A Christian Primer

By Timothy Cross

A basic, but comprehensive introduction to the Christian faith from a Reformed perspective. Initially, the elements of redemption accomplished are in view: divine revelation, the incarnation, atonement, resurrection, ascension, and second coming of Jesus. Additionally, elements of redemption applied, such as salvation, the Holy Spirit, the grace of God, election, and the church are discussed.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals
• Release date: Aug 19, 2013
• ISBN: 9780985288648

Book preview

A Christian Primer:

Some Basic Components of the Historic Christian Faith

Timothy Cross

Copyright 2013 Timothy Cross

Published Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals Inc, 600 Eden Road, Lancaster, PA 17601. USA. Smashwords Edition.

This article may be duplicated in its entirety and without edit, including this full disclaimer for personal, small group, non-commercial use. No more than 200 copies may be made. No electronic use beyond email is permitted. Any use other then those listed herein are forbidden without prior written permission. All rights reserved. ARALL057.

ISBN: 978-0-9852886-4-8 (13 digit); ISBN: 0-9852886-4-7 (10 digit)

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Table of Contents

Preface

Chapter 1: Divine Revelation

Chapter 2: The Incarnation

Chapter 3: The Atonement

Chapter 4. The Resurrection

Chapter 5. The Ascension

Chapter 6. The Second Coming

Chapter 7. Divine Salvation

Chapter 8. The Holy Spirit

Chapter 9. The Grace of God

Chapter 10. Divine Election

Chapter 11. The Church

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A CHRISTIAN PRIMER

Preface

The first year in college saw us having to grapple with a textbook entitled The Elements of New Testament Greek by the late Rev. J.W. Wenham. Initially, were all unsure whether Wenham was a friend or a foe. The joke was that you needed to know Greek to understand Wenham, rather than study Wenham to understand Greek. The Elements of New Testament Greek dealt with the basic components of the original language of the New Testament, and struggling with it eventually proved most worthwhile. At the end of the year we could all translate John’s first epistle, and were thus eligible to proceed to year two. Breaking something down into its basic components was a good way of learning. The joy of being able to read the New Testament in Greek remains with me to this day.

This book deals with the Basic Components of the Historic Christian Faith. I trust that reading it will prove to be worthwhile to you, and give you a firmer grounding in and a greater understanding of the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints (Jude 3). Needless to say, there are many misunderstandings around as to what constitutes Christianity. Here is my explanation of the basic elements of the faith of the Bible. Here is my labour of love to provide clarification for Christians and even non Christians possessed of an open mind, seeking to enquire what the historic Christian Faith is all about, and what it might offer to them.

I commit this work to the triune God, praying that His blessing would be upon it, and He would be pleased to use it as an instrument to further the faith of God’s elect and their knowledge of the truth which accords with godliness (Titus 1:1), to His eternal glory and praise.

Timothy Cross

Cardiff, Wales

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Chapter 1: Divine Revelation

An amusing urban myth goes something like this: It was a wet Wednesday afternoon in the Primary school. The pupils were a bit restless, so Miss decided to change the normal lesson and allow the children to do some art. She handed out blank sheets of paper, and the designated monitor handed out various coloured crayons. What do you want us to draw, Miss? asked one girl. You can draw whatever you like, replied the teacher. Most of the class sat there thinking, wondering what they would draw. One boy however went at it straight away, in a fury of artistic activity and enthusiasm. What are you drawing there, John? asked the teacher when she went around the class. I’m drawing God, replied John. But God can’t be drawn, as no one knows what He looks like, said the teacher. But they’ll know when I’ve finished, said John in response.

On a serious note, John’s zeal was comparable with certain of the Apostle Paul’s compatriots in that both he and they have a zeal for God, but it is not enlightened (Romans 10:2). Almighty God – the creator and sustainer of the universe – cannot be captured in art, because God is spirit (John 4:24), that is, body-less. He is immortal, invisible, the only God (1 Timothy 1:17). Any attempt to visibly depict Him dishonours Him, for His awesome majesty cannot be captured by human beings. Hence the second commandment prohibits images. Images of God, according to the Bible, are idolatrous: beware, lest you act corruptly by making a graven image for yourselves (Deuteronomy 4:16). The living and true God is incomparable. He is in a totally different category from all He has made. He is the greatest and most supreme being of all. The Shorter Catechism states God is a spirit, infinite, eternal and unchangeable in His being, wisdom, power, holiness, justice, goodness and truth.

Revelation

Almighty God is above and beyond us limited creatures, here on earth. Yet whilst Almighty God cannot be comprehended by human beings – for the infinite cannot be comprehended by the finite – it is the contention of the Christian Faith that God can be known. He can be known because He has graciously made Himself known to us His creatures. He has actually revealed Himself to us. Christians believe that God has disclosed Himself to us in words – in the inspired Word which constitutes the Bible, and in the incarnate Word Who is the Son of God, the Lord Jesus Christ, Who is the focal point of the