WHAT DO WE BELIEVE ABOUT THE CROSS?
The official United Methodist doctrine is that sin separated all persons from God. Jesus' death on the cross was an atoning sacrifice, making possible our forgiveness and reconciliation with God.
To repent of sin and trust in Jesus Christ are the only requirements for one to receive that forgiveness and reconciliation made possible by Jesus' death.
The Nicene Creed:
"For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate..."
Article II, The Articles of Religion, The Book of Discipline:
"...Christ, very God and very Man, who truly suffered, was crucified, dead, and buried to reconcile his Father to us, and to be a sacrifice, not only for original sin, but also for the actual sins of people."
Article XX, The Articles of Religion, The Book of Discipline:
"The offering of Christ, once made, is that perfect redemption, propitiation, and satisfaction for all the sins of the whole world, both original and actual; and there is none other satisfaction for sin but that alone..."
Article VI, The Articles of Religion, The Book of Discipline:
"...everlasting life is offered to mankind by Christ, who is the only Mediator between God and man, being both God and Man."
