The Trinity
God exists in three persons, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and is one in being. God the Father has ruled from all of eternity, He has no beginning and no end. God the Son was begotten eternally of the Father, and therefore, has no beginning, nor end. God the Son, known as the Word, became flesh and lived among us as Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior (John 1:1-5, 1:14). The Holy Spirit proceeds eternally from the Father and Son, and dwells within every believer (John 14:15-16).
Salvation
There is salvation under no other name, except through Jesus Christ (Acts 4:12). Salvation is by grace through faith, and only by those means (Ephesians 2:8-9). Christ bore our sin upon the cross, enduring the wrath of God that was due our iniquity. Genuine salvation is evidenced by a complete and total surrender to Christ, a forsaking of sin and a transformed way of life (1 John 1:5-8).
Scripture
The Scriptures are wholly inspired by the Holy Spirit, and are completely inerrant, infallible and sufficient. It cannot be changed, neither added to or taken from. Scripture is the ultimate authority regarding all doctrine, church tradition and teachings (Timothy 3:16-17).
Spiritual Gifts
The gifts of the Spirit are still available today; however, every spiritual gift should be examined closely against Scripture (1 John 4:1). It is also imperative that any gift of the Spirit is exercised within the authority and context of Scripture (1 Corinthians 12-14).
Heaven and Hell
The spirit is eternal, and everyone who is in Christ will spend eternity in heaven with the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:1). Those who will not repent shall spend eternity in hell, perpetually under the full fury of God's wrath (Revelation 14:9-11).
The Doctrines of Grace
Total Depravity
Mankind lives in utter and complete rebellion against God, and absolutely refuses to submit to His will. Therefore, no one can be saved of his or her own merit. Everything done by fallen man is not done unto the glory of God, but done unto himself, for his own benefit. Though man may not appear outwardly evil, the desires of his heart and his motives are completely against the will of God. Therefore, it requires nothing short of the supernatural power of God to save a person.
Unconditional Election
Due to the fallen nature of the human race, the condemnation of all is justly deserved. However, God, out of his mercy and good pleasure, has sought to save some for Himself. The grace given these sinners is wholly unmerited, as they have done nothing to deserve such. It is given unconditionally, for no one would be able to meet the conditions of God's grace of his or her own merit. It is to be understood that this does not nullify the need for evangelism, as this is part of God's plan for salvation.
Limited Atonement
Despite the name, the atonement of Christ is not limited in scope or in power. However, it was only for the elect that Christ died, and only for their sins did he pay the price. Those who were not ransomed by the blood Christ must suffer the full penalty of their sins.
Irresistible Grace
Those whom God has predestined to be conformed to Christ will infallibly come to repentance and salvation. Because no one can come to Christ of his or her own will, being in total rebellion, it requires a work of God to draw anyone to Christ. As God is infallible in nature, so will his efforts be infallible. Whatever He has decreed will infallibly come to pass.
Perseverance of the Saints
Once God has called someone to repentance by His power, He will also preserve him or her by His power. This demonstrates the infallible work of God, in that nothing can cause a person who has been truly converted to return to a life of sin. This does not give the excuse to sin, however, as true conversion is evidenced by a growing disdain for sin and as well as a growing thirst for righteousness and desire for God.
Note: I understand the ongoing controversy between Calvinism and Armenianism. I intend, at some point, to write a series of posts further expounding upon each of the five points of grace.
