What is Christianity?

Christianity Is Centered on Jesus Christ

Christianity is not merely a set of traditions or rituals; it is faith in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The apostle Paul writes: “For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 3:11, NIV). Christianity is built entirely on who Jesus is and what He has done.

Christianity Is About the Good News

The word “gospel” means good news, and this is the heart of Christianity: “Now, brothers and sisters, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you… that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.” (1 Corinthians 15:1, 3–4, NIV). Christianity proclaims the message of salvation through Jesus.

Christianity Is a Relationship with God

Through Jesus, believers are brought into a restored relationship with God. “For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.” (Ephesians 2:18, NIV). Christianity is not about trying to earn God’s approval through works but receiving His grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8–9).

Christianity Is About New Life

Those who believe in Jesus are made new. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” (2 Corinthians 5:17, NIV). This new life includes forgiveness of sins, freedom from guilt, and the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:1–2).

Christianity Is Following Jesus

To be a Christian means to follow Jesus as Lord. He calls His disciples: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.” (Luke 9:23, NIV). Christianity is a life of faith, obedience, and love for God and others (Matthew 22:37–39).

Christianity Is a Global Family

Believers in Jesus are united as one body, the church. “For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.” (1 Corinthians 12:13, NIV). Christianity spans cultures, nations, and languages, bringing all who trust in Christ into God’s family.

Living the Christian Faith

Christianity is faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, receiving His gift of salvation, and living daily in the power of His Spirit. As Scripture says: “Just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith.” (Colossians 2:6–7, NIV).