What are the essentials of the Christian faith?
Essentials of the Christian Faith: A Baptist Perspective
The Bible itself reveals what is essential to the Christian faith. These essentials include the deity of Christ, salvation by grace alone, salvation through Jesus Christ alone, the resurrection of Christ, the Gospel, monotheism, and the doctrine of the Holy Trinity. These are foundational truths that every follower of Jesus Christ must believe, as they define what it means to live as a disciple of the Lord. Let’s explore each of these essentials in greater detail, supported by Scripture and rooted in Baptist theology.
The Deity of Christ
The first and foremost essential of Christianity is the deity of Christ. Simply put, Jesus is God. While Jesus never explicitly said the words "I am God," His statements and actions throughout Scripture made this truth unmistakable. In John 10:30 (NKJV), Jesus declared, “I and My Father are one.” This statement led the Pharisees to accuse Him of blasphemy because He was claiming equality with God. Similarly, in John 20:28 (NKJV), when the Apostle Thomas saw the resurrected Jesus, he exclaimed, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus did not rebuke Thomas, affirming His deity by accepting this declaration.
The deity of Christ is also evidenced by His eternal existence, as shown in John 1:1 (NKJV): *“In the beginning was the Word
, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”* Jesus, as the Word, has always existed as God and is fully divine. Philippians 2:5–7 (NKJV) further emphasizes this truth: “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men.” The deity of Christ is essential because, as God, only He could bear the infinite penalty for sin and bring about salvation for humanity.
Salvation by Grace Alone
Salvation is entirely by the grace of God and cannot be earned by human effort. This truth is a cornerstone of the Gospel and a vital distinction between Christianity and works-based religions. The Bible makes it clear that we are all sinners separated from God and deserving of eternal punishment: “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23, NKJV). However, God, in His grace, made a way for us to be reconciled to Him through the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ.
Ephesians 2:8–9 (NKJV) declares: “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” Salvation is a gift that cannot be earned through good deeds, moral behavior, or religious rituals. It is entirely unmerited and reflects God’s incredible love for humanity. Grace means that we receive what we do not deserve: forgiveness and eternal life through Jesus Christ.
Salvation Through Jesus Christ Alone
The exclusivity of salvation through Jesus Christ is a central tenet of the Christian faith. While many people believe that all religions lead to God, the Bible teaches that only Jesus provides the way to eternal life. Acts 4:12 (NKJV) states: “Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”
Jesus Himself affirmed this truth in John 14:6 (NKJV): “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” Salvation is found in Christ alone because He is the only one who lived a sinless life, died for the sins of the world, and rose again. This exclusivity highlights the depth of God’s mercy and grace: that He provided the only means of salvation for all who will believe.
The Resurrection of Christ
The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the cornerstone of the Christian faith. Without the resurrection, Christianity would be powerless, and our faith would be in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:14 (NKJV) states: “And if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty and your faith is also empty.”
The resurrection demonstrates God’s power over sin and death, proving that Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross was sufficient to atone for humanity’s sins. Jesus foretold His resurrection, saying in John 2:19–21 (NKJV): “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” The resurrection also assures believers of their own future resurrection and eternal life, as promised in 1 Thessalonians 4:14 (NKJV): “For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus.”
The Gospel
The Gospel, meaning “good news,” is the message of Jesus Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection for the salvation of sinners. 1 Corinthians 15:3–4 (NKJV) summarizes the Gospel: “For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures.”
The Gospel is central to the Christian faith because it is the means by which sinners are reconciled to God. Paul warned against false gospels, emphasizing the importance of preserving the purity of this message: “But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed” (Galatians 1:8, NKJV). The Gospel is not about human achievement or religious effort; it is about Christ’s finished work on the cross and His victory over sin and death.
Monotheism
The Christian faith is grounded in the belief in one God, the Creator and Sustainer of all things. Exodus 20:3 (NKJV) commands: “You shall have no other gods before Me.” Monotheism sets Christianity apart from polytheistic religions and emphasizes the uniqueness of the God of the Bible.
Isaiah 43:10 (NKJV) declares: “You are My witnesses,” says the Lord, “And My servant whom I have chosen, that you may know and believe Me, and understand that I am He. Before Me there was no God formed, nor shall there be after Me.” This foundational belief affirms that there is only one true God, and all other so-called gods are idols.
The Holy Trinity
The doctrine of the Trinity teaches that God exists as three co-equal, co-eternal Persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. While the term “Trinity” is not explicitly used in Scripture, the concept is clearly taught throughout the Bible. Matthew 28:19 (NKJV) commands: “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”
The Trinity is also evident in passages like 2 Corinthians 13:14 (NKJV): “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen.” While the Trinity is a mystery beyond human comprehension, it is essential to the Christian faith because it reveals the relational nature of God and His work in creation, redemption, and sanctification.
Faith: The Binding Ingredient
Faith is the foundation of the Christian life, enabling believers to trust in God’s promises even when they cannot see them. Hebrews 11:1 (NKJV) defines faith as “the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Faith pleases God, as stated in Hebrews 11:6 (NKJV): “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.”
Faith is not merely intellectual assent but a living trust in God that transforms every aspect of life. It enables believers to walk in obedience, endure trials, and share the hope of the Gospel with the world.
Conclusion
The essentials of Christianity are not mere doctrines but life-giving truths that define a believer’s relationship with God. The deity of Christ, salvation by grace alone, salvation through Christ alone, the resurrection, the Gospel, monotheism, and the Trinity form the foundation of the faith. Rooted in Scripture and empowered by faith, these essentials call believers to worship, obedience, and a life devoted to the glory of God. Let us hold fast to these truths and share them boldly with a world in need of the Savior.
