Intro & basic statement of faith

[Solo Christo]

It's often helpful, particularly when discussing things online, to know a little bit about someone's background/beliefs, so I'll try to give you a summary. I hope that many of my views will mature with time & as I learn new things, so feel free to offer suggestions or ask for clarifications.

To start with, according to Wikipedia, "Solo Christo" means "by Christ alone", which is something I see as central to my faith.

Labels are sometimes helpful to summarise a position, although at other times they can be unhelpful as people can make assumptions & put people in boxes without engaging. Anyway, I'll take the risk and describe myself as an Evangelical Universalist. Below is what I gave my church to help them understand what I mean by that:

There are many forms of Universalism, however, below I am describing the form I hold. I was asked not to include the justifications here, as that would make it way too long, however, feel free to ask me anytime

• God- I believe the Trinity is the best description of the one true God, revealed throughout the Bible. I believe God is infinitely & perfectly loving, merciful, holy, glorious, wise, powerful, knowing & just. I believe God deserves all (heart, mind & body) our praise and worship.
• Christ Jesus- I believe in the incarnation, the physical birth, death, resurrection, & ascension of Jesus of Nazareth, about 2000 years ago.
• The Bible- I believe the Bible was intentionally created by God & man, that it has been well preserved, and when read in it's original languages and rightly understood by the power of the Holy Spirit, is authoritative in both matters of faith & practice.
• Sin- I believe any opposition to God is sin. I believe everyone, from Adam onwards, (except Christ) has sinned. I believe sin taints and affects every aspect of our lives. I believe we need God to free us from slavery to sin. I believe sin deserves punishment. I believe God has the desire & ability to rid the universe of sin.
• Judgement- I believe God will Judge and that some will go to eternal life & others to a place of God’s punishment.
• Salvation- I believe Christ is the only Saviour, that salvation is a gift of grace, received by repentance & faith (with the Spirit's help), and that it can not be earned.
• Missional- I believe God wants us to be actively involved in reconciling people to God, through our love & prayer for others and the proclamation of the Gospel.
• Ecumenical Councils & Early Creeds- I have a high regard for them, however, like most Protestants, I don’t believe they are infallible, and disagree with some points. e.g. veneration of icons. I believe EU complies with them and therefore remains within the bounds of orthodox Christian faith.
• The Scope of God’s Intertrinitarian Love- I believe God loves everyone, as a Father loves their child, even those He punishes in order to bring about repentance (by the Holy Spirit's help).
• Postmortem Repentance and Salvation through Christ- I believe that those who go to Hell after Judgement Day, will eventually (by the Holy Spirit's help) come to repentance and salvation through faith in Christ.
• The Translation of "Aionios"- I think it should generally be translated as "ancient", "lasting", "beyond sight", or "of/in the eon", not "eternal/everlasting/forever"- however for many other reasons/verses, I still believe God is eternal and so is life with Him.
  

[Mary]

[Solo Christo]

Thanks Mary

I should also explain why I'm here. I'm not here to convert anyone or to spam people (I run my own forum & know how unhelpful that is!). I was invited by Mary to read some of the discussions/articles here - after doing that, I found I wanted to clarify a few things & thought it might be helpful to make one or two comments too. As I said to Vicky, "I've read the Rules, FAQ, Help, Copyright, Contact, Introduction, a few threads, & a handful of the articles too - a lot I agree with, a few things I'm keen to clarify, and a just a few things I respectfully disagree about."

Other background that might be helpful: I grew up in a Christian family, attended a Christian school, & Christian churches - a small Open Brethren church from birth to about 15, a Presbyterian church from about 16-31, and a Christian Reformed Church from the past year. I discovered Evangelical Universalism about 3 years ago, after an intense few months of reading, studying, & debating what the Bible says concerning Soteriology & Eschatology.

Last but certainly not least, I have a wife & two young children, so my time at this stage of life is quite limited.

[Vic]

(06-17-2012 01:22 AM)Solo Christo Wrote:  Thanks Mary

I should also explain why I'm here. I'm not here to convert anyone or to spam people (I run my own forum & know how unhelpful that is!). I was invited by Mary to read some of the discussions/articles here - after doing that, I found I wanted to clarify a few things & thought it might be helpful to make one or two comments too. As I said to Vicky, "I've read the Rules, FAQ, Help, Copyright, Contact, Introduction, a few threads, & a handful of the articles too - a lot I agree with, a few things I'm keen to clarify, and a just a few things I respectfully disagree about."

Other background that might be helpful: I grew up in a Christian family, attended a Christian school, & Christian churches - a small Open Brethren church from birth to about 15, a Presbyterian church from about 16-31, and a Christian Reformed Church from the past year. I discovered Evangelical Universalism about 3 years ago, after an intense few months of reading, studying, & debating what the Bible says concerning Soteriology & Eschatology.

Last but certainly not least, I have a wife & two young children, so my time at this stage of life is quite limited.

Welcome Solo,

Thanks for sharing, reading and introducing yourself. I'll just say to universalism with an evangelical label for now, and some of your other statement of faith points..will likely start a few threads on point.

That said,

[Lois]

Hi Solo Christo.
Welcome!
I will also have to say Hmm to a lot that you have stated. LOL
I'll try to refrain from debating anything in your introduction. :P

[Mary]

1 Peter 3: 15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:

Thank you SC- I checked back on my own Intro, and it certainly did not state my beliefs as clearly as you have stated yours. May we all be edified through dialogue with you.

[Solo Christo]

Thanks Vic & Lois for your warm welcome. I'm actually glad you say "Hmm" to a non-mainstream view, I would be concerned if people just accepted something without a thorough investigation.

Mary my summary statement of faith is a product of weeks of work/revision & each time I use it I check try to further improve/clarify it.

I will try to be edifying, however if I'm not, please say so & I'll bow out.