What are the core beliefs of Christianity?
Christianity: A Relationship, Not a Religion
The term “Christianity” often carries with it the connotation of being a religious system, similar to Islam, Buddhism, or other world religions. Within these systems, there are typically rules, codes, and practices that adherents are expected to master in order to attain some desired goal, whether it be enlightenment, salvation, or moral perfection. However, Christianity, as revealed in the Bible, stands apart from this framework. It is not merely a system of beliefs or behaviors; rather, it is a personal relationship with Almighty God, grounded in the redemptive work of Jesus Christ.
Jesus Did Not Come to Establish a Religion
When Jesus entered the world, it was already filled with religions. In Acts 17:22–23 (NKJV), Paul acknowledges the Athenians’ devotion to their many gods, even referring to an altar inscribed “To the Unknown God.” Judaism itself, which had begun as a covenant relationship between God and His chosen people (see Leviticus 20:26, "And you shall be holy to Me, for I the Lord am holy, and have separated you from the peoples, that you should be Mine"), had by the time of Christ devolved into legalism, where traditions often supplanted the Word of God (see Matthew 15:8–9, "These people draw near to Me with their mouth, and honor Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me. And in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.")
Jesus did not come to start another religion. He came to bear witness to the truth (see John 18:37, "You say rightly that I am a king. For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice"). He came to seek and save the lost, those separated from God because of sin (see Luke 19:10, "For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost"). Jesus came as the Lamb of God to “give His life as a ransom for many” (see Mark 10:45, "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many").
Core Beliefs of Christianity
While Jesus came to restore a relationship, not establish a religion, those who follow Him do hold to several core, biblically-based beliefs. These are not rules to be mastered but truths to be embraced, forming the foundation of saving faith.
Jesus is the Son of God and Equal with God:
John 1:1 (NKJV): "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God."
Philippians 2:5–7 (NKJV): "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."
Jesus Lived a Perfect, Sinless Life:
Hebrews 4:15 (NKJV): "For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin."
Jesus Died to Pay the Penalty for Our Sins:
1 Corinthians 15:3–4 (NKJV): "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."
Jesus Rose from the Dead:
Luke 24:46 (NKJV): "Then He said to them, 'Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day.'"
Salvation Is by Grace Alone Through Faith Alone:
Ephesians 2:8–9 (NKJV): "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."
The Role of God’s Word
The Bible, as the inspired and inerrant Word of God, is central to Christian belief. Without Scripture, we would not know who God is or understand His redemptive plan. Romans 10:17 (NKJV) reminds us: "So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God."
Faith: More than Intellectual Assent
Believing the core truths of Christianity is essential, but biblical faith goes beyond intellectual agreement. James 2:19 (NKJV) states: "You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble!" True saving faith transforms the heart and life of the believer (see 2 Corinthians 5:17, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new").
The Process of Salvation
Conviction of Sin:
John 16:8 (NKJV): "And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment."
Repentance and Faith:
Acts 2:38 (NKJV): "Then Peter said to them, 'Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.'"
Justification:
Romans 4:5 (NKJV): "But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness."
The Divine Exchange:
2 Corinthians 5:21 (NKJV): "For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him."
New Birth:
John 3:3 (NKJV): "Jesus answered and said to him, 'Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.'"
The Core of Christianity: The Gospel
At its heart, Christianity is about the gospel—the good news that Jesus Christ died for sinners, rose again, and offers eternal life to all who place their trust in Him. Colossians 2:14 (NKJV) explains: "[God] has wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross."
Conclusion
Christianity is not a religious system; it is a relationship with Almighty God through Jesus Christ. Its core beliefs, rooted in Scripture, lead not to mastery of a code but to spiritual transformation through the work of the Holy Spirit. This is the heart of the gospel and the good news that we are called to share with the world.
If you’d like further expansion or adjustments, let me know!
