Christianity is centered on the person and work of Jesus Christ, who Christians believe is the Son of God and Savior of the world. Despite the diversity of denominations and traditions, most Christians share a set of essential beliefs that have shaped the faith for over two thousand years. These beliefs are rooted in Scripture and summarized in ancient creeds such as the Nicene Creed (325 A.D.) and the Apostles’ Creed.
Belief in One God: The Trinity
At the heart of Christianity is monotheism—the belief in one God. Christians understand God as a Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This mystery expresses the unity of God’s essence and the distinction of persons.
- God the Father is the Creator of heaven and earth (Genesis 1:1).
- God the Son, Jesus Christ, is fully divine and fully human (John 1:14), who came to save humanity from sin.
- God the Holy Spirit dwells in believers, guiding, comforting, and empowering them (John 14:26).
The doctrine of the Trinity affirms God’s relational nature: “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one” (Deuteronomy 6:4), yet revealed in three persons through Christ and the Spirit.
Jesus Christ: Savior and Lord
The central belief of Christianity is that salvation comes through Jesus Christ. Christians affirm that:
- Jesus was born of the Virgin Mary (Luke 1:34–35).
- He lived a sinless life and revealed God’s love through his teachings and miracles.
- He died on the cross as an atoning sacrifice for humanity’s sins (Romans 5:8).
- He rose from the dead on the third day (1 Corinthians 15:3–4), demonstrating victory over sin and death.
- He ascended to heaven and will return one day to judge the living and the dead (Acts 1:9–11).
For Christians, Jesus is not only a teacher but also “the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6).
The Authority of Scripture
The Bible is the sacred text of Christianity, composed of the Old and New Testaments. Christians believe that the Scriptures are inspired by God (2 Timothy 3:16) and serve as the foundation for faith and practice.
- The Old Testament recounts God’s covenant with Israel and prepares the way for the Messiah.
- The New Testament records the life of Jesus, the early church, and teachings for Christian living.
Throughout history, debates about interpretation have shaped different traditions, but all Christians recognize the Bible as central to their faith.
Salvation by Grace Through Faith
Another core belief is that salvation is a gift of God’s grace, not something earned by human effort. As the Apostle Paul writes: “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8).
Christians hold that repentance, faith in Christ, and baptism mark entry into the new life of salvation. While denominations may differ in emphasis, the unifying theme is that salvation is possible only through Jesus’ death and resurrection.
The Church and Sacraments
Christians believe they are called to live in community as the Church, the Body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:27). The church is not only a building but the fellowship of believers worldwide.
Key practices, often called sacraments or ordinances, include:
- Baptism – symbolizing new life in Christ (Romans 6:4).
- The Eucharist (Communion) – remembering Christ’s sacrifice (Luke 22:19–20).
These acts strengthen the faith of believers and express unity with Christ and one another.
Hope of Eternal Life
Christians believe in eternal life with God. This hope is grounded in Jesus’ resurrection, which assures believers of their future resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:20–22). The promise of a new heaven and new earth (Revelation 21:1–4) inspires Christians to live with faith, hope, and love in the present.
Conclusion
The core beliefs of Christianity—faith in the Triune God, salvation through Jesus Christ, the authority of Scripture, life in the church, and hope of eternal life—form the foundation of Christian identity. While expressed differently across denominations, these convictions unite Christians across cultures and centuries in their shared confession that “Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:11).