InterVarsity Christian Fellowship is a Biblically-based, Christ-centered campus ministry.
So what does that actually mean?
Well, to make things as straight-forward as possible, we’ve broken down our doctrinal basis into several sections.
Each section has two explanations of the same thing – first in a bit more “formal” language, and then “bulleted out” for the rest of us…
Here it is…
What we believe:
ABOUT GOD
The only true God, the almighty Creator of all things,
existing eternally in three persons–
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit–full of love and glory.
In other words:
- GOD IS REAL.
- There is one true God, who made the heavens, the earth and everything.
- God exists in three persons: Father, Son & Holy Spirit. (similar to how we have an intellectual self, a physical self and a spiritual self)
- God does not change – He is the same yesterday, today and forever.
What we believe:
ABOUT THE BIBLE
The unique divine inspiration,
entire trustworthiness
and authority of the Bible.
In other words:
- The Holy Bible is the very word of God.
- It is entirely trustworthy & true, is divinely inspired and is the ultimate, final authority on matters of doctrine.
What we believe:
ABOUT PEOPLE
The value and dignity of all people:
created in God’s image to live in love and holiness,
but alienated from God and each other because of our sin and guilt,
and justly subject to God’s wrath.
In other words:
- ALL people have value & dignity – and are created in God’s image to live in love and holiness.
- At the same time, EVERYONE is guilty of sin – even the Pope, even Mother Theresa, even Billy Graham, and most certainly the author of this web-page. Everyone.
- Sin is rebellion against God – in essence, doing things our way instead of God’s way.
- Because this rebellion, we are alienated (separated) from God and from each other.
- As a consequence, we fully deserve God’s punishment.
What we believe:
ABOUT JESUS
Jesus Christ, fully human and fully divine,
who lived as a perfect example,
who assumed the judgment due sinners by dying in our place,
and who was bodily raised from the and ascended as Savior and Lord.
In other words:
- Jesus Christ really lived.
- He is the Son of God.
- He was fully human and, at the same time, fully God.
- He never sinned – having lived as the perfect example.
- By dying on the cross, he paid the price for the ALL THE SINS – past, present & future – OF THE WHOLE WORLD.
- He took our punishment for us – even though we deserved it.
- He bodily rose from the , and in so doing, conquered itself.
- HE IS ALIVE!!
What we believe:
ABOUT SALVATION (GOING TO HEAVEN)
Justification by God’s grace to all who repent
and put their faith in Jesus Christ alone for salvation.
In other words:
- God’s FREE GIFT to each of us is forgiveness of ALL of our sins – past, present & future.
- It is entirely up to each of us to decide if we want this free gift of forgiveness.
- There’s no way we can earn this gift – it’s totally FREE.
- We receive this free gift by:
- “Changing our minds” about sin – deciding that what we once thought was right is in reality not right. It is deciding to do things God’s way rather than our way. (the fancy church word is “repent”).
- Putting our faith in Jesus Christ alone – believing that he really did pay the price for our sins.
- By accepting this free gift, we are “justified” (think “just if I’d never sinned”)
- As a result, we come into a relationship with God – He becomes our spiritual Father – and we begin a new life.
What we believe:
ABOUT THE HOLY SPIRIT
The indwelling presence and transforming power of the Holy Spirit,
who gives to all believers a new life and a new calling to obedient service.
In other words:
- The Holy Spirit is real.
- When we have a relationship with God, He, in the person of the Holy Spirit, comes to us and is present within us.
- The Holy Spirit transforms us – making us more and more like Jesus.
What we believe:
ABOUT CHRISTIANS
The unity of all believers in Jesus Christ,
manifest in worshiping and witnessing churches
making disciples throughout the world.
In other words:
- All believers in Christ are part of a family – we are all children of God – which makes us brothers & sisters.
- God is our spiritual Father.
- We were created to be in a relationship with Him.
- As believers, we help people learn more about God.
What we believe:
ABOUT JESUS RETURN
The victorious reign and future personal return of Jesus Christ,
who will judge all people with justice and mercy,
giving over the unrepentant to eternal condemnation
but receiving the redeemed into eternal life.
In other words:
- Jesus is coming back and will reign for ever & ever.
- He will judge all people.
- He will judge with justice & mercy.
- He will respect any decision a person makes about their relationship to God:
- For those who would rather do things their own way instead of God’s way; and,
- Who don’t want to have a relationship with Him,
- He will let them go.
- They will be completely separated from God
(Please note: this total seperation from God is the very definition of hell)
Obviously we really, really do not recommend this!
- For those who have chosen to be in a relationship with Him, they will live forever in Heaven – in His presence.