A brief summary of biblical Christianity
Christianity is based on the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth as revealed in The Bible. Christians believe Jesus is fully God and fully human. He is part of the triune Godhead—Father, Son and Holy Spirit (one God in three persons, not three gods).
Often the title “God” refers to the first person, God the Father. God is a spiritual being without a physical body. He is personal and involved with people. He created the universe out of nothing. He is eternal, changeless, holy, loving and perfect.
Jesus is God the Son, the second person of the Trinity. He has always existed and was never created. In becoming man, he was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. He died on a cross according to God’s plan, as full sacrifice and payment for the sins of humanity. Three days later he rose from the dead and 40 days later ascended into heaven. Jesus will come again visibly and physically at the end of time to establish God’s kingdom and judge the world. Believing these truths about Jesus is the only way to salvation and eternal life.
The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity. At Pentecost, 10 days after the ascension of Jesus, the Holy Spirit was poured out, and he lives within those who believe Jesus is the Son of God. He is a person, not a force. He comforts, equips, convicts, teaches and fills Christians in order that they may live lives according to the teachings of The Bible.
Much of what Christians believe is contained in the ancient Apostles’ Creed.
I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit
and born of the virgin Mary.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried;
he descended to hell.
The third day he rose again from the dead.
He ascended to heaven
and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty.
From there he will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.
Excerpts from Christianity, Cults & Religions. Rose Publishing.
