The official United Methodist doctrine is that Jesus was the Son of God, the
child of the virgin Mary and the Holy Spirit, truly God and truly Man, who for
us and for our salvation came down from heaven. He is eternal Savior and
Mediator, who intercedes for us and by him all persons will be judged.
The official United Methodist doctrine is that sin separated all persons from
God. Jesus' death on the cross was an atoning sacrifice, making possible our
forgiveness and reconciliation with God. To repent of sin and trust in Jesus
Christ are the only requirements for one to receive that forgiveness and
reconciliation made possible by Jesus' death.
The official United Methodist doctrine is this: because of rebellion against God going all the way back to Adam, all persons are inclined toward sin and selfishness. Sin means missing the mark of God's righteousness; it means to be in rebellion against God, to disobey his laws.
A person by strength of will power alone cannot forsake sin and please God.
Only through an intervention of God's grace can a person overcome sin and become
part of the Kingdom of God.
The official United Methodist doctrine is this: when a person repents of sin
and trusts in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, that person is forgiven of sin
and receives the gift of eternal life (right relationship with God). The Holy
Spirit takes up residence in that person, teaching and equipping him or her to
he a disciple of Christ, and confirming that the person is indeed a child of
God.
The official United Methodist doctrine is that Jesus' physical body became
alive again after three days in the grave.
The official United Methodist doctrine is that God is one God in three
Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
The official United Methodist doctrine is that the Bible was inspired by God
and contains all things necessary for salvation. When read under the inspiration
of the Holy Spirit, the Bible is our true rule and guide for faith and practice.
The official United Methodist doctrine is that Jesus will judge the living
and the dead. Those who have not accepted Jesus' offer of forgiveness and new
life are at risk of living apart from him for all eternity. Jesus Christ alone
is empowered to judge one's eternal destiny.
The official United Methodist doctrine is that Jesus Christ will return again
in glory, bringing human history to a close, and inaugurating his Kingdom in all
its fullness.
The official United Methodist doctrine is that the Holy Spirit is of one
substance with the Father and the Son. The Holy Spirit convinces the world of
sin, and leads persons to a response in faith to the gospel. The Holy Spirit is
the Christian's primary teacher, comforter, and source of power.
The official United Methodist doctrine is that the baptism of believers signifies repentance and forgiveness of sin, new birth, and the entry into Christian discipleship.
Young children, with or without baptism, are under the atonement of Christ
and as heirs of the Kingdom of God are acceptable subjects for Christian
baptism. For them baptism is a symbol of God taking the initiative toward them.
Their baptism should be followed by Christian nurture within the church.
Hopefully, they will be led at a later time to receive the gift of salvation
through profession of faith in Christ.
Holy Communion (or the Lord' s Supper) is a faithful remembrance of the suffering and death of Christ and a celebration of love within the Church. Those who in faith eat the broken bread and drink the blessed cup partake of the body and blood of Christ in a spiritual manner until He comes in glory.