1.      The Core Teachings of the Bible

There are numerous teachings in the Bible, but of all these there are 5 which stand out and upon which all the others are based. Each of these are intimately connected, and none stands fully alone or independent. Other important teachings such as Law, sin, righteousness, faith, grace and salvation are all connected to these central themes and in some measure they are built upon them. These core teachings stand therefore in some measure as a foundation, and upon them and around them can be built a fuller understanding of the ways of God.

We have not listed these core concepts in order of importance, but only in an order which will be convenient for our investigation. These core teachings are as follows –

1.       Revelation – God has spoken and revealed Himself and His ways. This is in His Word, in the book we commonly call the Bible.

2.       God – God has introduced Himself, and shown us who He is. He has revealed His character, will and way.

3.       Man – God has revealed to us the true nature of man. Man’s aspirations, fears, sinfulness & mortality.

4.       Jesus – God’s son, whom God raised up to be a saviour. He is the completion of God’s purpose, the very image of the invisible God.

5.       Purpose – God’s revealed purpose with both mankind and with the earth, for man’s future is connected to the earth, just as God has clearly declared.

To explore these things more closely we will consider what is said on each one in turn. We have already touched on some of these ideas, but others will need more investigation. We must emphasise again that it is important to understand that each of these core teachings and ideas are closely linked and integrated, none stands totally alone. We will be separating them for this investigation, as there are many misconceptions about each of these teachings. If these incorrect ideas are accumulated, then we may end up with a totally wrong set of conclusions and therefore a wrong perspective on life. Getting them right will provide us with a good foundation that will have a positive impact upon us both individually and collectively.

It is evident that scriptural teachings are for a purpose, and that purpose is to affect change in us so that we think and act like God does. We will expand on this is the section below called ‘Purpose’.

We will begin each section with a summary, followed by more detail. If the reader wishes to skip ahead, then we suggest that they just read the introductory summary to each section. The expanded sections and their proofs can be revisited later.