Our Family Creed
We aren't completely ready to make this public yet, but then, we're not sure we'll ever be completely ready. Although we are the owners of Exodus Books and our beliefs certainly affect the direction of the business, this is not an official Exodus "Statement of Faith." Several of our employess would take exception to some of our doctrinal positions—and we're OK with that. Also, we would not be able to fully defend or biblically justify a few of these statements, so we're not seeking arguments!
And I believe what I believe
Is what makes me what I am
I did not make it, no it is making me
It is the very truth of God and not
The invention of any man...
—Rich Mullins, Creed
We believe:
In one almighty God in three distinct persons–the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
The Bible is God’s inspired (infallible & inerrant) word, our only rule of faith and life.
That God created all things visible and invisible.
That Jesus is fully God, the eternally begotten Son, but also fully man,
conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of a virgin.
That we are all by nature children of wrath, born dead in sin; that it is only God’s gracious mercy that saves us.
That Jesus led a sinless life on earth and died on a cross to actually save sinners.
That Jesus is truly and bodily risen and is our now glorified Savior and King.
That anyone who denies any of the above statements is outside of the Christian faith.
We believe:
That creation took place in six literal days.
That God is sovereign and does not have to change His plans when we disobey Him,
but uses all things to work out His will for His glory.
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In the reformed doctrines of grace—what are commonly called the five points of Calvinism.
In essence, they teach:
Man is dead in sin and cannot choose God.
Psalm 14; Rom. 5:12
God sovereignly chose which people to save.
Rom. 8:29-30
Christ's death on the Cross completely atoned for the sins of the elect.
Rom. 5:8-10; Gal. 3:13; Matt. 1:21
The work of the Holy Spirit, not the work of men, regenerates and calls the elect to salvation.
Rom. 9:16; 1 Pet. 1:3; Gal. 6:15; 2 Cor. 5:17-18; Eph. 2:1-5
God's people are preserved by Him in faith and righteousness.
John 6:47, 10:28-29; Rom. 8:29-30; 1 Cor. 1:7-9
That Christ will not come again until all His enemies except death are “under His feet,”
conquered here on earth, and that He will conquer death when He returns.
Psalm 110, Luke 20:43; Acts 2:351; 1 Cor. 15:25, Heb. 10:13
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That the purpose of the fall and sin is to show God’s glory–that through sin we can see God’s holy and
awesome wrath, His perfect justice, and also His great mercy.
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That those who will be saved in history–the elect–will not be few in number.
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That we should baptize infants of professing Christian parents and then
let them eat in communion with God and the rest of the saints.
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We believe:
In working for a united Church that dwells together in peace and truth.
That the Church, through obedience to God's word and consistent, biblical worship, is God's main instrument to change the world.
We believe:
That marriage is between one man and one woman, is intended to be monogamous and is meant for life.
That there is no such thing as no fault divorce: divorce always involves sin,
and it is grievous and harmful to everyone involved;
however, it is not necessarily unscriptural.
That abortion is murder—an abhorant sin. However, it is not an unforgivable one.
Most women who have had abortions need forgiveness and mercy, not blame.
That love is primarily an action to be a practiced, not a feeling to fall in and out of (though the feeling is good too).
In loving husbands and fathers who lead through service.
In wives who intelligently and respectfully submit to and help their husbands,
That, under normal circumstances, children are a wonderful blessing.
That Children should honor their parents as they are trained to be Christian warriors.
In God-honoring, parent-directed education for children.
That although we are not to be of the world, we are to be in it, actively engaging our culture with the Gospel.
We believe:
In limited government–that the State is not our savior and politics cannot be our salvation.
In business “by the Book”–honest, helpful, cheerful service that makes money and glorifies God (and is enjoyable).
That when you make a promise, you keep your word.
We believe:
In biblical culture, with everything in moderation (living simply and deliberately). Qualify, describe
In glorifying and enjoying God in everything we do on earth.
In being friendly and hospitable.
In tender medium steak, with a baked potato, grilled onions, and a good beer or glass of wine…
In dancing–waltzing and otherwise.
That watching the occasional movie (and even limited television) is a fine thing to do.
In listening to good music—which we are still learning to define, but are sure includes many genres—
and in singing with others in harmony
In traveling: cross-country road trips and visiting other countries, if possible.
Of course, in curling up with a good book.
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