What is Christianity?
There's much confusion about what Christianity actually is, who can be considered a Christian, and how a person becomes one. Here's a brief look at how the Bible answers that.
As Apologia, we believe Christianity is profoundly simple: it's all about one life, the life of Jesus, the Son of God. The Bible teaches that Jesus was God Himself, come to live in His world as a human. While you may have never thought about it, the life of Jesus has a tremendous impact on you.
The Bible teaches that because we are sinners by nature and by choice, we have a broken relationship with our Creator. We often seek fulfillment and meaning in the things that surround us, but the most profound need of the human soul is to be restored to the One who made us. Jesus came to accomplish that restoration.
Jesus (Yeshua) was Himself Jewish, raised by faithful parents who regularly took Him to synagogue. He observed the Torah perfectly. John the Baptist, the last recognized Jewish prophet, declared Jesus to be the perfect "Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" (John 1:29). The Apostles, the first disciples of Yeshua, were also Jewish. After Christ's resurrection, Luke 24:1 shows Jesus explaining to His followers how all the Hebrew prophets of former times pointed to Him, saying, "Was it not necessary for the Christ to suffer these things and to enter into His glory?" Then beginning with Moses and with all the prophets, He explained to them the things concerning Himself in all the [Hebrew] Scriptures.
The central message of Christianity is that Jesus Christ is God the Son who came to earth to rescue sinners not only from a life of sin but also from eternal damnation in hell. Christians believe that the 66 books of the Bible comprise the inerrant Word of God. As such, they read it, come to know God more deeply by it, stand for, and live by its truth.
Deepening your understanding of Christ
At Apologia, we aim to provide clear, biblical answers to the most common questions about the Christian faith. Below, we address fundamental aspects of Christianity, from who can be a Christian to what truly sets it apart.
Who can be a Christian?
At the heart of what it means to be a Christian is justification—that is, being right with God (see Romans 4:20). John 1:12 says that "...as many as received Him [Jesus], to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name." This implies that not everyone is automatically a child of God. Galatians 3:1 explains that one becomes a child of God "through faith in Christ Jesus," meaning we are saved by Christ, the object of faith. Every person who asks to be delivered from sin and trusts Jesus Christ alone for forgiveness will receive God's forgiveness. Romans 10:9 states, "...if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." This forgiveness also means reception into a new family relationship with God and His people. True followers of Christ gradually take on His character, evidenced by good works, pure thoughts, and godly attitudes—not as a means of salvation, but as proof of being "born again" by the Spirit of God (John 3:1; Ephesians 1:1).
What makes Christianity different from other religions?
Christianity stands apart in several keyways. Firstly, it is a spiritual belief open to all, regardless of age, religion, sex, or economic status. "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16). This universal invitation underscores its inclusive nature based on belief.
Is Jesus Christ still alive today?
A distinct difference is that Christianity accepts its Messiah, Jesus Christ, is still alive today. Unlike Buddha, Mohammad, and other religious leaders, Romans 8:34 states, "...Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us." Jesus died on the cross for sinners but was resurrected after three days. His resurrection vindicated the truthfulness of His message and was witnessed by many who were eventually martyred for their faith. The historic truth of Christ's life and message has stood the test of time and will ultimately triumph over all other beliefs (Revelation 21:1).
Is Christianity exclusive in its claims?
People often question the exclusivity of the Bible's claim, but it's not an arrogant stance. The gospel of Jesus Christ is no more arrogant than saying 2 + 2 = 4. Trust in Jesus Christ is the only path to a right relationship with God. Rejecting this shows disregard for the truth and disrespect to the most loving being in the universe. A common way people reject Christ is by thinking, "I'm good enough to get into heaven." However, the Bible states no one is good enough (Romans 3:10), as even one sin keeps us out of God's presence. Matthew 5:48 commands: "Be perfect, your heavenly Father is perfect." Furthermore, trusting in Christ is always accompanied by repentance, meaning turning away from sin and submitting to Jesus Christ as Lord. Intellectual assent without a holy pattern of life is a trait of God's enemies, not His children (James 2:1).
How does Christianity address the problem of sin differently?
Unlike other faiths that often base salvation on good deeds or keeping laws, Christianity offers a faith relationship with God that solves the problem of sin through grace. Deliverance from sin is not achieved by personal adherence to a system of works but by receiving God's grace in Christ. A sinner is declared right with God as the merits of Christ's life, death, resurrection, and ascension are applied through faith. As 2 Corinthians 2:21 says, "He [God the Father] made Him who knew no sin (i.e. Jesus, God the Son) to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him." The Bible is clear that "There is none righteous, not even one" (Romans 3:10), and "He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy" (Titus 3:5).