John Wesley was one time quoted as saying, “…in the essentials, we have unity. In non-essentials, we have liberty. In all our beliefs, we show charity.” I think he was right. In the non-essentials of the faith such as the mode of baptism or your position on end times, we can have liberty and freedom to read the Bible and come to our own conclusion. As believers in Christ, on all our beliefs, let’s show charity and kindness with all, even those with which we disagree. But when it comes to the essentials of the Christian faith, there needs to be unity and agreement. So the obvious question becomes, “What are the essentials of the Christian faith?” Well, I’m glad you asked!
Here is what I believe about the eight essentials of the Christian Faith:
- God
God is the Creator and Ruler of the universe. He has eternally existed in three personalities: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three are co-equal and are one God.
- Genesis 1:1, 26, 27; Psalm 90:2; Matthew 28:19; 1 Peter 1:2; 2 Corinthians 13:14
- Jesus Christ
Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He is co-equal with the Father. Jesus lived a sinless human life and offered Himself as a perfect sacrifice for the sins of all people by dying on a cross. He arose from the dead after three days to demonstrate His power over sin and death. He ascended to Heaven and will return to the Earth again someday to reign as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
- Matthew 1:22, 23; Isaiah 9:6; John 1:1-5; 14:10-30; Hebrews 4:14-15; 1 Corinthians 15:3,4; Romans 1:3-4; Acts 1:9-11; 1 Timothy 6:14-15; Titus 2:13
- The Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is co-equal with the Father and the Son. He is present in the world to make us aware of our need for Jesus. He also lives in every Christian from the moment of salvation. He provides the Christian with power for living, understanding of spiritual truth, and guidance in doing what is right. He gives every believer a spiritual gift when they are saved. As Christians, we seek to live under His control daily.
- 2 Corinthians 3:17; John 16:7-13; Acts 1:8; 1 Corinthians 2:12; Ephesians 1:13, 5:18; Galatians 5:25
- The Bible
The Bible is God’s Word. It was written by human authors, under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is the supreme source of truth for Christian beliefs and living. Because it is inspired by God, it is the truth without error.
- 2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20-21; Psalm 119:105; Proverbs 30:5
- Human Beings
People are made in the image of God, to be like Him in character. People are the supreme object of God’s creation. Although every person has tremendous potential for good, all of us are marred by disobedience toward God called sin. Sin separates people from God and causes many problems in life.
- Genesis 1:27; Psalm 8:3-6; Isaiah 53:6; Romans 3:23; Isaiah 59:1-2
- Salvation
Salvation is God’s free gift to us, but we must receive it. We can never make up for our sin by self-improvement or good works. Only by trusting in Jesus as God’s offer of forgiveness can anyone be saved from sin’s penalty. When we turn from our sin and turn to Jesus in faith we are saved. Eternal life begins the moment we receive Jesus by faith into our lives.
- Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8-9; John 14:6; 1:12; Titus 3:5; Galatians 3:26; Romans 5:1
- Eternal Security
Because God gives us eternal life through Jesus, the true believer is secure in that salvation for eternity. If you have been genuinely saved, you cannot lose it. Salvation is maintained by the grace and power of God, not by the self-effort of the Christian. It is the grace and keeping power of God that gives us this security.
- John 10:29; 2 Timothy 1:12; Hebrews 7:25, 10:10; 1 Peter 1:3-5
- Eternity
People are created to exist forever. We will either exist eternally separated from God by sin, or eternally with God through forgiveness and salvation. To be eternally separated from God is Hell. To be eternally in union with Him is eternal life. Heaven and Hell are real places of eternal existence.
- John 3:16, 14:17; Romans 6:23, 8:17-18; Revelation 20:15; 1 Corinthians 2:7-9