Essential Christian Doctrine | 8 truths that every believer should be clear about

Essential Christian Doctrine is the foundation of the Faith

Essential Christian doctrine is the set of fundamental truths that serve as the foundation for the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the Christian faith as a whole. These truths form the dividing line between authentic Christianity and pseudo-Christian currents. Although in secondary matters, such as forms of worship, sacraments and the ways in which God is worshipped, there must be freedom among the different Christian denominations - each influenced by its background, tradition and cultural aspects - when it comes to essential doctrines, there must be complete unity.

When it comes to fundamental truths, there can be no confusion, arbitrary variations, or interpretations that are unbiblical or lacking historical foundation. These doctrines have guided the universal Church throughout the centuries, keeping it steadfast in the face of challenges and doctrinal deviations that arise over time.

1. The Trinity: The Unity in Diversity of God

The essential Christian doctrine of the Trinity It states that there is one God who eternally exists in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Although the term “Trinity” is not found in Scripture, its reality is clearly present throughout the Bible.

Deuteronomy 6:4 proclaims the unity of God: “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one,” while the New Testament reveals the divinity of the Son and the Holy Spirit. Jesus himself stated, “I and the Father are one” (John 10:30), and the Holy Spirit is also described as God in Acts 5:3-4.

Although there are three persons, there are not three gods, but one God in essence, manifested in three persons. This truth is essential to understanding how God interacts with His creation and how He accomplishes the work of redemption.

2. The Incarnation and Deity of Christ: God Become Man

The essential Christian doctrine of the Incarnation teaches that the Word, who was God, became flesh and dwelt among us (John 1:1, 14). This reality that Jesus Christ is both fully God and fully man is foundational to salvation. Jesus is not just a perfect man, but God in human form. Throughout his life, Jesus affirmed his deity by both his words and his works.

In John 8:58, said, “Before Abraham was, I am,” a direct declaration of His divinity, and in Mark 14:61–62, He claimed to be the Son of Man who would come in power. Jesus’ perfect life, sacrifice on the cross, and resurrection are possible only because He is both God and man. This truth is indispensable to understanding the sufficiency of His redemptive work.

3. Original Sin: The Fall of Man

The essential Christian doctrine of original sin is the doctrine that teaches that humanity is fallen and separated from God because of Adam and Eve's rebellion in Eden. This sin not only affected them, but brought death and corruption to all of humanity (Romans 5:12).

Sin is not just a series of wrongdoings, but an inherent condition of every human being that separates them from the holiness of God. Romans 3:23 clearly states, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Unless this truth is recognized, the need for a Savior loses its meaning. Original sin explains why everyone needs the redemption that can only be provided by Christ.

4. Redemption Through Christ: The Saving Work

The essential Christian doctrine of the redemption is the central act of the Christian faith. Through His sacrifice on the cross, Jesus Christ paid the price for the sins of humanity. Romans 5:8 puts it this way: “But God demonstrates His own love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Christ’s death was not an accident or a tragedy, but the divine plan to reconcile human beings with God and thereby give us the salvation of souls. salvation.

Through his death, Christ took upon himself the punishment that sinners deserve, and through his resurrection, he secured victory over sin and death. This redemption is complete and sufficient, needing no further addition by human works, sacraments, or any other means.

5. The New Creation: Transformation in Christ

The essential Christian doctrine of the new creation It is the transformation that occurs in those who have placed their faith in Christ. The apostle Paul declares it in 2 Corinthians 5:17: “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”

This transformation is not superficial, but a complete renewal of the inner being. Believers, when united to Christ, experience a regeneration that enables them to live according to the will of God. The new creation is evidence that the power of the Gospel not only saves, but also radically transforms the life of the believer, making them sharers in the holiness of God.

6. The Resurrection: Guarantee of Eternal Life

The essential Christian doctrine of the Resurrection The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the guarantee that all believers will also be resurrected to eternal life. Christ's resurrection was not symbolic or spiritual, but physical and bodily. 1 Corinthians 15 is clear in stating that if Christ was not resurrected, the Christian faith is in vain, but if He was resurrected, then victory over death is assured.

Christ's resurrection assures the future resurrection of believers, who will share eternal life with God in glorified bodies. Furthermore, Christ's resurrection validates all of His claims and ensures that His sacrifice was accepted by the Father as sufficient to redeem humanity.

7. The Second Coming and the Final Judgment: Restoration of All Things

The essential Christian doctrine of the second coming of christ This is one of the most important hopes of Christianity. At His return, Christ will judge the living and the dead (2 Timothy 4:1). This event will mark the end of history as we know it and the beginning of the new creation, where sin and death will be definitively destroyed. Revelation 21:4 describes this glorious future: “God will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore.” The final judgment will bring justice for the righteous and condemnation for the unrighteous, and creation will be renewed and restored to its original state.

8. The Biblical Canon and Its Divine Inspiration

The essential Christian doctrine of biblical canon is the collection of books that constitute the Bible, and is the only rule of faith and practice for Christians. The Bible is not merely a religious book, but the inspired word of God. 2 Timothy 3:16 says, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God.” The thirty-nine books of the Old Testament and the twenty-seven books of the New Testament are of divine origin and have been preserved throughout the ages. The authority of the Scriptures is undeniable, for they are God’s revelation to His people and contain all that is necessary for salvation and godly living.

What we must remember

Essential Christian doctrine forms the heart of Christianity. These doctrines are not merely theological aspects, but truths that define the faith and relationship of believers with God. From the Trinity to the Second Coming, each of these doctrines is necessary to understand God's plan for the redemption of humanity. It is the responsibility of all believers to affirm, defend, and live these truths, for within them lies the revelation of God's eternal purpose for His creation.