What Do We Mean When We Say We are Fundamental? At Bethel Baptist Church we say that we are fundamental. That may mean different things to different people. Historically, it is a term referring to identified “fundamentals” of the faith.
What it should mean is that we believe in the foundational truths of the Word of God. It should mean that we stand on the inerrancy of that word. We say that we believe in the verbal and plenary inspiration of the Word; that it is given to us, breathed out by God (Holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit) in the individual words, and in the overall plan and themes of the Word.
It is our sole rule of faith and practice. Without it, we do not have the knowledge of the way to life eternal. I John 5:13 says, “These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.” II Timothy 3:16-17 speaks of its value, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” The Word of God is vital to living in holiness and godliness before God and taking care of God’s people. It is vital to protecting the flock and protecting ourselves and our families from the wolves and false teachers about whom the Word of God warns.
To that end, it contains, or is made up of declarations. It speaks the truth/doctrine about God and man. Hebrews 4:12-13, “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.” It goes into our heart and reveals our inner thoughts and motivations.
To that end, it contains/presents us with commands or imperatives. Those are not options; but what we must do; how we must think, speak and act to be right with both God and man. To that end, the Word of God makes explicit promises. These promises are vital to the integrity of God Himself and the credibility and integrity of His Word. Titus 1:2 says, “In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began.” Romans 11:25-29 “For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in. And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob: For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins. As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election, they are beloved for the fathers’ sakes. For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.” Quite literally, those promises are irrevocable.
To that end, the Word of God gives stern warnings. God truly is a wonderful God. His word is truth. Deuteronomy 27 and 28 enumerate God’s promised blessings and curses. “Gather the people together, men, and women, and children, and thy stranger that is within thy gates, that they may hear, and that they may learn, and fear the LORD your God, and observe to do all the words of this law: And that their children, which have not known any thing, may hear, and learn to fear the LORD your God, as long as ye live in the land whither ye go over Jordan to possess it.” Deuteronomy 31:12-13 Proverbs 9:10. “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.” Proverbs 1:20-33 presents a stark picture of the consequences of rejecting counsel and correction. Verses 29-30 describe that rejection. “For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the LORD: They would none of my counsel: they despised all my reproof.” Galatians 6:7 “Be not deceived, God is not mocked, for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.”
The overall and greatest purpose of the Word of God is to give hope and the way to obedience and blessing. Ezekiel 18:23, 32 “Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should die? saith the Lord GOD: and not that he should return from his ways, and live? For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth, saith the Lord GOD: wherefore turn yourselves, and live ye. John 20:31 “But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name. Psa 119:11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. I John 5:11-13 “And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.” Pro 21:21 He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, righteousness, and honour. Heb 12:25 See that ye refuse not him that speaketh. For if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from him that speaketh from heaven: