Synergy Resources

To understand the foundation for church growth and multiplication, we must study the truths in Scripture and theology. The Bible provides us with both the authority and truth we need to live out our faith. Nine key doctrines emerge from Scripture that give us a comprehensive framework for understanding what the Bible teaches: 

1. The Doctrine of Scripture

The Bible has several essential qualities that set it apart as our ultimate guide and source of authority.

• Inspired: Scripture is "breathed out by God," meaning it originates from God Himself and provides His divine revelation to humanity.
• Inerrant: The Bible is without error. There is no contradiction or falsehood within its teachings.
• Infallible: Not only is the Bible without error, but it is incapable of being wrong or misleading.
• Necessary: The Bible is essential for salvation and for living a faithful Christian life. Without it, we cannot understand how to be saved or live in obedience to God.
• Sufficient: The Bible contains everything necessary for salvation and godly living. We do not need additional sources or revelations.
• Clear: While some parts of Scripture may be difficult to understand, the overall message of salvation and God’s work in history is clear.
• Powerful: God’s Word has the power to transform lives, convict hearts, and save souls.
• Authoritative: As the authoritative Word of God, Scripture governs all aspects of our lives. We do not pick and choose from it but submit to its entirety.

2. The Doctrine of God

God is central to all Scripture, and the Bible reveals much about His nature and character:

• Triune: God exists in three persons — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit — yet remains one God.
• Transcendent: God is above and beyond His creation. He is majestic, glorious, and King of all.
• Imminent: Despite His transcendence, God is also present and active within His creation. He chooses to relate to and covenant with His people.
• Other Attributes: God is holy, just, merciful, gracious, all-knowing, all-loving, and all-powerful. These attributes define His essence and influence His relationship with humanity.

3. The Doctrine of Humanity

Human beings are created in the image of God, which means we have the capacity to reason, feel, choose, and relate to God and others. Key aspects of this doctrine include:

• Made in God’s Image: Humanity is made with the ability to know God, engage in relationships, and fulfill His purposes on Earth.
• Male and Female: God created humans as male and female, and this distinction is foundational to human identity and function.

4. The Doctrine of Sin

Sin is a critical theme throughout Scripture, explaining humanity's broken relationship with God.

• Definition of Sin: Any thought, word, desire, or action that goes against God's law. All people are born with a sin nature and are condemned because of their sin unless God intervenes.
• The Consequence of Sin: The penalty for sin is death, but salvation is possible through Jesus Christ, who offers eternal life.

5. The Doctrine of Christ

The central figure of Christianity is Jesus Christ, whose life and work are essential to salvation.

• The Incarnation: Jesus, the Son of God, became fully human to live among us.
• Atonement: Through His death, Jesus satisfied God’s wrath and paid the penalty for sin.
• Resurrection and Ascension: After His death, Jesus rose from the dead and ascended to heaven. He will one day return in glory.

6. The Doctrine of Salvation

Salvation is the work of God through Christ and the Holy Spirit.

• Foreknowledge and Election: God knew and chose believers before the foundation of the world.
• Faith and Repentance: Sinners receive salvation through faith in Jesus and repentance from sin.
• Justification and Sanctification: Justification declares believers righteous, while sanctification is the ongoing process of becoming more like Christ.
• Glorification: In the future, believers will be transformed, receiving resurrected bodies free from sin and suffering.

7. The Doctrine of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Godhead and plays a key role in applying salvation and empowering believers.

• Conviction: The Holy Spirit convicts people of their sin and leads them to Christ.
• Redemption: Christ redeems those who repent of their sin and believe in Him.
• Sanctification: The Spirit works in believers' lives to make them holy and set apart for God’s purposes.

8. The Doctrine of the Church

The Church is the community of believers, both local and universal, called to worship God and carry out His mission in the world.

• Local and Universal Church: Believers gather together in local congregations, which form part of the larger universal Church.
• Images of the Church: The Church is described as the people of God, the body of Christ, and the temple of the Holy Spirit.

9. The Doctrine of Last Things

The doctrine of last things addresses the ultimate end of the world and the return of Christ.

• The Return of Christ: Jesus will return to judge the world and establish His eternal Kingdom.
• Eternal Destinies: Believers will enjoy eternal life in the new heaven and new Earth, while unbelievers will face eternal separation from God in the lake of fire.

Action Steps

1. Study these doctrines in depth, both individually and with others.
2. Engage in doctrinal studies within your local church.
3. Always engage with Scripture and theology to know, love, and delight in God and make Him known to others.

Dr. Jeremy Kimble, Professor of Theology and Director of the Synergy Initiative at Cedarville University, is passionate about teaching college and graduate students the truth of God’s Word. He is committed to teaching in the classroom, mentoring students, and speaking in church, camp, and conference settings. He served in pastoral ministry for eight years and is currently an active member and minister at University Baptist Church. Dr. Kimble's academic interests include biblical and systematic theology, ecclesiology, preaching and teaching, and the mission of the Church.

Synergy is the combined power of a group working together that is greater than the power of individuals working separately. The Synergy Initiative aims to help students plan strategically to graduate from Cedarville, go together with others from this place, and invest their energies, talents, and efforts in planting, revitalizing, and multiplying churches. As Cedarville graduates join up with other church members who are equipped to do the work of ministry, the combined effect of their efforts will accomplish, by God’s grace, abundantly more than only a couple of pastors in a church doing all of the work on their own. Thus, the goal is to equip students to leave Cedarville University ready to help establish and strengthen local churches throughout the nation and around the world.