Christian
A Christian is an individual who identifies as a believer in Christ, often with an emphasis on the teachings of Paul of Tarsus. This identity is frequently rooted in the belief expressed in Romans 10:9:
"If you declare with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved."
This declaration of faith is a cornerstone for many Christians, highlighting the importance of belief and confession in their spiritual lives.
Beliefs
Christianity is a religion claimed to be monotheistic, based on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. Christians believe that Jesus is the Son of God and the savior of humanity, whose coming as the Messiah was prophesied in the Old Testament. Central to Christian faith is the belief in Jesus' crucifixion, resurrection, and his role in the salvation of humankind.
Salvation
Salvation is a central tenet of Christian belief, offered to all humans through Jesus Christ's sacrifice on the cross, which atones for sin. Salvation is often understood as being granted by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, seen as the pathway to eternal life and a restored relationship with God.
The Bible
The Bible, comprising the Old and New Testaments, is the holy scripture of Christians. The New Testament details Jesus' life and teachings, along with the early church's history, and includes writings such as the Gospels and letters from apostles like Paul. Christians regard the Bible as the inspired word of God, providing guidance for faith and practice.
The Trinity
Most Christians believe in the Trinity, the doctrine that God exists as three persons in one essence: God the Father, God the Son (Jesus Christ), and God the Holy Spirit. This belief underscores the complexity and unity of God's nature and is a fundamental aspect of mainstream Christian theology. Christians gather for communal worship, typically in churches, engaging in practices such as prayer, Bible reading, hymn singing, and partaking in sacraments like baptism and the Eucharist.