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Christianity: Difference between revisions
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These prophecies can be found in: | These prophecies can be found in: | ||
* '''[https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah%2053&version=NKJV | * '''[https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah%2053&version=NKJV]''', which describes a “suffering servant” who would bear the sins of many, a foreshadowing of Jesus’s sacrificial death. | ||
* '''[https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Micah%205%3A2&version=NKJV | * '''[https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Micah%205%3A2&version=NKJV]''', which predicts that the Messiah would come from [[Bethlehem]], the birthplace of Jesus. | ||
* '''[https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Zechariah%209%3A9&version=NKJV | * '''[https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Zechariah%209%3A9&version=NKJV]''', which describes a king arriving humbly on a donkey, which aligns with Jesus’s triumphal entry into [[Jerusalem]]. | ||
Jesus was born to the [[Virgin Mary]] at the start of the first century. Growing up in [[Nazareth]], he began his public ministry around the age of 30, teaching about [[Kingdom of God|God’s kingdom]], performing [[Miracles of Jesus|miracles]], and affirming that he was the long-awaited Messiah. He was crucified under [[Roman Empire|Roman]] governor [[Pontius Pilate]] for claiming to be the Son of God, a statement considered blasphemous by religious leaders, such as the [[Pharisees]] and [[Sadducees]]. He [[Resurrection of Jesus|rose from the dead]] on the third day, offering forgiveness and eternal life to all who place their faith in him. | Jesus was born to the [[Virgin Mary]] at the start of the first century. Growing up in [[Nazareth]], he began his public ministry around the age of 30, teaching about [[Kingdom of God|God’s kingdom]], performing [[Miracles of Jesus|miracles]], and affirming that he was the long-awaited Messiah. He was crucified under [[Roman Empire|Roman]] governor [[Pontius Pilate]] for claiming to be the Son of God, a statement considered blasphemous by religious leaders, such as the [[Pharisees]] and [[Sadducees]]. He [[Resurrection of Jesus|rose from the dead]] on the third day, offering forgiveness and eternal life to all who place their faith in him. | ||
Following this, the Apostles gathered in the [[Temple in Jerusalem]], where Jesus, who they had just seen ascend to heaven, reappeared to them to tell them to prepare for the coming of the Holy Spirit. | Following this, the Apostles gathered in the [[Temple in Jerusalem]], where Jesus, who they had just seen ascend to heaven, reappeared to them to tell them to prepare for the coming of the Holy Spirit. describes the coming of the Holy Spirit on the day of [[Pentecostal|Pentecost]]. Suddenly, a sound like a mighty rushing wind filled the place, and what appeared to be tongues of fire rested on each of them. They were filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in various languages, enabling them to share the message of Jesus with people from diverse regions who were in Jerusalem for the feast. This event marked the birth of the Christian Church, as the Apostles boldly proclaimed Jesus as the risen Messiah, leading to the conversion and baptism of about 3,000 people that day. | ||
The Apostles spread Jesus' teachings across the globe, and all of them were [[Martyrdom|martyred]], save for the [[John the Apostle|Apostle John]]. | The Apostles spread Jesus' teachings across the globe, and all of them were [[Martyrdom|martyred]], save for the [[John the Apostle|Apostle John]]. | ||
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In the early 16th century, the Catholic Church was criticized for its practices, particularly the sale of indulgences, which led to the [[Protestant Reformation]]. [[Martin Luther]], a German monk, sparked this movement in 1517 by posting his 95 Theses, challenging the Church's authority and doctrines, especially the idea that salvation could be bought or earned through works. Other reformers, such as [[John Calvin]] and [[Ulrich Zwingli]], joined in the effort to restore what they believed was the true gospel, emphasizing salvation by grace alone, through faith alone, and the authority of Scripture over Church traditions. These reforms led to the formation of various Protestant denominations that rejected papal authority and sought a return to biblical principles. | In the early 16th century, the Catholic Church was criticized for its practices, particularly the sale of indulgences, which led to the [[Protestant Reformation]]. [[Martin Luther]], a German monk, sparked this movement in 1517 by posting his 95 Theses, challenging the Church's authority and doctrines, especially the idea that salvation could be bought or earned through works. Other reformers, such as [[John Calvin]] and [[Ulrich Zwingli]], joined in the effort to restore what they believed was the true gospel, emphasizing salvation by grace alone, through faith alone, and the authority of Scripture over Church traditions. These reforms led to the formation of various Protestant denominations that rejected papal authority and sought a return to biblical principles. | ||
==Basic teachings== | |||
[[File:Shield-Trinity-Scutum-Fidei-English.svg|thumb|281x281px|The Trinity Shield]] | |||
<sub>See also: [[Trinity]], [[Original sin|Original Sin]], [[Salvation]]</sub> | |||
'''<u><big>The Trinity</big></u>''' | |||
Christianity teaches that there is one God, who exists in three persons: the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit. This doctrine, known as the Trinity, asserts that while God is one in essence, He is revealed in three distinct yet co-equal persons. The Father is the Creator, the Son is the Saviour, and the Holy Spirit is the presence of God in the world today, guiding and empowering believers. | |||
'''<u><big>Original Sin</big></u>''' | |||
[[Original sin|Original Sin]] is the fallen state of human nature inherited by all descendants of the first humans, [[Adam and Eve]]. In the [[Book of Genesis]], Adam and Eve disobeyed God's command in the [[Eden|Garden of Eden]] by eating the forbidden fruit, they introduced [[sin]] into the world, thus breaking the perfect relationship they had with God. This act of disobedience is known as the [[Fall of Man]] and is considered the original sin. | |||
All humans are born with a sinful nature, inherited from Adam and Eve, which separates them from God. This nature inclines people toward selfishness, disobedience, and sin. It is not just the act of eating the forbidden fruit but the consequences of that action that are passed down through generations. As a result, every person is born with a tendency to sin, which is why all humans need redemption. | |||
'''<big><u>Salvation</u></big>''' | |||
Because of Original Sin, all humans are born with a sinful nature and are unworthy to join the [[kingdom of Heaven]]. The need for salvation arises from the reality that no one can overcome the consequences of Original Sin through their own efforts, good works, or obedience to the [[Law of Moses|law]]. As the Bible states, "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). Because of this, humans are incapable of living perfectly according to God's standards and are deserving of spiritual death and eternal separation from God. | |||
Jesus Christ is central to salvation. God, in His love and mercy, sent his Son, Jesus, to live a sinless life, die on the cross for the sins of humanity, and rise again, conquering both sin and death. Through his sacrifice, Jesus atoned for the sins of all who place their faith in Him, offering forgiveness and the opportunity for eternal life. As stated in John 14:6, Jesus himself said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No man cometh to the Father except through me." | |||
Salvation, therefore, is a gift of God's grace, received by faith alone. It cannot be earned by good works, but only through trusting in Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour. In Ephesians 2:8-9, it is written, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.” | |||