THE FOUNDATION OF TRUE CHRISTIANITY

Introduction: Defining True Christianity

Christianity, as a global faith with over two billion adherents, manifests in diverse forms, traditions, and practices. Yet, amidst this variety, a critical question persists: What constitutes authentic Christianity? The rephrased article above asserts that true Christianity is not a subjective construct shaped by personal preference or cultural trends but a faith anchored in the objective truth of the Bible. This expansive exploration will unpack that claim, delving into the scriptural basis, theological implications, historical context, and practical outworking of what it means to be a Christian according to this perspective. At its core, this view holds that Christianity is defined by the Bible’s authority and the centrality of Jesus Christ’s identity, death, and resurrection—beliefs that must be both accepted and confessed to unlock the transformative life God offers.

The Authority of Scripture: The Divine Foundation

We begin with a cornerstone verse: “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16). This statement, penned by the Apostle Paul to his protégé Timothy, establishes the Bible as more than a historical document or moral guide—it is “God-breathed,” a term translating the Greek theopneustos, meaning divinely inspired. This implies that the Scriptures originate from God Himself, carrying His authority and purpose.

To expound, consider the context of 2 Timothy. Written around AD 66–67, Paul was nearing the end of his life, imprisoned in Rome, and aware that false teachings were infiltrating the early church. His charge to Timothy was to hold fast to the truth amid distortion. By declaring all Scripture as God-breathed, Paul affirmed its sufficiency and reliability for equipping believers. This wasn’t limited to the Old Testament (the primary “Scripture” at the time) but extended to the emerging New Testament writings, which the early church later recognized as equally authoritative.

For the Christian, this means the Bible isn’t optional or malleable—it’s the final arbiter. Whether addressing doctrine (what to believe), reproof (identifying error), correction (restoring truth), or righteousness (living rightly), Scripture stands as the unchanging standard. This contrasts sharply with forms of Christianity that prioritize tradition, human reason, or subjective experience over biblical authority. For instance, some might claim Christian identity while dismissing miracles, the resurrection, or moral teachings as outdated. Yet, if Scripture is God-breathed, such selective adherence undermines the faith’s foundation. True Christianity, then, begins with an unwavering trust in the Bible’s truthfulness.

The Identity of Jesus: God in the Flesh

Central to this definition of Christianity is the person of Jesus Christ. Let us cite John 1:14: “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” This verse, from the Gospel of John, introduces the doctrine of the Incarnation—God taking on human form. The “Word” (Greek: Logos) is a preexistent divine entity, identified as Christ, who enters history as a man while retaining His deity.

This belief sets Christianity apart from other religions and even some self-identified Christian sects. For example, Jehovah’s Witnesses view Jesus as a created being, not God, while Unitarians reject the Trinity altogether. Yet, the New Testament consistently affirms Jesus’ divinity. Colossians 2:9 states, “For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily,” and Hebrews 1:3 describes Him as “the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature.” To deny this, the article argues, is to step outside biblical Christianity.

Historically, the early church wrestled with this truth. The Council of Nicaea (AD 325) addressed the Arian heresy, which claimed Jesus was less than fully divine. The resulting Nicene Creed affirmed that Jesus is “of one substance with the Father,” codifying what Scripture already taught. For the Christian, accepting Jesus as God incarnate isn’t a peripheral issue—it’s foundational. It shapes worship (He is worthy of divine honor), salvation (only God can save), and ethics (His teachings carry ultimate authority).

The Work of Jesus: Death and Resurrection

Beyond His identity, true Christianity hinges on what Jesus accomplished. Romans 5:8 declares, “But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” This encapsulates the doctrine of atonement—Jesus’ death as a substitutionary sacrifice for humanity’s sin. The context of Romans reveals why this matters: all have sinned (Romans 3:23), earning death (Romans 6:23), but Christ’s death reconciles us to God (Romans 5:10).

Equally critical is His resurrection, as Romans 10:9 states: “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” The resurrection isn’t a mere symbol of hope—it’s the linchpin of Christian faith. Paul argues in 1 Corinthians 15:17, “If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins.” Why? Because a dead savior cannot conquer death or offer eternal life. Revelation 1:18 reinforces this: “I am the living one; I was dead, and now look, I am alive forever and ever!” Jesus’ victory over death validates His claims and secures the believer’s future.

Historically, the resurrection faced skepticism even in the first century. Yet, the rapid growth of Christianity—despite persecution—suggests something extraordinary occurred. The empty tomb, the transformation of the disciples from cowards to martyrs, and the testimony of hundreds of witnesses (1 Corinthians 15:6) bolster the biblical account. For the Christian, believing in the resurrection isn’t optional—it’s the heartbeat of the faith.

Belief and Confession: The Response of Faith

The article emphasizes that these truths—Scripture’s authority, Jesus’ divinity, His death, and resurrection—must be accepted and confessed. Romans 10:9 ties salvation to both: confessing Jesus as Lord and believing in His resurrection. This dual requirement reflects the biblical pattern of faith. James 2:19 notes that even demons believe in God, but their belief lacks obedience or allegiance. True faith, then, involves intellectual assent (accepting truth), verbal confession (proclaiming it), and practical alignment (living it out).

This challenges nominal Christianity—those who claim the label without transformation. Jesus warned in Matthew 7:21, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father.” Confession without belief is hypocrisy; belief without confession is cowardice. Both must converge, as seen in the early church, where public baptism often meant risking death yet was joyfully embraced.

Why It Matters: The Transcendent Life

Why is this definition so critical? The answer: the “transcendent life in Christ” is available only to those who believe. This phrase echoes John 10:10, where Jesus promises, “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” This isn’t mere existence but a quality of life marked by peace, purpose, and eternal hope. Galatians 2:20 describes it: “It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.” This transformation—enabled by the Holy Spirit—flows from faith in Christ’s finished work.

Contrast this with alternative “Christianities.” Some reduce the faith to moralism (be good), ritualism (perform rites), or mysticism (seek experiences). While these may overlap with true Christianity, they lack power apart from the gospel. Paul warned in Galatians 1:8 of “a different gospel,” which is “no gospel at all.” The transcendent life isn’t earned—it’s received through faith in the biblical Christ.

Historical and Contemporary Challenges

This view hasn’t gone unchallenged. Gnosticism in the second century denied Jesus’ humanity, while the Enlightenment questioned miracles. Today, progressive Christianity often reinterprets Scripture through modern lenses, downplaying sin, judgment, or exclusivity. Yet, this article’s stance aligns with historic orthodoxy—upheld by figures like Augustine, Luther, and Spurgeon—rooted in the Bible’s plain meaning.

In practice, this definition excludes some who claim Christianity. Cults like Mormonism, with extra-biblical revelations, or liberal theology, which denies core doctrines, fall short. The article’s insistence on scriptural fidelity and Christ-centered faith draws a line: not all who say “Christian” are Christian.

Practical Implications: Living the Faith

For the believer, this foundation shapes everything. Worship centers on Christ, not self. Ethics derive from Scripture, not culture. Evangelism shares the biblical gospel, not a watered-down version. And community—church—becomes a gathering of those united by these truths, not a social club.

Conclusion: Praise God for the Truth

In sum, true Christianity rests on the Bible as God’s Word and Jesus as God’s Son, crucified and risen. It demands belief and confession, offering a transcendent life to those who embrace it. Amid a world of counterfeits, this clarity is a gift. As the article ends, “Praise God!”—for He has revealed the way, the truth, and the life in Christ. May we hold fast to it.