Understand Christian Beliefs In 30 Minutes

If you are looking for a biblical scholar to defend every single word, line, or message of the modern-day bible, this lesson is not for you. By way of an honest introduction, I am a lay-person with no theological degrees whatsoever. However, as a North American Mission Board Chaplain, I have studied and led Christian ministries in prisons, senior facilities, rehab centers, and Baptist Bible study groups. I exhibit a strong desire to encourage spreading the Word of God, shoring up the weak in faith, and helping unbelievers gain insight into salvation. These are the most rewarding endeavors a person can encourage. Success or failure, redemption or damnation for all eternity hangs in the balance.

Christianity is a religion founded on the teachings of Jesus Christ. The word ‘Christ’ means the anointed one of God the Father. Jesus, anointed by God, was born fully human to fulfill the Old Testament prophecies. He performed miracles and instructed shepherds and priests alike. These accomplishments were recorded on scrolls by eyewitnesses and non-biblical writings. Religious councils aggregated the individual manuscripts into the Bible we use today.

The Son of the Highest willingly, if somewhat reluctantly, died on the cross for the remission of all our sins so we could have a chance of salvation. Three days later, He physically rose from death, left the burial tomb, and proved to the Apostles—He was alive again before ascending to heaven.

Christianity teaches there is only one Supreme Being manifested as the Holy Trinity; God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit. God made the universe and the earth while creating humankind in His image. The Son is the only way to salvation. The Holy Spirit convicts sinners but works in the hearts and minds of all humanity to save those willing to exercise their faith and believe in Jesus.

Grasping the basic Christian beliefs need not be overly complicated. Do not become intimidated if the Holy Scriptures seem too complex or convoluted to understand. You would be hard-pressed to find two biblical scholars who completely agreed on any single chosen book within the sixty-six books of the Protestant Bible. Remember, there is no ‘open book’ or ‘multiple choice’ bible test you have to pass to get to heaven.

Even before any vowel-based alphabet was established, the early messages of the Bible were passed from generation to generation orally. The Bible is the amalgamated result of many scrolls revealing the Old and New Testament essays. Among all the works ever written, the Bible has remarkable qualities. Within the 39 Old Testament and 27 New Testament Books recognized at the Protestant Bible, there is a unity of the overall message despite having forty (or so) authors writing for roughly 2,000 years. These sixty-six books were written in Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek. Writing from palaces, prisons, and wilderness camps, the authors had various and wide-ranging professions. They were trailblazers, shepherds, kings, physicians, fishermen, and even a despised, probably corrupt, tax collector. Two writers, James, and Jude were considered half-brothers of Jesus. They were born of Mary, mother of Jesus, through the seed of Joseph, her husband.

Despite this marvelous array of subjective themes and contributors, the Bible displays an internal consistency, interlocking and reinforcing diverse theological themes.

Everyone goes to heaven for judgment. The question is, will you be allowed to stay there? Even if you are already a devout and practicing Christian, this short epistle could help you explain Christianity to those having questions. God commands us to “go forth and make disciples of all nations.”

The Old Testament provides God-inspired words on His Authority, Promises, and Punishments. The New Testament delivers the messages of God’s Grace, Your Faithfulness, and Your Obedience. By concentrating on these six primary tenets, you can gain a solid understanding of Christian beliefs in short order.