Thirty Scriptures That Shape My Theology

scripture_closeup_0_preview What’s your personal theology?

A while back, I started a personal project. I wanted to identify one hundred scripture passages that form the core of my theology. I think we’re each accountable tor knowing what we believe, and I thought this exercise might help me crystalize my thinking.

I thought I’d share the first part of my list. They’re in no particular order or priority, except for #1 which is my life verse. See what you think.

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. [Romans 8:28]
For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. [Romans 8:38-39]
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. [John 3:16]
And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him. [1 John 4:16]
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. [1 Peter 2:9]
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. [John 1:1]
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. [John 1:14]
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” [Matthew 11: 28-30]
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. [Galatians 5:1]
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. [1 Corinthians 13:13]
Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. [1 Corinthians 13:12]
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. [Galatians 5:22-23]
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. [Genesis 1:1]
Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”And they divided up his clothes by casting lots. [Luke 23: 34]
“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.” [Matthew 4: 19]
The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. [Psalm 23:1]
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. [Psalm 23: 4]
“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. [John 10:11]
See, I am sending an angel ahead of you to guard you along the way and to bring you to the place I have prepared. [Exodus 23:20]
See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland. [Isaiah 43:19]
Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty. [John 6:35]
“Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.” [John 8:11]
But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. [Matthew 5:44]
When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” [John 8:12]
“I tell you the truth,” Jesus answered, “before Abraham was born, I am!” [John 8:58]
Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. [John 13:14]
I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. [John 15:5]
Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. [John 15:13]
Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written. [John 21:25]
You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. [Matthew 5: 14]