There are two biblically based, coexistent, views of Christianity. It is a matter of what is emphasized.
The Eternal Life View
God is the source of all creation including human beings who rebel against being told what to do. God gave Moses specific commandments that were to be followed, but they often weren’t. Justice requires punishment for disobedience, which is understood to take place after death. Jesus Christ, the human expression of our loving God, came to earth to suffer and die to pay the penalty for human rebelliousness and permit those who ask for forgiveness to have eternal life. Weekly worship services are intended to provide opportunities to express gratitude and receive assurance of God’s forgiveness. The Bible is considered God’s authorized statement of the requirements for salvation and the Holy Spirit guides the spread of the good news. This is considered to be a changeless view of Christianity. However, differences of opinion over who should have eternal life have tended to divide Christians into many different denominations.
The Continuing Creation View
God is the source of all creation including human beings who were expected to work together to care for each other and the earth. God gave Moses specific commandments to help them work together. Jesus Christ, the human expression of our loving God, came to Earth to further explain what God expected of humans. His death and resurrection provided assurance of God’s forgiveness and became the beginning of the formation of the Kingdom of God, a movement led by the Holy Spirit to create a superior civilization on earth. The Bible is the source of wisdom that guides the movement. Weekly worship services provide inspiration, direction, and accountability for those who attend. Life after death is left to our loving Creator. Christians have been praying, “Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as in heaven” in the Lord’s Prayer and if you look carefully you can see it happening as part of continuing creation. This view emphasizes continual improvement in the quality of life and the unity of all Christians as the Body of Christ.
Robert C. Frank
Author of: Christ’s Team
