Getting Back to Our Roots
What is it Christians should believe? Now that’s a good question, isn’t it? With so many denominations and theological systems, it’s sometimes difficult to distinguish between what is important and what is necessary.
Don’t get me wrong. All doctrine in the Bible is necessary. But how much of it is pure teaching? How much of it is simply the perspective of one group? How much of it is exaggerated? How much of it is correctly represented?
This post is a little different from my others. It’s very simple. The references are there for you to do your due diligence and look up. I’ve given a synopsis of each reference for your enrichment. Together they show what’s most important from God’s Word.
I hope that this post will spur you to explore the core distinctives of the Christian faith. It’s not about the minutia of theological systems but the basics on which we stand, what we stake our lives on, and what every true church should affirm.
1. We Believe in One God—The Trinity
We worship one God—our eternal, perfect Lord—existing in three Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This is the foundation of our knowledge of who God is.
Key Scriptures:
- Matthew 3:16–17 – At Jesus’ baptism, we see the Father speaking, the Son in the water, and the Spirit descending like a dove.
- John 1:1–4 – Jesus is God, eternally existent with the Father.
- Philippians 2:5–11 – Jesus, equal with God, humbled Himself for our sake and is now exalted.
Why It Matters: Understanding the Trinity prevents us from falling into polytheism (multiple gods) or modalism (God takes different forms). Jesus is God, the Father is God, the Spirit is God, all separate, yet one God.
2. Jesus Christ—God in the Flesh
Jesus is not just a great teacher or prophet. He is God in human flesh. Born of a virgin, He lived a sinless life, died for our sins, and rose again. We call this the incarnation. God became human.
Key Scriptures:
- John 1:1 – Jesus is the Word, and the Word is God.
- Matthew 1:20–23 – The angel told Joseph that Jesus would be “God with us.”
- John 14:6 – Jesus is the only way to the Father.
- Ephesians 1:7–12 – Because of Christ’s incarnation, we have redemption and the riches of God’s grace.
Why It Matters: If Jesus isn’t God, His sacrifice wouldn’t be sufficient. Only an infinite, perfect Being could pay for the infinite debt of our sin. But He had to die. God can’t die. Enter Jesus.
3. The Holy Spirit—God’s Presence in Us
The Holy Spirit is God, just as much as the Father and the Son. He convicts, regenerates, empowers, and seals us for eternity.
Key Scriptures:
- John 14:15–17 – Jesus promised the Spirit would be with us forever.
- John 16:5–15 – The Spirit convicts, guides, and glorifies Christ.
- Ephesians 1:13–14 – The Spirit seals us, guaranteeing our inheritance.
Why It Matters: The Holy Spirit is a Person, actively at work in our lives, pointing us to Jesus.
4. Mankind—Created and Fallen
God created mankind in His image, but through Adam’s rebellion, sin entered the world. We are sinners by nature and by choice, under God’s judgment, deserving of hell.
Key Scriptures:
- Genesis 1:26–27 – We were created in God’s image.
- Genesis 3:6 – Adam and Eve chose sin.
- Romans 5:12 – Sin spread to all mankind because of their poor choice, making us all sinners.
Why It Matters: Recognizing our sinfulness is essential to understanding our need for a Savior.
5. Salvation by Grace Through Faith
Salvation is entirely God’s doing. It’s not by our works or effort but by grace through faith in Christ alone. True salvation is found in this response to God’s grace.
Key Scriptures:
- Ephesians 2:8-9 – We add nothing to salvation but can only accept it through faith.
- John 1:12–13 – Salvation is from God, not from human effort.
- John 3:3–8 – We must be born again.
- 1 Peter 1:23 – We are born again through God’s Word.
Why It Matters: Any gospel that adds human effort is no gospel at all. Salvation is a gift, not a wage.
6. The Church—God’s People
The true Church is the body of believers, called out and united in Christ.
Key Scriptures:
- Matthew 16:16–19 – Jesus builds His Church.
- Ephesians 4:11–16 – The Church grows together in Christ.
- Titus 2:1–10 – The Church is to be grounded in sound doctrine.
- Hebrews 10:25 – All Christians are responsible for attending church regularly.
Why It Matters: The Church is where we learn, grow, worship, and hold each other accountable. We can only do that if we are together in full fellowship.
7. The Christian Life—Walking in Newness
Being saved changes how we live now. We are called to live holy lives, set apart for God. God didn’t call us from the filth of the world only to return there. We are justified and we are sanctified.
Key Scriptures:
- Romans 6:4 – We walk in newness of life.
- Ephesians 4:22–24 – We put off the old self and put on Christ.
Why It Matters: If our faith doesn’t change how we live, it is appropriate to question its authenticity.
8. The Return of Christ—The End is About Him
Jesus is coming again—personally, visibly, and bodily. He will judge the living and the dead and consummate history. He includes us in that plan by encouraging us to pray for Christ’s return.
Key Scriptures:
- John 14:1–3 – Jesus is preparing a place for us.
- Acts 1:9–11 – He will return just as He ascended.
- Revelation 22:20 – “Come, Lord Jesus.”
Why It Matters: The focus is on Jesus—His coming, His kingdom, His glory. It’s all about Him.
Conclusion: Even So, Come Lord Jesus!
These truths define us. If we lose them, we lose everything. Let’s stand firm, teach, preach, and live these realities. And most of all, let’s look forward with hope, because Jesus is coming soon. Even so, Lord, come quickly!
Do you know Jesus? If not, find Him here.
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