Origins and Beliefs
- Christianity is a faith that stems from the belief that Jesus Christ came to earth as a living sacrifice to atone for all of humanity's sins—those of the past and those yet to be committed.
- Prior to Christ's coming, people of the Jewish faith would regularly sacrifice animals to repent for their sins.
- Christians believe that God sent His only Son, Jesus, to be the final sacrifice, granting access to Heaven and an eternal relationship with God.
- This is considered grace and undeserved favor; Christians believe that nothing can be done to earn God’s favor or gain access to Heaven except through His grace.
- Acts 4:12 states that "salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under Heaven given to men by which we must be saved."
- The Christian faith is based on the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Denying Christ’s bodily resurrection (John 2:19-21) is viewed as denying that Jesus’ work on earth was a sufficient offering to God for mankind’s sins.
- Christians believe in the deity of Christ: Jesus is God. The Holy Trinity is made up of God the Father, God the Son (Jesus), and God the Holy Spirit.
- Though not named explicitly, the Holy Trinity is present from the beginning of the Old Testament, when the Spirit of God hovered over the waters, and Jesus is referred to as the Word who was with God (John 1:1-5).
- Christians follow the Ten Commandments and Jesus' teachings, which encourage loving others, trusting in God, having faith, and forgiving one another.
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