What is Christianity and what do Christians believe?
Core Beliefs of Christianity: A Biblical and Baptist Perspective
The foundational beliefs of Christianity are beautifully summarized in 1 Corinthians 15:1–4 (NKJV): “Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand, by which also you are saved, if you hold fast that word which I preached to you—unless you believed in vain. 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.” These verses highlight the essence of the gospel: Jesus Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again on the third day. This truth forms the basis for salvation, offered freely to all who place their faith in Jesus Christ.
Unlike other religions that emphasize rituals, laws, and human efforts, Christianity is about a personal relationship with God. This relationship is made possible through the redemptive work of Jesus Christ and is nurtured by the ministry of the Holy Spirit. A Christian’s ultimate goal is not simply to follow a list of rules but to walk closely with God and grow in faith and holiness.
The Authority of the Bible
Central to Christianity is the belief in the Bible as the inspired and authoritative Word of God. 2 Timothy 3:16–17 (NKJV) teaches, “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.” The Bible is God-breathed and provides the final authority on all matters of faith, doctrine, and practice. Similarly, 2 Peter 1:20–21 (NKJV) declares, “Knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.”
The Nature of God
Christians believe in one God who exists eternally in three Persons: the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit. This belief in the Trinity is supported by passages such as Matthew 28:19 (NKJV): “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.” Each Person of the Trinity is fully God, yet there is only one God—a divine mystery that is foundational to Christian faith.
The Human Condition and Need for Redemption
Christianity teaches that humanity was created for a relationship with God, as seen in Genesis 1:26–27 (NKJV): “Then God said, ‘Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness.’” However, sin has separated mankind from God. Romans 3:23 (NKJV) affirms, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” This separation began with Adam’s sin in the Garden of Eden and has affected all of humanity (Romans 5:12, NKJV: “Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned.”).
Because of sin, every person stands in need of redemption. The consequence of sin is death, both physical and spiritual, as stated in Romans 6:23 (NKJV): “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
The Person and Work of Jesus Christ
Jesus Christ is the central figure of Christianity. He is fully God and fully man, as taught in Philippians 2:6–8 (NKJV): “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. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.”
Jesus lived a sinless life, fulfilled the Law and the Prophets, and willingly died on the cross to pay the penalty for sin. Romans 5:8 (NKJV) declares, “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” His sacrificial death provides the only means of reconciliation with God. Hebrews 9:14 (NKJV) affirms, “How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?”
Jesus’ resurrection is central to the Christian faith. 1 Corinthians 15:17 (NKJV) states, “And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins!” The resurrection confirms Jesus’ victory over sin and death and guarantees eternal life to all who trust in Him.
Salvation by Grace Through Faith
Salvation is a gift of God’s grace, received through faith in Jesus Christ alone. Ephesians 2:8–9 (NKJV) teaches, “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.” Good works are not the means of salvation but are the evidence of a transformed life in Christ (Ephesians 2:10, NKJV: “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.”).
The Christian Life: Victory Over Sin
Salvation is not merely about being saved from hell; it is about being freed from the power of sin and being reconciled to God. Romans 6:6–7 (NKJV) states, “Knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin. For he who has died has been freed from sin.” Christians are called to pursue holiness and live in obedience to God’s Word, empowered by the Holy Spirit. Galatians 5:16 (NKJV) encourages, “Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.”
Christians are also engaged in a continual battle against sin. Romans 7:18–19 (NKJV) expresses the apostle Paul’s struggle: “For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells; for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find.” Victory comes through reliance on God’s Word and the indwelling Holy Spirit.
Conclusion: True Biblical Christianity
Christianity is not a religion of works or rituals but a relationship with the living God through faith in Jesus Christ. True Christianity involves acknowledging our sin, trusting in Jesus’ death and resurrection, and living in obedience to Him. As Jesus declared in John 14:6 (NKJV), “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”
The good news of the gospel is that Jesus has done everything necessary for our salvation. John 19:30 (NKJV) records His final words on the cross: “It is finished!” This means the work of redemption is complete, and all who trust in Him can be assured of eternal life. John 3:16 (NKJV) sums it up beautifully: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” Let us rejoice in the free gift of salvation and live in the victory and freedom that comes through Jesus Christ our Lord.
