Foundations
"These are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name."
John 20:31
What is Christianity, in its simplest form? It is not chiefly a religion of rules, nor a set of ceremonies. It is the good news of what God has done for sinners in the Lord Jesus Christ. Here, plainly from the Bible, are the foundation truths on which the whole of the faith stands.
God has spoken. He has given us His Word, pure and true, to make known to us who He is and how we may be saved. We receive the King James Bible as the preserved Word of God, and our sole authority for faith and life.
"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness." (2 Timothy 3:16)
There is only one true and living God, who made all things, and who is perfectly holy. He has revealed Himself as Father, Son, and Holy Ghost — three Persons, one God.
"Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD." (Deuteronomy 6:4)
Every one of us has sinned and broken God's holy law. Our sin separates us from God and leaves us under its just penalty, which is death. No amount of good works can undo it, for the standard is perfection, and we have all fallen short.
"For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God." (Romans 3:23)
God did not leave us in our lost condition. The Lord Jesus Christ, God manifest in the flesh, came into the world to save sinners. He lived without sin, died on the cross in our place, was buried, and rose again the third day, conquering death.
"This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners." (1 Timothy 1:15)
"How that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures." (1 Corinthians 15:3-4)
Salvation cannot be earned; it is the free gift of God, received by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ alone — not by works, religion, or ceremony. The moment a sinner truly trusts Him, he is forgiven, born again, and given everlasting life.
"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast." (Ephesians 2:8-9)
Those who are truly saved are held fast by the power of God, and shall never perish. Salvation rests not on our strength, but on His faithfulness.
"And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand." (John 10:28)
Those who are saved follow the Lord Jesus Christ in believer's baptism, gather with His people in the local church, feed on His Word, pray, and live to please Him — not in order to be saved, but because they are saved. And they look for His promised return.
"And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent." (John 17:3)
You begin where every Christian begins: by turning from sin to the Lord Jesus Christ, and trusting Him alone to save you. It is the simplest, and the greatest, decision a soul can make.
"Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved."Acts 16:31