The BGCT, by its affirmation of the 1963 Baptist Faith & Message, demonstrates belief in Jesus’ virgin birth, His death on the cross, and His resurrection.
Christ is the eternal Son of God. In His incarnation as Jesus Christ, He was conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. – 1963 Baptist Faith and Message
Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.
– Isaiah 7:14 (NIV)
This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about:
His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit.
– Matthew 1:18 (NIV)
The doctrine of the virgin birth of Christ teaches clearly and unforgettably that it is God, not man, who brings salvation to the world. The miraculous birth (incarnation) paves the way to the sacrificial death (atonement).
We do not earn salvation. God gives it through His one only Son. It is God who provides the sacrifice for sin. All man’s boasting is set aside. God did this from beginning to end.
In His death on the cross He made provision for the redemption of men from sin. – 1963 Baptist Faith and MessageAnd he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.
– 2 Corinthians 5:15 (NIV)
God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
– 2 Corinthians 5:21 (NIV)
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this:While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him!
– Romans 5:8-9
Jesus’ redemptive work did not end on the cross. His resurrection delivered God’s ultimate victory over sin and death.
He was raised from the dead with a glorified body and appeared to His disciples as the person who was with them before His crucifixion. – 1963 Baptist Faith and MessageThe angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said.
– Matthew 28:5
On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.
– John 20:19-20But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.
– 1 Corinthians 15:20-22