What A Christian Must Believe?
The Bible: The Word of God
The Bible is not a book that merely contains the Word of God; it is the Word of God. Every passage, every verse, and every word is inspired by the Holy Spirit. As Paul wrote in 2 Timothy 3:16, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.” The writer of Hebrews emphasizes the living and active nature of the Word: “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12). Peter affirms this divine inspiration, saying, “For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit” (2 Peter 1:21).
To believe in the Bible as the Word of God is to acknowledge its divine authority and to live by its precepts. A Christian must approach the Scriptures with reverence, knowing they are the ultimate standard of truth and the foundation of faith.
God: The Creator of All Things
God is the Creator of both the material and spiritual realms. Genesis opens with the profound declaration, “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1). This act of creation was not a random process but an intentional and purposeful design. From the stars in the heavens to the intricacies of the human body, everything bears the mark of His handiwork.
Scripture affirms that all creation was made through Jesus Christ. John declares, “Through him all things were made; without him, nothing was made that has been made” (John 1:3). Paul echoes this in Colossians 1:16-17, saying, “For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.”
Man: Made in God’s Image
The Bible teaches that humanity is uniquely created in God’s image. Genesis 1:26-27 states, “Then God said, ‘Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.’ So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.”
This divine image imparts dignity and value to every human being. Unlike the evolutionary theories that reduce humanity to mere biological accidents, the Bible reveals that mankind was created fully mature, highly intelligent, and with a unique purpose. Acts 17:26 reinforces this truth: “From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands.”
Jesus Christ: The Only Begotten Son of God
Jesus Christ is the Son of God in a way that no other being can claim. He is the “only begotten of the Father” (John 3:16). This sets Him apart from angels, humans, or any other created being. His divine nature is affirmed in passages like Philippians 2:6-11, where Paul writes, “Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.”
Isaiah’s prophecies foretold His miraculous birth: “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel” (Isaiah 7:14). The New Testament confirms this fulfillment in Matthew 1:22-23.
The Holy Spirit: A Distinct Person of the Trinity
The Holy Spirit is not merely an influence or force but a distinct person within the Trinity. In John 14:26, Jesus refers to the Holy Spirit as the Comforter who teaches and reminds us of everything He has said. 1 John 5:7 declares, “For there are three that testify: the Spirit, the water, and the blood; and the three are in agreement.”
The Holy Spirit’s role includes conviction of sin (John 16:8), guidance into all truth (John 16:13), and empowerment for service (Acts 1:8).
The Death and Resurrection of Christ
The death of Christ was not an example of sacrifice alone but an act of atonement for the sins of humanity. Isaiah 53:5 declares, “But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.”
The resurrection is equally vital. Paul writes, “If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins” (1 Corinthians 15:17). The bodily resurrection of Christ is a cornerstone of the Christian faith, proving His victory over sin and death.
Man’s Fallen State and Need for Redemption
Man is not merely a victim of his environment but a sinner in need of redemption. Romans 3:23 states, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” This fallen state began with Adam and Eve’s disobedience in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3) and continues to affect all humanity.
Redemption comes through faith in Jesus Christ. Ephesians 2:8-9 declares, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.”
The Eternal Kingdom of God
Jesus Christ will return in glory to establish His eternal kingdom. Acts 1:11 promises, “This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.” Revelation paints a vivid picture of His rule: “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Messiah, and he will reign for ever and ever” (Revelation 11:15).
Final Judgment and Eternal Destiny
The Bible is clear about the eternal destinies of humanity. Those who accept Christ will enjoy eternal life, while those who reject Him will face eternal separation. Jesus said in Matthew 25:46, “Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.” The Book of Revelation describes the ultimate fate of the unrepentant: “Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire” (Revelation 20:15).
Conclusion
A Christian must take a stand for God’s truth as revealed in Scripture. The Bible provides a clear, unchanging foundation for belief and practice. To compromise on these essential truths is to risk losing the essence of faith. As Joshua declared, “But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15). Let us embrace these foundational beliefs with unwavering conviction and live as witnesses to the power of the Gospel.