Revised Affinity Doctrinal Basis
4 comments
The Affinity doctrinal basis has been revised and is now available online in our article on Affinity’s core values. We have reproduced it below for you to look at and if you wish, to comment on. Please use the “Comment” link below to add your response. You will need to be logged in to your Affinity website account to leave comments. If you haven’t yet signed up, please go to our sign-up page. The doctrinal basis prior to this revision is also available to view on this site.
A doctrinal basis is not designed to be a systematic theology. It is a summary statement of faith, drawn up against the background of current issues and controversies. In times of change and confusion like our own, re-casting may be frequently required. This is Affinity’s latest revision (March, 2008). It is intended to be both a ‘fence’ and a ‘foundation’ for all we do together for the gospel.
Affinity Doctrinal Basis
Affinity affirms and proclaims the foundational truths of the
historic, orthodox faith as revealed in holy scripture. We believe in:
- The inspiration, inerrancy and infallibility of God’s word, the Bible, as originally given. The
holy scripture is both vital and clear, and all Christians must submit to its supreme
authority and sufficiency, both individually and corporately, in every matter of belief and
conduct. - The existence of one eternal and immutable God, the Holy Trinity, Creator and Lord of the
universe who, in the unity of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit – three Persons who
are the same in substance, and equal in power and glory – governs all things according to
his will, and is accomplishing his purposes in the world and in the church. - The inherent value of all human beings, made by God in his own image, and their
sinfulness and guilt since the fall of Adam. This has rendered them subject to God’s wrath
and condemnation, and has resulted in their alienation from him, from one another and
from his creation. - The essential, absolute and eternal deity of the Lord Jesus Christ; his conception by Mary
of the Holy Spirit; his virgin birth; his real but sinless humanity; his voluntary humiliation
and obedience, culminating in his death as a sacrifice for sin; his bodily resurrection from
the dead on the third day; his ascension into heaven; his continuing ministry as Prophet,
Priest and King; and his coming again in power and glory. - Salvation from the guilt, penalty and all consequences of sin solely through the work of
Jesus Christ – his perfect obedience, penal substitutionary death, bodily resurrection and
exaltation as Lord. He alone is truly God and truly man, and therefore the only mediator
between God and humanity, uniquely able to save completely those who come to God
through him. There is salvation through no other person, creed, process or power. - The justification of sinners entirely through the imputation of Christ’s righteousness to them
and of the guilt and penalty of their sin to him. It is appropriated by grace alone through
faith alone in Christ alone. - The necessity and sufficiency of the work of the Holy Spirit for the individual’s new birth to
repentance and faith, union with Christ and growth to maturity, and for the church’s
continuous renewal in truth, unity, wisdom, faith, holiness, love, power and mission. - The universal church, the body of which Christ is the head, to which all who are saved
belong. Its existence reveals God’s ultimate purpose to bring everything together under
Christ. It is made visible both in local congregations and in the wider communion of those
who profess the true faith. It comprises a people called to declare the praise of the God
who saved them, to contend for the faith once delivered to the saints, and to proclaim the
gracious offer of salvation to those who are lost. - The unity of the body of Christ, as expressed within and between local churches by mutual
love, care, encouragement and corporate action. True fellowship between churches exists
only where they are faithful to the apostolic gospel. - The personal and visible return in glory of the Lord Jesus Christ, in order to raise the dead
and bring salvation and judgement to final completion. He will grant eternal life to those
who have believed the gospel, and consign those who have not to everlasting punishment
in hell. God will then fully establish his kingdom in new heavens and a new earth, from
which evil and evildoers, suffering and death will be excluded, and in which he will be
glorified forever.
Discussing Revised Affinity Doctrinal Basis
Here's what other people think about this entry.
Ben Stevenson writes:
Out of interest, is the old Doctrinal Basis available for comparison? Also are Affinity planning to explain the reasons for expanding the DB?
One comment on the DB
“Salvation from the guilt, penalty and all consequences of sin solely through the work of Jesus Christ...”
I’m not sure about the word “all” in this. For example, when David sinned with Bathsheba, he still faced earthly consequences for his action, even after he had been forgiven.
“Then David said to Nathan, “I have sinned against the LORD.”
Nathan replied, “The LORD has taken away your sin. You are not going to die. 14 But because by doing this you have made the enemies of the LORD show utter contempt, the son born to you will die.”—2 Samuel 12:13-14 (NIV)
Posted on 02/04/2008 at 06:13 PM
Margaret Elward writes:
I think this Revised Doctrinal Basis is excellent, and makes it quite clear in paragraph’s eight and nine what a true basis for Church unity is. I am not sure whether this was in the original Doctrinal Basis but it is very timely, and needed to be pointed out especially as there are so many in the ecumenical body that believe all evangelicals think themselves superior and will not go along with the flow. They need to realize that it is the word of God that is superior, we just hold fast to that truth. There is no other basis for unity.
Margaret Elward
Posted on 02/04/2008 at 07:57 PM
Ben Stevenson writes:
Here is the old Doctrinal Basis for comparison
http://www.yorkshiregospelpartnership.org/doctrinalbasis.htm
Posted on 02/04/2008 at 10:34 PM
Andy Lines writes:
Thanks for the revision and now the old basis for comparison. It would be great to have the rationale for these changes.
Andy Lines
Posted on 20/05/2008 at 04:00 PM