CE CREDEM

c. Dumnezeu Duhul Sfânt

Duhul Sfânt, numit și Duhul lui Dumnezeu și Mângâie­torul sau Duhul Adevărului (Ioan 14:26), este a treia persoană din Sfânta Treime (1 Cor. 12:3-6; 2close1 Corinthians 12:3-6 3 Therefore I want you to understand that no one speaking in the Spirit of God ever says “Jesus is accursed!” and no one can say “Jesus is Lord” except in the Holy Spirit. 4 Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; 5 and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; 6 and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. 1 Corinthians 12:2 2 You know that when you were pagans you were led astray to mute idols, however you were led. (ESV) close1 Corinthians 12:3-6close1 Corinthians 12:3-6 3 Therefore I want you to understand that no one speaking in the Spirit of God ever says “Jesus is accursed!” and no one can say “Jesus is Lord” except in the Holy Spirit. 4 Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; 5 and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; 6 and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. (ESV) 3 Therefore I want you to understand that no one speaking in the Spirit of God ever says “Jesus is accursed!” and no one can say “Jesus is Lord” except in the Holy Spirit. 4 Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; 5 and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; 6 and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. 1 Corinthians 12:2close1 Corinthians 12:2 2 You know that when you were pagans you were led astray to mute idols, however you were led. (ESV) 2 You know that when you were pagans you were led astray to mute idols, however you were led. (ESV) Cor 13:14closeERROR: No results were found for your search.closeERROR: No results were found for your search.). El a fost de la început, a conlucrat cu Tatăl și cu Fiul la creațiune (Genesa 1:2).

Lucrarea și natura Sa sunt absolut nepătrunse de min­tea omenească, după cum de nepătruns este Dumnezeu în­suși. Prin Duhul lui Dumnezeu și prin suflarea Sa, sunt făcuți toți oamenii. Prin El toate făpturile primesc viața (Iov 33:4).

Oamenii lui Dumnezeu din vechime au vorbit și au scris Cuvântul lui Dumnezeu, fiind „mânați de Duhul Sfânt” (2 Petru 1:21).

La Cincizecime (Rusalii), Duhul Sfânt S-a pogorât asu­pra credincioșilor, după ce Domnul Isus își încheiase misi­unea pe pământ și Se înălțase la cer (Fapte 2:1-4). Ucenicii au fost umpluți cu Duhul Sfânt și din acea zi au fost însoțiți de lucrări supranaturale: semne, minuni, vindecări și felurite daruri (Evrei 2:4; Marcu 16:17-18). El este călăuzitorul Bisericii lui Dumnezeu nou-testamentale, din ziua Rusaliilor (Cincize-cimii) până la răpirea ei (Ioan 16:13).

Duhul Sfânt astăzi alege (Fapte 13:2; 20:28), învață (Ioan 14:26), umple (Fapte 2:4; 4:31) îmbracă (Luca 24:49) și îi trimi­te în lucrare pe slujitorii lui Dumnezeu (Fapte 10:19-20; 8:29).

Prin Duhul Sfânt omul primește nașterea din nou (Ioan 3:5-8; Tit. 3:5closeTitus 3:5 5 he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, (ESV) closeTitus 3:5closeTitus 3:5 5 he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, (ESV) 5 he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, (ESV) ), primește viața veșnică (Gal. 6:8closeGalatians 6:8 8 For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. (ESV) closeGalatians 6:8closeGalatians 6:8 8 For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. (ESV) 8 For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. (ESV) ), poate trăi după voia lui Dumnezeu (Rom. 8:6-10closeRomans 8:6-10 6 For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. 7 For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God's law; indeed, it cannot. 8 Those who are in the flesh cannot please God. 9 You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. 10 But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness. (ESV) closeRomans 8:6-10closeRomans 8:6-10 6 For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. 7 For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God's law; indeed, it cannot. 8 Those who are in the flesh cannot please God. 9 You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. 10 But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness. (ESV) 6 For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. 7 For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God's law; indeed, it cannot. 8 Those who are in the flesh cannot please God. 9 You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. 10 But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness. (ESV) ), înțelege Sfânta Scrip­tură și lucrările lui Dumnezeu (1 Cor. 2:9-14close1 Corinthians 2:9-14 9 But, as it is written, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard,
nor the heart of man imagined,
what God has prepared for those who love him”— 10 these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God. 11 For who knows a person's thoughts except the spirit of that person, which is in him? So also no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. 12 Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God. 13 And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual. 14 The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned. (ESV) close1 Corinthians 2:9-14close1 Corinthians 2:9-14 9 But, as it is written, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard,
nor the heart of man imagined,
what God has prepared for those who love him”— 10 these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God. 11 For who knows a person's thoughts except the spirit of that person, which is in him? So also no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. 12 Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God. 13 And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual. 14 The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned. (ESV) 9 But, as it is written, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard,
nor the heart of man imagined,
what God has prepared for those who love him”— 10 these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God. 11 For who knows a person's thoughts except the spirit of that person, which is in him? So also no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. 12 Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God. 13 And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual. 14 The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned. (ESV) ).

Dumnezeu dă darul Sfântului Duh celor care se pocă­iesc, îl ascultă și-L primesc pe Isus Hristos ca Mântuitorul lor personal (Fapte 2:38, 5:32; Ioan 7:37-39).

Duhul Sfânt S-a înfățișat sub forma unui porumbel (Mat. 3:16closeMatthew 3:16 16 And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him; (ESV) closeMatthew 3:16closeMatthew 3:16 16 And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him; (ESV) 16 And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him; (ESV) ). Umplerea cu Duhul Sfânt a fost însoțită de-ma-nifestări fizice exterioare: limbi de foc, (Fapte 2:1-4), vânt (Fapte 2:2), cutremur (Fapte 4:31).

3. Noi credem că Dumnezeu la început a făcut cerurile și pământul (Gen. 1:1closeGenesis 1:1 The Creation of the World 1:1 In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. (ESV) closeGenesis 1:1closeGenesis 1:1 The Creation of the World 1:1 In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. (ESV) The Creation of the World 1:1 In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. (ESV) ).

a.  Cerurile. Acolo este scaunul de domnie al lui Dum­nezeu (Ps. 103:19closePsalm 103:19 19 The Lord has established his throne in the heavens,
and his kingdom rules over all. (ESV) closePsalm 103:19closePsalm 103:19 19 The Lord has established his throne in the heavens,
and his kingdom rules over all. (ESV) 19 The Lord has established his throne in the heavens,
and his kingdom rules over all. (ESV) ; Matei 5:34) și locuința îngerilor (Matei 18:10). Cuvântul lui Dumnezeu ne arată că în al treilea cer este Raiul lui Dumnezeu (2 Cor. 12:1-4close2 Corinthians 12:1-4 Paul's Visions and His Thorn 12:1 I must go on boasting. Though there is nothing to be gained by it, I will go on to visions and revelations of the Lord. 2 I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows. 3 And I know that this man was caught up into paradise—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows— 4 and he heard things that cannot be told, which man may not utter. (ESV) close2 Corinthians 12:1-4close2 Corinthians 12:1-4 Paul's Visions and His Thorn 12:1 I must go on boasting. Though there is nothing to be gained by it, I will go on to visions and revelations of the Lord. 2 I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows. 3 And I know that this man was caught up into paradise—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows— 4 and he heard things that cannot be told, which man may not utter. (ESV) Paul's Visions and His Thorn 12:1 I must go on boasting. Though there is nothing to be gained by it, I will go on to visions and revelations of the Lord. 2 I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows. 3 And I know that this man was caught up into paradise—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows— 4 and he heard things that cannot be told, which man may not utter. (ESV) ). Domnul Isus S-a înălțat la cer și acolo pregătește un loc pentru credincioșii Săi (Ioan 14:2; Luca 24:50-51). în ceruri se află scrise numele celor mântuiți (Luca 10:20; Ioan 17:24).

b.  Pământul. La început Dumnezeu a făcut cerurile și pământul (Gen. 1:1closeGenesis 1:1 The Creation of the World 1:1 In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. (ESV) closeGenesis 1:1closeGenesis 1:1 The Creation of the World 1:1 In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. (ESV) The Creation of the World 1:1 In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. (ESV) ), pământul era pustiu și gol (Gen. 1:2closeGenesis 1:2 2 The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. (ESV) closeGenesis 1:2closeGenesis 1:2 2 The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. (ESV) 2 The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. (ESV) ). Dumnezeu prin puterea și Cuvântul Său a făcut ca în de­cursul a 6 zile, pământul să fie bun de locuit și 1-a dat în stăpânire omului spre a-1 umple, supune și îngriji (Genesa 1:31; 26-28).

După intrarea păcatului în lume, Dumnezeu a blestemat pământul (Gen. 3:17-18closeGenesis 3:17-18 17 And to Adam he said, “Because you have listened to the voice of your wife
and have eaten of the tree
of which I commanded you,
‘You shall not eat of it,’
cursed is the ground because of you;
in pain you shall eat of it all the days of your life;
18 thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you;
and you shall eat the plants of the field. (ESV) closeGenesis 3:17-18closeGenesis 3:17-18 17 And to Adam he said, “Because you have listened to the voice of your wife
and have eaten of the tree
of which I commanded you,
‘You shall not eat of it,’
cursed is the ground because of you;
in pain you shall eat of it all the days of your life;
18 thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you;
and you shall eat the plants of the field. (ESV) 17 And to Adam he said, “Because you have listened to the voice of your wife
and have eaten of the tree
of which I commanded you,
‘You shall not eat of it,’
cursed is the ground because of you;
in pain you shall eat of it all the days of your life;
18 thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you;
and you shall eat the plants of the field. (ESV) ). Din cauza răutății omului Dumnezeu a adus judecată și pedeapsă asupra pământului, ca: pustiirea prin potop (Gen. 6:11-13closeGenesis 6:11-13 11 Now the earth was corrupt in God's sight, and the earth was filled with violence. 12 And God saw the earth, and behold, it was corrupt, for all flesh had corrupted their way on the earth. 13 And God said to Noah, “I have determined to make an end of all flesh, for the earth is filled with violence through them. Behold, I will destroy them with the earth. (ESV) closeGenesis 6:11-13closeGenesis 6:11-13 11 Now the earth was corrupt in God's sight, and the earth was filled with violence. 12 And God saw the earth, and behold, it was corrupt, for all flesh had corrupted their way on the earth. 13 And God said to Noah, “I have determined to make an end of all flesh, for the earth is filled with violence through them. Behold, I will destroy them with the earth. (ESV) 11 Now the earth was corrupt in God's sight, and the earth was filled with violence. 12 And God saw the earth, and behold, it was corrupt, for all flesh had corrupted their way on the earth. 13 And God said to Noah, “I have determined to make an end of all flesh, for the earth is filled with violence through them. Behold, I will destroy them with the earth. (ESV) ), nimicirea Sodomei și a Gomorei (Gen. 19:12-14; 2closeGenesis 19:12-14 12 Then the men said to Lot, “Have you anyone else here? Sons-in-law, sons, daughters, or anyone you have in the city, bring them out of the place. 13 For we are about to destroy this place, because the outcry against its people has become great before the Lord, and the Lord has sent us to destroy it.” 14 So Lot went out and said to his sons-in-law, who were to marry his daughters, “Up! Get out of this place, for the Lord is about to destroy the city.” But he seemed to his sons-in-law to be jesting. Genesis 19:2 2 and said, “My lords, please turn aside to your servant's house and spend the night and wash your feet. Then you may rise up early and go on your way.” They said, “No; we will spend the night in the town square.” (ESV) closeGenesis 19:12-14closeGenesis 19:12-14 12 Then the men said to Lot, “Have you anyone else here? Sons-in-law, sons, daughters, or anyone you have in the city, bring them out of the place. 13 For we are about to destroy this place, because the outcry against its people has become great before the Lord, and the Lord has sent us to destroy it.” 14 So Lot went out and said to his sons-in-law, who were to marry his daughters, “Up! Get out of this place, for the Lord is about to destroy the city.” But he seemed to his sons-in-law to be jesting. (ESV) 12 Then the men said to Lot, “Have you anyone else here? Sons-in-law, sons, daughters, or anyone you have in the city, bring them out of the place. 13 For we are about to destroy this place, because the outcry against its people has become great before the Lord, and the Lord has sent us to destroy it.” 14 So Lot went out and said to his sons-in-law, who were to marry his daughters, “Up! Get out of this place, for the Lord is about to destroy the city.” But he seemed to his sons-in-law to be jesting. Genesis 19:2closeGenesis 19:2 2 and said, “My lords, please turn aside to your servant's house and spend the night and wash your feet. Then you may rise up early and go on your way.” They said, “No; we will spend the night in the town square.” (ESV) 2 and said, “My lords, please turn aside to your servant's house and spend the night and wash your feet. Then you may rise up early and go on your way.” They said, “No; we will spend the night in the town square.” (ESV) Petru 2:6) și altele. De atunci încoace s-au mai petrecut diferite cataclisme, potrivit cu cele prezise de Domnul Isus (Mat. 24:7closeMatthew 24:7 7 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. (ESV) closeMatthew 24:7closeMatthew 24:7 7 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. (ESV) 7 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. (ESV) ). La urmă, pământul existent va da loc noului pământ, unde va locui neprihănirea (2 Petru 3:7, Apoc. 21:1-4).

4. Noi credem că Dumnezeu a creat îngerii.

a. îngerii

Îngerii sunt făpturi spirituale, create de Dumnezeu, fără păcat, puși în slujba Sa (Gen. 19:15closeGenesis 19:15 15 As morning dawned, the angels urged Lot, saying, “Up! Take your wife and your two daughters who are here, lest you be swept away in the punishment of the city.” (ESV) closeGenesis 19:15closeGenesis 19:15 15 As morning dawned, the angels urged Lot, saying, “Up! Take your wife and your two daughters who are here, lest you be swept away in the punishment of the city.” (ESV) 15 As morning dawned, the angels urged Lot, saying, “Up! Take your wife and your two daughters who are here, lest you be swept away in the punishment of the city.” (ESV) ; Apoc. 19:9-10). Ei înde­plinesc și diferite slujbe „pentru cei ce vor moșteni mântuirea ” (Evr. 1:14; Luca 15:10; Fapte 10:4-6,27; 23:24  etc.)

Îngerii sunt, totodată și cei care duc la îndeplinire voința lui Dumnezeu executând hotărârea mâniei Lui în ce privește pedepsirea celor răi (Mat. 13:39-41,49closeMatthew 13:39-41 39 and the enemy who sowed them is the devil. The harvest is the close of the age, and the reapers are angels. 40 Just as the weeds are gathered and burned with fire, so will it be at the close of the age. 41 The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will gather out of his kingdom all causes of sin and all law-breakers, Matthew 13:49 49 So it will be at the close of the age. The angels will come out and separate the evil from the righteous (ESV) closeMatthew 13:39-41closeMatthew 13:39-41 39 and the enemy who sowed them is the devil. The harvest is the close of the age, and the reapers are angels. 40 Just as the weeds are gathered and burned with fire, so will it be at the close of the age. 41 The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will gather out of his kingdom all causes of sin and all law-breakers, (ESV) 39 and the enemy who sowed them is the devil. The harvest is the close of the age, and the reapers are angels. 40 Just as the weeds are gathered and burned with fire, so will it be at the close of the age. 41 The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will gather out of his kingdom all causes of sin and all law-breakers, Matthew 13:49closeMatthew 13:49 49 So it will be at the close of the age. The angels will come out and separate the evil from the righteous (ESV) 49 So it will be at the close of the age. The angels will come out and separate the evil from the righteous (ESV) ).

Sunt mai multe feluri de îngeri care poartă diferite nume, ca: Arhanghelul Mihail, Arhanghelul Gabriel, serafimii și heruvimii etc. Fiecare categorie are altă însărcinare (Gen.3:24; Isaia 6:6-7; Iuda v. 9; Luca 1:26; Iosua 5:13-15).

b. Căderea lui Lucifer și a altor îngeri

Diavolul a fost odată luceafăr strălucitor, dar mândrin-du-se a căzut. Astăzi este căpetenia îngerilor răi, care nu și-au păstrat locul și au căzut (Isaia 14:12-14; Iuda 6; 2 Petru 2:4).

Numele lui înseamnă defăimător și dezbinator. El este numit diavol și satana, el înșeală întreaga omenire (Apoc. 12:9) și toți oamenii necredincioși zac sub puterea lui (Fapte 26:18; Apoc. 12:7-8; 2 Petru 2:4). El este stăpânul și dumnezeul vea­cului acestuia (2 Cor. 4:3-4close2 Corinthians 4:3-4 3 And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled only to those who are perishing. 4 In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. (ESV) close2 Corinthians 4:3-4close2 Corinthians 4:3-4 3 And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled only to those who are perishing. 4 In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. (ESV) 3 And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled only to those who are perishing. 4 In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. (ESV) ; Ioan 14:30; Fapte 26:17-18), uci­gător de oameni (Genesa 3:4-5), părintele minciunii (Ioan 8:44), ispititorul (Matei 4:3; 1 Tes. 3:5) și uneltitorul împotriva copiilor lui Dumnezeu (Iov 1, 9-11; Efeseni 2:16).

El a fost biruit prin jertfa lui Isus Hristos (Ioan 14:30-31; Efeseni 2:16).  Soarta lui va fi aruncarea în iazul cel de foc împreună cu îngerii lui (Mat. 25:41closeMatthew 25:41 41 “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. (ESV) closeMatthew 25:41closeMatthew 25:41 41 “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. (ESV) 41 “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. (ESV) ; Apoc. 20:10).

5.  Noi credem că Dumnezeu 1-a creat pe om din țărână.

Omul a fost creat după chipul și asemănarea lui Dum­nezeu: trup, suflet și duh (Gen. 1:26; 2:27; 1closeGenesis 1:26 26 Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” Genesis 2:1 The Seventh Day, God Rests 2:1 Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. (ESV) closeGenesis 1:26closeGenesis 1:26 26 Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” (ESV) 26 Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” Genesis 2:1closeGenesis 2:1 The Seventh Day, God Rests 2:1 Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. (ESV) The Seventh Day, God Rests 2:1 Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. (ESV) Tes. 5:23). Omul este o trinitate. Omul a fost creat curat și nevinovat, el a fost așezat în grădina Edenului ca s-o lucreze și s-o păzească (Gen 2:15closeGenesis 2:15 15 The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it. (ESV) closeGenesis 2:15closeGenesis 2:15 15 The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it. (ESV) 15 The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it. (ESV) ). El a fost înzestrat cu toate atributele unei ființe făcute după chipul și asemănarea lui Dumnezeu: sentimente, rațiune și voință.

6.  Noi credem că păcatul a intrat în lume datorită neascultării omului de porunca lui Dumnezeu.

„Domnul Dumnezeu a dat omului porunca aceasta: «Poți să mănânci după plăcere din orice pom din grădină; dar din pomul cunoștinței binelui și răului să nu mănânci, căci în ziua în care vei mânca din el, vei muri negreșit»” (Gen. 2:16-17closeGenesis 2:16-17 16 And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, “You may surely eat of every tree of the garden, 17 but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.” (ESV) closeGenesis 2:16-17closeGenesis 2:16-17 16 And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, “You may surely eat of every tree of the garden, 17 but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.” (ESV) 16 And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, “You may surely eat of every tree of the garden, 17 but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.” (ESV) ).

Lăsându-se ispitit de diavolul, șarpele cel vechi, prin femeie, omul a călcat porunca pe care o primise de la Dumnezeu și astfel, prin libera sa voință, a devenit rob al păca­tului, vrăjmaș al lui Dumnezeu, din care cauză a fost dat afară din Eden și supus suferinței, trudei și morții (Gen. 3closeGenesis 3 The Fall 3:1 Now the serpent was more crafty than any other beast of the field that the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God actually say, ‘You shall not eat of any tree in the garden’?” 2 And the woman said to the serpent, “We may eat of the fruit of the trees in the garden, 3 but God said, ‘You shall not eat of the fruit of the tree that is in the midst of the garden, neither shall you touch it, lest you die.’” 4 But the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. 5 For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” 6 So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate. 7 Then the eyes of both were opened, and they knew that they were naked. And they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves loincloths. 8 And they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden. 9 But the Lord God called to the man and said to him, “Where are you?” 10 And he said, “I heard the sound of you in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked, and I hid myself.” 11 He said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten of the tree of which I commanded you not to eat?” 12 The man said, “The woman whom you gave to be with me, she gave me fruit of the tree, and I ate.” 13 Then the Lord God said to the woman, “What is this that you have done?” The woman said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.” 14 The Lord God said to the serpent, “Because you have done this,
cursed are you above all livestock
and above all beasts of the field;
on your belly you shall go,
and dust you shall eat
all the days of your life.
15 I will put enmity between you and the woman,
and between your offspring and her offspring;
he shall bruise your head,
and you shall bruise his heel.” 16 To the woman he said, “I will surely multiply your pain in childbearing;
in pain you shall bring forth children.
Your desire shall be for your husband,
and he shall rule over you.” 17 And to Adam he said, “Because you have listened to the voice of your wife
and have eaten of the tree
of which I commanded you,
‘You shall not eat of it,’
cursed is the ground because of you;
in pain you shall eat of it all the days of your life;
18 thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you;
and you shall eat the plants of the field.
19 By the sweat of your face
you shall eat bread,
till you return to the ground,
for out of it you were taken;
for you are dust,
and to dust you shall return.” 20 The man called his wife's name Eve, because she was the mother of all living. 21 And the Lord God made for Adam and for his wife garments of skins and clothed them. 22 Then the Lord God said, “Behold, the man has become like one of us in knowing good and evil. Now, lest he reach out his hand and take also of the tree of life and eat, and live forever—” 23 therefore the Lord God sent him out from the garden of Eden to work the ground from which he was taken. 24 He drove out the man, and at the east of the garden of Eden he placed the cherubim and a flaming sword that turned every way to guard the way to the tree of life. (ESV) closeGenesis 3closeGenesis 3 The Fall 3:1 Now the serpent was more crafty than any other beast of the field that the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God actually say, ‘You shall not eat of any tree in the garden’?” 2 And the woman said to the serpent, “We may eat of the fruit of the trees in the garden, 3 but God said, ‘You shall not eat of the fruit of the tree that is in the midst of the garden, neither shall you touch it, lest you die.’” 4 But the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. 5 For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” 6 So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate. 7 Then the eyes of both were opened, and they knew that they were naked. And they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves loincloths. 8 And they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden. 9 But the Lord God called to the man and said to him, “Where are you?” 10 And he said, “I heard the sound of you in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked, and I hid myself.” 11 He said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten of the tree of which I commanded you not to eat?” 12 The man said, “The woman whom you gave to be with me, she gave me fruit of the tree, and I ate.” 13 Then the Lord God said to the woman, “What is this that you have done?” The woman said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.” 14 The Lord God said to the serpent, “Because you have done this,
cursed are you above all livestock
and above all beasts of the field;
on your belly you shall go,
and dust you shall eat
all the days of your life.
15 I will put enmity between you and the woman,
and between your offspring and her offspring;
he shall bruise your head,
and you shall bruise his heel.” 16 To the woman he said, “I will surely multiply your pain in childbearing;
in pain you shall bring forth children.
Your desire shall be for your husband,
and he shall rule over you.” 17 And to Adam he said, “Because you have listened to the voice of your wife
and have eaten of the tree
of which I commanded you,
‘You shall not eat of it,’
cursed is the ground because of you;
in pain you shall eat of it all the days of your life;
18 thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you;
and you shall eat the plants of the field.
19 By the sweat of your face
you shall eat bread,
till you return to the ground,
for out of it you were taken;
for you are dust,
and to dust you shall return.” 20 The man called his wife's name Eve, because she was the mother of all living. 21 And the Lord God made for Adam and for his wife garments of skins and clothed them. 22 Then the Lord God said, “Behold, the man has become like one of us in knowing good and evil. Now, lest he reach out his hand and take also of the tree of life and eat, and live forever—” 23 therefore the Lord God sent him out from the garden of Eden to work the ground from which he was taken. 24 He drove out the man, and at the east of the garden of Eden he placed the cherubim and a flaming sword that turned every way to guard the way to the tree of life. (ESV) The Fall 3:1 Now the serpent was more crafty than any other beast of the field that the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God actually say, ‘You shall not eat of any tree in the garden’?” 2 And the woman said to the serpent, “We may eat of the fruit of the trees in the garden, 3 but God said, ‘You shall not eat of the fruit of the tree that is in the midst of the garden, neither shall you touch it, lest you die.’” 4 But the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. 5 For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” 6 So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate. 7 Then the eyes of both were opened, and they knew that they were naked. And they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves loincloths. 8 And they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden. 9 But the Lord God called to the man and said to him, “Where are you?” 10 And he said, “I heard the sound of you in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked, and I hid myself.” 11 He said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten of the tree of which I commanded you not to eat?” 12 The man said, “The woman whom you gave to be with me, she gave me fruit of the tree, and I ate.” 13 Then the Lord God said to the woman, “What is this that you have done?” The woman said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.” 14 The Lord God said to the serpent, “Because you have done this,
cursed are you above all livestock
and above all beasts of the field;
on your belly you shall go,
and dust you shall eat
all the days of your life.
15 I will put enmity between you and the woman,
and between your offspring and her offspring;
he shall bruise your head,
and you shall bruise his heel.” 16 To the woman he said, “I will surely multiply your pain in childbearing;
in pain you shall bring forth children.
Your desire shall be for your husband,
and he shall rule over you.” 17 And to Adam he said, “Because you have listened to the voice of your wife
and have eaten of the tree
of which I commanded you,
‘You shall not eat of it,’
cursed is the ground because of you;
in pain you shall eat of it all the days of your life;
18 thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you;
and you shall eat the plants of the field.
19 By the sweat of your face
you shall eat bread,
till you return to the ground,
for out of it you were taken;
for you are dust,
and to dust you shall return.” 20 The man called his wife's name Eve, because she was the mother of all living. 21 And the Lord God made for Adam and for his wife garments of skins and clothed them. 22 Then the Lord God said, “Behold, the man has become like one of us in knowing good and evil. Now, lest he reach out his hand and take also of the tree of life and eat, and live forever—” 23 therefore the Lord God sent him out from the garden of Eden to work the ground from which he was taken. 24 He drove out the man, and at the east of the garden of Eden he placed the cherubim and a flaming sword that turned every way to guard the way to the tree of life. (ESV) ). Odată cu căderea sa, Adam i-a tras pe toți oamenii, care sunt urmașii săi, în păcat. Toți au păcătuit (Rom. 5:10-12closeRomans 5:10-12 10 For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. 11 More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation. Death in Adam, Life in Christ 12 Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned— (ESV) closeRomans 5:10-12closeRomans 5:10-12 10 For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. 11 More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation. Death in Adam, Life in Christ 12 Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned— (ESV) 10 For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. 11 More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation. Death in Adam, Life in Christ 12 Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned— (ESV) ; Efeseni 2:1-2). Din această pricină nimeni nu se poate mântui singur sau un frate pe fratele său (Ps. 49:7-8closePsalm 49:7-8 7 Truly no man can ransom another,
or give to God the price of his life,
8 for the ransom of their life is costly
and can never suffice, (ESV) closePsalm 49:7-8closePsalm 49:7-8 7 Truly no man can ransom another,
or give to God the price of his life,
8 for the ransom of their life is costly
and can never suffice, (ESV) 7 Truly no man can ransom another,
or give to God the price of his life,
8 for the ransom of their life is costly
and can never suffice, (ESV) ). Prin Harul lui Dumnezeu, care este arătat prin Isus Hristos, omul poate fi scăpat din starea de robie a păcatului (Rom. 5:19-21closeRomans 5:19-21 19 For as by the one man's disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man's obedience the many will be made righteous. 20 Now the law came in to increase the trespass, but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, 21 so that, as sin reigned in death, grace also might reign through righteousness leading to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. (ESV) closeRomans 5:19-21closeRomans 5:19-21 19 For as by the one man's disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man's obedience the many will be made righteous. 20 Now the law came in to increase the trespass, but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, 21 so that, as sin reigned in death, grace also might reign through righteousness leading to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. (ESV) 19 For as by the one man's disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man's obedience the many will be made righteous. 20 Now the law came in to increase the trespass, but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, 21 so that, as sin reigned in death, grace also might reign through righteousness leading to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. (ESV) ), iar necazurile, truda și moartea pot conlucra spre binele lui (Rom. 8:28-30closeRomans 8:28-30 28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. 29 For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30 And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified. (ESV) closeRomans 8:28-30closeRomans 8:28-30 28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. 29 For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30 And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified. (ESV) 28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. 29 For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30 And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified. (ESV) ; Rom. 5:3-4closeRomans 5:3-4 3 More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, (ESV) closeRomans 5:3-4closeRomans 5:3-4 3 More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, (ESV) 3 More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, (ESV) ; Fapte 14:22).

Păcatul venit în lume prin neascultarea primilor oameni a afectat întreaga omenire (Rom. 5:19closeRomans 5:19 19 For as by the one man's disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man's obedience the many will be made righteous. (ESV) closeRomans 5:19closeRomans 5:19 19 For as by the one man's disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man's obedience the many will be made righteous. (ESV) 19 For as by the one man's disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man's obedience the many will be made righteous. (ESV) ).

Păcat este orice încălcare a Cuvântului, voinței și po­runcii lui Dumnezeu (Rom. 3:23closeRomans 3:23 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, (ESV) closeRomans 3:23closeRomans 3:23 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, (ESV) 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, (ESV) ; Gal. 5:19-21closeGalatians 5:19-21 19 Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, spanisions, 21 envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. (ESV) closeGalatians 5:19-21closeGalatians 5:19-21 19 Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, spanisions, 21 envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. (ESV) 19 Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, spanisions, 21 envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. (ESV) ). Omul păcă­tuiește prin omiterea împlinirii binelui cerut de Dumnezeu sau prin comiterea lucrurilor împotriva voii Sale.

Păcat este orice fel de faptă care întinează trupul, sufle­tul și duhul: curvia și preacurvia, necumpătarea, trândăvia, îmbuibarea, împovărarea cu gânduri lumești, gânduri rele, sinuciderea, avorturile, vorbirea de rău, vrajba, minciuna, fățărnicia, furtul, înșelătoria, neajutorarea sfinților în caz de nevoie, precum și chinuirea animalelor (Gen. 38:2-10closeGenesis 38:2-10 2 There Judah saw the daughter of a certain Canaanite whose name was Shua. He took her and went in to her, 3 and she conceived and bore a son, and he called his name Er. 4 She conceived again and bore a son, and she called his name Onan. 5 Yet again she bore a son, and she called his name Shelah. Judah was in Chezib when she bore him. 6 And Judah took a wife for Er his firstborn, and her name was Tamar. 7 But Er, Judah's firstborn, was wicked in the sight of the Lord, and the Lord put him to death. 8 Then Judah said to Onan, “Go in to your brother's wife and perform the duty of a brother-in-law to her, and raise up offspring for your brother.” 9 But Onan knew that the offspring would not be his. So whenever he went in to his brother's wife he would waste the semen on the ground, so as not to give offspring to his brother. 10 And what he did was wicked in the sight of the Lord, and he put him to death also. (ESV) closeGenesis 38:2-10closeGenesis 38:2-10 2 There Judah saw the daughter of a certain Canaanite whose name was Shua. He took her and went in to her, 3 and she conceived and bore a son, and he called his name Er. 4 She conceived again and bore a son, and she called his name Onan. 5 Yet again she bore a son, and she called his name Shelah. Judah was in Chezib when she bore him. 6 And Judah took a wife for Er his firstborn, and her name was Tamar. 7 But Er, Judah's firstborn, was wicked in the sight of the Lord, and the Lord put him to death. 8 Then Judah said to Onan, “Go in to your brother's wife and perform the duty of a brother-in-law to her, and raise up offspring for your brother.” 9 But Onan knew that the offspring would not be his. So whenever he went in to his brother's wife he would waste the semen on the ground, so as not to give offspring to his brother. 10 And what he did was wicked in the sight of the Lord, and he put him to death also. (ESV) 2 There Judah saw the daughter of a certain Canaanite whose name was Shua. He took her and went in to her, 3 and she conceived and bore a son, and he called his name Er. 4 She conceived again and bore a son, and she called his name Onan. 5 Yet again she bore a son, and she called his name Shelah. Judah was in Chezib when she bore him. 6 And Judah took a wife for Er his firstborn, and her name was Tamar. 7 But Er, Judah's firstborn, was wicked in the sight of the Lord, and the Lord put him to death. 8 Then Judah said to Onan, “Go in to your brother's wife and perform the duty of a brother-in-law to her, and raise up offspring for your brother.” 9 But Onan knew that the offspring would not be his. So whenever he went in to his brother's wife he would waste the semen on the ground, so as not to give offspring to his brother. 10 And what he did was wicked in the sight of the Lord, and he put him to death also. (ESV) ; Prov. 12:10closeProverbs 12:10 10 Whoever is righteous has regard for the life of his beast,
but the mercy of the wicked is cruel. (ESV) closeProverbs 12:10closeProverbs 12:10 10 Whoever is righteous has regard for the life of his beast,
but the mercy of the wicked is cruel. (ESV) 10 Whoever is righteous has regard for the life of his beast,
but the mercy of the wicked is cruel. (ESV) ; Rom. 12:13closeRomans 12:13 13 Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. (ESV) closeRomans 12:13closeRomans 12:13 13 Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. (ESV) 13 Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. (ESV) ; Gal. 5:19-21closeGalatians 5:19-21 19 Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, spanisions, 21 envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. (ESV) closeGalatians 5:19-21closeGalatians 5:19-21 19 Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, spanisions, 21 envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. (ESV) 19 Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, spanisions, 21 envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. (ESV) ; Apoc. 21:8).

La fel este păcat: necredința, nepăsarea, nesocotirea harului venit prin Isus Hristos, lipsa temerii de Dumnezeu, luarea în deșert a Numelui Său, idolatria, superstițiile, vră­jitoriile etc.

Păcatul, o dată înfăptuit, este urmat de consecințe (Gal. 6:8closeGalatians 6:8 8 For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. (ESV) closeGalatians 6:8closeGalatians 6:8 8 For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. (ESV) 8 For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. (ESV) ). El este boldul morții și atrage după sine pedeapsa veșnică a lui Dumnezeu (Apoc. 22:15; 21:8). Plata păcatului este moartea (Rom. 6:23closeRomans 6:23 23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (ESV) closeRomans 6:23closeRomans 6:23 23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (ESV) 23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (ESV) ).

7. Noi credem că harul lui Dumnezeu a făcut și face posibilă mântuirea omului prin jertfa Domnului Isus Hristos.

Harul este bunătatea și iubirea nemărginită a lui Dumnezeu, arătat prin Domnul nostru Isus Hristos, față de noi păcătoșii (loan 1:17; Efeseni 2:4-7). Nimeni nu se poate mântui prin propriile sale fapte sau binefaceri și nici prin faptele Legii Vechiului Testament, decât prin Isus Hristos (Gal. 2:27closeERROR: No results were found for your search.closeERROR: No results were found for your search.; Efeseni 2:5-9). Harul lucrează împreună cu credința. Prin har se capătă trecere înaintea lui Dumnezeu (1 Cor. 15:9-10close1 Corinthians 15:9-10 9 For I am the least of the apostles, unworthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. 10 But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me. (ESV) close1 Corinthians 15:9-10close1 Corinthians 15:9-10 9 For I am the least of the apostles, unworthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. 10 But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me. (ESV) 9 For I am the least of the apostles, unworthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. 10 But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me. (ESV) ). Harul este sursa binecuvântărilor (Efeseni 4:7-8; 1 Cor. 15:10; 2close1 Corinthians 15:10 10 But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me. 1 Corinthians 15:2 2 and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you—unless you believed in vain. (ESV) close1 Corinthians 15:10close1 Corinthians 15:10 10 But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me. (ESV) 10 But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me. 1 Corinthians 15:2close1 Corinthians 15:2 2 and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you—unless you believed in vain. (ESV) 2 and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you—unless you believed in vain. (ESV) Cor. 1:15; 1closeERROR: No results were found for your search.closeERROR: No results were found for your search. Petru 4:10).

Prin har, Dumnezeu ne învață cum să trăim în veacul de acum cu cumpătare, dreptate și evlavie (Tit 2:11-12closeTitus 2:11-12 11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, 12 training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, (ESV) closeTitus 2:11-12closeTitus 2:11-12 11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, 12 training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, (ESV) 11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, 12 training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, (ESV) ).

Harul este mai presus de mulțimea păcatelor, întrecând mărimea și mulțimea lor (Rom. 5:20closeRomans 5:20 20 Now the law came in to increase the trespass, but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, (ESV) closeRomans 5:20closeRomans 5:20 20 Now the law came in to increase the trespass, but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, (ESV) 20 Now the law came in to increase the trespass, but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, (ESV) ). El poate fi înmulțit în noi în măsura cunoștinței de Dumnezeu (2 Petru 1:2). El întărește inima (Evrei 13:9), ne crește sufletește (2 Petru 3:18) și drege vorbirea noastră (Col. 4:6closeColossians 4:6 6 Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person. (ESV) closeColossians 4:6closeColossians 4:6 6 Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person. (ESV) 6 Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person. (ESV) ).

„Fiindcă atât de mult a iubit Dumnezeu lumea că a dat pe singurul Lui Fiu, pentru ca oricine crede în El, să nu piară, ci să aibă viață veșnică” (loan 3:16).

8. Noi credem că mântuirea este condiționată de credință, pocăință și nașterea din nou.

a. Credința. „Credința este o încredere neclintită în lucrurile nădăjduite și o puternică încredințare despre lucrurile care nu se văd” (Evrei 11:1, 2 Cor. 4:18close2 Corinthians 4:18 18 as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal. (ESV) close2 Corinthians 4:18close2 Corinthians 4:18 18 as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal. (ESV) 18 as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal. (ESV) ).

Credința vine prin auzirea Cuvântului lui Dumnezeu (Rom. 10:17closeRomans 10:17 17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. (ESV) closeRomans 10:17closeRomans 10:17 17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. (ESV) 17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. (ESV) ). Adevărata credință pornește din inimă (Rom. 10:9closeRomans 10:9 9 because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. (ESV) closeRomans 10:9closeRomans 10:9 9 because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. (ESV) 9 because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. (ESV) ). Prin credința din inimă se primește neprihănirea (Rom. 10:10closeRomans 10:10 10 For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. (ESV) closeRomans 10:10closeRomans 10:10 10 For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. (ESV) 10 For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. (ESV) ), mântuirea (Efeseni 2:8), curățirea inimii (Fapte 15:9), ier­tarea (Galateni 2:16; Efeseni 2:8; Galateni 3:22), moștenirea și dreptul de a ne numi copiii lui Dumnezeu (Galateni 3:26).

Fără credință nimeni nu poate fi plăcut lui Dumnezeu (Evrei 11:6). Credința este adevărată și activă numai atunci când este însoțită de fapte (Iacov 2:14-22). Toți trebuie să păstrăm cre­dința care s-a dat odată pentru totdeauna sfinților (Iuda v. 3).

În timpul din urmă, mulți se vor lepăda de credința adevărată (1 Tim. 4:1-4close1 Timothy 4:1-4 Some Will Depart from the Faith 4:1 Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, 2 through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared, 3 who forbid marriage and require abstinence from foods that God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. 4 For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, (ESV) close1 Timothy 4:1-4close1 Timothy 4:1-4 Some Will Depart from the Faith 4:1 Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, 2 through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared, 3 who forbid marriage and require abstinence from foods that God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. 4 For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, (ESV) Some Will Depart from the Faith 4:1 Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, 2 through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared, 3 who forbid marriage and require abstinence from foods that God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. 4 For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, (ESV) ). Peste cei ce refuză să creadă adevărul, Dumnezeu lasă o lucrare de rătăcire, drept consecință să creadă o minciună spre a fi osândiți (2 Tes. 2:11-12).

Pentru cei care cred, totul este posibil: iertare, vindecări de boli etc. (Mat. 8:13closeMatthew 8:13 13 And to the centurion Jesus said, “Go; let it be done for you as you have believed.” And the servant was healed at that very moment. (ESV) closeMatthew 8:13closeMatthew 8:13 13 And to the centurion Jesus said, “Go; let it be done for you as you have believed.” And the servant was healed at that very moment. (ESV) 13 And to the centurion Jesus said, “Go; let it be done for you as you have believed.” And the servant was healed at that very moment. (ESV) ; loan 14:12).

b.  Pocăința. Pocăința este o poruncă a Domnului Isus (Marcu 1:14-15). Ea reprezintă întoarcerea omului la Dumne­zeu de pe căile rătăcite ale păcatului (Isaia 55:7), schimbarea totală a vieții vechi cu una nouă, după Cuvântul lui Dum­nezeu (Rom. 2:4closeRomans 2:4 4 Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God's kindness is meant to lead you to repentance? (ESV) closeRomans 2:4closeRomans 2:4 4 Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God's kindness is meant to lead you to repentance? (ESV) 4 Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God's kindness is meant to lead you to repentance? (ESV) ), schimbarea gândirii omului. Ea înseamnă căință pentru viața trăită în necunoștință de Dumnezeu și încetarea de a mai păcătui (Tit 2:11-13closeTitus 2:11-13 11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, 12 training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, 13 waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, (ESV) closeTitus 2:11-13closeTitus 2:11-13 11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, 12 training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, 13 waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, (ESV) 11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, 12 training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, 13 waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, (ESV) ; Plângerile lui Ieremia 3:39-40). „Cine își ascunde fărădelegile, nu propășește, dar cine le măr­turisește și se lasă de ele capătă îndurare” (Prov. 28:13closeProverbs 28:13 13 Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper,
but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy. (ESV) closeProverbs 28:13closeProverbs 28:13 13 Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper,
but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy. (ESV) 13 Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper,
but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy. (ESV) ).

Dumnezeu îi cheamă pe toți oamenii la pocăință, voind să nu piară nici unul dintre ei (2 Petru 3:9), ci să ajungă la mântuire (Timotei 2:4). Chiar când păcătuiește un credincios, el este îndemnat să se pocăiască de faptele săvârșite (Apoc. 2:5; Galateni 6:1). Pocăința este adevărată numai când este făcu­tă dintr-o inimă sinceră și curată, care caută să îndrepte pagubele și greșelile față de aproapele nostru (Luca 19:8; Fapte 20:20-21).

c.  Nașterea din nou. Nimeni nu poate deveni un copil al lui Dumnezeu dacă nu este, mai întâi, născut din nou (loan 3:5-8). Oricât de bun ar fi un om, dacă nu este născut din nou, nu poate moșteni Împărăția lui Dumnezeu (loan 3:3-5). Omul se compune din trup, suflet și duh.

Câtă vreme omul trăiește în păcat, trupul face ce voiește, târând sufletul și duhul, întinându-le prin pofte, patimi, păcate. În felul acesta duhul este mort față de Dumnezeu (1 Tes. 5:23, Efeseni 2:1-3).

În urma auzirii Cuvântului lui Dumnezeu vine credința mântuitoare (Romani 10:17), urmează pocăința (Fapte 2:37-38) și nașterea din nou prin Cuvântul lui Dumnezeu și Duhul Sfânt (Ioan 3:5, Iacov 1:18, 1 Petru 1:23, Tit 3:5closeTitus 3:5 5 he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, (ESV) closeTitus 3:5closeTitus 3:5 5 he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, (ESV) 5 he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, (ESV) ).

Cel ce este născut din nou nu mai face ce voiește ci el umblă și se lasă cârmuit de Duhul (Galateni 5:25), având în ființa sa cârmuirea Duhului Sfânt (Romani 8:1,14).

Fără nașterea din nou nu are valoare nici credința (Iacov 2:19), nici cunoștința (Rom. 1:32closeRomans 1:32 32 Though they know God's decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them. (ESV) closeRomans 1:32closeRomans 1:32 32 Though they know God's decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them. (ESV) 32 Though they know God's decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them. (ESV) ) și nici botezul în apă (Fapte 8:13-24). Cei ce sunt născuți din Dumnezeu nu păcătuiesc (1 loan 3:9; 5:18), iar cei ce păcătuiesc nu sunt născuți din nou (1 loan 3:6-10).

9.  Noi credem că avem iertarea lui Dumnezeu ca urmare a primirii Domnului Isus Hristos ca Mântuitor.

Iertarea este un atribut al lui Dumnezeu prin care se dovedește bunătatea Lui față de oamenii păcătoși, prin faptul că le șterge tot trecutul lor după ce s-au întors la El (Fapte 10:43; 1 loan 1:9).

Odată iertat, păcătosul devine ușurat de întreaga pova­ră a păcatului ce apăsa asupra conștiinței lui și astfel el se simte într-adevăr fericit (Ps. 32:1-2closePsalm 32:1-2 Blessed Are the Forgiven A Maskil of David. 32:1 Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven,
whose sin is covered.
2 Blessed is the man against whom the Lord counts no iniquity,
and in whose spirit there is no deceit. (ESV) closePsalm 32:1-2closePsalm 32:1-2 Blessed Are the Forgiven A Maskil of David. 32:1 Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven,
whose sin is covered.
2 Blessed is the man against whom the Lord counts no iniquity,
and in whose spirit there is no deceit. (ESV) Blessed Are the Forgiven A Maskil of David. 32:1 Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven,
whose sin is covered.
2 Blessed is the man against whom the Lord counts no iniquity,
and in whose spirit there is no deceit. (ESV) ). Deci mărturisirea păca­telor este urmată de ușurare sufletească și iertare din partea lui Dumnezeu (Ps. 32:5; 1closePsalm 32:5 5 I acknowledged my sin to you,
and I did not cover my iniquity;
I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,”
and you forgave the iniquity of my sin. Selah Psalm 32:1 Blessed Are the Forgiven A Maskil of David. 32:1 Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven,
whose sin is covered. (ESV) closePsalm 32:5closePsalm 32:5 5 I acknowledged my sin to you,
and I did not cover my iniquity;
I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,”
and you forgave the iniquity of my sin. Selah (ESV) 5 I acknowledged my sin to you,
and I did not cover my iniquity;
I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,”
and you forgave the iniquity of my sin. Selah Psalm 32:1closePsalm 32:1 Blessed Are the Forgiven A Maskil of David. 32:1 Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven,
whose sin is covered. (ESV) Blessed Are the Forgiven A Maskil of David. 32:1 Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven,
whose sin is covered. (ESV) loan 1:9).

După ce a primit iertarea, păcătosul iertat trebuie să-L mărturisească pe Isus și altor păcătoși (Luca 24:47; Fapte 4:17-20).

10.  Noi credem că îndreptățirea credinciosului stă în jertfa Domnului Isus Hristos și se primește prin credință, de la Dumnezeu, odată cu mântuirea.

Îndreptățirea vine direct și numai din partea lui Dum­nezeu prin Isus Hristos. Deci nimeni nu poate să se îndrep­tățească înaintea lui Dumnezeu prin faptele lui proprii și nici prin faptele Legii Vechiului Testament. Singurul mijloc de îndreptățire este jertfa lui Isus Hristos de pe Golgota (Filipeni 3:9; loan 1:12; Romani 8:1).

Îndreptățirea se capătă prin credința în Numele lui Isus Hristos (loan 3:16). Prin îndreptățire omul capătă starea după voia lui Dumnezeu. După ce omul a ajuns în această stare, are pace cu Dumnezeu (Romani 5:1).

Dumnezeu L-a trimis pe Isus Hristos să sufere și să moară pentru noi, plătind pentru păcatelor noastre prin jertfa Sa pe cruce, purtând astfel pedeapsa pe care o merita pă­cătosul (2 Cor. 5:21close2 Corinthians 5:21 21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. (ESV) close2 Corinthians 5:21close2 Corinthians 5:21 21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. (ESV) 21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. (ESV) ). Îndreptățirea nu se face prin faptele noastre bune, ci prin Harul divin.

11.  Noi credem că roada credincioșilor izbăviți de păcat este sfințirea (Romani 6:22).

Sfințirea înseamnă despărțirea cu totul de păcat și pu­nerea deoparte pentru Dumnezeu. Orice om întors la Dum­nezeu, născut din nou, iertat și îndreptățit este considerat sfânt (1 Cor. 6:10-11close1 Corinthians 6:10-11 10 nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. (ESV) close1 Corinthians 6:10-11close1 Corinthians 6:10-11 10 nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. (ESV) 10 nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. (ESV) ; Coloseni 3:12; Efeseni 5:6-7).

Sfințirea se realizează în viața credinciosului prin sângele Domnului Isus Hristos (Evrei 13:12), prin Cuvântul lui Dumnezeu (loan 15:3, 17:17; 1 Tim. 4:5close1 Timothy 4:5 5 for it is made holy by the word of God and prayer. (ESV) close1 Timothy 4:5close1 Timothy 4:5 5 for it is made holy by the word of God and prayer. (ESV) 5 for it is made holy by the word of God and prayer. (ESV) ) și prin Duhul Sfânt (Rom. 5:5; 14:17; 15closeRomans 5:5 5 and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. Romans 14:17 17 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Romans 14:15 15 For if your brother is grieved by what you eat, you are no longer walking in love. By what you eat, do not destroy the one for whom Christ died. (ESV) closeRomans 5:5closeRomans 5:5 5 and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. (ESV) 5 and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. Romans 14:17closeRomans 14:17 17 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. (ESV) 17 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Romans 14:15closeRomans 14:15 15 For if your brother is grieved by what you eat, you are no longer walking in love. By what you eat, do not destroy the one for whom Christ died. (ESV) 15 For if your brother is grieved by what you eat, you are no longer walking in love. By what you eat, do not destroy the one for whom Christ died. (ESV) :13; Tit 3:4closeTitus 3:4 4 But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, (ESV) closeTitus 3:4closeTitus 3:4 4 But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, (ESV) 4 But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, (ESV) ). Sfințirea trebuie să cuprindă trupul, sufletul și duhul nostru (Rom. 6:13,19; 1closeRomans 6:13 13 Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness. Romans 6:19 19 I am speaking in human terms, because of your natural limitations. For just as you once presented your members as slaves to impurity and to lawlessness leading to more lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves to righteousness leading to sanctification. Romans 6:1 Dead to Sin, Alive to God 6:1 What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? (ESV) closeRomans 6:13closeRomans 6:13 13 Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness. (ESV) 13 Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness. Romans 6:19closeRomans 6:19 19 I am speaking in human terms, because of your natural limitations. For just as you once presented your members as slaves to impurity and to lawlessness leading to more lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves to righteousness leading to sanctification. (ESV) 19 I am speaking in human terms, because of your natural limitations. For just as you once presented your members as slaves to impurity and to lawlessness leading to more lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves to righteousness leading to sanctification. Romans 6:1closeRomans 6:1 Dead to Sin, Alive to God 6:1 What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? (ESV) Dead to Sin, Alive to God 6:1 What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? (ESV) Tes. 5:23).

Procesul sfințirii exclude întrebuințarea drogurilor, a fumatului și a băuturilor alcoolice (Isaia 55:2; Prov 20:1; 23:31-33closeProverbs 20:1 20:1 Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler,
and whoever is led astray by it is not wise. Proverbs 23:31-33 31 Do not look at wine when it is red,
when it sparkles in the cup
and goes down smoothly.
32 In the end it bites like a serpent
and stings like an adder.
33 Your eyes will see strange things,
and your heart utter perverse things. (ESV) closeProverbs 20:1closeProverbs 20:1 20:1 Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler,
and whoever is led astray by it is not wise. (ESV) 20:1 Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler,
and whoever is led astray by it is not wise. Proverbs 23:31-33closeProverbs 23:31-33 31 Do not look at wine when it is red,
when it sparkles in the cup
and goes down smoothly.
32 In the end it bites like a serpent
and stings like an adder.
33 Your eyes will see strange things,
and your heart utter perverse things. (ESV) 31 Do not look at wine when it is red,
when it sparkles in the cup
and goes down smoothly.
32 In the end it bites like a serpent
and stings like an adder.
33 Your eyes will see strange things,
and your heart utter perverse things. (ESV) ; Efeseni 5:18), ca și: homosexualitatea, sinuciderea, eutanasia și jurămintele deșarte.

12.  Noi credem în relația directă a credinciosului cu Dumnezeu, rugăciunea și postul fiind două dintre cele mai eficiente modalități de apropiere de divinitate.

a. Rugăciunea

Rugăciunea trebuie adresată Părintelui ceresc în Numele Domnului nostru Isus Hristos (loan 16:23-24), prin Duhul Sfânt și potrivit voinței Sale (1 loan 5:14; Efeseni 6:18; Iuda 20). Adevărata rugăciune pornește dintr-o inimă curată, nu după un anumit program învățat pe dinafară, ci izvorâtă din nece­sitatea duhovnicească a omului lăuntric (Mat. 6:7closeMatthew 6:7 7 “And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. (ESV) closeMatthew 6:7closeMatthew 6:7 7 “And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. (ESV) 7 “And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. (ESV) ; Filipeni 4:6). Adevărații închinători trebuie să se roage în Duh și în adevăr (loan 4:24). Copiii lui Dumnezeu mențin legătura cu El, fără întrerupere, prin rugăciune (1 Tes. 5:17; Efeseni 6:18). Rugăciu­nea poate fi individuală (Daniel 6:10closeDaniel 6:10 10 When Daniel knew that the document had been signed, he went to his house where he had windows in his upper chamber open toward Jerusalem. He got down on his knees three times a day and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as he had done previously. (ESV) closeDaniel 6:10closeDaniel 6:10 10 When Daniel knew that the document had been signed, he went to his house where he had windows in his upper chamber open toward Jerusalem. He got down on his knees three times a day and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as he had done previously. (ESV) 10 When Daniel knew that the document had been signed, he went to his house where he had windows in his upper chamber open toward Jerusalem. He got down on his knees three times a day and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as he had done previously. (ESV) ) și comună (Fapte 4:24). Rugăciunea în comun (cu toți odată) este o moștenire din felul de închinare al ucenicilor (Fapte 4:24). În Biserică se pot folosi tot felul de rugăciuni, spre exemplu se poate ruga unul, doi sau trei pe rând, și ceilalți să-1 însoțească, spunând „amin” la rugăciunile care se înalță (1 Cor. 14:16close1 Corinthians 14:16 16 Otherwise, if you give thanks with your spirit, how can anyone in the position of an outsider say “Amen” to your thanksgiving when he does not know what you are saying? (ESV) close1 Corinthians 14:16close1 Corinthians 14:16 16 Otherwise, if you give thanks with your spirit, how can anyone in the position of an outsider say “Amen” to your thanksgiving when he does not know what you are saying? (ESV) 16 Otherwise, if you give thanks with your spirit, how can anyone in the position of an outsider say “Amen” to your thanksgiving when he does not know what you are saying? (ESV) ). La fel se poate folosi și rugăciunea în comun, care dă posibilitatea ca toți credincioșii să se roage în același timp și fiecare după nevoia sa. Rugăciunea în comun făcută în chip ordonat produce o armonie cerească, ca zumzetul miilor de albine în același stup (1 Cor. 14:33,40close1 Corinthians 14:33 33 For God is not a God of confusion but of peace. As in all the churches of the saints, 1 Corinthians 14:40 40 But all things should be done decently and in order. (ESV) close1 Corinthians 14:33close1 Corinthians 14:33 33 For God is not a God of confusion but of peace. As in all the churches of the saints, (ESV) 33 For God is not a God of confusion but of peace. As in all the churches of the saints, 1 Corinthians 14:40close1 Corinthians 14:40 40 But all things should be done decently and in order. (ESV) 40 But all things should be done decently and in order. (ESV) ). Pentru zidirea sufletească a tuturor este mai potrivit a se ruga două sau trei persoane pe rând (Filip. 2:4).

Dumnezeu ascultă rugăciunea celor drepți, făcută cu credință (Iacov 5:15-16; Marcu 11:24; Matei 18:19). Botezul cu Duhul Sfânt și vindecările de boli sunt răspunsuri la rugă­ciunile noastre (Luca 11:13; Fapte 8:14-15).

Rugăciunile pot fi și împiedicate prin viața netrăită după Cuvântul lui Dumnezeu sau prin păcate ascunse și nemărturisite (1 Petru 3:7; Iacov 5:16; 1 Ioan 1:9; Iosua 7:10-26; Prov. 28:13closeProverbs 28:13 13 Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper,
but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy. (ESV) closeProverbs 28:13closeProverbs 28:13 13 Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper,
but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy. (ESV) 13 Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper,
but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy. (ESV) ).

Biblia oprește închinarea la sfinți și la îngeri (Apoc. 19:10; Coloseni 2:18; Fapte 10:26-27). Sfinții ne pot sluji numai ca model prin felul lor de viață (Evrei 13:7; 6:11-12). Mijlocitori în rugăciunile credincioșilor sunt Domnul Isus Hristos și Duhul Sfânt (Ioan 14:16; 1 Tim. 2:5close1 Timothy 2:5 5 For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, (ESV) close1 Timothy 2:5close1 Timothy 2:5 5 For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, (ESV) 5 For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, (ESV) ; Evrei 7:25; Romani 8:25,27)

b. Postul

Postul este abținerea de la întrebuințarea mâncării și bău­turii de orice fel (Mat. 4:2closeMatthew 4:2 2 And after fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. (ESV) closeMatthew 4:2closeMatthew 4:2 2 And after fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. (ESV) 2 And after fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. (ESV) ), pe un timp mărginit, hotărât de fiecare în parte, după nevoile și puterea sa (Isaia 58:5; Fapte 9:9).

Postul are drept scop înfrânarea trupului în vederea obținerii anumitor biruințe spirituale (2 Cor. 6:5, 11:27close2 Corinthians 6:5 5 beatings, imprisonments, riots, labors, sleepless nights, hunger; 2 Corinthians 11:27 27 in toil and hardship, through many a sleepless night, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure. (ESV) close2 Corinthians 6:5close2 Corinthians 6:5 5 beatings, imprisonments, riots, labors, sleepless nights, hunger; (ESV) 5 beatings, imprisonments, riots, labors, sleepless nights, hunger; 2 Corinthians 11:27close2 Corinthians 11:27 27 in toil and hardship, through many a sleepless night, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure. (ESV) 27 in toil and hardship, through many a sleepless night, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure. (ESV) ; Fapte 13:2-3, 14:23; Marcu 9:29; 1 Cor. 7:5close1 Corinthians 7:5 5 Do not deprive one another, except perhaps by agreement for a limited time, that you may devote yourselves to prayer; but then come together again, so that Satan may not tempt you because of your lack of self-control. (ESV) close1 Corinthians 7:5close1 Corinthians 7:5 5 Do not deprive one another, except perhaps by agreement for a limited time, that you may devote yourselves to prayer; but then come together again, so that Satan may not tempt you because of your lack of self-control. (ESV) 5 Do not deprive one another, except perhaps by agreement for a limited time, that you may devote yourselves to prayer; but then come together again, so that Satan may not tempt you because of your lack of self-control. (ESV) ).

Timpul hotărât pentru post este strâns legat de rugă­ciune. A posti fără a stărui în rugăciune și fără a rezolva di­vergențele cu semenii noștri este numai o formă de evlavie, căreia îi lipsește puterea (Marcu 9:28-29; Fapte 13:2-3; Isaia 58:6-7).

Nimeni nu poate fi obligat să postească.

13.  Noi credem că botezul în apă, care se acordă per­soanelor care cred și care s-au întors la Dumnezeu, trebuie efectuat printr-o singură cufundare în Numele Tatălui, al Fiului și al Duhului Sfânt.

Botezul în apă este rânduit de însuși Domnul nostru Isus Hristos (Mat. 28:19closeMatthew 28:19 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, (ESV) closeMatthew 28:19closeMatthew 28:19 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, (ESV) 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, (ESV) ). El este un simbol al morții față de păcat, al învierii la o viață nouă în Hristos (Rom. 6:1-4closeRomans 6:1-4 Dead to Sin, Alive to God 6:1 What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? 2 By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? 3 Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. (ESV) closeRomans 6:1-4closeRomans 6:1-4 Dead to Sin, Alive to God 6:1 What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? 2 By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? 3 Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. (ESV) Dead to Sin, Alive to God 6:1 What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? 2 By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? 3 Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. (ESV) ). ÎI pot primi cei care cred și mărturisesc credința (Marcu 16:16, Fapte 8:36).

Prin botezul în apă credinciosul este adăugat la nu­mărul membrilor Bisericii lui Dumnezeu (Fapte 2:38-47, Fapte 10:47-48, 1 Petru 3:21).

Credinciosul care s-a botezat trebuie să ducă întotdea­una o viața curată și sfântă, trăind după învățăturile Evan­gheliei (Matei 28:20, Fapte 2:42, Evrei 3:14). Botezul se pri­mește o singură dată prin cufundarea în apă, iar în cazul când acest act nu a fost îndeplinit după Cuvântul Sfintei Scripturi, se poate face a doua oară (Fapte 19:2-6).

Botezul în apă se poate primi și înainte și după pri­mirea botezului cu Duhul Sfânt (Fapte 8:12-24; 10:44-48). Cei ce au primit botezul în apă fără a fi obținut botezul cu Duhul Sfânt sunt îndemnați după Cuvântul lui Dumnezeu să stăruiască după botezul cu Duhul Sfânt (Fapte 1:4).

Botezul în apă este săvârșit numai de pastori și prezbiteri ordinați conform rânduielilor Bisericii nou-testamentale.

Copiii credincioșilor, ca și ceilalți oameni, nu pot fi botezați până ce nu ajung să se convingă singuri că Domnul Isus este Mântuitorul lor personal (Fapte 8:37).

14.  Noi credem în instituirea Cinei Domnului pentru Biserică. Participarea la Cina Domnului constituie o procla­mare a morții Domnului Isus Hristos. Cina Domnului este al doilea act de cult după botez ca formă exterioară în Biserica lui Dumnezeu. Ea este instituită de Însuși Domnul nostru Isus Hristos prin întemeierea legământului nou (Matei 26:28; Luca 22:19-20). Cina Domnului se compune din pâine nedospită și rodul viței nefermentat, care simbolizează jertfirea trupului și vărsarea sângelui Său pentru păcatele noastre (1 Cor. 11:24-25close1 Corinthians 11:24-25 24 and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, “This is my body which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” 25 In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” (ESV) close1 Corinthians 11:24-25close1 Corinthians 11:24-25 24 and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, “This is my body which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” 25 In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” (ESV) 24 and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, “This is my body which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” 25 In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” (ESV) ).

Cina Domnului este rânduită spre amintirea morții Domnului Isus și nu spre iertarea păcatelor, dar cel ce se împărtășește din ea în chip nevrednic se face vinovat de nesocotirea trupului și sângelui Domnului Isus Hristos și astfel se împărtășește spre osânda lui însuși (1 Cor. 11:27-29close1 Corinthians 11:27-29 27 Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty concerning the body and blood of the Lord. 28 Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup. 29 For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment on himself. (ESV) close1 Corinthians 11:27-29close1 Corinthians 11:27-29 27 Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty concerning the body and blood of the Lord. 28 Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup. 29 For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment on himself. (ESV) 27 Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty concerning the body and blood of the Lord. 28 Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup. 29 For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment on himself. (ESV) ).

Ea este un simbol care exprimă părtășia noastră cu natura dumnezeiască a Domnului nostru Isus Hristos, adică cu trupul și sângele Lui (1 Cor. 10:16; 2close1 Corinthians 10:16 16 The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ? 1 Corinthians 10:2 2 and all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea, (ESV) close1 Corinthians 10:16close1 Corinthians 10:16 16 The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ? (ESV) 16 The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ? 1 Corinthians 10:2close1 Corinthians 10:2 2 and all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea, (ESV) 2 and all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea, (ESV) Petru 1:4), o amintire a suferințelor și morții Sale (1 Cor. 11:26close1 Corinthians 11:26 26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes. (ESV) close1 Corinthians 11:26close1 Corinthians 11:26 26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes. (ESV) 26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes. (ESV) ), o proorocie despre venirea Sa a doua oară. Credincioșii mântuiți alcătuiesc prin participarea la frângerea pâinii un singur trup (1 Cor. 10:17close1 Corinthians 10:17 17 Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread. (ESV) close1 Corinthians 10:17close1 Corinthians 10:17 17 Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread. (ESV) 17 Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread. (ESV) ).

Frângerea pâinii are, în săvârșirea și serbarea ei, două momente: primul simbolizează suferințele Domnului, al doilea, vizavi de primul, momentul de cercetare de sine din partea credincioșilor (1 Cor. 11:23-29close1 Corinthians 11:23-29 23 For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, 24 and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, “This is my body which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” 25 In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” 26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes. 27 Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty concerning the body and blood of the Lord. 28 Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup. 29 For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment on himself. (ESV) close1 Corinthians 11:23-29close1 Corinthians 11:23-29 23 For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, 24 and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, “This is my body which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” 25 In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” 26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes. 27 Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty concerning the body and blood of the Lord. 28 Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup. 29 For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment on himself. (ESV) 23 For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, 24 and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, “This is my body which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” 25 In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” 26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes. 27 Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty concerning the body and blood of the Lord. 28 Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup. 29 For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment on himself. (ESV) ). La Cina Domnului nu pot participa decât membrii activi ai Bisericii, botezați în apă sau cu Duhul Sfânt, și numai după ce s-au cercetat pe sine. Cina se săvârșește ori de câte ori este posibil, fără deosebire de zi sau dată. Este recomandabil să se efectueze cel puțin o dată pe lună.

15.  Noi credem că Domnul Isus a instituit actul spălării picioarelor.

Domnul Isus a spălat picioarele ucenicilor cărora le-a zis: „deci dacă Eu, Domnul și învățătorul vostru, v-am spălat picioarele, și voi sunteți datori să vă spălați picioarele unii altora „(Ioan 13:14).

Este amintită și ca o condiție de adevărată evlavie în viața de credință. (1 Tim. 5:10close1 Timothy 5:10 10 and having a reputation for good works: if she has brought up children, has shown hospitality, has washed the feet of the saints, has cared for the afflicted, and has devoted herself to every good work. (ESV) close1 Timothy 5:10close1 Timothy 5:10 10 and having a reputation for good works: if she has brought up children, has shown hospitality, has washed the feet of the saints, has cared for the afflicted, and has devoted herself to every good work. (ESV) 10 and having a reputation for good works: if she has brought up children, has shown hospitality, has washed the feet of the saints, has cared for the afflicted, and has devoted herself to every good work. (ESV) ).

16.  Noi credem în făgăduința botezului cu Duhul Sfânt pentru toți credincioșii.

Duhul Sfânt este promis de Dumnezeu încă prin profetul Ioel (Ioel 2:28-29). Proorocul Ioel vorbește de două mari revărsări: ploaia timpurie și ploaia târzie (Ioel 2:23). Ploaia timpurie s-a revărsat în primele secole, începând cu ziua de Rusalii, la Ierusalim (Fapte 2:2-4), iar ploaia târzie se revarsă în zilele noastre.

Duhul Sfânt purcede de la Tatăl prin Fiul (Ioan 15:26). Botezul cu Duhul Sfânt este o pecete pentru ziua răscum­părării (Efeseni 4:30), o arvună a moștenirii (Efeseni 1:13-14), putere de sus pentru slujba mărturisirii Evangheliei depline (Fapte 1:8). El se deosebește de nașterea din nou. El se primește pe baza credinței în urma nașterii din nou și nu poate avea loc în nici un caz înaintea acesteia (Fapte 19:1-6, Efeseni 1:13-14). Ascultând predica lui Filip, samaritenii au primit Cuvântul și au fost botezați în apă; când au venit la ei Petru și Ioan, aceștia s-au rugat, punându-și mâinile peste ei, ca să primească Duhul Sfânt (Fapte 8:12-17).

Botezul cu Duhul Sfânt se poate primi prin și fără punerea mâinilor (Fapte 8:17; 19:6; 10:44-46 și 2:12-17). Botezul cu Duhul Sfânt trebuie cerut (Luca 11:13).

Botezul cu Duh Sfânt înseamnă umplerea cu Duhul Sfânt (Fapte 2:4), iar botezul cu foc (Matei 3:11) este viața de încercări prin care Dumnezeu trece pe cei sigilați (1 Petru 4:12-14 și 16-19; 1:6-7).

Botezul cu Duhul Sfânt este însoțit de semnul vorbirii în alte limbi (Fapte 2:4; 10:46; 19:6).

Prin botezul cu Duh Sfânt vine umplerea cu putere pentru o viață sfântă în slujba divină. Acest botez poate fi urmat și de primirea altor daruri (Luca 24:49; Fapte 1:4-8 și 1 Cor. 12:1-31close1 Corinthians 12 Spiritual Gifts 12:1 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be uninformed. 2 You know that when you were pagans you were led astray to mute idols, however you were led. 3 Therefore I want you to understand that no one speaking in the Spirit of God ever says “Jesus is accursed!” and no one can say “Jesus is Lord” except in the Holy Spirit. 4 Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; 5 and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; 6 and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. 7 To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. 8 For to one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, 10 to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. 11 All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one inspanidually as he wills. One Body with Many Members 12 For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. 13 For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit. 14 For the body does not consist of one member but of many. 15 If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. 16 And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. 17 If the whole body were an eye, where would be the sense of hearing? If the whole body were an ear, where would be the sense of smell? 18 But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. 19 If all were a single member, where would the body be? 20 As it is, there are many parts, yet one body. 21 The eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you,” nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” 22 On the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, 23 and on those parts of the body that we think less honorable we bestow the greater honor, and our unpresentable parts are treated with greater modesty, 24 which our more presentable parts do not require. But God has so composed the body, giving greater honor to the part that lacked it, 25 that there may be no spanision in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. 26 If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together. 27 Now you are the body of Christ and inspanidually members of it. 28 And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, administrating, and various kinds of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? 30 Do all possess gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? 31 But earnestly desire the higher gifts. And I will show you a still more excellent way. (ESV) close1 Corinthians 12close1 Corinthians 12 Spiritual Gifts 12:1 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be uninformed. 2 You know that when you were pagans you were led astray to mute idols, however you were led. 3 Therefore I want you to understand that no one speaking in the Spirit of God ever says “Jesus is accursed!” and no one can say “Jesus is Lord” except in the Holy Spirit. 4 Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; 5 and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; 6 and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. 7 To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. 8 For to one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, 10 to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. 11 All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one inspanidually as he wills. One Body with Many Members 12 For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. 13 For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit. 14 For the body does not consist of one member but of many. 15 If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. 16 And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. 17 If the whole body were an eye, where would be the sense of hearing? If the whole body were an ear, where would be the sense of smell? 18 But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. 19 If all were a single member, where would the body be? 20 As it is, there are many parts, yet one body. 21 The eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you,” nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” 22 On the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, 23 and on those parts of the body that we think less honorable we bestow the greater honor, and our unpresentable parts are treated with greater modesty, 24 which our more presentable parts do not require. But God has so composed the body, giving greater honor to the part that lacked it, 25 that there may be no spanision in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. 26 If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together. 27 Now you are the body of Christ and inspanidually members of it. 28 And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, administrating, and various kinds of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? 30 Do all possess gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? 31 But earnestly desire the higher gifts. And I will show you a still more excellent way. (ESV) Spiritual Gifts 12:1 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be uninformed. 2 You know that when you were pagans you were led astray to mute idols, however you were led. 3 Therefore I want you to understand that no one speaking in the Spirit of God ever says “Jesus is accursed!” and no one can say “Jesus is Lord” except in the Holy Spirit. 4 Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; 5 and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; 6 and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. 7 To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. 8 For to one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, 10 to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. 11 All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one inspanidually as he wills. One Body with Many Members 12 For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. 13 For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit. 14 For the body does not consist of one member but of many. 15 If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. 16 And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. 17 If the whole body were an eye, where would be the sense of hearing? If the whole body were an ear, where would be the sense of smell? 18 But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. 19 If all were a single member, where would the body be? 20 As it is, there are many parts, yet one body. 21 The eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you,” nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” 22 On the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, 23 and on those parts of the body that we think less honorable we bestow the greater honor, and our unpresentable parts are treated with greater modesty, 24 which our more presentable parts do not require. But God has so composed the body, giving greater honor to the part that lacked it, 25 that there may be no spanision in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. 26 If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together. 27 Now you are the body of Christ and inspanidually members of it. 28 And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, administrating, and various kinds of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? 30 Do all possess gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? 31 But earnestly desire the higher gifts. And I will show you a still more excellent way. (ESV) ). Botezul cu Duhul Sfânt este o experiență unică, iar umplerea cu El poate fi repetată (Fapte 4:3).

Potrivit cu Sfânta Scriptură, este necesar ca cei chemați de Dumnezeu la vestirea Evangheliei depline mai întâi să stăruie, ca să fie umpluți cu putere de Sus, pentru ca să-i poată însoți semnele, minunile și darurile Duhului Sfânt (Marcu 16:17-18; Luca 22:49, 1 Cor. 2:1-5close1 Corinthians 2:1-5 Proclaiming Christ Crucified 2:1 And I, when I came to you, brothers, did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom. 2 For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. 3 And I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling, 4 and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, 5 that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God. (ESV) close1 Corinthians 2:1-5close1 Corinthians 2:1-5 Proclaiming Christ Crucified 2:1 And I, when I came to you, brothers, did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom. 2 For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. 3 And I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling, 4 and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, 5 that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God. (ESV) Proclaiming Christ Crucified 2:1 And I, when I came to you, brothers, did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom. 2 For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. 3 And I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling, 4 and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, 5 that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God. (ESV) ; Evrei 2:4).

17.  Noi credem că lucrarea Duhului Sfânt se manifestă în cele nouă daruri.

În urma botezului cu Duhul Sfânt, Duhul Sfânt împarte cum El voiește diferite daruri duhovnicești. Sfânta Scriptură ne vorbește despre nouă daruri, și anume: vorbirea despre înțe­lepciune, vorbirea despre cunoștință, credința, darul tămă­duirilor, puterea de a face minuni, deosebirea duhurilor, proorocia, vorbirea în felurite limbi și tălmăcirea limbilor (1 Cor. 12:1-10close1 Corinthians 12:1-10 Spiritual Gifts 12:1 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be uninformed. 2 You know that when you were pagans you were led astray to mute idols, however you were led. 3 Therefore I want you to understand that no one speaking in the Spirit of God ever says “Jesus is accursed!” and no one can say “Jesus is Lord” except in the Holy Spirit. 4 Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; 5 and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; 6 and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. 7 To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. 8 For to one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, 10 to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. (ESV) close1 Corinthians 12:1-10close1 Corinthians 12:1-10 Spiritual Gifts 12:1 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be uninformed. 2 You know that when you were pagans you were led astray to mute idols, however you were led. 3 Therefore I want you to understand that no one speaking in the Spirit of God ever says “Jesus is accursed!” and no one can say “Jesus is Lord” except in the Holy Spirit. 4 Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; 5 and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; 6 and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. 7 To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. 8 For to one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, 10 to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. (ESV) Spiritual Gifts 12:1 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be uninformed. 2 You know that when you were pagans you were led astray to mute idols, however you were led. 3 Therefore I want you to understand that no one speaking in the Spirit of God ever says “Jesus is accursed!” and no one can say “Jesus is Lord” except in the Holy Spirit. 4 Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; 5 and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; 6 and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. 7 To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. 8 For to one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, 10 to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. (ESV) ). Toți credincioșii trebuie să aibă o măsură oarecare de înțelepciune, cunoștință și credință. Aceasta prin Cuvântul lui Dumnezeu (Romani: 12:2; Ioan 5:39; Mat. 22:29closeMatthew 22:29 29 But Jesus answered them, “You are wrong, because you know neither the Scriptures nor the power of God. (ESV) closeMatthew 22:29closeMatthew 22:29 29 But Jesus answered them, “You are wrong, because you know neither the Scriptures nor the power of God. (ESV) 29 But Jesus answered them, “You are wrong, because you know neither the Scriptures nor the power of God. (ESV) ; Romani 10:17). Darurile Duhului Sfânt sunt supranaturale și desăvârșite în lu­crarea lor. Exemple: Fapte 8:20; 2 Petru 3:16; Marcu 16:17-18. Credința în Domnul Isus Hristos care face parte din roada Duhului (Galateni 5:22) trebuie s-o aibă toți credincioșii, însă nu toți primesc darul credinței (Fapte 3:16). La fel, la primirea bote­zului cu Duhul Sfânt toți credincioșii vorbesc în limbi noi, însă nu toți au darul de a vorbi în felurite limbi (1 Cor. 12:29-30close1 Corinthians 12:29-30 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? 30 Do all possess gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? (ESV) close1 Corinthians 12:29-30close1 Corinthians 12:29-30 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? 30 Do all possess gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? (ESV) 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? 30 Do all possess gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? (ESV) ). Darul vorbirii în limbi se folosește potrivit cu cele scrise în 1 Cor. 14:27-28close1 Corinthians 14:27-28 27 If any speak in a tongue, let there be only two or at most three, and each in turn, and let someone interpret. 28 But if there is no one to interpret, let each of them keep silent in church and speak to himself and to God. (ESV) close1 Corinthians 14:27-28close1 Corinthians 14:27-28 27 If any speak in a tongue, let there be only two or at most three, and each in turn, and let someone interpret. 28 But if there is no one to interpret, let each of them keep silent in church and speak to himself and to God. (ESV) 27 If any speak in a tongue, let there be only two or at most three, and each in turn, and let someone interpret. 28 But if there is no one to interpret, let each of them keep silent in church and speak to himself and to God. (ESV) . În Biserică trebuie să existe daruri, pentru că ele sunt rânduite și puse de Dumnezeu pentru zidirea ei sufle­tească (1 Cor. 12:28close1 Corinthians 12:28 28 And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, administrating, and various kinds of tongues. (ESV) close1 Corinthians 12:28close1 Corinthians 12:28 28 And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, administrating, and various kinds of tongues. (ESV) 28 And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, administrating, and various kinds of tongues. (ESV) ); nu primesc toți credincioșii, ci fiecăruia Duhul Sfânt îi împarte cum voiește (1 Cor. 12:29-39close1 Corinthians 12:29-31 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? 30 Do all possess gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? 31 But earnestly desire the higher gifts. And I will show you a still more excellent way. (ESV) close1 Corinthians 12:29-31close1 Corinthians 12:29-31 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? 30 Do all possess gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? 31 But earnestly desire the higher gifts. And I will show you a still more excellent way. (ESV) 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? 30 Do all possess gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? 31 But earnestly desire the higher gifts. And I will show you a still more excellent way. (ESV) ).

Cuvântul lui Dumnezeu ne cere să urmărim dragostea și să râvnim și după darurile duhovnicești (1 Cor. 14:1close1 Corinthians 14:1 Prophecy and Tongues 14:1 Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy. (ESV) close1 Corinthians 14:1close1 Corinthians 14:1 Prophecy and Tongues 14:1 Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy. (ESV) Prophecy and Tongues 14:1 Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy. (ESV) ).

18.  Noi credem că atât nașterea din nou cât și botezul cu Duhul Sfânt trebuie să fie urmate de roada Duhului Sfânt.

Roada Duhului Sfânt este recolta unei vieți sfinte, după ce am devenit copiii lui Dumnezeu, născuți din nou, cârmuiți de Duhul Sfânt în toate privințele (Galateni 5:22-23).

Odată cu nașterea din nou, roada Duhului începe să iasă în evidență în viața credinciosului (1 Ioan 5:18; Tit 3:8closeTitus 3:8 8 The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people. (ESV) closeTitus 3:8closeTitus 3:8 8 The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people. (ESV) 8 The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people. (ESV) ). Fiecare credincios născut din nou, botezat cu Duhul Sfânt trebuie să aibă din prisos în viața sa roada Duhului Sfânt (Galateni 5:22-23; Matei 7:16-20).

19. Noi credem în vindecările divine.

Vindecările divine (supranaturale) intră tot în planul de mântuire înfăptuit pe Golgota prin jertfa de ispășire a Dom­nului nostru Isus Hristos (Matei 8:16-17).

Vindecarea se poate obține prin credință personală (Luca 8:48), prin darul de vindecare (1 Cor. 12:9close1 Corinthians 12:9 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, (ESV) close1 Corinthians 12:9close1 Corinthians 12:9 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, (ESV) 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, (ESV) ; Fapte 3:6) și prin rugăciunea rostită cu credință în urma ungerii cu ulei a bolnavilor, după cele scrise în Iacov 5:14-16.

Sfânta Scriptură ne arată că bolile sunt urmarea păca­tului și chiar dacă n-ar fi păcătuit cel bolnav, totuși sunt o urmare a căderii primului om (Genesa 3:13; Deuteronom 28:15-62; Ioan 5:14).

Deoarece bolile și suferințele sunt consecințele căderii în păcat, vindecarea intră, pentru cei ce cred, în același plan de mântuire ca și iertarea păcatelor. Domnul Isus a răstignit pe Golgota atât păcatele și fărădelegile noastre, cât și bolile și suferințele noastre (Isaia 53:4-5; Matei 8:16-17).