What is biblical Christianity?
Biblical Christianity vs. Cultural Christianity: A Baptist Perspective
Biblical Christianity stands on the foundation of God’s Word as the ultimate authority for faith and practice. It is distinct from cultural Christianity, which blends faith with societal norms and personal experiences, often straying from the true teachings of Scripture. While cultural Christianity often produces nominal believers who identify as Christians by association or tradition, biblical Christianity produces true disciples whose lives are transformed by God’s Word and who are committed to living in obedience to His will.
Fundamentals of Biblical Christianity
Biblical Christianity is rooted in the essential truths of Scripture, which define the faith and differentiate it from cultural adaptations. These fundamental doctrines include:
The Triunity of God: The one true God eternally exists in three Persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Each Person is fully God and fully united in essence.
“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” (Matthew 28:19, NKJV).
The Person and Work of Christ: Jesus Christ is fully God and fully man. His substitutionary death on the cross paid the penalty for sin, and His bodily resurrection guarantees eternal life to all who believe.
“For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily” (Colossians 2:9, NKJV).
“For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him” (2 Corinthians 5:21, NKJV).
Salvation by Grace through Faith: Salvation is a gift of God’s grace, received through faith in Christ alone. It cannot be earned through works.
“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” (Ephesians 2:8–9, NKJV).
The Authority and Inerrancy of Scripture: The sixty-six books of the Bible are inspired, inerrant, and sufficient for faith and godly living. The Bible is God’s Word, the final authority in all matters.
“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16–17, NKJV).
The Second Coming of Christ: Jesus Christ will return to judge the world and establish His eternal kingdom.
“For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first” (1 Thessalonians 4:16, NKJV).
Any departure from these core doctrines represents a departure from biblical Christianity and the truth of the gospel.
The Importance of God’s Word
The Bible is central to biblical Christianity. It is described as the very words of God:
“I have not departed from the commandment of His lips; I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my necessary food” (Job 23:12, NKJV).
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105, NKJV).
Jesus modeled reliance on Scripture during His earthly ministry. When tempted by Satan, He responded with the authority of God’s Word:
“But He answered and said, ‘It is written, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God”’” (Matthew 4:4, NKJV).
Paul commended the Thessalonians for their acceptance of God’s Word:
“For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe” (1 Thessalonians 2:13, NKJV).
Biblical Christianity is built on this unchanging foundation. God’s Word alone defines and shapes the Christian faith, guiding believers in all aspects of life.
Biblical Christianity in the Early Church
The early church was characterized by its devotion to Scripture and its countercultural nature. Believers studied the Word, prayed, and lived transformed lives:
“These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so” (Acts 17:11, NKJV).
Early Christians were willing to endure persecution and even death for their faith. They were not motivated by cultural acceptance but by the truth of Christ’s resurrection and the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit. Their commitment to biblical Christianity stands in stark contrast to the comfortable, superficial faith of cultural Christianity.
The Danger of Cultural Christianity
Cultural Christianity reduces faith to a label or social identity. It produces nominal believers who lack a genuine relationship with Christ:
“Having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!” (2 Timothy 3:5, NKJV).
Nominal Christianity often arises from:
Tradition and Heritage: Many identify as Christians because of their family background or cultural environment. This was common in state churches where infants were baptized and automatically considered members.
Legalism: Some conform outwardly to Christian practices but lack the inward transformation of the heart that comes through faith in Christ.
“For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but a new creation” (Galatians 6:15, NKJV).
Compromise with Culture: Cultural Christians prioritize societal values over biblical truth, often adapting their faith to align with secular ideologies.
Sola Scriptura and the Protestant Reformation
The Protestant Reformation was a call back to biblical Christianity. The Reformers declared Sola Scriptura—Scripture alone is the authority for faith and practice:
“Do not add to His words, lest He rebuke you, and you be found a liar” (Proverbs 30:6, NKJV).
“Now these things, brethren, I have figuratively transferred to myself and Apollos for your sakes, that you may learn in us not to think beyond what is written, that none of you may be puffed up on behalf of one against the other” (1 Corinthians 4:6, NKJV).
For centuries, the Roman Catholic Church elevated tradition above Scripture, resulting in unbiblical practices. The Reformers sought to restore the authority of God’s Word in the life of the church.
Living as a Biblical Christian
A biblical Christian is someone who has trusted Jesus Christ as their personal Savior and Lord:
“But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name” (John 1:12, NKJV).
True faith involves a transformed life, obedience to God’s Word, and a willingness to follow Christ:
“Then He said to them all, ‘If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me’” (Luke 9:23, NKJV).
Biblical Christians prioritize God’s Word over cultural norms and seek to live in holiness, knowing that their faith is grounded in eternal truth.
Conclusion
Biblical Christianity is the only true Christianity because it adheres to the unchanging Word of God. It stands in contrast to cultural Christianity, which is shaped by societal values and traditions. In a world that seeks to redefine truth, believers must hold fast to the Scriptures, proclaiming the gospel and living as faithful disciples of Christ:
“The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever” (Isaiah 40:8, NKJV).
Christianity that is not biblical is not Christianity at all. Let us remain steadfast in our commitment to God’s Word, knowing that His truth endures forever.
