Understanding Christian Faith: Beliefs, Values, And Practices

The Christian faith is the world's largest and most widespread religion, with over 2.4 billion followers, comprising around 31.2% of the world's population. It is an Abrahamic monotheistic religion, professing that Jesus Christ was raised from the dead, is the Son of God, and is the Messiah.

Christian faith requires a belief in the resurrection of Jesus and his death on the cross, which paid for the sins of mankind, giving access to heaven and an eternal relationship with God. This is known as salvation by grace.

Christianity is culturally and doctrinally diverse, with six major branches: Roman Catholicism, Protestantism, Eastern Orthodoxy, Oriental Orthodoxy, Restorationism, and the Church of the East.

The precise understanding of the term faith differs among Christian traditions, but it is generally understood to be closely associated with ideas of belief, trust, and reliance.

The Holy Trinity

The doctrine of the Trinity is not explicitly stated in the Bible, but it is implied in several passages in both the Old and New Testaments. For example, in the Old Testament, the creation narrative in Genesis uses first-person plural pronouns ("Let us make man in our image"), which some interpret as referring to a plurality of persons within the Godhead. In the New Testament, Jesus is referred to as God (Titus 2:13), and the Holy Spirit is also identified as God (Acts 5:3-4). Additionally, the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19 instructs believers to baptize others "in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit," indicating that all three Persons are distinct and deity.

The doctrine of the Trinity was developed by early Christians and Church Fathers as they sought to understand the relationship between Jesus and God. It was formalized at the First Council of Nicaea in 325 CE, which declared that the Son is "of the same substance [homoousios] as the Father." The doctrine was further refined by theologians like Athanasius, Basil of Caesarea, and the Cappadocian Fathers, and it has been accepted by all historic confessions of Christianity.

The Trinity is important because it helps Christians understand the nature of God and how He relates to them. It also has significant implications for prayer and worship, as Christians are called to relate to God as a tri-personal being. While the Trinity may seem like a contradiction, it is not because God is one in essence but three in person, and these are different ways of understanding His nature.

Salvation through Jesus Christ

The Bible is clear that salvation is a gift from God, offered through His Son, Jesus Christ. Jesus himself said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" (John 14:6). This means that salvation is exclusive to those who put their faith in Jesus and accept Him as their Lord and Saviour. It is by God's grace, through faith in Jesus, that we are saved, not by our own works (Ephesians 2:8-9).

The significance of Jesus' death on the cross lies in the belief that He took the punishment for our sins. As stated in 1 John 1:9, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness." This forgiveness offers freedom and hope for the future, as it restores our relationship with God, giving us access to heaven and an eternal relationship with Him.

Salvation through Christ is not just about being saved from our sins but also about being saved for a purpose. As Christians, we are called to share the good news of God's grace and to be the hands and feet of Christ in this world, demonstrating His love through our actions. This is a lifelong process of sanctification, where we gradually become more like Christ, allowing God to work through us to impact the world.

Furthermore, salvation through Jesus Christ is exclusive and cannot be attained through any other religion or faith. While some may believe that God honours all religions as long as people live a good life, the Bible refutes this idea. It emphasizes that salvation is found solely through faith in Jesus and His sacrifice. This exclusivity is a crucial aspect of the Christian faith, as it underscores the belief that Jesus is the only way to God.

In conclusion, salvation through Jesus Christ is a core doctrine of Christianity. It entails believing in Jesus as the only way to salvation, accepting His sacrifice on the cross for our sins, and recognizing that He alone provides the path to eternal life with God. This salvation transforms our lives, giving us a new purpose and empowering us to share the good news with others.

The resurrection of Christ

The moment of resurrection is not described in any of the canonical gospels, but all four contain passages in which Jesus is portrayed as predicting his death and resurrection. The New Testament writings do not contain any descriptions of a resurrection but rather accounts of an empty tomb and appearances of Jesus.

The deity of Christ

Jesus is referred to by names that are reserved for God, such as "the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father", "Immanuel" ("God with us"), "The Lord (Jehovah) our Righteousness", and "Son of God". He is described as having characteristics of deity, including being eternal, omnipresent, omniscient, omnipotent, and immutable.

Jesus Christ is considered equal with God the Father and is worshipped as such. He is the creator and upholder of all things, and he forgives sins, raises the dead, and will execute judgment—all of which are works that only God can do.

Jesus himself claimed deity. He taught his disciples to pray in his name and said that he and the Father were one and the same. He also said that to know him was to know God, and to see him was to see God.

Jesus's disciples also acknowledged his deity, claiming that he had the right to forgive sins and that he would "judge the living and the dead". Thomas, one of the disciples, called Jesus "My Lord and my God".

The Bible as a guide

The Christian faith is deeply rooted in the Bible, which serves as a sacred text and a guide for believers. It is a collection of ancient writings that chronicle the relationship between God and humanity, offering a framework for understanding the world, ourselves, and our purpose. At its core, the Bible is a testament to God's love and plan for redemption, providing Christians with a moral compass and a source of spiritual guidance.

Comprised of two main parts, the Old and New Testaments, the Bible spans a vast period of history, from the creation of the world to the early days of the Christian church. The Old Testament, with its laws, histories, and prophecies, lays the foundation for understanding God's covenant with His people, while the New Testament focuses on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, who Christians believe is the fulfillment of those prophecies and the embodiment of God's love and grace.

The Bible is a diverse collection of books, letters, poems, and narratives, each contributing a unique perspective to the whole. It includes historical accounts that provide context and a sense of God's work throughout history, as well as wisdom literature that offers practical guidance on living a virtuous and meaningful life. The prophets' books provide insight into God's will and call for justice and righteousness, while the Gospels and epistles in the New Testament shed light on the teachings of Jesus and the early Christian community.

Central to Christian belief is the understanding that the Bible is not just a historical or literary document but the inspired Word of God. Christians hold that the Bible is divinely inspired and, therefore, authoritative and infallible in matters of faith and practice. This belief is rooted in the idea that God, through the Holy Spirit, guided the authors of the Bible, ensuring that it accurately conveys His message and will for humanity. As such, the Bible serves as the ultimate source of truth and guidance for Christians, shaping their worldview and providing direction in times of uncertainty.

Frequently asked questions