Easter. Christmas. Sabbath. Passover. Memorial. "Holiday." Holy Day. Day of Remembrance. Today. Every Day.
God, scripture, reverence, worship, gratitude and service are not "part-time gigs" — they are the heart, the soul, the very substance of self and our connection with God and the God-created universe.
While we can always celebrate or bow our heads or kneel or look up or fold our hands or raise our hands or read scripture or sing hymns and carols with others as they acknowledge each and every memorial day, there is no limitation placed on any of us from engaging in these reverent practices, on any day, or every day.
IN GOD WE TRUST: The Christ-centered Theological & Philosophical Foundations of Veritas Chronicles
One of the key objectives of Veritas Chronicles is to gather and share faith stories: Publishing Good Stories of Good — How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who proclaims peace, who brings glad tidings of good things, who proclaims salvation, who says to Zion, “Your God reigns!" (Isaiah 52:7)1
Christians have many different denominational and life experiences. We observe feet firmly planted, enjoying faith in Christ and worship experiences, with or without an organized church, able to experience the fruits of the Spirit: faith, healing, miracles, love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, etc (see 1 Corinthians 12 / Galatians 5), while perhaps simultaneously enduring the dark night of the soul,2 seeing oneself as a ragamuffin, and yet at the same time, as a joint heir with Christ.
No matter where any of us find ourselves on life's journey, we can be united in reverent belief and unity for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Herein is our summary of the foundational doctrines that we believe all Christians have in common, and are able to confidently share.
The Apostle Paul speaks of a wondrous condition that we can only partially know or guess at in this life (1 Corinthians 2:9-11): Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him. But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God. For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? He comments further, in 1 Corinthians 13:12, about humanity's limited mortal sight: For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.
We mortals do not and cannot know everything about God's plans while still here on planet earth, however, we are invited to ask and receive, knock, and have knowledge revealed, and obtain spiritual wisdom and understanding (see Matthew 7:7-8; James 1:5; Colossians 1:9).
The fact that we know very little about some aspects of our existence should not dissuade us from the search for truth (Latin: veritas). Yes, the majority of the world's history remains shrouded in mist. True, not much has been revealed about what came before. Acknowledged, we do not have a detailed report of that which is promised in the life after this mortal sojourn. Still, we have enough for this journey of life, enough to know where to place our hope and faith.
There is much that we can suppose, or wonder, or ask, or reflect upon, or investigate, or supplement, or question, or observe, or wish, or hope, or research, or test, or accept, or refine, or hold by tradition, or hold by training, or even doubt. Yet, through careful exploration of the scriptures, and communion with God through pondering and prayer, the core doctrines, principles, and fruits, of a Christ-centric life can be realized. Paul gave us good counsel for our studious efforts: Test all things; hold fast what is good. (1 Thesselonians 5:21).
For the purpose of this invitation and the Christ-centered faith stories we have set out to collect and publish — good stories of good — we have set aside factional certainty, to walk simply and circumspectly in the light of the foundational tenets of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
With the Bible and the Holy Spirit as guides, we join with any and all others who are pursuing the journey of joy and discovery, the journey of bearing witness of that which we can know, to every person, be they many or few. Whatever else comes or goes, whatever else we discover, whatever else may be out there, herein is a reliable foundation of trust and confidence in the ultimate good of this world, the purpose of the universe, God's intentional plan, and above all, His love. We believe that God's infinite love is the inciting, sustaining, and motivating force of creation. It is entirely the center of, the reason for, the progress and journey of, and the blessed destiny of mankind (1 John 3:1).
We join with other warriors and conquerors who glory in His name. In all these things we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us. For [we are] persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:37-39).
Though we are called to be warriors and conquerors, we are also invited to be trusting like little children (Matthew 18:2-3). Every one of us that is capable of reading and resonating with this document is too old and too battle-scarred with life’s experiences to actually be as innocent as children. It is only by God's grace that a constructed innocence is possible. Yet because of and despite all our experiences, we can make this irrevocable choice: to receive all that God has revealed and will yet reveal with childlike faith, willing to submit to all things as a child submits to a loving parent. Perhaps we find ourselves empathic with the man who brought his afflicted son to the Savior to be healed. Jesus said to the boy's father: If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes. The man said, Lord, I believe; help my unbelief (Mark 9:23-24).
It is impossible for any person confined to this mortal frame to plumb the depth and breadth and height of belief, faith, knowledge, creation, behavior and possibilities, or to comprehend the mind of God, or to see ahead of time the future He has ordained. And so, we simply choose to believe, and wait upon the Lord.
With implicit trust in God, and reasonable certainty about these few and central gospel tenets, we can choose to act deliberately upon the injunctions of Jesus Christ. He summarized all of His commandments thus: You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets (Matthew 22:36-40).
Christ's parting commandment to His disciples was this: Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Amen (Matthew 28:19-20).
We embrace the promise that He will always be with us, and love to be part of the evangelical mission He assigned to all His disciples. §
THE ESSENTIAL HELD-IN-COMMON BELIEFS OF THE BODY OF CHRIST
WE ARE CHILDREN OF GOD: We, all humanity, are the spirit offspring of God the Father (Acts 17:28-29; Romans 8:16)). As His children, we rely upon His Love (John 3:16), His Omnipotence (Revelation 19:6), and His Omniscience (Acts 17:26). We are also invited to be His heirs, joint heirs with Christ, and partakers of Their glory (Romans 8:17).
GOD IS OUR CREATOR: He is the Author, the Architect and Creator of the universe (Hebrews 1:2; 11:3; Revelation 14:7), with His crowning act being the formation of man and woman in His image (Genesis 1:26-27). Thus, His primary interest is the human race (Isaiah 45:12,18). He is a personal God, with infinite and intimate care for each of us (Psalm 8:3-6; Isaiah 65:24; Jeremiah 33:3); He invites our prayers (Matthew 6:6-16); He answers our petitions (Matthew 7:7-11); and He abides with us as we abide in Him (John 15:9-11).
JESUS CHRIST IS SAVIOR: Jesus Christ, from the beginning, was and is, the central figure in the Father's plan: For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved (John 3:16-17). Consistent with God's laws of justice and mercy, the atonement of Jesus Christ was the only means by which the Father could overcome the transgression of Adam and Eve, which brought sin and death into the world. Christ's atoning sacrifice provides the means for the Father's children to return to His presence, despite the sin and death to which all are subject (1 Corinthians 15:20-22).
WE ARE REDEEMED THROUGH CHRIST: To bring about this salvation, God sent His Only Begotten Son into this world. He was born of Mary (Luke 2:5-14), thereby becoming human, and able to understand and take upon Himself all human frailties (1 Peter 2:24). In taking upon Himself all sins and weaknesses, He descended below all (see Ephesians 4:9). He was also born of the Father, and therefore retained His Godhood even during His mortal sojourn (Matthew 3:17; 16:16-17). He lived a perfect, sinless life (Ephesians 4:13). He was baptized by John the Baptist (Matthew 3:13-15). He called apostles and established a ministry for the edifying of the body of Christ (Ephesians 4:12). He completed His mission of atonement and redemption in Gethsemane and at Golgotha (John 19:30), and ascended above all (see Ephesians 4:10) to break the bands of death in His glorious resurrection (Luke 24:36-40).
JESUS IS THE LIVING CHRIST: Jesus sits at the right hand of God the Father (Hebrews 1:3). He is our Savior, our Redeemer, and our Advocate with the Father (1 John 2:1). He will come again to cleanse the earth from corruption (see 2 Peter 3:10-13). He will deliver judgment (John 5:27). He will claim those who are joint heirs with Him, and bring them into the presence of God (Romans 8:17).
SALVATION IS ONLY THROUGH CHRIST: No one can save themselves. Never. Not under any conditions. Jesus Christ did it all (Ephesians 2:8-9). Christ's declaration from Calvary, It is finished (John 19:30), rings across all time, space, and people. Whatever He desires of us in terms of bent knee, bowed head, sacraments, or other symbols of our penitence and gratitude, let that form of worship and covenant be whatever it will be for each of us. Whatever we do, we are invited to do it in remembrance of Him (Luke 22:19).
ALL WILL KNOW HIM: Eventually, every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord (Philippians 2:10-11). Those who love Him will not need to fear judgment (John 3:18), rather, they will give praise, and enjoy the peace of God's presence (Psalm 95:2; Revelation 7:13-17).
THE SPIRIT IS OUR PERSONAL REVELATOR: The Holy Spirit (also, the Spirit of God, the Spirit, the Holy Ghost, The Comforter, use whatever name satisfies), bears witness of the Father and the Son, brings personal revelation (John 16:13), and reinforces our trust in Them (John 15:26). The Spirit not only administers Their goodness to all mankind, but also delivers knowledge and power to each of us, as we ask for it (Matthew 7:7-8), sufficient to accomplish Their purposes, in and through us (John 14:17; 14:26; Acts 1:8). The manifestations of the Spirit are given to [everyone] to profit equally (1 Corinthians 12:7), and include: wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miracles, prophecy, discerning of spirits, [speaking in and interpretation of] tongues (1 Corinthians 12:7-10), plus love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance (Galatians 5:22-23); for as Apostle Peter noted, If these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ (see 2 Peter 1:3-8).
SCRIPTURE IS OUR GUIDE: The Bible — the Old Testament and the New Testament — are the Word of God, the world's primary witness of the intentions of God, His interest in us, His plan for us (minus much detail of what went before and what is to come), sufficient to bring us to faith — wise unto salvation — by putting our trust in, and using it, with the companionship of the Spirit, as our living guide (see 2 Timothy 3:15-17; 1 Corinthians 2:1-16).
GOD BECKONS, WE CHOOSE OUR RESPONSE: God will not impose belief or foist His will upon us. Thus, we must choose to believe in and respond to the sacred invitation of God the Eternal Father, His Son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit, to receive Their abundant gifts, and the testimony of the prophets and apostles They sent (2 Peter 1:16-18). At the beginning and at the end of all learning and experience is faith, belief, trust, and choice (Mark 9:23-25). But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint (see Isaiah 40:31). §
A FEW OF THE COMMANDMENTS JESUS CALLS UPON HIS DISCIPLES TO LIVE
BE BORN AGAIN: John 3:3-5: Jesus said, Unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus said to Him, How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born? Jesus answered, Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.
REPENT: Matthew 4:17: Jesus began to preach and to say, Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. Luke 5:32: I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.
COME TO HIM, RECEIVE HIS REST: Matthew 11:28-30: Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.
BELIEVE IN HIM: John 14:11-14: Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father in Me, or else believe Me for the sake of the works themselves. Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father. And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you [a]ask anything in My name, I will do it.
KEEP HIS COMMANDMENTS: John 14:15: If you love Me, keep My commandments.
ABIDE IN HIM: John 15:4: Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. John 8:31-32: Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
FOLLOW HIM, WITHOUT RESERVATION: Matthew 16:24-26: Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?
LOVE GOD AND LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR: Matthew 22:36-40: Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said to him, You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets. Mark 12:28-34: Then one of the scribes came, and having heard them reasoning together, perceiving that He had answered them well, asked Him, Which is the first commandment of all? Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is: Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. This is the first commandment. And the second, like it, is this: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these. So the scribe said to Him, Well said, Teacher. You have spoken the truth, for there is one God, and there is no other but He. And to love Him with all the heart, with all the understanding, with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love one’s neighbor as oneself, is more than all the whole burnt offerings and sacrifices. Now when Jesus saw that he answered wisely, He said to him, You are not far from the kingdom of God. Luke 10:25-37: And behold, a certain lawyer stood up and tested Him, saying, Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? He said to him, What is written in the law? What is your reading of it? So he answered and said, You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself. And He said to him, You have answered rightly; do this and you will live. But he, wanting to justify himself, said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor? Then Jesus answered and said: A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, who stripped him of his clothing, wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a certain priest came down that road. And when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. Likewise a Levite, when he arrived at the place, came and looked, and passed by on the other side. But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was. And when he saw him, he had compassion. So he went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; and he set him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. On the next day, when he departed, he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said to him, Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, when I come again, I will repay you. So which of these three do you think was neighbor to him who fell among the thieves? And he said, He who showed mercy on him. Then Jesus said to him, Go and do likewise. §
WHAT IT ALL MEANS — FREEDOM IN CHRIST
The New Testament proclaims a resounding truth: through Christ, we are set free. This freedom, however, often seems elusive in daily life as we wrestle with questions of worthiness and the balance between faith and works. Freedom in Christ cannot be earned, nor is not constrained by peripheral matters, such as, the cut of a suit, the balance of a bank account, a hairstyle, the model or newness of a motor vehicle, or dependence on public transport, the length or style of a dress, tattoos or not tattoos, rings or skin piercings, or not, the use of alcohol, or not, the use of tobacco, or not, struggles with substance abuse, or not, the color of one's skin, one's race, or cultural or ethnic heritage, poverty or wealth, whether one attends a church, or not, uses technology, or not. Nothing that could be added to the list of peripherals can ever earn or deny the grace Jesus offers us. None of them does or can constrain the freedom He has delivered to anyone and everyone who will receive His gift. So what does it all mean?
THE FOUNDATION OF FREEDOM: REDEMPTION THROUGH CHRIST
Jesus declares, Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed (John 8:36). This freedom is not merely political or social but a liberation from sin, death, and the Law’s condemnation. Paul echoes this truth in Galatians 5:1, urging believers to Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.
The root of this freedom lies in Christ’s sacrifice. Romans 8:1-2 proclaims, There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. Our chains are broken not by our merit but by God’s grace, poured out through Jesus’ atoning work on the cross.
WHY ARE WE PREOCCUPIED WITH WORTHINESS?
Despite this freedom, many believers struggle with a preoccupation with worthiness. This stems from a misunderstanding of grace. Ephesians 2:8-9 clarifies, For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. Grace, by definition, is unmerited favor. Yet, human nature inclines us to strive for what we believe we must earn.
This tension often arises from the remnants of a performance-based mindset. Under the Old Covenant, righteousness was pursued through adherence to the Law. But the New Covenant, established by Christ, shifts the focus from human effort to divine provision. Hebrews 10:14 affirms, For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified.
Our preoccupation with worthiness reflects a failure to fully trust in God’s promises. In Romans 5:1-2, Paul writes, Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Our worthiness is not found in ourselves but in the righteousness of Christ imputed to us (see 2 Corinthians 5:21).
FAITH AND WORKS: FINDING THE BALANCE
The relationship between faith and works has been a source of debate throughout church history. James writes, Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead (James 2:17). At first glance, this seems to contradict Paul’s teaching that salvation is by grace through faith alone. However, a closer examination reveals harmony.
Paul emphasizes that salvation is a gift, not a reward for works (see Ephesians 2:8-9). James, on the other hand, speaks of the evidence of genuine faith. Someone will say, You have faith, and I have works. Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works (James 2:18). True faith inevitably produces good works as its fruit. Jesus Himself taught this balance. In John 15:5, He said, I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. Our works are not the root of our salvation but the fruit of our union with Christ.
LIVING IN FREEDOM
To live in the freedom Christ provides, we must rest in His finished work while walking in obedience. Galatians 5:13 instructs, For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. Freedom in Christ is not a license for sin but an empowerment to live righteously.
Paul’s words in Philippians 2:12-13 capture the balance beautifully: Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure. Our obedience flows from God’s work within us, a response to His grace rather than an effort to earn it.
Freedom in Christ is both a gift and a responsibility. It liberates us from the bondage of sin and the need to prove our worth, grounding our identity in His finished work. At the same time, it calls us to walk in obedience, demonstrating the reality of our faith through love, where our good deeds naturally flow as an expression of our love and gratitude. As we embrace this freedom, we echo Paul’s declaration in Galatians 2:20: I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.
Thus, in Christ, we are free indeed. Free to rest in His grace. Free to live for His glory. Free to reflect His love to the world. § 3
Note: the New King James Version (NKJV) of the Bible is used herein. While the original King James Version (KJV) is historically the most widely used English version, using the slightly more modern NKJV is simply a function of the inclusive objective of this document rather than a statement about which version any person should favor for their own study and worship.
The "dark night of the soul," is a term popularized by the 16th-century Carmelite monk, St. John of the Cross. It refers to a period of spiritual hardship and questioning. it is not explicitly a biblical concept, but is sometimes used to describe a time of spiritual crisis and a perceived sense of God's absence, or clear direction.
