Five Essential Doctrines of Christianity: Different than Other Religion
by Teresa(1,492)
Freelance writer/Speaker
There are many doctrines (teachings) that fall under Christianity with varying degrees of understanding. However, there is one constant which unites all Christians--known as the body of Christ--which are not negotiable. Simply put, if any of these "Big Five", as many theologians and my self call them, it is no longer Christianity.
The five essential doctrines of Christianity are as follows:
1) The Triune Godhead –The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three agree as one and are one, yet they have distinct personalities and purpose in creation, salvation, and the sanctification of man. (Gen 1:1, 1John 5:6-8, John 1:1-4.)
2) Jesus is the Christ, the only Son of God, born of a virgin, fully God and fully man. (Col 1:15-19.)
3) Christ died for the sins of man, was buried and rose again on the third day. (1 Cor 15:3-4)
4) Man is born in sin because of the sin of Adam and is in need of redemption from sin. (Rom 5:12-14)
5) Salvation by grace through faith alone (Eph 2:8-9)
(As we study these in detail, additional passages of Scripture will be discussed.)
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Christianity is unlike all other religions in that it promotes a relationship with the Creator God because of what He did for man and not for what man can do for Him.
The dictionary defines religion as man following a set of standards or a system of beliefs to please God. It also defines a religious person as one who is devoted to a particular religion. Nowhere in the definition does it imply devotion to God. A Christian is one who follows Christ--one who has received the gift of salvation from God the Father. Anyone can have a religion and do their best to follow all the rules. They can be very "religious" and never personally know the God who created them.
In every known religion, man is doing their best to reach God's standard of perfection in hopes of going to heaven when they die. There is one major problem, however, and that is man is sinful by nature from birth. Therefore, no matter how hard we try, we will never meet God's standard on our own. The Bible says that the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23). The Bible is the word of God and His word is absolute truth--and the only standard by which we measure right and wrong, good and evil. The Bible remains true whether or not we choose to believe it.
The good news is, unlike any other religion, God Himself made a way for man to be free from the bondage of sin. In essence, God stooped down to man's level. He reached out to us by sending His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ to pay the price for sin once, for all--that whoever believes in Him will receive forgiveness and no longer be subject to the punishment of sin. This is grace.
Though salvation is a gift to man, it was not free for God. It cost His only Son. God longs for fellowship with man--it is why he created us. He didn't need us, He wanted us! If we choose not to accept this gift, then we choose to accept the punishment for our sin. The Bible tells us that each one of us will face God when we die--we will all bow before Him. If we bow before Him in faith, we are free from the punishment of sin (Salvation). If we bow before Him in disbelief after death--we will be cast into eternal judgment (Hell).
The cost of sending Jesus to die was too high to have been done in vain. If there were any other way, God would have gladly supplied it.
We are told in the bible that God will draw all men unto himself, but he gives us the freedom to choose him. This is known as Predestination and Free will--they work together, not against each other. I will discuss this in later studies. For now, the question is this--what will we choose to do with this truth.
Will we respond to the grace of God and trust him for our salvation and security, or will continue to take our chances and practice our own religion?
When we trust in the work God did for our salvation, it promotes a change in lifestyle as we are born again by the Spirit of God. Repentance, a change of heart, and obedience to the word of God is evidence of true salvation and a right relationship with Him.
These essential doctrines give cause for Christianity to be mocked and hated. Perhaps it's because it is the only religion which goes straight to the heart. For this reason alone, it is worth investigating.
Please join me in future studies as we walk through these doctrines one by one. I encourage you to participate with questions and comments.
© Teresa Ortiz – In Season Ministries 2009
Article submitted Thursday, February 05, 2009 & read 452 times.
Leave Your Comments:
» left by Swapna Nanda from India (1 year 175 days ago.)
Teresa,As I read through the article in this website, I am more and more encouraged and also gain an insight as to what kind of articles are expected here. I will try my best. I look forward to more of you articles discussing the doctrines.regards,SwapnaRespond to this comment
» left by Anonymous (1 year 175 days ago.)
Hi Swapna, thank you for reading and joining us here on WWBS. You have a great gift, your style brings great devotional quality to everything you write. Keep growing. Teresa
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» left by Marijo Phelps(231)(255 days 4 hours ago.)
Wonderful and powerful - this will be a really great study - much needed too.... Thanks for taking the time and writing so well and for allowing the Lord to challenge you as you share! Off to sit in His lap! MarijoRespond to this comment
» left by Anonymous (253 days 4 hours ago.)
Thanks Marijo, this was the first article posted on wwbs, just thought I would share it again until I had time to write a new one :-) I think its good to remember the basic foundations of what biblical Christianity is is.
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» left by Lydia Najera from Spokane, WA. (254 days 16 hours ago.)
Teresa I am moved every time I read an article from you and I am glad that you are my cousin.Respond to this comment
» left by Anonymous (253 days 4 hours ago.)
Hi Lydia,
Thank you for the encouraging words, I thank God for what he is doing in your life and I am blessed he brought us back together. Keep sharing - your new life in Christ is such an encouragement to many - including me. One of these days, I know I will be able to get back to writing regularly again. Thanks for being patient and understanding with me :-) Big hugs, Happy New Year!
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