There are a few things that you should know about what Christianity is about. This page outlines the doctrine of Christianity, or the very base of what we believe. Specific, less-central beliefs often vary from one denomination to another depending on how one interprets the Bible. These are also discussed as briefly as possible, without neglecting important details, to reduce the chance of confusion.
We Believe…
There is One Almighty God
Simply, there is one, single, all-powerful God is known as the creator of Earth and the Universe, and the heavenly Father of Christ. God in Christianity is loving and just. God that is ruler and Creator of the entire universe. He is infinitely loving and just; He is perfect and without sin, and He cannot be in the presence of sin. God is all that is good. He has revealed Himself to us through miracles, the Bible, and prophets of the past. There is no other god but Him.
Scripture: Isaiah 43:10-11, Zechariah 14:9
The Bible is God's Word
The Bible, the basis of all Christian doctrine, is the Word of God. This means quite a few things. It is God's message to humanity and individuals, we are to read and study it in order to learn from Him. The Bible is infallible, meaning it has no faults. We as Christians are to follow and obey the Bible and recognize it as our divine instruction.
Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:16-17, 1 Thessalonians 2:13
Everyone Has Sinned
Every human who has ever existed has sinned—in other words, committed some sort of wrong against God. As such, we have all died a spiritual death, meaning we are eternally separated from God. After our physical death on Earth, that means we have an eternity in Hell before us.
Scripture: Romans 3:23, Romans 6:23
There is a Savior
God is a just God, but he is also a loving God. He does not want any of His people to exist apart from Him. So, He sent His begotten Son, Jesus Christ, to bear the burden of everyone's sins; yours, mine, and everyone's past, present, and future sins were carried on Jesus's shoulders as He was put to death. By the power of God, Jesus was resurrected three days after His execution. So, now it is possible for us to be redeemed when we put our faith in Jesus Christ! For more, see here.
Scripture: 1 John 1:9, John 3:16
Jesus is God
The Bible calls Jesus God's begotten Son. So, sort of how people beget other people and rabbits beget other rabbits, Jesus, God's begotten Son, is God Himself. Both the Father and the Son have always existed; God the Father did not come before or create Jesus.
There is only one God. However, God the Father and Jesus the Son are different "persons". One way to attempt to explain this is by looking at a triangle; a triangle is a single shape, but there are three distinct sides. Similarly, Jesus and the Father are a single God, but separate persons. The Holy Spirit is also a part of this triangle.
In reality, there is no way for us to truly comprehend this relationship. The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit are all a single God, and yet they are not the same. God truly is beyond human understanding.
Scripture: 1 John 1:9, Hebrews 1:3
The Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is a third person of God, the person who spiritually lives within us. When someone accepts Jesus as their Savior, the Holy Spirit lives inside them to help guide the believer closer into a relationship with God for the rest of his or her life on Earth. The Holy Spirit also acts as a conscience, correcting us when we sin and steering us in the right direction.
Scripture: John 14:26, Acts 1:8
Grace Saves Us
Ultimately, it is through God's grace that we are saved. When we accept Jesus as our Savior, God forgives us for all of our sins of the past, present, and future. We are not guilty for anything we have or ever will commit against God. While we are saved, we are still sinners at heart, so there will be times when we mess up. It is through Him that we are granted eternal life in Heaven. Thank God we're forgiven!
Scripture: Ephesians 2:4-5, Romans 3:23
The Church's Mission
The Church includes every Christian. When you choose to believe in the sacrifice of Jesus and accept Him as your Savior, then you become a part of the Church and its mission. As Christians, we are called to minister to others and give them the knowledge of God's sacrifice. As a body, we must also strive to live the example that Christ lived while He walked the earth.
Scripture: Matthew 28:19-20, 1 Corinthians 14:12
The Rapture and Christ's Second Coming
At the end of time there will be a seven-year period of judgment called the Tribulation. Before the Tribulation, all believers on Earth will be taken to Heaven by God so they may escape the judgment. This future event is known as the Rapture. Once the Tribulation is over, Jesus will return to Earth set up His Kingdom to reign for a thousand years.
Scripture: Daniel 9:24-27, 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, Revelation 20:4
New Heaven and Earth
God will replace the current Heaven and Earth with a new set. It is in this new Heaven and Earth that those who have put their faith in Jesus Christ will live for eternity with God. This new life will God will far exceed our current existence, for there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying.
Scripture: Revelation 21:1, Revelation 21:4
