Yes, the program will be periodically updated. Such updating will be used both to clarify existing material as well as add additional information. All Christian outreach programs are based on some theological foundation. Although the CHRIST Program is unique, we have tried to keep it as theologically simple as possible. The perspective used to create the program is described below.

This is a sanctification program. Sanctification (literally "making holy by receiving the Holy Spirit") is the manifestation of the Word of God in us, galvanizing us into action, and filling our hearts with love for our neighbors.

This is not a "good works" program to earn salvation. All Christians are justified (receive forgiveness from their sins) by God through Jesus Christ's life and atoning death. Justification is not in any way merited by us, but it is freely offered to everyone by God — as a gift. There are no degrees of justification, and no amount of good works can justify anyone.

This is not a new law-based program. The Old Testament focuses heavily on the Law. At the center of the New Testament is the Gospel of Jesus Christ which, through justification, frees us from being condemned by that law. The Law does not produce sanctification or good works. However, the Law has its place in the work of sanctification; it serves the Gospel. The encouragements and suggestions we offer throughout the CHRIST Program should not be interpreted as expressing a new set of laws. They are meant as generalities and have been designed to serve both the Gospel and the Church.

Within the Church there are sometimes two kingdoms described. In the "kingdom of the right" Christians relate to each other according to the Gospel. In the "kingdom of the left" Christians relate to others through their vocation and in society according to the rule of secular law. Christ's Church is in the kingdom on the right, and celebrates numerous holydays. The secular world is in the kingdom of the left, and exercises control of legal holidays. Problems can arise when holydays are also holidays, and there has been no link between the between the kingdoms to fix them. By establishing a means through which Christians can spread the Gospel (impart salvation's testament) and positively impact society, the CHRIST Program bridges both kingdoms.

Different Christian denominations have varying views on the interplay of justification and sanctification. We are not trying to persuade anyone here, rather simply define our perspective. Justification defines the believer's relationship with God, and sanctification defines the believer's relationship to the world. Whenever the Holy Spirit brings a person to faith through the Gospel, He immediately also works sanctification and good works in that same person through that faith. Scripture strongly emphasizes that sanctification is inseparably connected with justification, and that sanctification follows justification. It is through the awesome power of the Holy Spirit that Christians are directed and empowered to lead a godly life, and participation in the CHRIST Program may become part of that process for many Christians.

All Christians collectively own Christian holydays, and only we have both the right and license to define what they are, what they are not, and what should be restored. It was physically impossible for all Christians to be involved in developing the CHRIST Program. Even the problems faced by a single denomination or just several churches to come together to work on such a task are very challenging. The ideal size Christian group that might be able to accomplish this goal in a reasonable time frame is probably the size of a single church committee. Such a small group of ordinary Christian friends from Saline, Michigan, USA created the CHRIST Program during 2005 and 2006. Our work was not sponsored or directed by any church. We worked on it as individual Christians reaching out to other individual Christians. We have all chosen to "walk the walk" and to allow God to lead us. We have committed to restoring Christ as the centerpiece of all Christian holydays as part of our faith walks. We attend church regularly and volunteer within our congregations and community.

We do not need donations. We are not selling anything. However, we do desire your prayers for the program as well as your prayerful consideration of joining with us in the program. God has a plan for each of us, and joining us may be part of God's plan for you.

May God bless you and keep you, may His countenance shine upon you, and may God grant you His peace.

The CHRIST Group
Email: info@RestoreChrist.org

p.s. Merry Christmas, and Have a Blessed Easter!