CHRISTIAN DOCTRINE

Background of Doctrine
The w ord “doctrine” comes from the Latin w ord “docere” w hich means „to teach‟. The Greek w ord for doctrine „didaskalia‟ means
both the act and the content of „teaching‟. Christian doctrine is w hat Christians believe and teach.
Scriptures on doctrine and related words
– Matt. 15:6-9 So, for the sake of your tradition, you have made void the word of God. You h ypocrites! Well did Isaiah
prophesy of you, when he said: `This people honor me with their lips, but their heart is far from me; in vain do they
worship me, teaching as doctrines the precepts of men.'" (cf. Mark 7:7)

– I Tim.1:6-11 sound doctrine, in accordance with the glorious gospel of the blessed God w ith whic h I have been entrusted.
– 1 Tim .4:6 … good doctrine which you have followed.
– Titus 1:7-11 …able to give instruction in sound doctrine … (didaskalia )
– Titus 1:15-2:2 … teach what befits sound doctrine
Scriptures on doctrine and related words
– sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ – I Tim.6:3-5
– Follow the pattern of the sound words – II Tim.1:13, 14
– sound teaching – II Tim.4:3,4
– sound speech – Titus 2:7,8
– sound speech – Titus 2:7,8
Wrong opinions
 More technical and mental exercise
 Dull and boring
 For only theologians
 Difficult to understand
Why should we study Doctrines?
 Right thinking leads to right living
 Fuel to our devotion
 Preserves us from falling into errors
 Enables us to distinguish between true and false
 Opens the mind to the revelation of God and provides spiritual food for the soul
 Acquaints us with the details of God’s plan
 Saves us from theological ‘food poisoning’
 Bible is arranged chronologically rather than systematically
Why should we teach Doctrines?
 To understand the Bible in a right way
 To condemn heresy in the church and in the society
 To train younger generation so that they may teach the next generation
How Should We Prepare Doctrines?
 Bible is our source (different versions)
 With the help of Holy Spirit
 Books on doctrines
 Literature – NBD, NBC, Faith and Focus (UESI-AP).
 HOLY SCR IPT URES
Fundamental Doctrine of Christian Faith
The divine inspiration and infallibility of the Holy Scriptures (by which we mean the 66
books of the Bible), as originally given and its supreme authority in all matters of faith and
conduct.
The word “Scriptures" comes from the Greek word graphe which means writings.

Related terms:
Revelation: Content of truth
Inspiration: Method of Communication
Illumination: Method in which we understand .
Infallibility: Trust Worthy
Authority : Above all

REVELATION

Meaning: „unveiling‟ Isha 52:10

Necessity of revelation:

Indispensable for two reasons: (Job 11:7)

We are Creatures (1 Cor 2:11) Even Adam needed to be addressed.
We are Sinners (2 Cor 4:4)
a) General Revelation (God‟s Glory)
Through cosmos and conscience
Rom 1:18-34 ; 2:12-16 Ps 19 - Informative
b) Special Revelation / Supreme Revelation (God‟s Grace) Ps 19
Incarnate Word and Written Word
(All the 66 books of the Bible)
Redemptive Jn 5:39

AUTHORITY
Anti-authority mood is more prevalent
Authority is Right / Power requires obedience
Authority is necessary to decide what is right and to resolve the differences in the present age
of individualism
Creator God as the supreme authority made a provision through revelation Mat28:18.

APPEALED

Creeds : Summaries
Historic Confessions : Statements
Church : Clergy/Member/Council
Reason : Perception of truth
Experiences : Subjective opinions
Inner Voice : Evidences of shipwreck

Catholic-Anglican-Liberal-Ecumenical -Evangelicals
• REASON TRADITION EXPERIENCE

BASIS OF AUTHORITY
Authority of OT:
a) Testimony of the Lord & Prophets
Thus says the Lord.
b) Christ Endorsement (Mat 5:18)
Cited each of its main Divisions – Law, Poetry, Prophets Lk 24:44, Mk 7:12
C) Christ lived and breathed Scripture. For Him Scripture was the final authority in matters
of history, doctrine and ethics.

His use and view of the Scriptures:

In His moral Standards (Temptation)Mat 4
In His mission (Vocation) Mt26
In His Public debates Mt 19:5

PHARISEES – SADDUCEES – LIBERALS - EVANGELICALS

(S+T) Mk 7:9,13 (T) Mk 12:24 (R) , SOLA

BASIS OF NT AUTHORITY
Christ‟s provision for it
The personal appointment
of the Apostles. Mat 28:
Their God given authority
Their extraordinary inspiration

NATURE AND PURPOSE OF THE SCRIPTURES

II Tim 3:16 II Pet 1:21

Nature Purpose
Inspired Salvation
Infallible To Prepare, Equip
Inerrant Correct, Train
INSPIRATION DEBATED
Fundamentalism: Ha are passive
Liberalism: Only Ha
Evangelical Both wog & wom
Testimony of the Scriptures
Jer 1:1, Heb 1:1, 2 Pet 1:21, 2 Tim 3:16
Acts 1:16 Jn 10:35 Mat 5:18
World views: Hinduism and Islam

INSPIRATION EXPLAINED

Mode of Inspiration:
Both WOG and WOM

Not mechanical dictation

Without speculation writers are allowed to use their style and background
Not accommodation but under God‟s superintendence
Both verbal and plenary

Unity in Diversity
GOD‟S WORD THROUGH HUMAN WORDS
WORDS OF GOD
God-breathed (2 Tim) (1 Pet 1:20)
Carried along by the Holy Spirit
God put His words into human mouth

WORDS OF HUMAN BEINGS

HA did Historical investigations (Lk1)
There is a Literary diversity
Wide range of Theological emphasis

INFALIBLE

Quality of not misleading – Jn10:35

Trustworthy – No Contradiction
Ps 119-Perfect; Rev 21:5 Faithful
Refers to it‟s message viewed as a whole and Within the context
Eg: James 2:14 To be read in the total frame work of the teaching

INERRANT
One can be confident that the Bible is free from error
Interpretation in harmony with other biblical passages
Applicable to original scriptures
Rev 19:9 Prov 30:5

CANONICITY
What is the meaning of “Canon”? • Kanon (gk.) = a (straight) rod, used as a rule‚ a rule or a
standard.
“Canon of scripture” means the books that have been admitted into scripture
Canon can also mean a summary of Christian teaching: “canon of faith”

OT canon: the Lord and apostles‟ acknowledgement of the OT writings

NT canon: the words of Jesus, writings of the apostles, recognition of the church under t he
direction of the Holy Spirit ad 300-400 (agreement)(50-300)

Criteria for Canonicity – General

1. Key is AUTHORITA TIVENESS.. .. . .. ... .. .. not jus t t hat it is a ncient , bee n read fo r ages, is
i nforma tive a nd help f ul to God‟s people. .. .. .. .. .no t j ust a record of REVELATIO N, b ut The
Bible is a PERMANENT W R ITTEN REC O RD.
2. ACCEPTANCE BY CHRIST. Jesus and apostles referred to “the scriptures”. Whole
mission of Jesus (Mk. 14:49).

I and II Esdras. 2.Tobit** .3 Judith**

4. Rest of Esther 4.Wisdom ofSolomon**
5 .Sirach** (Ecclesiasticus) 6. Baruch**
7 .Susanna 8.Bel and Dragon
9. Prayer of Manasseh
10.Prayer of Azariah
11.I and II Maccabees** **
= included in Roman Catholic Bibles.

OUR APPROACH & RESPONSE

Double approach:
intelligent and humble
Response: commitment to study to yield to its authority and to teach with clarity
Outcome: Men and Women of God are to be equipped for every Good Work. Holiness (Ps
119:9)

Questions for Discussion

Why is the Bible the ultimate authority?
Why was revelation necessary ?
What is the supreme revelation ?
Explain the method of Inspiration.
Why was Canonicity necessary?
What should be our approach towards the Scriptures.
How to refute on the reliability of NT in the light of the Da vinci Code?
T HE T RIUNE GOD
The Unity of the Father, the Son and Holy Spirit in the Godhead

Distinctive Doctrine
Difficult to understand
More Difficult to explain
Can we avoid embarrassment?

K nown only through revelation

God revealed himself as one , in three-fold way.
Explicit in OT and Implicit in NT
Arose out of the living experiences of Disciples and early Christians. ecessity
is that
God should exist in plurality, otherwise his attributes are self-
contradictory.
OTH ER RELIGIOUS VIEWS

Judaism - Monotheistic
Muslim view – Monotheistic
Hinduism – Pantheism
Christian Cults –
Jehovah‟s Witnesses- Jesus is not God and HS does not exists.
Mormons –three separate gods

Formulation of Doctrine

The Word Trinity was coined by Tertullian in 2nd Century.

Early church believed in the Trinity but did not defend .
In opposition to heresy, church was compelled to formulate the Doctrine 4 th Century.
B iblical Basis
Trinity in the OT
There is one God who is the creator (Det6:4, Ps 96:5, Is45:18) Yachid (Indivisible Unity)
Refers to Himself in plural (Community)Gen 1:26; 3:22; 11:7; Is 6:8;63:8-10; Elohim -
Plural
As an angel of the Lord(Yahweh) Ex 3:2-6
The Word of God –causes deliverance ps107:20 , work in Prophets Jer 20:7-8
The Spirit (breath) of God Is 31:3
The Wisdom of God Pro 8, 1 Cor 1:30
Aaronic blessing in Num 6:24 prototype of NT blessing.

Trinity’ in the NT
a)John the Baptist preaching
(Repentance towards God, Faith in coming Christ, Baptism of HolySpirit)
b)Incarnation Lk 1:35
c)The Baptism of Christ Mk1:10
d)Jesus teaching and ministry Jn 14:11,17 ;17:
e) Commission of the risen Lord Mt 28:19-20
f)Early Church acceptance Acts 2:32-33 –Church founded
g)Apostles‟ Benediction 2 Cor 13:14

U nity in Divers ity

Three self distinctions under one divine essence.

They are interdependent as persons without struggle
Each person is self conscious, Self directing yet never act independently or in opposition.

Equality in Digni ty
Son claim equal with God and Spirit 1 Cor 2:10 f
Father work through Son by the Sprit
Son is sent by father, Spirit is sent by Son , Son‟s office reveals father
Spirit office reveals the son Jn16;14
Mutual respect and submission (Father glorifies son, son glorifies father, The Sprit glorifies
the Son)

D iversity in Operat ion

Generally attributed Creation to the father, redemption to the Son and Sanctification to the
Spirit.
Creation: God the father spoke, Spirit brooded and the son mediated through the Word.
Redemption: Father- Elected, Son –redeemed , Spirit – Sealed.
Eph 1:3-14; Rom 11:36 1 Pet 1:2

U nderstanding the Doctrine

Human illustrations cannot fully explained but accepted by faith.

Relationship between father and son is not as creature and creator
The limits of language in case of the term „Person‟
Since Godhead is possessed by all three, we wo rship the Triune God.

Implicat ions
God is reveal able
The „threeness‟ of God is basis for fundamental assertion that God is Love and creation is
His grace.
Communicative in absolute sense.
Motivation for mission.
Basis for the unity in diversity of the fellowship.
Basis for submission / self giving in the family, church Jn16:4
Motivation for involvement as a community leaving our individuality.

Misconceptions
One person who manifested in three modes- Modalism
Three Gods in the family – Threeism
Three independent persons with variation in divinity - Arianism

Questions for Discussion

What is the uniqueness of Christian faith comparatively with other religions as far as trinity
is concerned?
If God‟s existence is not in plurality, what could have been the implications?
How can we understand the Relationship in the community?
 Sover eignty of God
Adonai Title Sovereign - Supreme, Lord of Hosts Ps 89:4-10; King of Kings Isa 40; Ps
22:28
Governor of all nations, Potter Acts 4:24 ; Title Mat 4:7; Throne Rev4:2; Rom8; Col2:15
Absolute freedom to will and act - All authority , power and dominion are under His control
Job 38 ;42:2
God‟s Sovereignty is a mystery and meaningful ,founded on his very nature.

D imensions and implica tions

Omniscience: Heb 4:13 For Sovereign rule, without knowing all impossible to control all.-
Jonah; ps 139
Omnipotence: Job 42:2 Sovereign power and authority to control Job 42:2
Absolute Freedom: Free to do whatever / whenever / wherever Ex 33:19 Dn4:35;
Rom9:19-21
4th Dimension: Sovereignty within the frame work of His being (Holiness)

Sovereign w ill

Decretive Will: No emergency / no inadequacy / power to intervene and prevent the

happenings of the world in his own time and own way Jb42:2

Preceptive Will (Revealed) Through Law and Conscience. Mk 12:29 ;Rom 2:14-15 We
have ability to break but no authority to violate. Ex: Judas betrayal – it is not God‟s moral
approval.
Will of disposition: who deliberately disobey . His does not delight in sending people to Hel l
but wills the death of wicked. Ezl 33:11,8

Predestination and human choice

Predestination is a Fact Eph 1
Covenant people –object and instrument of Saving work
Choice was unmerited and purposeful
Ps 67; Is2:2-411:9;60 1Pet 1:20; Rom 11
Tension: 2 Thess 2:13
Atonement is not limited 1 Tim 2:4-6
Saved by Grace alone.
Expects from man to Believe & repent Jn6

Predestination and Election

Calvinism: Over-emphasize on Election eternal life is fore ordained

Armenians: Election is not absolute but conditional. Salvation is for all who put faith on the
atonement of Jesus Christ
The Reformed view: In the lives of elect, intervene to bring them into faith and in case of
reprobate, He never prevents them.
Neither Cat catch nor Monkey catch

Sovereign in C reation

Created everything Acts14:15;

Created out of nothing Hb11:3
Created for His glory Is43:7 Col 1:16
Sustainer and provider Act 14:17
Both transcendent and Immanent (Deism and Pantheism)

Sovereign in Revelation

God‟s self disclosure is necessary for finite and sinful man.1Cor 1:12
Out of His pleasure
Nature, conscience, prophets, Scripture and His son Jesus Christ.
Rom 1, Heb 1:1; Ps19:7; Jn1:1
God Supervised the writers without tampering their freedom.

Sovereign in R edemption

Man is dead in his trespasses

Eph 2:1-12
Own efforts cannot save I 64:6
God has predestined Eph1:4-6
Made a provision to redeem : OT Red sea, NT Jesus Christ
He will complete the work started in us. Rom 8:23

Sovereign in Final Judgment

Final Judgment: Supreme ruler Gen 18:25

All areas of human life are under Scrutiny. Rom 2:16; 1Cor 4:5; Mat 12:36; Ecc12:14
Basis for Judgment: God‟s character which was already revealed.
Reward: Freedom to choose and serve

Implicat ions
God is in control of the affairs , therefore trust and secure. Jn 10:29 ; 11 Tim 1:12.
Let us be hopeful in times of trials and disappointments. 1Pet 1:13.
Being Responsible in using our free will and doing the will of God in the light of Sovereign
rule. Mat 5:13-16
Motivation for Godly fear Rom3:18 and consecration Rom 11:35 12:1
Promotes righteous living
Humbles us for submission
To relinquish our own self will
Exclude all murmuring Jn6:38
Thankfullness and Joy Mat 11:22
Adoring worship (Gladis Stains)

Ques tions for Discussion

What is the meaning of the word „Sovereign‟?
Mention the dimensions shown in the Sovereignty of God.
Explain God‟s Sovereignty in creation and redemption.
How does this doctrine effect our day to day life?

Pers on and W ork of the Holy Spirit

 Necessity of the Holy Spirit to make the death of Christ effective to the individual sinner,
granting him repentance towards God and faith in Jesus Christ
Importance

Poor understanding of the Holy Spirit reflects in shallow living.

Understanding of Holy Spirit is covered by many layers of ignorance, indifference and
prejudice, and needs effort to uncover.

D eity of Holy Spir it

Member of Godhead who shares the same divine nature as Father and the Son (Mat 28:18;
2 Cor 13:14; Eph 4:4-6)
Eternal Heb 14; Divine perfections Ps 139:7; Omniscient 1 Cor 2:10,11; God Acts 5:3,4
Spirit of God Rom 8:9
Person &Work - O T
Heb. „ruach‟ „Gk „pneuma‟ from a root means „to breathe‟. Other expression „wind‟ (Ps
104:30; Job 33:4)

OT speaks as Personal agent of God and His activity rather than his person. Creation-
Gen1:2; Equipping with Skill Ex 31:3; Mighty acts of Judges, Jud 11:29 He came upon,
rested and filled. Spirit may also withdraw Ps 51:11 Inspired prophets to write the
Scriptures. 2nd Pet 1:20

OT also looks forward for the new age of the Spirit of God Is 11:2 Joel 2:28

Person and w ork –NT

NT: Jn 14-16 prominent official title „paraclete‟ advocate – a personal pronoun

Personal Attributes: Intelligent, Jn 14:26, Emotions Eph 4:30 Is 63:10 and Will 1 Cor 2:11
Work as person: Teaches Lk 12:12, Jn 14:26, Convicts Jn 16:8, Commands Acts 8:29,
Intercedes Rom 8:29
Treated as a person: He can be blasphemed Mt 12:31, be lied to Acts 5:3; be grieved Eph
4:30; be insulted Heb 10:29
NT: Christ: Conception (Lk 1:35), Baptism (Jn 1:32), Temptation (Lk 4:1), Mission
(empowered Mat 12:27)
Work in the church: Through gifts equipping the saints for the body of Christ
Inspired the writers (Theophnostos)
Work in the World –Individual sinner
Work in the life of a Believer

H oly Spirit in Salvat ion

The work of the Holy spirit in the world (Individual sinner)

Necessity in making t he c ross e ffecti ve

Necessity: Human depravity , Enslaved to sin, will - bound up
1 Cor 2:14; Jn 8:34; Eph 4:18
Our own efforts are waste (Mt 9:36; Jn 16:8), unless spirit of God lifts him up from the
sinful nature.
Jesus explains the necessity being born of the Spirit in Jn 3:5-8 Rom5:5
Law,Religion
Gra nting him repe nta nce & fait h
Need of Grace Jn 3:16
Initiative in sending His Son and the Spirit.
Convicts Jn 16:8
Helps understand atonement 1 Cor 2:12, unites with Christ.
Regeneration – New life – Repentance faith in the truth of Jesus, crucified and risen

The Holy Spirit in Sanctif ication

The indwelling and the work of the Holy spirit in the believer
Work in belie ver‟s li fe
He indwells in us Rom 8:9; 1 Cor 6:199; Eph 2:22; 1:13
Will assure of His Salvation Rom 8: 9&16 1 Jn 3:24 Gal 4:6 He prompts in our prayer.
He makes us complete in Christ Eph 3:15
Unites us with Head and Body Eph 4:1
He seals us Eph 1:13
He fills us Eph 5:18
Guaranteeing our inheritance Eph 1:14
Process of this moral renewal and transformation – sanctification Rom:8

Sanctification
Sanctify: „set apart‟ „consecrate‟
Heart of Sanctification: Holy life Eph 5:8 1Pet 1:2 ; 1 Cor 1:2
In the moral transformation, produce the fruit of the Spirit Gal 5:22
Works through the Word of God Jn 16:13 Inspires the writer and enlightens the reader.1
Cor 2:10

Questions about Sanctif ication

Crisis or Process?
Being renewed Col 3:10, Being transformed 2 Cor 3:18
Rest or struggle?
Jn 15:1-10, Rom 8:12, 12:1-21; Resting in Christ in faith and wrestling to be conformed to
His image
Complete ?
Sinless perfection is impossible Is 6:5; Eph 3:8

Terminology
Filling with the Spirit: Eph 5:18; Col 3:15
Sealing of HS Eh1:13 Security and ownership
Baptism of the Spirit: 1 Cor 12:13
Quenching: 1 Ths 5:19
Grieving: Eph 4:30
Gifts: Eph 4 & 1 Cor 12 –(Purpose, Manner, Nature)
Fruit: Gal 5:22(Towards God(3), others(3) oneself(4))
Anointation (Kings,Prophets,Priests) 1Sam 13&14

Questions for Discussion

Why is the work of the Spirit necessary for the rebirth of an individual sinner?
What is the role of the Spirit and man in Evangelism?
 Discuss the relationship between the death, resurrection and ascension of Christ and the
work of Holy Spirit.
What are the essential marks of sanctification?
What is filling, anointation, baptism of the Spirit?
How can the Spirit be grieved and quenched?

Universal Church
The one holy universal church, which is the body of Christ and to which all believers belong.

Meaning
• OT – QUAHAL is to call
• NT – EKKLESIA is an assembly of called out people.
• Other definitions - 1 Pet 2:9

Universal C hurch
CHURCH

Structure Local congrgtn. Para Church Orgn Invisible & Visible

Origin and development

• Biblical Religion is a corporate but not solitary.
• OT: Nation of Israel Ex 6:7 – the Concept of people of God responded to the Call Dt 4:10,
9:10
 • Gospels: Mat 16:18 Jesus choosing few people concerning the future church – laying
foundation
• Acts: Dynamism is demonstrated at Pentecost where church truly began with power to move
out to the ends of the earth
• Formed from different (geographical, cultural, educational) backgrounds

Church History
• Last 2000 years:
• Trials under emperor Nero up to 305 AD
• 312 Roman empire turned to Christ through conversion of Constantine
• Evangelization fire was down
• Imported worldly values till 6 th Century
• Till 14 c. Religious and political immorality increased under the leadership of popes
• 15th c. Reformation - protested unholy practices at Rome.
• Fire continued with John Wesley, George, Whitfield
• 18th c. after Carey, Taylor, etc.
• Modern Missionary movement
• Science and inventions challenged the faith
• 21st c. Postmodern, atheistic, Materialistic, Me Generation – no reason
• Present trend – Ecumenicalism –Unity at the cost of Fundamental Biblical truths
Nature of the church
• Nature: Called out from Darkness to light, Belong to God as His own, Holy Nation, Covenant
community, Heaven of Love and peace, apostolic
• 1 Pet 2:7-9

Images and impl ications

Body Bride Temple Kingdom Family Flock Vineyard
Rom Eph 5:27 1 Cor 3:11 Col 1:13 Eph 2:19 Jn 10:11 Jn 15
12:5
nity Purity and Worship and Certain values Mutual Protection and Care and cure
ubmission Love Sacrifice trust guidance

Conditions

•Repentance, Acts 2:38

•Faith, Matt16:16-18
•Salvation Acts 2:47•Baptism Acts 2:38; Mat28:19
•Continuance Acts 2:42

Life of the church

•Worship Mk14:12 Rom 11:3-36

•Fellowship Heb 13:2; Gal 6:2; Heb 10:25
•Ministry Through gifts Rom 12:3-8 1 Cor 12
•Church Government/Ministry of Mercy
•Witness Acts 1:8; Mat 28:19

Attr ibutes

•Unity Eph 4:1-6

•Holiness 1Pet 2:9
•Catholic Mt 28:19 Rev 7:9
•Apostolic 1 Cor 15-8-10

Marks of the church

•True Preaching of the Word

•Expository preaching,1 Jn 4:1-3 PBS, G:BS
••Prayer and fellowship Acts 2:42•Faithful exercise of Discipline
•Mat 18:18, 1 Cor 5:1-5
••Suffering Ps 119:67; Rom 5:3
••Right Administration of sacraments
•Only to believers Mat 28:19 Mk 16:16
•• Systematic giving

Sacraments of the Church

•Sacraments Significance:
Visible Signs: Circumcision and Passover
•Baptism-Out ward witness to the inward forgiveness, Union with Christ and entry into one
Body. Tit 3:5,Acts2:38,Rom 6:1.
•Lords Supper- Receiving the Benefits of Christ‟s sacrifice and Communion with people of
God 1 Cor 10

Church Administrat ion

•Church Leadership
•Shared-Plural – flexible - Servant – Universal
•What qualify a leader
•1st Tim 3; Titus 1
•Church Membership
•Church Discipline Acts 15

Questions for Discussion

 THE RESURREC TION OF CHRIST
T he Bodily R esurrect ion of Christ
is t he Crow ning proof of Christ ianit y and Cornerst one for t he Christ ian Fait h

“And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith.”
- I Corinthians 15:14 (NIV)
The World we Live In Today

The Tsunami of Hopelessness

INTR OD UCTION
Death is the most feared enemy and inescapable reality.
Life after death is an age old question (Job 14:14) and quest.
Insecurity/uncertainties are demolished
Existential questions are intensified

WOR LD VIEWS
Greek : Rejected Resurrection and believed death releases the soul.
Jew: Believed in literal Resurrection.
Pantheist: Believe re-incarnation.
Guru : Some claim resurrection.

R EIN CARNATION OR RESUR RECTION

Re incarnation Resurrection
Pantheistic Theistic

Soul/Body Dualism Soul Body Unity

Mortal Body Immortal Body

B IBLICAL VIEW
Eternity is set in the heart of man.
Death is only temporary separation of Body and soul/spirit.
Resurrection is both union of changed body and soul/spirit.
Nature is mysterious, Fact is Historical and meaning is Theological. ( Eccl 3:11&1 Cor 15)
1 Cor 15: 42-44
There is bodily resurrection with changed body.
Raised to imperishable
Raised to Spiritual body
Raised in Glory
Raised in Power
Lazarus incident is not resurrection

First proof - The Empty Tomb Jn 20

Left with un disturbed heavy wrappings of linen cloths and spices(75-100 Pounds) startled
the disciples that Jesus was not stolen but resurrected

Post Resurrection appearances

1. Mary Magdalene Jn 20:11

2. Other women Mat 28:9,10
3. Peter Luk24:34
4. Two disciples Lk24:13-32
5. Ten Apostles Luk 24:33-49
6. Thomas Jn 20:26-30
7. Seven Apostles John21
8. All Apostles Acts 1:4-9
9. All Apostles Mat 28:16-20
10. 500 Brothren 1 Cor 15:6
11. James 1 Cor 15:7
12. Paul 1 Cor 15:7

OTH ER PROOFS
Broken seal: Braking the authority of Roman empire
Moving of 2 ton stone
Impossible to say the Roman Guards Fled
The post resurrection appearances

VAR IOU S OBJECTIONS

Theft : Disciples have stolen the Body of Christ while guards are sleeping.
Wrong Tomb: Women and disciples mistook the tomb.
Hallucination: Post resurrection appearances were wild dreams
Swoon: He revived and escaped from the tomb.
Spiritual : Resurrection was spiritual and the body is decayed.

IMPLICATIONS
1. Confirmed His earlier claims(Scripture)
2.Confirms father‟s acceptance of his atoning sacrifice and its provisions(It is finished)
3. Certifies sinners Justification Rom4:25
4.Signifies Jesus as Lord & Eternal God
(By overcoming death)
5. Provision to have a living relationship
6.Signfies He is the ultimate Judge of all
7.Assures that evil has been defeated.

R ELEVANCE
1. Faith : Christian faith has a solid ground and our faith is in living God
2.Peace: His Peace will guard us
3 Purpose: Global command and a goal.
4.Power of Resurrection available
5. Communion is continued
6.Hope : Our labour will not go waste
7.Joy: Even in the midst of adversaries

w orship
BECAUSE HE LIVES I CAN FACE TOMORROW AND LIFE IS WORTH THE LIVING
JUST BECAUSE HE LIVES.
 The Sec on d Comin g
The Expectation of the personal return of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Introduction
• Biblical History is linear but not circular.
• History has a beginning and an End.
• Views Regarding End of the Universe:
– Philosophical
– Scientific
– Religious
Kingdom & Kingdom to come
• Through the death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ, it is a present reality in Human History.
• God‟s rule reaches beyond Easter to His glorious appearing at the End of History –
righteousness and peace.
• Total Defeat of the enemy
New Testament terms
• Parousia Gk – Coming, Arrival or presence Mat 24:3; 1 Thes 2:19
• Apokalypsis – revelation 1 Cor 1:7; 2 Thes 1:7
• Epiphaneia – appearing 2 Thes 2:8
His C oming is a fact -Biblical Basis
• Prophets proclaimed Mal 4:1; Dan 7:13
• Jesus Assured: Mk 13:26
• Apostles Declared: Thes Phil 3:20
• Creeds Confirmed
Extremes : Totally Ignored or Overemphasized
Result : The world confused

Nature of H is coming
• The descriptions and symbols (Mt 24:27) tell us important principles:
– Personal Acts 1:11
– Glorious Rev 1:7
– Visible Mt 24:30
– Decisive 1 Cor 15:24
– Sudden Mt 24:44
Purpose of His coming
• To complete the work of redemption – to triumph over sin, death and devil and totally
remove from God‟s World.
• To resurrect the dead (for reward and Judgment)
• Rapture: Living will be transformed
• To deliver the church from persecution 1 Thes 4:17
• Restore-what ever lost in Sin- New heaven and new earth.

Events to take place before coming

– Calling of Gentiles Mat 24:14 Rom9:24-26
– Conversion of Israel Rom 11:25-29
– Religious Apostasy Mk 13:5
– Anti Christ 1Jn 4:3 Rev 13
– Wars and conflicts Mk 13:7
– Disturbances in the Natural order Mk 13:8
– Disciples are ignorant – Jesus also admits Mt 13:31
Time of His com ing

- Unknown ,Divine Secret and Sudden like a Thief

1 Thes 5:4
- Disciples are ignorant
– Jesus also admits Mt 13:31; 24:36
Related issues
• The antichrist (Man of lawlessness): Represents the principle of Satanic opposition to God‟s
rule in the last time (1 Jn 2:18)
Also refer to as the person “The Beast” Rev 13:3; 2 Thes 2:4
• The Hell: The destiny of the powers evil, Satan (Rev 20:10), the demons, false prophets
• The destiny of men who identified with Evil
• New Creation: Liberated material creation and human race
• The Millennium The Idea of 1000 yr reign of Christ on the earth at the end of the present
age Rev 20:2-7.
• Pre Millennium: Holds that the return of Christ take place before the 1000 yrs of reign of
Christ on earth.
• Post millennium: Holds the view that it is an earthly reign of 1000 years after which the 2 nd
coming take place
• A Millennium : holds that the millennium ;is symbolic and that there is no millennium in the
literal sense. It is only a symbolic number.

Until He comes
• Occupy: Lk 19:11-17 Faithful, diligent, redeeming time and opportunities.
• Purify: as a Bride prepares for her Groom 1Thes 5:4 ;Encourage and build one another. 2nd
Pet 3:14
• Watch: While working for Him we need to wait for Him
• Worship: 1 Cor 11:23-26 Every meal at His table is another reminder. Worship him with
great anticipation as a coming King.