom ( Job 28,28  /  Proverbs 1,7  /  Proverbs 9,10  /  James 3,13 ). Other signs of divine wisdom include humility, kindness, mercy, peacefulness, sincerity, patience, and self-control ( James 3,17 f. ). In contrast, envy and contentiousness are described as earthly, unspiritual, and demonic ( James 3,14-16 ). The Bible declares divine wisdom to be more precious than silver and gold ( Proverbs 4,7  /  Proverbs 15,33  /  Proverbs 16,16  /  Proverbs 19,8 ). Associating with the wise makes one wise, whereas associating with the godless corrupts one's character ( Proverbs 13,20  /  1st Corinthians 15,33  ). When people consider themselves wise, it is an expression of pride and vanity ( 1st Corinthians 3,18-20 ). The Bible makes it clear that GOD detests pride and opposes the arrogant ( Proverbs 6,16  /  Proverbs 21,4  /  James 4,6 ). Unlike GOD, our understanding is limited. This means we must humbly acknowledge that there are things beyond human judgment. GOD’s thoughts and ways, by contrast, are perfect in every respect and far higher than our own ( Psalm 139,17 f.  /  Isaiah 40,28  /  Isaiah 55,8 ). When we are connected to GOD, we can grasp His wisdom in part ( 1st Corinthians 13,9-13 ). Knowing GOD requires the Holy Spirit, whom GOD gives to those who believe in Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit grants divine insight; He helps us understand GOD’s will and live in a way that pleases GOD. Jesus, the Son of GOD, serves as our example of divine wisdom ( 1st Corinthians 1,30 ). By acting as He did, we fulfill GOD’s will and have fellowship with GOD ( John 14,4-11  /  1st John 1,5-7 ). If we lack wisdom, we may ask GOD for insight at any time and trust that He will grant us understanding of His will ( Ephesians 1,17  /   James 1,5 ).

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World

(Greek: kosmos) has various meanings in the Bible. On the one hand, it describes the physical-material world (the earth), and on the other, the sinful society that has fallen away from GOD. This includes 1. the lust of the flesh (i.e., the unbridled indulgence of selfish passions) / 2. the lust of the eyes (i.e., greed for money and material possessions) / 3. the pride or arrogance of life (i.e., the pursuit of a self-determined life, independent of GOD and His commandments ( 1st John 2,15-17 ). In Holy Scripture, the term world is often linked to the domain of Satan—the Devil—who represents darkness, lies, selfishness, sin, and death  ( John 16,11 /  2nd Corinthians 4,4 ); this stands in contrast to heaven, the domain of GOD, which represents light, truth, love, and life ( Psalm 16,11  /  Psalm 36,10 ). GOD’s kingdom and the world are two opposing realms that are incompatible with one another ( Romans 8,5 f. ). Worldly people generally have a fleshly mindset; that is, their thinking and actions often contradict GOD’s will ( Romans 8,7 f. /  Galatians 5,19-21  /  James 3,13-16 ). Believers, on the other hand, are to have a spiritual mindset—that is, to conduct themselves in accordance with GOD’s will ( Matthew 7,21  /  Romans 8,9 + 14-17  /  Galatians 5,22-26 ). Jesus states that He is not of this world and that His disciples are not of this world either ( John 15,19 / John 17,14 ). This means that true Christians do not live according to the standards of the world but align themselves with GOD’s Word. GOD sent Jesus into the world so that people might turn from the world—that is, from Satan’s sphere of influence—to GOD ( John 17,18  /  John 20,21  /  Acts 26,17 f. ). This is the precondition for receiving forgiveness from GOD and eternal life. The Bible warns that friendship with the world means enmity with GOD, since no one can live by two different standards at the same time ( Matthew 6,24  /  James 4,4 ). Instead, every Christian is called to have their mind renewed based on the Bible in order to discern what pleases GOD ( Romans 12,2  /  2nd Corinthians 6,14-18 /  Ephesians 4,22-24 ). Just as Jesus overcame the world, all who believe in Jesus are also called to overcome the world and its sinful temptations ( John 16,33 / 1st John 5,4 f. ). The Bible prophesies that the present world will pass away and be replaced by a new heaven and a new earth, where there will be no more sin or suffering ( 2nd Peter 3,13  /  Revelation 21,1-7 ).

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Yoga

It originates from the ancient Indian language of Sanskrit and literally means union or unity. Although some people practice yoga primarily for physical relaxation and stress management, there is actually much more to it. Yoga exercises are rooted in an Eastern worldview regarding the mind and body. The practice involves opening so-called "chakras" (energy centers of the spiritual body) through meditation to stimulate the flow of energy; each chakra represents one of the millions of Hindu "deities". Consequently, yoga is inextricably linked to the Hindu religion—a practice that, from a biblical perspective, constitutes idolatry. For this reason, statues or images of Buddha and Hindu "gods" are often found in yoga centers. Idolatry is a grave sin that can incur GOD's curse ( Exodus 20,1-6  /  1st Corinthians 10,7  /  Revelation 21,8 ). The Bible teaches that demons (= fallen angels or evil spirits) actually lie behind all pagan deities ( 1st Corinthians 10,20 ). Anyone who practices yoga opens themselves to the influence of these demonic forces and risks suffering physical and spiritual harm. In this respect, yoga and the Christian faith are entirely incompatible. Therefore, every Christian is called upon to consistently avoid yoga and similar esoteric practices. Standard breathing exercises, rest, and daily physical activity are suitable ways to promote physical and mental relaxation.

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