What Does It Mean to Be “Evangelical”?

In one of his articles for the Evangelical Alliance, David Hilborn identifies the destinctive beliefs of the Reformation as the theological foundations of Evangelicalism. These are: Sola Scriptura - by Scripture alone; Sola Gratia - by grace alone; Sola Fide - by faith alone. In addition, we might say that Evangelicalism is:
Bible-Centered – The Bible is given the highest place in our understanding of how God has made known His nature and His purposes to the world. Through the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, the God who is objectively there has revealed universal and eternal truth to humankind in such a way that all can grasp it.
Christ-Centered – Evangelicals tend to speak a great deal about Jesus, whose coming revealed the Father’s great love for a fallen world. God's eternal Word took on human flesh in the historical man Jesus of Nazareth. He suffered and died for us, was raised from the dead, and will come again, one day, in power, to reign.
Cross-Centered - The Good News of God's revelation in Christ is seen supremely in the cross, where atonement was made for people of every race, tribe and tongue. The sacrifice of the Cross is understood as the watershed event in the history of the world. The Christian faith cannot be understood apart from this event.
Conversion-Centered - The truth of the eternal Gospel must be appropriated in personal faith, which comes through repentance - that is, a discernible reorientation of the sinner's mind and heart towards God. Ultimately, Christianity requires a response. Evangelicals see the need for conversion, and teach that, without a turning away from evil there will be no turn to God.
Action-Centered - Gospel truth must be demonstrated in evangelism and social witness. Throughout history, Evangelicals have sought to make a difference in the world by standing against such evils as slavery. Evangelicals believe that, since God loved the world, so should we, by using our lives by trying to make a difference for good.

These are the marks of an Evangelical church.

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