Download LifeDate Summer 2021
by Pastor Michael Salemink
“Perfect love casts out fear” (1 John 4:18). Fear of failure, fear of the future, fear of each other, all from the Evil One. The Gospel proclaims from beginning to end, “Fear not!” The Heavenly Father’s love made perfect in Christ Jesus—unconditional, universal, ultimate—drives away every fear. And love “rejoices with the truth” (1 Corinthians 13:5). So here are ten Christian doctrines (beliefs, teachings, truths) that affirm the sanctity of life:
- Trinity. God is love. God is relationship. His eternal love supplies the source of every life. He created humankind in this image, for Himself, for relationship, to be loved and to love.
- Creation. The Lord called all things into being, from the greatest to the least, with His mighty mere Word. But He formed the human bodies with His own fingers and His very breath. He lovingly, intimately, and meticulously knits us together in our mothers’ wombs.
- Incarnation. The Word became flesh and God made Himself man as an embryo. Jesus took the lowliest form of a servant to leave no human life out.
- Atonement. Christ crucified, incapacitated on a cross, offered Himself unto death in the place of our whole race. He suffered punishment in everyone’s place, reconciled the world to Almighty God, and redeemed even the most helpless, hopeless, dark, and desperate ones.
- Resurrection. God raised up not only His spirit but also His body. Jesus defeats the enemy death for us, gives victory over it and liberty from it that our bodies, however broken, may enjoy everlasting life.
- Ascension. Our Savior exalted human flesh and our nature to a heavenly inheritance. Our present predicaments will pass. Whatever our size, skills, or circumstances, we will rise and reign with Him.
- Grace. God’s love, His gifts and labors, work worth and purpose in each human being. No one else’s age, appearance, or ability—not even our own—can impair it or improve upon it.
- Sacraments. Humble, simple things such as water and wafer and wine serve for our Lord to connect Himself to us. He means to dwell Himself in every human body as His temple.
- Scripture. The Word of the Lord prevails and endures forever. Speaking truth in love changes hearts and saves lives, regardless of political issues, public opinion, or personal choice.
- Communion of Saints. We behold one another, every neighbor, as God’s own precious treasures and as gifts and privileges to each other. Therefore, we do not fear!