Over centuries, Christianity has practised principal beliefs into their everyday lives. These beliefs are often drawn from both sacred texts and core ethical teachings. A majority of Christians share the major beliefs, however, there are degrees of difference of these beliefs and how they are lived out in their everyday lives. The many denominations of Christianity have different beliefs that can impact the lives of how adherents choose to live.
The humanity of Jesus Christ is shown throughout history in many forms of historical evidence (Oxford Studies, 2019). Jesus’ humanity is shown throughout his emotions and feelings, and it is important to recognise that Jesus did die on the cross for the Salvation of others and that he too experienced pain and sadness throughout his experience. The bible reference from John 1: 14 states “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth”. This shows to adherents that Jesus was born in flesh and is also the son of God. The divinity of Jesus Christ is shown through his healing, miracles and the resurrection after his death. Through the Beatitude of “Blessed are the merciful for they shall obtain mercy” adherents can understand that Jesus obtained mercy due to being loving towards others who suffer distress and showing compassion and forgiveness towards his neighbours. From the divinity and humanity of Jesus Christ, it impacts the lives of adherents as they can relate because Jesus is both human and divine, and they too are human.
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Salvation is offered as a ‘gift from God’ through his death and resurrection. This gift of salvation is often shown in your faith towards Jesus. Traditional adherents believe that outside Christianity there is no salvation, however other Christians believe that “anyone who lives a good life, will be saved”. (Oxford booklet, pg. 11). 1 Timothy 2: 3-4 states “God desires everyone to be saved”. This means that no matter your religious beliefs or mistakes made in life God will save you. This impacts the lives of adherents as this gives them faith and trust that they will be saved and loved by God. The Golden rule shared to the followers of Jesus on the Sermon on the Mount written in Mark 7: 12, states “Do unto others, and you would have them do unto you”. This message allows Christians to follow the word of Jesus and know that this way they shall receive salvation.
Revelation refers to the message of God. For Christians, it is given through the word of Jesus. The revelation of God is also highly present through the Holy Spirit that also links to the major belief of the Trinity. In the Christian scriptures known as the New Testament, God reveals his word to Jesus during his baptism with John the Baptist in the river Jordan. “This is my son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17). This Bible reference helps Christians to understand that Jesus is the true son of God and that he is pleased with Jesus’ moral decisions.
Revelation provides adherents with moral ethical teachings from God as well as in the Bible. The Holy Spirit allows Christians to gain a knowledge of God and inspires them to live a life of love and forgiveness. The stories of revelation told by Jesus through God, provide the adherents with a literal interpretation and understanding of the word of God. It also impacts adherent’s lives as they known they can trust in God and that his word will be true. The teaching tradition of the church also impacts different denominations within Christianity. Both Orthodox and Catholics follow the teaching traditions of the Church and the Pope however, Protestant churches focus on the role of the Bible due to their belief that the Bible is the literal word of God.
The belief in the Trinity is a central tenet of Christianity. The Christian belief of God is that he is omniscient, omnipotent and omnipresent. Through this, adherents can understand that God is all- knowing, all powerful, and always present. This means that God is always listening and always watching and this provides support to the adherents. The passage of Luke 3:21- 22 accounts, “And as he was praying, heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you, I am well pleased.” This passage shows much significance because it shows adherents the three persons of the Trinity. Jesus, being one major part of the Trinity is present. When the revelation of God shines through the sky, this identifies the second person of the Trinity, and lastly the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is shown in the form of a dove while Jesus is praying and the Spirit comes down on him.
The Death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ is crucial to Christianity. The belief that Jesus died for our sins, truly the impacts the lives of adherents because it allows them to understand “that death is a part of the human condition and is one shared with Jesus” (Oxford, pg. 2). It shows adherents that Jesus was a selfless man who sacrificed himself to give humanity eternal life. Through the bible passage Mark 16:19 “After the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, he was taken up into heaven and he sat at the right hand of God”. The passage of Mark shows the distinct link between the resurrection of Jesus, the Trinity and Salvation. Through the Beatitude “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God”, adherents can gain an understanding that Jesus was pure-hearted and was granted the gift of Salvation to sit at the right hand of God. It allows a majority of Christian believers to understand that death is a natural process however you shall be granted forgiveness from Jesus.
In consolidation, the principal beliefs of Christianity play an immense role in the way adherents live out their lives each day. However, we must remember that not every Christian variant is the same and the traditions that these variants follow make a dramatic effect on the believers. All the principal beliefs of Christianity are linked with each other and are found in many scriptural references such as the Nicene Creed. All these beliefs can be incorporated within sacred texts and ethics, which provide Christian adherents with a moral understanding of how to live a life of compassion and forgiveness.
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