Statement of Faith
The Holy Scriptures
The Bible, consisting of both the Old and New Testaments, is the inspired, inerrant word of God. (Psalm 19: 7-9; 1 Cor. 2:7-14; 2 Tim. 3:15-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21)
God
The One true God exists eternally in three persons–Father, Son, and Holy Spirit–being one in essence and deserving all worship, obedience, honor and praise. (Deut. 6:4; Isa. 45:5-7; Matt. 28:19; 1 Cor. 8:4; 2 Cor. 13:14)
Man
On the sixth day of creation, God created man in His image. Man was in a perfect, sinless state, and his purpose was to glorify God and live in obedient, joyful fellowship with Him. Adam’s sin conveyed a sin nature to all men with the one exception of Jesus Christ. Mankind became wholly depraved, incapable of pleasing God. Because of the fall, all men came under divine judgment and are in need of salvation. (Gen. 2:16-17, 3: 1-24; Isa. 43:7; Rom. 3:10-23; Col. 1:16; Rev. 4:11)
Salvation
Salvation is entirely of God. It is a sovereign gift of grace and mercy based not on any meritorious works or human righteousness, but rather on the basis of Jesus Christ’s redemptive and substitutionary death on the cross. God is sovereign in the salvation of the elect, yet man is responsible to come to Christ in faith. Those who truly trust in Christ for salvation are sealed by the Holy Spirit and are eternally secure. (John 1:12; 1 Cor. 1:4-9; 2 Cor. 5:21; Eph. 1:4-7, 2:8-10, 4:30; Phil. 1:6; Titus 2:11-14, 3: 4-7; 1 Peter 1:2-5,18-19; Jude 24)
Sanctification
God gives each believer everything pertaining to life and godliness. Although believers are justified and freed from sin’s penalty at the moment of salvation, sanctification also has a progressive element in which the believer becomes more and more like Jesus Christ. Believers look forward to Heaven, where they will finally and eternally be without sin. (John 17:17; Rom. 6: 1-22; 1 Cor. 1:30; 2 Cor. 3:18; Gal. 5:16-25; Col. 3:9-10; 1 Thess. 5:23-24; 1 Peter 1:14-16; 2 Peter 1:3)
The Church
The Holy Spirit places all believers into the body of Christ in which they serve both God and one another. Christ is the head of the church, which is His bride. (1 Cor. 12:12-13; 2 Cor. 11:2; Eph. 1:22, 4:15, 5:23-32; Col. 1:18; Rev. 19:7-8)
Eternity
At death, believers enter immediately into God’s presence, where they will live forever in a perfect, sinless state of glory. Unbelievers are eternally separated from God, receiving judgment and remaining in a state of eternal, conscious punishment. (John 17:3; 2 Cor. 5:8; Phil. 1:23; 2 Thess. 1:7-9; Rev. 20:11-15, 21:1-27, 22:1-21)
About the Author
Kristie Gant began writing inductive Bible study courses in 2004, after teaching and developing Bible study lessons for over fifteen years. The focus of each of her studies is to teach truth, exalt God, call women to greater obedience, and equip them to disciple their children and other women.
As a child of committed Christian parents, Kristie was taught the Scriptures and at an early age was “made wise unto salvation” (2 Timothy 3:15). While attending Texas Tech University, where she received a BA in Speech Pathology, Kristie met and married Hank Gant. They are the parents of two grown children, Amy and Craig.
Over the years, Kristie has pursued the knowledge of God through inductive Bible study and the reading and hearing of faithful teachers and preachers. The writings of the Puritans have been particularly influential in her understanding of spiritual truth and in her passion for discipleship.
Kristie’s inductive Bible study courses have been self-published through In Praise of God Ministries (formerly At Home Studies), which her family began for that purpose. Some of her books are now available through Focus Publishing.
Kristie and Hank are both active in their local church body where Kristie serves as a women’s Bible study leader and teacher. It is the passion of her heart to share the Scriptures with women who love God and who desire that His Spirit progressively transform them into the image of Christ.
In the fall of 2012, Kristie gave the following testimony as a lecture during her study Be Not Afraid. To hear more about her life and testimony, please listen to the audio file found below.
A Word from Hank
For many years and in many places, I have seen God’s gifting of and call for Kristie to teach. A part of my own ministry involves directing, supporting and encouraging her as she studies, teaches and writes.
I pray that the Bible study helps, guides and tools that we provide will assist you as you study God’s Word, and that through studying the Scriptures the Holy Spirit will guide you toward Christlikeness, resulting in the glory of God.
Truly yours in Him,
Hank