Picturing Theology, Revised Edition

Picturing Theology, Revised Edition | 229

d. Children of Abraham and recipients of covenant promise (Romans 4:16; Galatians 3:29; Ephesians 2:12). e. Citizens of the New Jerusalem (Philippians 3:20; Revelation 3:12). f. The firstfruits of the Kingdom of God (Luke 12:32; James 1:18). 3. Freedom (Galatians 5:1, 13) a. Called out of the dominion of darkness which suppresses freedom (Colossians 1:13-14). b. Called away from sin which enslaves (John 8:34-36). c. Called to God the Father who is the Liberator of his people (Exodus 6:6). d. Called to God the Son who gives the truth which sets free (John 8:31-36). e. Called to God the Spirit whose presence creates liberty (2 Corinthians 3:17). Faith refers both to the content of our belief and to the act of believing itself. Jesus is the object (content) of our faith and his life is received through faith (our belief) in him and his word. In both of these senses, the Church is a community of faith. 1. The Church places its faith: a. in the Living Word (Jesus the Messiah), b. who is revealed in the written Word (Sacred Scripture), c. and who is now present, teaching and applying his Word to the Church (through the ministry of the Holy Spirit). 2. The Church guards the deposit of faith, given by Christ and the apostles, through sound teaching and the help of the Holy Spirit who indwells its members (2 Timothy 1:13-14).

II. A community of faith A. The Church is a community of faith, which has, by faith, confessed Jesus as Lord and Savior.