DOCTRINAL BASIS
OUR
DOCTRINAL BASIS
AFES groups are united by the gospel of Jesus as revealed in the Bible. Way back in 1936, a group of students formalised what we believe by writing the AFES Doctrinal Basis. This statement of beliefs has supported evangelical students as they seek to serve Christ’s mission on campus together.
Statement of Beliefs
Scripture
The divine inspiration and infallibility of Holy Scripture as originally given, and its supreme authority in all matters of faith and conduct.
The Bible is God’s word, and was perfect in the way it was originally written. It’s our go-to guide for what we believe and how we should behave as Christians.
The Godhead
The unity of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit in the Godhead.
So when we talk about the Father, the Son (Jesus), and the Holy Spirit, we’re talking about one God, but three persons. Distinct, but the same.
The Fall
The universal sinfulness and guilt of human nature since the fall, rendering all people subject to God’s wrath and condemnation.
People, by their very nature, are broken and deserve God’s judgement.
The Virgin Birth
The conception of Jesus Christ by the Holy Spirit and his birth by the virgin Mary.
Jesus came to Earth as a man – still fully God, but also fully human. He was born to Mary, with no earthly father.
Redemption
Redemption from the guilt, penalty and power of sin only through the sacrificial death, as our representative and substitute, of Jesus Christ, the incarnate Son of God.
Even though we deserve God’s judgement for all the wrong things we do and the good things we don’t do, Jesus’ death on the cross and his resurrection mean we are redeemed and can have a relationship with God.
The Resurrection
The bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.
Jesus really did rise from the dead – body and all – proving he’s the Lord over everything and giving us hope that lasts forever.
The Work of the Holy Spirit
The necessity of the work of the Holy Spirit to make the death of Christ effective in the individual sinner, granting repentance towards God, and faith in Jesus Christ.
The Holy Spirit helps us turn back to God, trust in Jesus, and understand what he’s done for us.
The Indwelling of the Holy Spirit
The indwelling and work of the Holy Spirit in the believer.
When we follow Jesus, the Holy Spirit moves in. He helps us grow, serve, and keep going in our faith.
The Return of Jesus
The expectation of the personal return of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Jesus is coming back one day to set everything right and bring his people home.
