What Do Christians Believe?
When people ask what Christians believe, the answer centers on Jesus Christ—His identity, His saving work, and the new life He gives to those who trust Him. The Bible teaches that Christians are reconciled to God through faith in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ (Romans 5:1), that salvation is a gift of grace rather than a human achievement (Ephesians 2:8–9), and that believers live in hope of Christ’s return and the resurrection to come (1 Thessalonians 4:16–17). Christian beliefs are not mere ideas but convictions that reshape life, purpose, identity, and community. Christianity proclaims a gospel that transforms people from enemies of God to children of God (John 1:12), and from those trapped in sin to those made alive in Christ (Ephesians 2:4–5).
1. Christians believe salvation comes only through Jesus Christ
At the core of Christian beliefs is the conviction that reconciliation with God happens through Jesus Christ alone. Scripture teaches that all people have sinned (Romans 3:23) and that separation from God can be healed only through the atoning work of Jesus. Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life,” declaring that “no one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). Christians therefore believe that faith in Jesus is the only way to be made right with God (Acts 4:12).
Christianity is distinct in holding that salvation is not earned by works but is received as a gift. The Bible teaches that believers are “saved by grace through faith,” and that this salvation “is not your own doing; it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8–9). The Christian gospel proclaims that Jesus died for sins (1 Corinthians 15:3), rose from the dead (1 Corinthians 15:4), and now lives to intercede for His people (Hebrews 7:25).
This belief shapes everything else: Christians trust Christ’s finished work rather than their own efforts and view salvation as entirely grounded in God’s mercy.
2. Christians believe faith involves the whole person
According to the Bible, faith is not simply intellectual agreement but a holistic act of trust. Faith includes:
Intellectual conviction — believing the truth of the gospel (Romans 10:9–10).
Emotional response — experiencing God’s love poured into the heart by the Holy Spirit (Romans 5:5).
Volitional submission — turning from sin and yielding to God’s will (Galatians 5:24–25).
This comprehensive understanding of faith shapes Christian life. Believers “live by faith” (Galatians 2:20), walking daily in dependence on Christ’s grace. Because Christians have been “bought with a price” (1 Corinthians 6:20), they now belong to Christ and live in response to His love (2 Corinthians 5:14–15).
Christian faith is therefore both receiving and responding—receiving God’s grace in Christ and responding through obedience, worship, and trust.
3. Christians believe God transforms believers into new people
Christian beliefs include the conviction that salvation brings radical transformation. Those who trust Jesus are described as “new creations” (2 Corinthians 5:17). They are no longer defined by past sins but by their union with Christ. God’s Spirit dwells within believers (Romans 8:9–11), empowering them to live differently.
Christian transformation includes:
New identity — children of God (Romans 8:16).
New purpose — living to glorify God (1 Corinthians 10:31).
New power — the Spirit producing spiritual fruit (Galatians 5:22–23).
New desires — loving what God loves (Psalm 40:8).
New obedience — offering their bodies as living sacrifices (Romans 12:1).
This transformation does not eliminate struggle but redirects the entire life toward Christlikeness. Christians strive to be conformed to the image of Christ (Romans 8:29) and live sacrificially in response to God’s mercies (Romans 12:1–2).
4. Christians believe they are part of a redeemed community with a mission
Christian beliefs are not lived out privately. Believers are called to be part of the church—the people of God redeemed by Christ’s blood (Acts 20:28). Jesus describes His followers as “salt of the earth” and “light of the world” (Matthew 5:13–14). They are called to bear witness to Christ (Acts 1:8), pursue unity and peace (Ephesians 4:3), and love one another deeply (John 13:34–35).
Christians participate in God’s story of reconciliation:
sharing the gospel (2 Corinthians 5:18–20),
practicing forgiveness (Ephesians 4:32),
pursuing justice and mercy (Micah 6:8),
living lives shaped by humility and service (Philippians 2:3–5).
Christianity sees life as a collective journey during the “last days” between Christ’s first coming and His return (Acts 2:17). Believers live with urgency, purpose, and hope in this age of gospel mission.
5. Christians believe in the future return of Christ and the resurrection
Christian hope is anchored in the future. The Bible teaches that Jesus will return (Acts 1:11), bringing judgment and renewal. Christians look forward to “the resurrection of the dead” (1 Corinthians 15:52) and the transformation of their bodies: “He will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body” (Philippians 3:21).
This hope includes:
the new heavens and new earth (Revelation 21:1),
the New Jerusalem as the dwelling place of God with His people (Revelation 21:2–4),
eternal fellowship with God where death, sorrow, and pain will be no more (Revelation 21:4),
final victory over evil (Revelation 20:10).
Christian beliefs about the future shape how believers live now. They wait eagerly for Christ (Titus 2:13), pursue holiness (1 Peter 1:13–16), and endure suffering with steadfast hope (Romans 8:18).
Conclusion
According to the Bible, Christians believe in salvation through Jesus Christ, received by grace through faith, leading to a transformed life empowered by the Spirit. Christian beliefs encompass trust in Christ’s redemptive work, surrender to God’s will, participation in a redeemed community, and hope in Christ’s return and the resurrection to come. Christianity is not simply a set of doctrines but a life shaped by God’s mercy, the lordship of Christ, and the promise of eternal fellowship with Him.
Bible Verses About What Christians Believe
“Since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Romans 5:1)
“I am the way, and the truth, and the life.” (John 14:6)
“By grace you have been saved through faith.” (Ephesians 2:8)
“If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.” (2 Corinthians 5:17)
“You were bought with a price.” (1 Corinthians 6:20)
“Christ’s love controls us.” (2 Corinthians 5:14)
“Be conformed to the image of his Son.” (Romans 8:29)
“You are the salt of the earth… the light of the world.” (Matthew 5:13–14)
“He will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body.” (Philippians 3:21)
“Behold, I am making all things new.” (Revelation 21:5)
