Christianity 101
The basics of the Christian faith
Welcome
If you're new to Christianity or just want to understand the basics better, you're in the right place. This page covers the core beliefs that define the Christian faith.
Who is God?
Christians believe in one God who exists eternally as three persons: the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit. This is called the Trinity. All three are fully God, yet there is only one God.
"For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus."
- 1 Timothy 2:5
Who is Jesus?
Jesus Christ is the Son of God who became a man. He was:
- Fully God - eternal, all-powerful, all-knowing
- Fully human - born of a virgin, lived a real human life
- Sinless - lived a perfect life without any sin
- Crucified - died on a cross for our sins
- Risen - came back to life on the third day
- Returning - will come back to judge the living and the dead
What is the Gospel?
The Good News in Four Parts
God created us to know Him and be in relationship with Him. He is holy, just, and loving.
All humans have sinned and fall short of God's glory. Sin separates us from God and leads to death.
God sent His Son Jesus to live perfectly and die in our place, paying the penalty for our sins.
We must repent (turn from sin) and believe in Jesus to be saved. This is a gift, not earned.
What is the Bible?
The Bible is God's Word - 66 books written over 1,500 years by about 40 different authors, all inspired by the Holy Spirit. Christians believe it is:
- Inspired - "God-breathed" (2 Timothy 3:16)
- Inerrant - without error in the original manuscripts
- Authoritative - the final word on all matters of faith and practice
- Sufficient - contains everything we need for salvation and godly living
"All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness."
- 2 Timothy 3:16
What is Salvation?
Salvation is being rescued from the penalty of sin (death and eternal separation from God). It comes only through faith in Jesus Christ - not by being a good person or doing good works.
NOT By...
- Being a good person
- Going to church
- Being baptized
- Giving money
- Following rules
- Being religious
ONLY By...
- Grace (God's undeserved gift)
- Through faith (trusting Jesus)
- In Christ alone (not your efforts)
- Repentance (turning from sin)
- Believing (the gospel message)
- Receiving (Jesus as Lord & Savior)
"For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast."
- Ephesians 2:8-9
What Happens After I Believe?
- You are forgiven - all your sins, past, present, and future
- You receive the Holy Spirit - God lives in you
- You are adopted - you become a child of God
- You begin to change - the Spirit transforms you over time
- You have eternal life - death is not the end
Want to Know More?
The best way to learn more is to read the Bible. Start with the Gospel of John in the New Testament. Find a good church (that's why you're here!) where you can learn and grow.
