Christianity Defined: 

First of all, Christianity is Jewish in its roots and heritage. It is actually the culmination of Judaism.  Jesus (Yeshua) was Jewish; He was brought up as a Jew and observed Torah perfectly. The Apostles, the first disciples of Yeshua, were Jews. After His resurrection, in Luke 24:25-27, Jesus explained 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 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. Therefore, the only way to know God and have a right relationship with God is by faith in Christ. Faith assumes that one turns away from sin and submits to Jesus Christ as the ruler of every aspect of one's life (calling Him "Lord," see Romans 10:9-10). Mere intellectual assent to the truths about God, according to Scripture, is what characterizes demons, not children of God (James 2:19).

Believing that the 66 books of the Bible comprise the error-free Word of God, Christians read it, love its truth, come to know God more deeply by it, and live by its counsel.

Who Can Be a Christian?

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." So, not everyone is automatically a child of God just because he or she is born. Rather, every person who humbly agrees with God about his sin (breaking God's law), confesses it and trusts in Jesus Christ alone for forgiveness based on what He did (His life of perfect law keeping, His death, resurrection and ascension) enters into a right relationship with God. Galatians 3:26  says we become children of God "through faith in Christ Jesus."

This new family relationship creates a new allegiance to God as Father. Such allegiance results in a radically changed life that is characterized by loving what God loves and hating what God hates. Comprehensive life change proves that one has been "born again" by the Spirit of God who now dwells in the believer (see John 3:1-20; Ephesians 1:13-14). 

One of Christ's closest followers while on earth, the Apostle John, wrote these inspired words of Scripture: "And we know that the Son of God has come, and has given us understanding so that we may know Him who is true ; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life." (1 John 5:20)

What makes Christianity different?

1. It is a spiritual belief that is 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)

2. It is a relationship with God that solves the problem of sin.  Freedom from sin is not based on our works, but on receiving God's grace. A sinner is declared to be right with God when the merits of Christ's life, death, resurrection and ascension are applied to him by faith. Second Corinthians 5:21 says it this way: "He made Him who knew no sin (i.e. Jesus) to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him."

Other faiths believe that salvation is based on good deeds or keeping certain laws.  Christianity recognizes that "There is none righteous, not even one" (Romans 3:10). 

The Bible clearly says that "He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy."  (Titus 3:5)

3. Unlike Buddha, Mohammad, and other religious leaders, Christianity accepts that its Messiah, Jesus Christ, is still alive today. 

"Who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us." (Romans 8:34)

Jesus died on the cross for sinners, but was resurrected after three days.  His resurrection vindicated the truthfulness of His message. He 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.

There are many counterfeits in the world, but genuine Christians love the things that are dear God's heart—among them being His Word, His Church and lost sinners.

Isn't Christianity Just a Political Movement?

No. Real Christianity is not a political movement that seeks to change the world from the outside in. Rather, it is Truth that radically changes one's entire worldview from the inside out. Twentieth century British author, C.S. Lewis, said it well: I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen: not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else.

In brief, the message of Christianity is the Gospel (literally, "good news") that Jesus Christ paid the death penalty due sinners and that He offers the gift of eternal life to individuals who believe. As Romans 6:23 says, "For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."

What's Missing from the Average Person's Picture of Christianity?

One Christian thinker beautifully answers* the question like this: 

It's like we're in a war, in a concentration camp, and suddenly you're hearing on the smuggled-in radio that the troops of deliverance have landed in helicopters five miles away. They're conquering everything in their path and they're just about to get to the gate and open the doors. And having lived all your life in this concentration camp, you're now going to be set free.

That's Christianity. It's news that God sent rescue troops into the world, namely Jesus Christ, and that at great cost to himself he has conquered our enemy the Devil, opened the gates of the concentration camp, and welcomed us home. And then you add the beautiful image of bride and bridegroom and realize that this is not just a soldier who simply frees you to go and do what want to do. He's you're husband, as it were, who has been separated from you for years and years, and you're the wife who has been in the camp. And when the gates are opened, there he stands on the other side and the affections are huge.

I remember watching at the end of the Vietnam war some of those magnificent videos of men who had been away from their wives, some of them I think up to five years. I remember watching them run toward each other and seeing them sweep their wives off their feet. My heart leapt and my tears flowed when I watched that kind of reunion.

What about you, friend? Have you been rescued? Are your sins forgiven? If so, thank God for His grace to you, then seek to share this message of hope with someone today.

Scripture taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE ®, Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.

*Taken from the article "Is Christianity just a bunch of rules for how to live?" is by John Piper. © Desiring God Website: desiringGod.org 

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