Distinct Beliefs
DISTINCT BELIEFSThere are certain "core" beliefs, which every Christian has in common.
They are basic Christian beliefs, which go beyond any particular denomination.
There are other beliefs, which are NOT in the core in which we differ.
Certain denominations emphasize certain beliefs, but they DO NOT place one denomination above another... they are simply different.
United Methodists, have the core beliefs just the same as other Christians, and we also emphasize certain beliefs.
TWO SACRAMENTS: THE LORD'S SUPPER AND BAPTISM.
The Lord's Supper:
We understand the Lord's Supper as an act that both comes from God and is responded to by people.
In Baptism once again, we see that it is God who is at work and we respond to that work.
HOLINESS
John Wesley once said, "The doctrine of entire santification is the grand deposit the Lord gives the people called Methodist. It appears that is why He raised us up."
The terms "Holiness" and "sanctification" are terms, which speak of the process of taking of the CHARACTER OF CHRIST and winning victory over sin.
United Methodist see the Christian journey as one in which believers take on more and more of the character of Christ, which results in Holy living. there are various 'spirituak stages" in a person's life: These stages can be illustrated in the "ORDER OF SALVATION".
Action / state term Scripture
1) God at work calling people to salvation. "previenient grace" 1st Timothy 2:4
2) Sinner is awakened. Sees need for Christ. "Conviction / Repentance" John 16:7-8
They are basic Christian beliefs, which go beyond any particular denomination.
There are other beliefs, which are NOT in the core in which we differ.
Certain denominations emphasize certain beliefs, but they DO NOT place one denomination above another... they are simply different.
United Methodists, have the core beliefs just the same as other Christians, and we also emphasize certain beliefs.
TWO SACRAMENTS: THE LORD'S SUPPER AND BAPTISM.
The Lord's Supper:
We understand the Lord's Supper as an act that both comes from God and is responded to by people.
- We practice "Open Communion". (A person does NOT have to be a member of the United Methodist Church to come to communion.)
In Baptism once again, we see that it is God who is at work and we respond to that work.
- United Methodist Church recognizes three "Modes" of Baptism. (Immersion, Sprinkling, Pouring)
- The United Methodist Church practices "infant Baptism". (We understand baptism as both and act and celebration of God's grace and people's response to that grace.) In infant baptism, we "Celebrate God's Grace which is already at work in the life of the child, and we dedicate ourselves to help the child make a proper response to that grace, which is to ACCEPT CHRIST FOR HIS OR HER SELF AT SOME POINT IN THEIR LIFE.
HOLINESS
John Wesley once said, "The doctrine of entire santification is the grand deposit the Lord gives the people called Methodist. It appears that is why He raised us up."
The terms "Holiness" and "sanctification" are terms, which speak of the process of taking of the CHARACTER OF CHRIST and winning victory over sin.
United Methodist see the Christian journey as one in which believers take on more and more of the character of Christ, which results in Holy living. there are various 'spirituak stages" in a person's life: These stages can be illustrated in the "ORDER OF SALVATION".
Action / state term Scripture
1) God at work calling people to salvation. "previenient grace" 1st Timothy 2:4
2) Sinner is awakened. Sees need for Christ. "Conviction / Repentance" John 16:7-8
