Basics of Christianity

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Note: The following statements are not up for discussion or debate. They are taken as facts. These are the official Guild stands on these truths.

What is Christianity?

Christianity is the corresponding belief system ascribed to the followers of the man Jesus of Nazareth, called the Christ. Christians believe in one God, described as the Father, of all creation, both the heavens and the earth, from which all things were made and without which nothing was made that has been made. (John 1:3) Christians believe that Jesus died for the sins of the entire world and rose again from the grave to conquer both sin and death. Through Jesus, Christians believe we have gained eternal life by faith in the free gift of God, namely the sacrifice made by Jesus. Christians also believe that God is not only one but 3-in-1: the Father (God in heaven), the Son (Jesus, God-made-man), and the Holy Spirit.  

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Who is Jesus?

Jesus of Nazareth is the central figure of Christianity. He is God-made-man, fully God and fully man. He was born of a virgin named Mary between 2 BC and 3 AD. He was concieved by the Holy Spirit inside of the virgin's womb to the glory of God and the fulfillment of God's words in the holy scriptures. He lived a perfect sinless life as an example for the rest of mankind and so he could be the perfect offering of sacrfice for the sins of mankind. He was put to death at the cross by Pontius Pilate and the Jewish community of his time and rose from the dead 3 days later. 40 days after being risen from the dead he ascended into heaven to sit at the right hand of the Father and constantly intercede in prayer for those of us who have faith in him still on earth. Through Jesus, all people may obtain eternal life by grace through faith in his life, death, burial, and resurrection.  

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What is sin?

Sin is breaking God's law. The Bible states that "All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God." (Romans 3:23) The consequence of any sin is the judgement of God in the form of death and eternal damnation in hell. Since all have sinned, all are condemned to death and hell. Jesus, however, came down to take our place and die for the sins that we have commited and will commit.  

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What is salvation?

Salvation is a gift of God given by grace through the faith of an individual. When a human believes and has faith in her heart that Jesus came and lived a perfect sinless life and died in her place for her sins and rose again from the grave to conquer death, then by his grace God grants salvation to that person. Salvation is gained by no other name than Jesus Christ. Salvation is not gained by the works of man, but by grace alone.

How can one gain salvation?

If a person simply believes in her heart that Jesus died for her sins and rose from the dead, and confesses with her mouth that Jesus is Lord, then she gains salvation. (Romans 10:9) There are no special requirements or sacrifices. The only requirement is true faith in the living, risen Savior Jesus Christ.