A Personal Statement of Faith

A Christian Preamble is a declaration of faith placed at the beginning of a will or other important document. It bears witness to what you believe — about life, death, forgiveness, and hope — and leaves a spiritual legacy for those who come after you. This should be short and sweet and act as an introduction to your last will and testament.

Use the three prompts below to write your own.

Part 1: Your confidence in your Lord and Savior

In your own words, describe where you place your trust in the face of death—and why. You may reference a Scripture passage that gives you comfort.

Example of this:
“Realizing the uncertainty of this life, I place full confidence and trust in my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who promised: ‘I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live.’ (John 11:25b).”

Suggested Scriptures: John 11:25-26, Psalm 23:4, Romans 8:38-39

Part 2: Your belief in forgiveness and grace

Describe what you believe about sin, Christ’s sacrifice, and the gift of forgiveness. What does it mean to you that salvation is not earned but freely given?

Example of this:
“Knowing that the wages of sin is death, I believe that Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, suffered and died for the forgiveness of my sins, which I neither deserve nor merit, but receive as a free gift of God, who is rich in grace and mercy.”

Suggested Scriptures: Romans 6:23, Ephesians 2:8-9, 1 John 1:9

Part 3: Your message to those you leave behind

What hope or encouragement do you want to pass on to your family and loved ones? What matters most for them to hold onto?

Example of this:
“I urge my heirs not to set their hopes on uncertain riches, but to take hold of the life which is life indeed through faith in Jesus Christ.”

Suggested Scriptures: Joshua 24:15b, Proverbs 3:5-6, Proverbs 22:6, 1 Timothy 6:17

When you have finished, read your preamble aloud. Please share it with a trusted family member, your pastor, or keep it with your important documents as a gift of faith to those you love.