The Bible has been cited as the ultimate evidence regarding faith matters, and Christianity has been a major religion for centuries. The reality is that the word ‘Christianity’ itself is not found in the bible, but the concept of Christianity is intertwined within the narrative. Throughout the Bible we can find references to Jesus and his teachings which are believed to define Christianity and its message.
Rather than merely stating “Christianity,” the Bible uses terms such as disciples or believers, representing those who thought of themselves as followers of Jesus. The Gospel of Mark states “And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15). It is in this call to spread the message of Jesus that we come to understand the concept of Christianity.
The Bible does not use the term Christianity, nor is the specific word believers used to define the followers of Jesus, as the disciples often referred to themselves as “little children” or “brethren.” Yet, without any doubt, the message and teachings of Jesus were meant to spread beyond the boundaries of his times and continue to live on today.
Reverend Bruce Alexander of the Christian Faith Center noted: “The idea of Christianity is rooted in the New Testament, the first of which is Mark’s gospel. While the term Christianity is not used, it is not so much the words in Scripture that define Christianity, but its practices. Christianity is an example of living a gospel-centered life, proclaiming the good news of Jesus, and Christian ethics and morality.”
The Bible also offers numerous quotes attributed to Jesus as evidence of the teachings of Christianity. Jesus teaches his disciples not to be anxious, even in the face of death (Matthew 6: 25-35). He emphasizes being forgiving (Matthew 18: 21-22) and acts of charity (Matthew 5: 7).
The Bible is full of narratives of Jesus’ life and teachings, which makes it clear that following him is living a life of Christian faith. The stories show the basis for many of the teachings of Christianity and serve as motivation for followers of Jesus.
Christian Living
The Bible describes what it means to live a life in accordance to the teachings of Jesus. The parables of Jesus in various Gospels illustrates the core reasons why Christianity exists. Matthew 25:31-46 speaks of the “sheep” and the “goats” and the importance of service to others, particularly those in need. Jesus speaks of the value of others, even in a spiritual sense by noting that “whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25:40).
The Beatitudes, found in Matthew 5: 1-12 further demonstrate what it means to live a life in accordance to the teachings of Jesus. Through the beatitudes, Jesus commanded followers to not just believe but also act out their faith. The themes of being meek and merciful, weeping for wrong and living a virtuous life can be seen throughout the beatitudes.
Concordia Seminary Professor, Anita Heyne remarked, “The Bible is full of examples of those who followed Jesus, despite the many sacrifices such a commitment entailed. From Peter to Paul, the world is recognized for the commitment to faith in Jesus. Their lives were marked by devotion and commitment, which provides a source of motivation and inspiration for contemporary believers.”
This is a major cornerstone of Christianity which emphasizes on living out one’s faith rather than simply having beliefs. Jesus’ example in the Bible clearly shows that faith is not an abstract concept, but is meant to be embodied by one’s actions.
Persecution and Prejudice
The New Testament is full of accounts of those willing to stand up to persecution in the name of Christianity. Paul and Peter are two of the most known martyrs who dealt with great opposition in standing up for their beliefs. Acts 17 preserves the account of Paul’s speech, where he is forced to defend his faith to the Athenian council. He speaks about the Resurrection of Jesus and about the power of human souls throughout the passage.
Paul is further praised for being a bold advocate for the faith, writing over half of the New Testament and enduring all manner of tests of his loyalty and faith. Peter is another example, who despite his faults defends Jesus numerous times, and is honored as the first pope through his dedication (Matthew 16).
These brave examples of faith under duress serve a powerful reminder that Christianity can withstand extreme adversity, when practiced with integrity and conviction.
Evangelization
The concept of evangelization can be found throughout the Bible, especially the Great Commission mentioned previously. Jesus edict to his disciples to go into the world and spread the word of Christianity can be seen as both a command and a blessing.
Paul further outlines the imperative in Ephesians to “be strong in the Lord and in the power of his might and Put on the full arm of God” (Ephesians 6:9-11). He speaks of the protection afforded believers by God and the power to do what is right. This power to evangelize provides the template for todays Christians to spread the faith, by their own example and by convincing words.
Conclusion
The Bible is a powerful resource, oozing with evidence to support the core beliefs and principles of Christianity. The absence of the word “Christianity” in the Bible does not mean that the faith is absent, but rather is evolved throughout the passages. By embodying stories, narratives, quotes and commands Jesus is illustrated as the basis for Christianity, and the actions that are meant to be carried out in order to follow the faith.
