Biblical Christianity is the belief system and worldview based on the teachings of the Bible. At its core, it is centered around faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Here is an overview of some of the key aspects of biblical Christianity:
The Bible
Christians believe the Bible is the inspired Word of God, without error in its original writings. It is the sole authority for doctrine and practice. The Bible consists of the Old Testament (scriptures of the Jewish people) and the New Testament (accounts of Jesus’s life and the early church). Some key messages from Scripture include:
– God created the universe and humankind. He is eternally existent in three persons: Father, Son (Jesus Christ), and Holy Spirit.
– Humans are sinful by nature and fall short of God’s perfect standard. Sin leads to separation from God.
– Jesus Christ is fully God and fully human. He lived a sinless life, died on the cross for our sins, and rose from the dead.
– Forgiveness of sins and reconciliation with God is possible by God’s grace, through faith in Christ alone.
– Those who repent of their sins and trust in Christ receive eternal life. Those who reject Christ face eternal separation from God.
– The Holy Spirit lives in believers and helps them understand Scripture, convicts of sin, and empowers them to live godly lives.
– Jesus Christ will physically return to earth to judge the living and the dead. Believers will spend eternity with God in heaven. Unbelievers will spend eternity separated from God.
Salvation by Grace
Sin has separated all human beings from God. But God showed His love for us by sending His Son Jesus to die on the cross for our sins (John 3:16). When someone repents (turns from their sins) and believes in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, they are forgiven, saved from the penalty of sin, and receive the free gift of eternal life (Ephesians 2:8-9). Salvation is not earned through good works or religious rituals; it is received by grace alone through faith alone.
New Birth and New Life
When a person becomes a Christian, they experience a spiritual rebirth. God’s Spirit comes to live within them and changes their nature (Titus 3:5). Believers are called to turn from sinful ways and walk in obedience to Christ through the power of the Spirit. Good works cannot earn salvation, but they are evidence of genuine faith (James 2:14-26). The Bible gives instruction for how Christians should live, such as:
– Loving God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength (Mark 12:30)
– Loving your neighbor as yourself (Mark 12:31)
– Making disciples and teaching them to obey Christ (Matthew 28:19-20)
– Using gifts and abilities to serve others (1 Peter 4:10)
– Being holy as God is holy (1 Peter 1:16)
– Renewing your mind through Scripture (Romans 12:2)
The Gospel
The word “gospel” means good news. The gospel is the central message of Christianity. In essence, it is the life-changing truth that “Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). The gospel is the power of God for the salvation of all who believe (Romans 1:16). Christians are called to share the gospel with others to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19-20).
The Church
The church refers to all believers in Christ globally. Local churches consist of Christians gathering in communities. The Bible portrays the church as the body of Christ, with Christ as the head (Colossians 1:18). Churches are called to worship God, study the Bible, pray, participate in baptism and communion, fellowship together, and use their gifts to fulfill Christ’s mission in the world.
Christian Living
Biblical Christianity is about having a personal relationship with God that transforms every aspect of life. Christians seek to love God with heart, soul, mind, and strength through spiritual disciplines like prayer, Bible study, church involvement, and sharing their faith. Christians also endeavor to love others, be salt and light in the world, care for the poor and vulnerable, and honor God in family, work, leisure, finances, and all decisions.
The Afterlife
The Bible teaches that every human being will experience eternity in one of two final destinations – heaven or hell. Because of Christ’s atoning sacrifice on the cross, Christians will spend eternity with God, free from sin and suffering. This future hope gives meaning and motivation for how Christians live their present lives on earth. Non-Christians who reject God’s offer of salvation in Christ will spend eternity separated from God’s presence in a place of punishment.
Worldview
Biblical Christianity shapes an entire worldview – a comprehensive perspective on reality, humanity, morality, purpose, and more. Christians view the world through the lens of biblical truths. Some elements of a Christian worldview based on Scripture include:
– Absolute moral truths exist, grounded in God’s nature and revealed in the Bible.
– Human beings have value and dignity, since we are made in God’s image. But humans are fallen through original sin.
– Objective purpose and meaning in life come through a relationship with the Creator.
– Suffering and evil in this present world will be resolved when Christ returns and ushers in the new heavens and new earth.
– Ethics and virtuous character stem from God’s moral law and nature.
– Reason, logic, science, and evidence can assist faith but cannot replace the authority of God’s revelation.
– All of creation belongs to God, not humankind, so Christians are stewards responsible to God.
In summary, biblical Christianity centers on faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, based on the divine inspiration of Scripture. It transforms followers’ relationship with God, outlook on life, conduct, eternal destiny, and more.