The Essentials Of Christianity
Essential Christianity. We hear a lot of discussion about essentials
and non-essentials, but what are the essentials of Christianity?
When we talk about the essentials of Christianity we're referring to
the basic elements that make up and characterize our faith, and which,
of course, separate it from other beliefs. Let's survey these doctrines.
First, we believe in the authority of Scripture, which is another way
of saying that the Bible is God's inspired, infallible, and inerrant
Word. It's the ultimate source for knowledge about God, as well as the
definitive guide for our daily lives.
Next we affirm the existence of a triune God or one God in three distinct
persons - the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. This God is self-existent,
eternal, unchanging, omnipotent, omnipresent, holy, righteous, and loving.
God created the universe from nothing and He rules over His creation
sovereignly including both human and angelic beings.
We also hold that man is a physical and spiritual being who is created
in God's image. But because of his sin or transgression, man has lost
his fellowship with God. The extent of sin is so great that its effects
continue to this very day in the form of cruelty, suffering, and death.
By God's grace, Jesus Christ - Who is fully God and fully man - was
sent to save us from our bondage to sin. We believe that Christ was
born of a virgin, died for our sins, physically rose from the dead,
and will one day return to judge the world and deliver His people. Faith
in Christ is the only means by which mankind can escape eternal damnation
and judgment.
Finally, we recognize the church as God's ordained institution headed
by Christ. The church is composed of all believers, and is organized
for worship, for fellowship, for the administration of the sacraments,
for spiritual growth and support, and for evangelizing the world.
Much more can and will be said, but I hope this summary has encouraged
you to explore the scripture, this website and continue
to study the essentials.
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