Biblical Faith

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B

 

Baptism

(Greek: baptízein = dip / submerge ) is a biblical rite that fulfills various functions: 1. It symbolizes the death of the old, sinful self and the resurrection of the new, reborn self ( Romans 6,1-11  /  Galatians 3,26 f. ) / 2. It cleanses the conscience of past guilt that has been forgiven through the confession of sin ( 1st Peter 3,21 ) / 3. It marks the admission of a converted person into the community of GOD ( 1st Corinthians 12,13 ). New Testament baptism is foreshadowed in the Old Testament by the Flood and by the Israelites' crossing of the Red Sea ( 1st Corinthians 10,2  /  1st Peter 3,19-21 ). Jesus himself was baptized in the Jordan River at the beginning of his ministry ( Luke 3,21 f. ) and he commands all who believe in him to be baptized as well ( Mark 16,6  /  Johannes 3,5  /  Acts 2,41 ). All baptisms recorded in the Bible were performed in the name of Jesus ( Acts 2,38  /  Acts 8,16 ). To be baptized, it is essential that a person has accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. This entails a resolute turning of the heart away from one's sins and a willingness to serve Jesus and obey his commandments. This, in turn, presupposes that the person being baptized is of an age of understanding and is aware of their own guilt—conditions met only from a certain age onwards. In the time of the early Christians, people were baptized in rivers or bodies of standing water. The baptism involved the complete immersion of the person in the water by one or more believers. Nowadays, some churches have special baptismal pools for this purpose. Sprinkling infants and young children with water—as practiced in Protestant and Catholic state churches—does not meet the criteria for biblical baptism and can therefore be regarded merely as a blessing. This practice is based on the mistaken assumption that baptism is decisive for a person's salvation. Although baptism holds great significance, it offers no guarantee as to whether or not a person is saved; rather, the Bible teaches that what matters is the believer's personal way of life. Only when the aforementioned conditions are met does baptism fulfill its intended purpose and qualify as such.

 

In charismatic and Pentecostal circles, it is claimed that, in addition to water baptism, every Christian must also receive the so-called "baptism in the Spirit" or "baptism of fire" in order to receive the Holy Spirit. The Bible, however, teaches that there is only one baptism for all believers and that a person receives the Holy Spirit automatically at the moment of their conversion ( Ephesians 1,13  /  Ephesians 4,5 ). In Scripture, fire serves as a symbol of judgment or testing. GOD has appointed Jesus as the Judge of all people to execute His wrath upon the ungodly. Consequently, anyone who undergoes a baptism of fire belongs to those who will face destruction. The so-called "tongues of fire", mentioned only once in the Bible, also have nothing to do with a baptism of fire; rather, they served as a visible sign of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, whom Jesus had promised to His disciples ( Acts 2,3 ). Since the disciples did not know the exact timing, this event was accompanied by various visible signs (such as the tongues of fire) and audible signs (such as the disciples speaking in tongues). When Jesus was baptized, the Holy Spirit descended upon Him in the form of a dove ( Matthew 3,16 ). In this way, John the Baptist was able to recognize that Jesus was the Savior promised by GOD. This does not mean that the Holy Spirit looks like a dove or burns like fire; rather, these were unique phenomena limited to those two specific situations.

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Beauty

is an expression of GOD’s nature. The magnificent grace and diversity that GOD created find expression in nature. This applies to us humans as well. The Bible testifies that creation was once very good ( Genesis 1,31 /  Ecclesiastes 3,11 ). Yet sin has not only morally corrupted us humans but has also increasingly disfigured us physically ( Ecclesiastes 7,29  /  Romans 1,18-32  /  Romans 3,23 ). The Fall of Man also left visible traces in nature ( Genesis 3,17-19  /  Romans 8,20 f. ). For many people, physical beauty is the ultimate ideal. To stand out visually, people use various means such as makeup, jewelry, clothing, tattoos, or piercings. Certain standards set by the fashion industry serve as the benchmark for beauty, with trends shifting over time. As with so many things, the primary motivation here is financial profit. Fashion shapes the self-image and perception of beauty for many people, especially women. Attractive people often define themselves by their appearance. Many of them are prone to vanity. Instead of giving glory to GOD, beautiful people often desire to be coveted and admired by others themselves. Their excessive self-love turns them into idols—both for themselves and for others. GOD wants us neither to define ourselves by outward appearances nor to let worldly ideals determine our self-worth ( 1st John 2,15-17 ). Instead, we can accept ourselves just as GOD made us and be grateful ( Psalm 139,14 ). Furthermore, beauty is fleeting and always lies in the eye of the beholder ( Proverbs 31,30 ). Outward beauty does not make anyone more esteemed in GOD’s eyes, for GOD looks solely at our heart ( 1st Samuel 16,7 ). Since GOD makes no distinction between people based on their appearance, we too should not favor or disadvantage anyone because of their outward appearance ( Romans 2,11  /  2nd Corinthians 5,16  /  James 2,1-4 ). Furthermore, the Bible admonishes us not to be vain, but to honor God in all things rather than ourselves ( Psalm 115,1  /  Ecclesiastes 11,10  /  John 5,44  /  1st Corinthians 10,31  /  Galatians 5,26  /  Philippians 2,3 ). For vanity is nothing other than pride, which GOD detests ( Proverbs 6,16  /  Proverbs 21,4  /  Matthew 23,12 ). The more we focus our thoughts on GOD, the more outward appearances recede into the background. In the Bible, women are praised not for their beauty, but for their diligence, decency, and respectability, as well as for their humble and godly way of life ( Proverbs 31,10-31  /  Ephesians 2,22-24  /  1st Peter 3,1-6 ). Likewise, a man after GOD’s own heart is distinguished not by an athletic physique, but by prudence and self-control, reliability and a sense of responsibility, as well as by his love, faithfulness, and care for his wife ( Psalm 119,9  /  Proverbs 15,23  /  Proverbs  20,3  /  Proverbs 25,28  /  Ephesians 5,25-33  /  1st Timothy 2,9 f.  /  1st Peter 3,7 ). Moreover, Holy Scripture states that, in the resurrection, the redeemed will receive a new body of imperishable beauty, free from any blemish ( 1st Corinthians 15,35-49 ).

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Birthday

Celebrating birthdays is an un-Christian practice that is mentioned in the Bible exclusively in connection with unbelievers. The observance of special days is intended to honor GOD, not people ( Psalm 115,1  /  John 5,44  /  1st Corinthians 10,31 ). Instead of exchanging gifts, Christians should bestow love upon one another daily by doing good and caring for one another ( John 15,12 f.  /  1st Corinthians 12,21  /  1st John 4,7 + 11 ).

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Bible

The Bible—also known as Holy Scripture—is the true and infallible Word of GOD ( Psalm 119,160  /  John 17,17 ). In it, GOD reveals to us who He is and what His plan for our lives looks like. The Bible contains a multitude of real testimonies and narratives in which people recount their experiences with GOD. It is the most printed and most widely read book in the world. It is currently available in a total of 636 languages, with the New Testament alone translated into 1,442 languages. The Bible consists of 66 individual books, carefully written down over a period of 1,600 years by at least 40 GOD-fearing individuals from various eras and social backgrounds, under the guidance and inspiration of GOD’s Spirit. Together, they form a unified and internally consistent work. The Old—or First—Testament contains 39 books, while the New Testament comprises a total of 27 books. The Bible begins with the account of creation—how GOD created the world—and concludes with the Revelation of Jesus Christ, the final prophecy concerning the end of this world and the transition into the age of the new earth. The Old Testament was handed down in Hebrew, and the New Testament in Ancient Greek, the global language of that time. An increasing number of archaeological excavations attest to the reliability of the Bible's historical accounts. These finds include, above all, inscriptions, clay tablets, seals, and various papyri. They confirm the authenticity of all the names, structures, and events mentioned in the Bible. Furthermore, the Bible contains over 6,000 prophecies (= predictions), the vast majority of which have already been fulfilled (with the exception of those whose fulfillment is yet to come). The mathematical probability calculated in this context for the exact fulfillment of biblical predictions far exceeds human comprehension. This serves as decisive evidence that the Bible is by no means a work of human origin, but rather the true Word of GOD ( 2nd Peter 1,20 f. ) . Around one hundred Old Testament prophecies refer to the Messiah—the Savior of all mankind appointed by GOD—and were fulfilled through Jesus Christ.

 

The three most important manuscripts of the Old Testament are: 1. the Masoretic Text (approx. 600–1000 AD) in Hebrew / 2. the Septuagint (3rd century BC) in Ancient Greek / 3. the Qumran Dead Sea Scrolls (408–318 BC). The Masoretic Text was copied over a period of 400 years. The scribes proceeded with extreme thoroughness, counting words and even individual letters to ensure an error-free copy of the text. If errors were suspected in the original text, a corresponding marginal note was added. It can be stated with certainty that the Masoretes—themselves deeply devout individuals—would under no circumstances have intentionally altered the Holy Scriptures, as they viewed such an act as a crime. The Septuagint (abbreviated LXX) is the oldest continuous translation of the Old Testament from Hebrew and Aramaic into Ancient Greek. It originated within Hellenistic Judaism—primarily in Alexandria—starting around 250 BC. This version largely corresponds to the other two, despite minor differences. When the so-called Qumran Scrolls were discovered in 1947—found in caves near Khirbet Qumran by the Dead Sea, as well as at other archaeological sites on the western shore of the Dead Sea and in the lower Jordan Valley—and subsequently compared with the Masoretic Text, it was confirmed beyond doubt that the transmission of the biblical text had been extremely faithful to the original wording. Over 16,000 manuscripts of the New Testament exist in various languages ( Psalm 33,4  /  Provebs 20,5 ). No other work from antiquity has been transmitted with such high accuracy as the Old Testament. This fact confirms the credibility of Holy Scripture and simultaneously refutes the assumption that the Bible was corrupted over time—a claim made by Muslims and atheists. The Bible is filled with divinely inspired teachings and wisdom that impart understanding and show us the way to GOD and to true life  ( Psalm 18,32  /  Psalm 19,8-12  /  Proverbs 2,6  /  2. Timotheus 3,16 f. ) . Thus, GOD’s Word is at least as vital to life as the daily bread we eat  Matthew 4,4 ). For this reason, the Bible is also called the Book of Life ( Philippians 2,14-16 ). It provides us with guidance and brings the most hidden things of our hearts to light ( Psalm 119,105  /  Hebrews 4,12 ). GOD’s Word is the source of truth and serves as both the foundation for our actions and the moral standard by which GOD judges every person. What matters is not merely hearing or reading GOD’s Word, but above all, acting accordingly ( Psalm 119,9  /  Matthäus 7,24-27  /  Lukas 6,46  / Johannes 8,31 f.  /  Jakobus 1,22-25 ). For true faith reveals itself in that.

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Bible Criticism

It views the Bible as a literary work of human origin, thereby calling into question the credibility of Holy Scripture as the infallible Word of GOD ( Psalm 119,160  /  John 17,17 ). The so-called "historical-critical method" now forms the basis of theological studies at many universities—divorced from any personal connection to faith. Biblical criticism denies both the existence of GOD and the divine inspiration of the Bible ( 2nd Timothy 3,16 f. ) and consequently all the fundamental truths of Holy Scripture (e.g., the virgin birth of Jesus / Jesus' identity as the Savior of the world / the bodily resurrection of Jesus / eternal life, GOD's judgment upon humanity, etc.). Furthermore, it denies everything supernatural (such as the existence of angels and the Devil, as well as all miracles recorded in Holy Scripture) or attempts to explain them through natural causes. Ultimately, it denies man's own guilt and his accountability before GOD, and thus also the necessity of redemption and repentance for sin. Biblical criticism thus reveals itself to be a work of Satan, serving only to block the path to GOD for people and lead them to ruin.

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Blood

In the Bible, blood symbolizes life ( Genesis 9,4  /  Leviticus 17,11 ), atonement for sins, and the covenant between GOD and humanity. The consumption of blood is forbidden in both the Old and New Testaments ( Leviticus 17,14  /  Acts 15,29 ). Under the Law of Moses (Old Testament), animals had to be offered as sacrifices to secure atonement. That does not mean that GOD is bloodthirsty. Rather, the offerings were an expression of repentance and the desire for communion with GOD. All Old Testament sacrificial regulations held primarily symbolic significance; they pointed to Jesus Christ, who, through His death, provided the perfect atoning sacrifice for the sins of humanity ( John 1,29  /  Hebrews 9,12 ). The blood Jesus shed on the cross—symbolizing His righteous life—represents redemption and cleansing from guilt ( 1st John 1,7  /  Revelation 7,14 ). At the same time, it forms the basis of the new covenant that GOD establishes with all who believe in Jesus ( Matthew 26,28 ).

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​Buddhism

It is considered the fourth- or third-largest religion in the world and originated from Hinduism. At the heart of the Buddhist religion lies the historical figure of the "Buddha"—the Indian religious founder Siddhartha Gautama (563–483 BC). In Buddhism, a "Buddha" (= the Awakened One) is understood as a person who has attained, through their own efforts, the perfect state of mind to which all Buddhists aspire. Buddhism recognizes neither an omnipotent creator nor does it provide an answer as to how or why the universe and life came into existence. According to Buddhist teaching, everything consists of energy. The Bible, by contrast, teaches that GOD created us humans as individuals capable of action, possessing a personality and a will of our own. Furthermore, Buddhism includes the doctrine of "(re)incarnation" or the "transmigration of souls"—concepts foreign to the Bible. This doctrine holds that every human possesses a soul—viewed as an immortal part of the person—which, following physical death, takes up residence in the body of a newly conceived human or animal. This means that every individual—whether human or animal—is born into this world anew in a continuous cycle. In this way, the soul is given the opportunity to evolve further. Depending on whether a person has done good or evil during their life, their soul may ascend or descend within this process of learning. This process is known as "Samsara". The goal is to transcend the eternal cycle of rebirth and attain the perfect spiritual state known as "Nirvana". In this state, there are no longer any desires or evil inclinations. The Bible, on the other hand, teaches that every person is given a single life by GOD and that their eternal destiny is determined within that life: while all GOD-fearing people receive eternal life, all the godless will end in eternal damnation. Salvation itself comes through grace, not through good works; for all people (except Jesus) have sinned and are guilty of death under GOD’s law. Yet, through faith in Jesus Christ, anyone can be freed from their guilt and saved, without any merit of their own ( Acts 16,30 f. ).​ Unlike the concepts found in Buddhism, eternal life does not describe a state of inactivity, but rather an imperishable life in a paradisiacal world—free from suffering and death—characterized by eternal bliss and fellowship with GOD ( Revelation 21,1-7  /  Revelation 22,1-5 ).

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Calvinism

is a false doctrine founded in the 16th century by John Calvin (1509–1564 AD). Calvinism teaches, among other things, that GOD has determined from eternity which people will attain salvation and which will not. According to Calvinist doctrine, the eternal destiny of every individual is predestined by GOD. Thus, both the blessedness of the elect and the eternal "torments of hell" endured by the damned serve to glorify GOD. While emphasizing GOD's sovereignty, Calvinists disregard both the human will and GOD's express will that all people be saved ( Ezekiel 33,11  /  1st Timothy 2,3 f.  /  2nd Peter 3,9 ). Consequently, Calvinism and Christianity are incompatible.

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Car Driving

is not a sin in itself. However, vehicles that produce polluting emissions should be used only for essential purposes. It is better to walk, cycle, or use other environmentally friendly means of transport.

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Capital Punishment

The Mosaic Law (Old Testament), ordained directly by GOD, prescribed the death penalty for certain offenses. These included murder, kidnapping, sorcery, idolatry, and adultery, as well as violence against or cursing of one's parents. While the sixth of the Ten Commandments forbids murder (i.e., the killing of a human being for malicious reasons), the community was authorized to carry out the death penalty against individuals who violated GOD's law. This required a confession from the guilty party or confirmation of the act by two or three eyewitnesses. In some instances, the execution was ordered by GOD Himself ( Leviticus 24,10-15  /  Numbers 15,32-36 ). The threat of the death penalty was intended to encourage the people to obey GOD's commandments so that the entire community might prosper ( Exodus 20,12  /  Deuteronomy 4,40  /  Deuteronomy 5,29  /  Deuteronomy 6,24 ). At the same time, it was meant to deter people from committing evil and inflicting suffering on others. Furthermore, it served as a reminder that unrepented sin ultimately leads to eternal death ( Psalm 90,12  /  Romans 6,23 ). In the New Testament, the death penalty is no longer prescribed. Instead, Jesus and His apostles teach that one should love all people and leave the punishment of individuals to GOD ( Matthew 5,43-48  /  Matthew 22,34-40  /  Romans 13,8-10  /  1st Corinthians 12,5 f.  /  Galatians 5,14 ). This does not mean that Jesus was opposed to the death penalty, as is often interpreted. However, the mission with which GOD had sent Jesus into the world at that time was not to judge humanity, but to show them the way to GOD ( John 3,16 f. ). It is only upon his second coming at the end of this earthly age that Jesus and his angels will execute the final judgment on humanity ( Matthew 13,41 f.  / Hebrews 9,27 f. ). In doing so, all the godless will perish ( Revelation 19,21 ). At the same time, the New Testament acknowledges secular authority, as it is ordained by GOD ( Romans 13,1-4 ). Consequently, a state is fundamentally authorized to punish wrongdoers—a mandate that does not exclude the use of the death penalty. However, this measure should be applied exclusively in cases of moral offenses, and never for ideological reasons (see "Socialism" / "National Socialism").

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Carnival

(Middle High German: vaschanc = Lenten serving of alcohol) describes the final serving of alcohol before the season of Lent. In Rome, the "god" Saturn was celebrated at the end of the year. During the so-called "Saturnalia," slaves were served by free citizens. Additionally, a ship-wagon was pulled through the streets and rocked back and forth in honor of the "goddess" Isis. It is believed that the name "Carnival" (Carrus navalis) derives from this. Others surmise that the word "Carnival" stems from the Latin carne vale! (= farewell to meat!), symbolizing the departure from meat consumption during Lent. Later, the pagan cult evolved into a church festival. The origins of Carnival as a church festival trace back to the "Church Father" Augustine (354–430 AD). He permitted the faithful to free themselves for one day from all of life's "constraints" in order to subsequently find renewed motivation for the obligations imposed by the church. Immediately following the excessive revelry came the forty-day season of Lent, a time when people were expected to practice penance and strict abstinence. The Bible, however, does not prescribe a ritual season of fasting. On the other hand, Holy Scripture admonishes believers not to let themselves be ruled by sensual lusts and impulses ( 1st Corinthians 6,18  /  2nd Timothy 2,22  /  James 4,7  /  1st Peter 2,11 f.  /  1st John 2,15-17 ). For those unable to live in sexual abstinence, GOD's Word advises marriage to avoid sexual immorality ( 1st Corinthians 7,1-9 ). Festivities such as Carnival, by contrast, fuel fleshly lust rather than curbing it. The Bible advocates fellowship and the enjoyment of life in a GOD-pleasing manner ( Philippians 4,4 ). Conversely, it expressly condemns drunkenness and debauchery, a lack of restraint, and the pursuit of pleasure solely to satisfy sensual desires ( Ephessians 5,18  /  1st Thessalonians 5,6-8  /  2nd Peter 3,12-14 ).​​

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Catholizism

(Greek: katholikós = all-encompassing oder universal) is the term for a syncretic religion that combines elements of the Christian faith with pagan views and traditions. Although the Catholic Church claims to be the true church, in reality, it cannot be considered part of Christianity. Unlike Protestantism, which emphasizes the Bible as the sole foundation of faith, Catholicism places church tradition on the same level as GOD's Word. The Bible itself warns against adding anything to GOD's Word ( Proverbs 30,6 ). These "traditions" refer to the teachings of the so-called "Church Fathers," whose theological views were heavily influenced by pagan philosophy—specifically Platonism—and diverge from the original teachings of the Apostles (e.g., the Trinity / the immortality of the soul / universal reconciliation, etc.). Officially, the emergence of the Catholic Church coincides with the rise to power of the Roman Emperor Constantine (reigned 306–337 AD), who is also regarded as the first Pope (or "Pontifex Maximus"). In 380 AD, he declared Christianity the state religion of the Roman Empire via the so-called "Edict of the Three Emperors. From that point on, the violent dominance of the Roman state church began. Although Constantine formally professed Christianity, he remained a pagan idolater until his death. The first unbiblical dogma—that of the so-called "Trinity"—was followed by numerous other Catholic heresies (such as the "Immaculate Conception of Mary", / "Mary as Mother of GOD" / the "Assumption of Mary" / the "veneration of Mary and other deceased saints" / the "doctrine of Purgatory" / the "veneration of angels" / the "adoration of the Host" / "papal infallibility" / and many more). Worldly pomp and anti-Christian power politics, the unbiblical sale of indulgences, wars against pagan peoples in GOD'S name, and the brutal persecution and murder of Bible-believing Christians have characterized the history of the Roman Catholic papacy since its inception ( Matthew 7,16  /  John 16,2 ). All these atrocities brought both the name of GOD and the Christian faith into serious disrepute. Martin Luther's Reformation and the papacy's waning influence in international politics since the 19th century led to a weakening and a gradual loss of power for the institution. Nevertheless, there are more than a billion Catholics worldwide who continue to cling to the errors and false teachings of the Catholic Church. From a Christian perspective, Catholicism must be rejected.

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Children

are regarded in the Bible as a gift and reward from GOD ( Psalm 127,3 ). People who believe in GOD and live according to His commandments are called children of GOD ( John 1,12 f.  /  1st John 3,1 ). Jesus calls upon us to become like children in order to enter the Kingdom of GOD ( Matthew 18,3 ). On one hand, this means we should be aware of our neediness and dependence on GOD. On the other hand, we may place the same deep trust in our heavenly Father that small children place in their parents. For GOD loves His children and cares for all who trust in Him. God gave the first humans the command to be fruitful and multiply on the earth ( Genesis 1,28 ), —a command that should not be misunderstood as a universal mandate or an obligation for married couples to procreate. This remains a personal decision for the husband and wife. The Apostle Paul merely explains that raising children in accordance with GOD’s will can offset the negative reputation of the woman who was seduced by the devil in the Garden of Eden ( 1st Timothy 2,14 f. ). According to the Bible, the foundations for faith and a successful life are laid at an early age ( Proverbs 22,6 ). While wise and obedient children bring joy and blessing to their parents, insolent and disobedient children are described as a burden and a disgrace ( Proverbs 10,1 ). For this reason, Scripture emphasizes the parents' responsibility to raise their children conscientiously and consistently according to GOD’s standards ( Exodus 18,20  /  Proverbs 13,24  / Ephesians 6,1-4 ). This requires a healthy balance of both love and firmness. According to the Bible, physical discipline can also be an appropriate measure, provided it is employed for the child's well-being ( Proverbs 23,13 ). Children are encouraged to listen to their parents and to accept their instruction and correction—an attitude that reflects wisdom ( Proverbs 13,1 ). Furthermore, children are to honor their father and mother so that it may go well with them ( Exodus 20,12 ). From a biblical perspective, successful child-rearing is measured solely by whether or not a young person acts according to GOD’s will ( Ecclesiastes 12,13 f. ). Upbringing based on worldly values, devoid of any connection to GOD, misses the mark ( Romans 12,2  /  James 4,4 ). Married couples who desire children but are unable to conceive for certain reasons may turn in prayer to GOD, who is able to fulfill the desire for children. Sperm donation, however, is by no means in accordance with GOD’s will. The same applies to abortion; since GOD regards a baby developing in the womb as a fully valid human being, the killing of a child must be condemned as sin ( Exodus 20,13 ).

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Christ

(Hebrew: mashiach / Greek: christus) means Anointed One and is used in the Bible for kings and princes. Jesus is the King and Prince appointed by GOD over His people—the Church—which consists of both Jews and Gentiles. He will reign as King in the coming Kingdom of God for all eternity ( John 1,49 ). In the New Testament, the terms Christ and Son of GOD are used synonymously.

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