Christianity is based on God, his Son Jesus Christ, and the Bible, which is the Word of God. A Christian is one who believes the Bible and lives the teachings of Jesus Christ. This way of life brings peace and contentment here on this earth and prepares us for a home in heaven.
God the Father
The Bible teaches that there is only one God who has always been and always will be. God knows all things and his wisdom and knowledge are unlimited. The Bible says in Proverbs 15:3, “The eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.” He is present everywhere and can give full attention to everyone in the whole world at the same time. We can pray to God from any place and at any time. He hears our prayers and will answer as He sees best. There is only one God and yet He is revealed in three persons: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. All three are distinct, and yet work together in harmony because they are one.
The Creation and the Fall of Mankind
God created the world and everything in it. In five days God created the sun, moon, stars, earth, water, birds, and fish. On the sixth day God created all the creatures of the land, and then created man in his own image. Man is the crown of God’s creation and an expression of his love. God created Adam, the first man, pure and without sin. God wanted man to serve Him by personal choice. He gave Adam and his wife Eve one simple commandment, but they chose to disobey. Because of their sin, they were separated from God. Their disobedience caused everyone to fall under the curse of sin and death. God was the only one who could redeem mankind. Because of his love, “he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).
God the Son
Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He came to earth as a baby, born of a virgin by the power of the Holy Spirit. Jesus lived the life of a common man. He was tempted of the devil in many ways just as we are, yet never sinned. Jesus went about doing good, healing many people of their diseases. He taught them about salvation and the love of his Father. His purpose in coming to earth was to give Himself as a sacrifice for the sin of the whole world. As Jesus preached against sin and selfishness, the religious leaders became angry with Him. They delivered Him to the government authorities who crucified Him. After his death on the cross, his disciples placed his body in a tomb. On the third day, by the power of God, Jesus arose from the dead. Before He returned to heaven, He taught his followers how to establish the kingdom of God.
God the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is the third person of the godhead. He reveals the will of God to man. He reproves people for their idolatry and sinful deeds. He invites man to accept the sacrifice of Jesus Christ as an atonement for their sin. To those who believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, God gives the gift of the Holy Spirit. He is a counselor in all of life’s difficulties, a comforter in all tribulations. He reproves men of unrighteousness, guiding them into all truth.
The Bible
The Bible is God’s Word and his message to man. It is not a man-made book but was written by holy men of old as they were inspired by the Holy Spirit. The Bible records the creation of the world and of man. It tells us that all have sinned and that sin separates man from God. It explains the way of redemption that is able to free everyone from the bondage of sin. The Bible teaches us how to live a godly life and how to prepare for eternity.
Living a Christian Life
To become a Christian we must realize our sinful condition. We must confess our sin and accept the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior. As we surrender our life to God, He fills us with the Holy Spirit. The power of the Spirit abiding within enables us to love and forgive others. A Christian will strive to maintain purity in his heart and be honest and truthful. When we fail, the Bible promises that “if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).
Afterlife
The Bible teaches us of the two eternal destinies of the soul, heaven or hell. When we die, the soul departs the body to await God’s final judgment. At the judgment, the saved will be invited into heaven. All those who have rejected God will be sent to hell. Hell is a terrible place. It is a bottomless pit of burning fire prepared for the devil and his angels. All those who did not obey the voice of Jesus but willfully lived in sin, will burn forever without hope.
Heaven is God’s dwelling place. It is the most beautiful place of perfect peace and rest prepared by God. In heaven there will be no more sorrow or pain, no hunger or sickness. It is the home for all who have forsaken sin and accepted Jesus as their Savior. There the saved will sing and praise God forever.