What are the Essentials of Christianity?

http://www.equip.org/free/CP0701.htm ^

[DittoJed2]

CRI PERSPECTIVE CP0701

THE ESSENTIALS OF CHRISTIANITY

Essential Christianity. We hear a lot of discussion about essentials and non-essentials, but what are the essentials of Christianity?

When we talk about the essentials of Christianity we're referring to the basic elements that make up and characterize our faith, and which, of course, separate it from other beliefs. Let's survey these doctrines.

First, we believe in the authority of Scripture, which is another way of saying that the Bible is God's inspired, infallible, and inerrant Word. It's the ultimate source for knowledge about God, as well as the definitive guide for our daily lives.

Next we affirm the existence of a triune God or one God in three distinct persons - the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. This God is self-existent, eternal, unchanging, omnipotent, omnipresent, holy, righteous, and loving. God created the universe from nothing and He rules over His creation sovereignly including both human and angelic beings.

We also hold that man is a physical and spiritual being who is created in God's image. But because of his sin or transgression, man has lost his fellowship with God. The extent of sin is so great that its effects continue to this very day in the form of cruelty, suffering, and death.

By God's grace, Jesus Christ - Who is fully God and fully man - was sent to save us from our bondage to sin. We believe that Christ was born of a virgin, died for our sins, physically rose from the dead, and will one day return to judge the world and deliver His people. Faith in Christ is the only means by which mankind can escape eternal damnation and judgment.

Finally, we recognize the church as God's ordained institution headed by Christ. The church is composed of all believers, and is organized for worship, for fellowship, for the administration of the sacraments, for spiritual growth and support, and for evangelizing the world.

Much more can and will be said, but we hope this summary has encouraged you to continue studying Christian doctrine. 

[DittoJed2]

I would call the latter point "ordinances" instead of "sacraments", but overall a good treatment.

[Clemenza]

1. Belief in One God through the Holy Trinity

2. Belief in all that is spelled out in the Apostle's Creed.

[DittoJed2]

One of my favorite sayings:In essentials unity, in non-essentials liberty, in all things, charity.

[My2Cents]

Good post. I've been disturbed to see an increasing number of posts on FR trashing Christianity, and Christians in general. No doubt, Christians are human, are fallible, and hence can take opinions and treat them as absolutes. The only absolutes that we need adhere to are the ones posted in the article above. Beyond these, everything else is up to interpretation.

[The Green Goblin]

The only absolutes that we need adhere to are the ones posted in the article above. Beyond these, everything else is up to interpretation.

Of course, not all Christians agree with the points mentioned in the article, so they could hardly be called "the essentials of Christianity". For isntance, Catholic Christians would disagree with the first point, which states that Scripture is the definitive guide for daily living.

[newberger]

Freepers often seem to be weak on that last point:
charity i.e. love.

[DittoJed2]

Scripture is the definitive guide for daily living.
Indeed, many Catholics would disagree with that one. However, the official stance of the church is that the Bible is authoritative. Belief in tradition being equal in authority is very often inconsistent, as some traditions do not hold up.

[snakebitevoter]

How can God be both ominipotent and unchanging? Can God change? Can God change His mind? If He can't, what does that say about His omnipotence?

[DittoJed2]

How can God be both ominipotent and unchanging? Can God change? Can God change His mind? If He can't, what does that say about His omnipotence?
What if he voluntarily limits Himself?

[DittoJed2]

God CAN do anything He desires, but He will NOT do anything that is contrary to His nature (i.e., lie, etc.)

[Diverdogz]

From my obeservations, a Christian is a person who is convinced that he/she is following and interpreting Jesus correctly, and that only those who are 'just like them' will gain admittance to heaven.

[Campion]

For isntance, Catholic Christians would disagree with the first point, which states that Scripture is the definitive guide for daily living.

No, we would only disagree with the idea that our own personal interpretation of Scripture is the definitive guide for daily living.

[DittoJed2]

I was thinking about that. I'm a non-Catholic, but Catholic tradition is supposed to be based upon scripture as well right? So, the way things should be, Catholics WOULD agree that the Bible is the ultimate definitive source for how to live right?

[DittoJed2]

Sadly, a lot of Christians do have that mentality. However, there are not many ways to interpret "I am the way the truth and the life, no man comes to the Father but by me." and "There is no other name (but the name of Jesus) whereby a man can be saved." Salvation is based solely upon Jesus Christ and His shed blood on Calvary. Those who add to this are not practicing Christianity but a perversion of it.

[PayNoAttentionManBehindCurtain]

If only that were true:)

Becky

[kinsman redeemer]

I concur with the list.

As a former RC, I believe what God says regarding the value of His Word as a guide for living.

II Tim 3:16-17
"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. "

You can debate all you want. I trust God. He's omniscient.

Russ

[ohioWfan]

God CAN do anything He desires, but He will NOT do anything that is contrary to His nature (i.e., lie, etc.)

Exactly, DittoJed2. The attributes of God are clearly given in Scripture. He has the power to do anything, but will not do anything that is opposed to those attributes.

One of the traps we can fall into as human beings with our finite minds, is to believe we've got it all "figured out." Any seeming contradiction in Scripture about the nature of God is due to our human efforts to put Him in a box that we can understand....... not that we shouldn't keep studying, and trying to understand all that we can. But we cannot fully know the mind of God, and that's where faith comes in.

Good post! Thanks!!

[newberger]

Jed,

Let me give an Orthodox perspective on this.

From our perspective, everything passed on by the apostles
is "Tradition" or, that which is passed on and is authorative.

Now the Bible is the highest and most authoritative source of Holy Tradition.
It has veto power.
We are expected to read it every day.

But it isn't the sole source of tradition.
Nor is it up for private interpretation. We understand the Bible with the whole church.

Also, Eastern Christians see the authorative witness of the church
stemming from all of the church's members, not just the hierarchy.
And, we give a vote to past ages by insisting that their voice be counted
in determining the consensus of the faithful.
That's why we are so slow to change!

So, you could call us "Bible" Christians but not
"Bible Only" Christians.

P.S. I am a former CRI staff member ( late 60's )
and worked with Walter Martin for almost three years.

[My2Cents]

Jesus said: "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life; no one comes to the Father but by me." Jesus said it; not me.

Do you believe what He said?

[SoothingDave]

"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. "

Cuba Libre

SD