What is Christianity?
Christianity is a monotheistic religion based on the life, teachings, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, who is the focal point of the Christian faith. Christians believe that Jesus was the Messiah and that his teachings and works, such as the Sermon on the Mount, are the foundation of Christian love and charity. Christianity is one of the largest and oldest religions in the world, with over two billion adherents worldwide and encompasses a wide variety of denominations and traditions.
Main Beliefs of Christianity
The main beliefs of Christianity revolve around the concept of redemption through the person and teachings of Jesus Christ, who is believed to have brought the light and truth of God to the world. Christians believe that Jesus is the only way of salvation and the only one who can bridge the gap between man and God. Christians also believe that Jesus died for mankind’s sins, and was resurrected, appearing to followers on earth before ascending to heaven.
In addition, Christianity teaches the importance of love, mercy and forgiveness. One of the most important and fundamental beliefs of Christianity is that God is Triune – consisting of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit – and that these three persons make up one God. According to the Nicene Creed, Christians believe in “one God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible.”
The teachings of Jesus, as found in the Bible, have been central to Christian beliefs, teachings and practices since the early Church. Jesus taught his followers to love God and one another, to serve others and to follow his example. They believe that Jesus is the only way to salvation and that by believing in him and following his teachings, a person can ensure salvation in the afterlife.
The Bible is the main source of belief for Christians and includes the Old Testament and New Testament. The Old Testament is the Hebrew Bible, commonly referred to as the Tanakh, and contains the primary stories of the faith. The New Testament is comprised of the four Gospels, the Acts of the Apostles, letters from Paul and other important early Christian documents which set out the main beliefs and teachings of the faith.
The Sacraments
The seven sacraments of the Christian faith are a set of ceremonies performed in order to foster the growth and development of the believer’s spiritual life. These are Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, Reconciliation, Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders and Marriage. The sacraments are seen as manifestations of the saving power of Jesus, through which the spiritual life of the believer is nourished and strengthened.
The sacrament of Baptism is the entrance into the Christian faith and is the way in which a person becomes part of the Church. During the ceremony, a priest or minister pours water over the head of the person being baptized, and speaks blessings over them. Through this ritual, the person is cleansed of original sin and is reborn a Christian.
The Eucharist or Communion is a ritual in which bread and wine are offered in remembrance of Jesus’s Last Supper, when he shared bread and wine with his disciples. In the celebration of the Eucharist, Christians believe that the bread and wine become the physical body and blood of Jesus Christ and are offered to God in the form of thanks and praise. It is a powerful reminder of the sacrifice of Jesus, and the solemn atmosphere in which the Eucharist is celebrated is a reminder of the Christian duty to be faithful to Jesus and to his teachings.
Christ’s Return
Christianity teaches that Jesus will return at the end of time to claim his faithful, who will live with him in glory in the Kingdom of God. This is referred to as the Second Coming, and all Christians await this day with anticipation. According to the Bible, Jesus will come back in glory and will judge all mankind based on the way they have lived their lives and the choices they have made.
All believers are called to strive for holiness in anticipation of this day and to be watchful and in prayer, as Jesus said that “The Kingdom of God is at hand.” The hope of Christians lies in the belief that Jesus will come back and make all things right, uniting his people in the Kingdom of Heaven for all eternity.
The Role of the Church
The Church plays an important role in Christian theology. It is the centerpiece of the Christian faith, gathering its members together in one community, and teaching them the way of Jesus. The Church is also seen as the body of Christ, with its members as part of a collective whole and as walking in the ways of Christ.
The Church provides communal worship, sacraments, and fellowship, as well as providing support and guidance to its members. It encourages the love and service of others, as well as teaching the truth of the Christian faith. The Church is the custodian of Christian doctrine and practice and must continually strive to stay faithful to the teachings of Jesus.
Evangelism
Evangelism is the act of spreading the word of Jesus and the message of the gospel. Christians believe that it is their duty to spread the gospel to the world, and to invite people to become part of the faith. It is a powerful expression of the mission of the Church and of the love of Christ.
Evangelism is an important part of Christian life and is seen as a way to bring others to faith and to the love of Jesus. Further, evangelism is a way to keep the faith of Christians vibrant and alive, as they seek to reach out to those in need and to spread the love of Christ.
Conclusion
Christians believe that Jesus is the only way for salvation and that following his teachings is the path to eternal life. The Church plays a central role in the Christian faith, offering fellowship and nurture to its members, and also serving as the custodian of Christian doctrines. Christianity maintains the importance of evangelism and encourages believers to share their faith with others and invite them to join the faith.
