The Basic Christian Beliefs

Christianity and the Church can seem quite confusing to those who are new to it. Christianity encompasses several denominations with their own ways of doing things. Even Churches in the same denomination, can be very different. Some prefer a very traditional service with Kings James Version scripture, whereas other are much more contemporary.

With all of these differences, when you get down to the basics, all forms of Christianity have the same core beliefs.

God

• There is only one God (Isaiah 43:10; 44:6, 8; John 17:3; 1 Corinthians 8:5-6; Galatians 4:8-9).
• God created everything (Genesis 1:1; Isaiah 44:24).
• God is 3 in one. The Father, The Son, The Holy Spirit – aka The Holy Trinity (Matthew 3:16-17, 28:19; John 14:16-17; 2 Corinthians 13:14; Acts 2:32-33, John 10:30,17:11, 21; 1 Peter 1:2).
• God is all knowing, & all powerful. He is everywhere and can do anything (Acts 15:18; 1 John 3:20; Psalm 115:3; Revelation 19:6; Jeremiah 23:23, 24; Psalm 139; Genesis 18:4; Job 42:2).

Without a belief in God, you are not a Christian. Now remember, there are other religions that believe in a “god”, but are not Christians. Just because someone tells you they believe in God, does not necessarily mean you are talking about the same God. Some people believe in God, yet are still not Christians. Christianity, Judaism and Islam are referred to as Abrahamic religions. This means they all three trace their origins to Abraham. Judaism and Islam both use parts of the Christian Bible and believe in the same God. This does not make them Christians.

Jesus Christ

• Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit (Matthew 1:18).
• Jesus was born of the virgin Mary (Matthew 1:23).
• Jesus lived a sinless life (1 Peter 2:22; Hebrews 4:15).
• Jesus was crucified, died, and was burred (Mark 15:23-32).
• Three days later, he rose from the dead and ascended into Heaven (Matthew 17:23; 28:5, 6; John 2:20-22; Acts 1:3-11; Ephesians 1:20, 21; Hebrews 1:3).
• Jesus took the punishment for our sins (1 Peter 2:24; Matthew 20:28; Mark 10:45).

Jesus Christ was conceived by the Holy Spirit and was born of the virgin Mary. This is how we know He is the Son of God. He lived a humble and sinless life, yet he was murdered for sins he did not commit. He died to take the punishment for our sins.

Bible

• The Bible is God’s Holy word (2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:21)

The Holy Bible is our instruction book to life. By reading the Bible daily, we can gain a better understanding of God and how He wants us to live (Matthew 16:17; 1 Corinthians 2:14).

Man

• We are created in God’s image (Genesis 1:26; 9:6; 1 Corinthians 11:7; Colossians 3:10; James 3:9)
• Adam (The first man) was created by God, in a perfect world. Because Adam did not obey God, sin was introduced into the world (Genesis 3).
• We are all sinners (Romans 3:23.

We are not worthy to receive eternal life in Heaven with God. Nothing we can do on our own can change that. No matter how noble our actions or what we say, we are nothing without the saving grace of Jesus Christ.

There are many more facts that Christians believe. The points above simply outline the core points of Christianity. These are the facts you must believe in, in order to be a Christian and receive the gift of salvation. Just remember, you can not just read the facts, believe them, and then go on living your life however you want. We must all strive daily to grow closer to God and live your life how He wants. If you haven't already prayed to invite Jesus into your heart, I encourage you to continue reading How to Become a Christian.