God has always been, and always will be the same. God is One and yet Three Persons, existing in the divine mystery called the Trinity - Father, Son, and Spirit.
God spoke creation into existence by his Word, and has chosen to reveal himself through Scripture -- the written Word -- and Jesus -- the Word-made-flesh. The Scriptures that tell us about God are fully inspired, authoritative and reliable.
God gave humanity the gift of his image. This gives us great dignity. It also reminds us that we are dependent on him for all things. God's gracious gift of his image was marred by our first parents. The first sin and our continuing sin separated them and us from the full experience of God's presence, brought death into the world, and affects every aspect of humanity.
God is infinitely loving and has worked ever since the Fall to restore us to his relational presence. Just as Adam brought sin and death into the world, God sent his Son into the world to bring righteousness and life. Jesus was fully human, born of the virgin Mary, and yet fully divine, without sin.
Jesus taught of God's kingdom -- heaven coming to earth even now as God brings all things under his authority -- and demonstrated God's power in his earthly ministry. Because he was without sin, Jesus could and did offer himself as a perfect sacrifice on behalf of humanity's sins. Jesus bore all the sins of history on the Cross, covering all people's transgressions with his blood. God's forgiveness is now available to anyone who will turn from their own way and cling to the good way of Jesus.
Jesus died on the Cross and was physically raised again on the third day. After appearing to his followers, Jesus was taken back into the presence of the Father, where he sits and mediates for us until he returns.
Jesus did not leave his followers alone. The Holy Spirit was sent to empower all those who follow after Jesus and give God control of their lives. God's Spirit empowers us as our advocate, helper, and counselor. The Spirit binds us to each other, making us into the embodiment of Christ on earth. The Spirit makes followers of Jesus increasingly holy as he lives in us, though we will never attain perfect holiness in this lifetime.
God carries the message of his salvation to the world through the Church. The Church is to proclaim and demonstrate the good news of Jesus and God's kingdom. The Spirit gathers the Church together from every tribe, tongue and nation. God is glorified by the Church as we love him, each other, and those who are far from him....
