THE TEN BASIC TRUTHS OF CHRISTIANITY
DR. MICHAEL D. HALSEY
INTRODUCTION
What you're going to be reading is theology, a healthy, robust theology. This
presupposes that we can understand it (Ps. 1 19:105). What settles the matter
is that Jesus Himself said that truth not only exists, but also can be known.
Listen in on His conversation in John 4:22 and read what He said in John 8:32.
In Luke 9:27; 12:44; and 21:3 we see the same emphasis, as Jesus says, "I tell
you the truth ...... In John 14:6, He says, "I am the way, the truth and the
life..."
In the consistency that is the Bible, Paul agrees. In Romans 1: 1 8-20, he
points out that we can know the truth,, and that if we don't know, it's a
willing ignorance, like the teenager on a date who knows he's passed his curfew,
but refuses to look at his watch.
The Bible collides with the idea that there is no ultimate truth and that it
can't be known.
Theology isn't some specialized study for cloistered academics; in fact, in one
sense, you are a theologian. Theology is thinking about God and expressing
those thoughts.
You'll find a study of theology expands your mind. It takes all the intellect
you've got, and more. Yet, theology refuses to stay locked in our minds. It
affects our lives. For example, take the subject of responsibility. If you have
a family, you're responsible to that family., Since we live in a society, we're
responsible for paying taxes and obeying the traffic laws. We work under
supervisors to whom we're responsible for the use of those precious eight or
more hours. Do we have a responsibility God?
There is what we might call a theology of responsibility. Once we recognize
such a theology, this takes the subject out of the abstract and makes us think
of our right- now accountability as was well as our yet-to-be accountability to
God in one way or another. (I Cor. 3 for believers of the church age and Rev. 20
for unbelievers of all the ages)
Theology has fallen on hard times, almost to the point of extinction. Sermons
and Sunday school lessons entertain with their pop psychology and "Steps to
Success" or with its "Five Ways to Gain self-esteem," and simplistic views of
life as to become ludicrous.
Paul writes that we're to take heed to theology (I Tim. 1:3; 4:6; 11 Tim.
3:10,16; 4:2-3). Few read theology; less preach it. Jesus tells us, "Man does
not live by bread alone, but on every word that proceeds from the mouth of God"
(Matt. 4:4).
There's no substitute for theology and for knowing it. Since we believe that
God has spoken, the most important thing in the world is to learn what He's
said. The study of theology unfolds God, who He is, what He has said and done;
it reveals to us what He's doing now and what He will say and do in the future.
A sound theology is important because, it keeps us from error. Satan has his
counterfeit theology (I Tim. 4:1,7). Without a healthy theology, the winds of
false
teaching will throw us into chaos (Eph. 4:14).
No wonder Paul says theology is important. It's so important, he tells us to
"hold on" to the theology he's passed on. Sometimes it may be hard to
understand (11 Peter 3:15) and it can be a challenge, but it does its practical
work. (The words "impractical" and "theology" don't belong in the same
sentence.) Theology invades life to the extent that it rebukes, corrects and
trains us for every good work (II Tim. 3:16). We should retire the old saying,
"He's so heavenly minded, he's of no earthly good," because Colossians 3:1-2
say's we can't be heavenly minded enough.
Failure to know God is a horrible thing (Is 1:3). When an emphasis on theology
subsides, we're in a dangerous position. What you believe is important. Jesus
presents the truth of Martha and then pointedly asked her, "Do you believe this?
(John 11:25-26).
It's our desire at County Line Church that you believe Jesus for forgiveness of
sin and eternal life (Jn. 6:40). It's also our desire that you come to
understand the healthy and liberating theology of grace (Jn. 8:32).
Most expect theology to be so dull it's to be avoided at all costs. But since
theology deals with life and death issues, how can it be dull? If it comes
across as dull, dry and boring, in this booklet, then that's my fault, because
it's not. (The account on pages 17-18 is a case in point about how interesting
theology can be. The story is by Dr. Charles Ryrie and is from his book, So
Great Salvation.)
So, this booklet is a look at the ten basic truths of Christianity, truths I
hope to present in a way that excites your interest in, your investigation of,
and your fascination with Christ and His Word.
Dr. Mike Halsey, Pastor
County Line Church
3913 Jonesboro Road
Hampton, GA 30228
770-478-2002