1. The Trinity

Concept: The belief in one God existing in three distinct persons: the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit.

Explanation: The doctrine of the Trinity is unique to Christianity. It teaches that while God is one in essence, He is three persons, each fully and equally God, yet distinct in their relations and roles.

Scriptural Reference:

• Matthew 28:19: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”

2. The Incarnation

Concept: The belief that God became human in the person of Jesus Christ.

Explanation: Christianity uniquely claims that God took on human flesh and lived among us. Jesus Christ is both fully God and fully man, which is central to the Christian faith.

Scriptural Reference:

• John 1:14: “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”

3. Atonement through the Cross

Concept: The belief that Jesus’ death on the cross provides the means for human salvation.

Explanation: Christianity teaches that Jesus’ sacrificial death on the cross atones for the sins of humanity. His death and resurrection are seen as the ultimate act of love and the only path to reconciliation with God.

Scriptural Reference:

• 1 Peter 2:24: “He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.”

4. Salvation by Grace through Faith

Concept: The belief that salvation is a gift from God, received by faith, not by works.

Explanation: Christianity teaches that humans cannot earn salvation through their efforts. Instead, salvation is a gift from God, given by His grace and received through faith in Jesus Christ.

Scriptural Reference:

• Ephesians 2:8-9: “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.”

5. The Resurrection

Concept: The belief that Jesus Christ rose from the dead on the third day after His crucifixion.

Explanation: The resurrection of Jesus is a cornerstone of Christian faith, signifying victory over sin and death, and providing hope for eternal life to all believers.

Scriptural Reference:

• 1 Corinthians 15:3-4: “For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.”

6. The Second Coming of Christ

Concept: The belief that Jesus Christ will return to earth in the future to judge the living and the dead.

Explanation: Christianity teaches that Jesus will come again, bringing about the final judgment and the fulfillment of God’s kingdom.

Scriptural Reference:

• Acts 1:11: “‘Men of Galilee,’ they said, ‘why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.'”

7. The New Covenant

Concept: The belief in a new covenant established by Jesus Christ, replacing the old covenant with a new relationship between God and humanity.

Explanation: Christianity teaches that Jesus instituted a new covenant through His death and resurrection, offering a new relationship with God based on grace rather than law.

Scriptural Reference:

• Luke 22:20: “In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.'”

8. The Indwelling of the Holy Spirit

Concept: The belief that the Holy Spirit lives within believers, guiding and empowering them.

Explanation: Christianity teaches that upon accepting Jesus Christ, believers receive the Holy Spirit, who dwells within them, providing guidance, comfort, and spiritual gifts.

Scriptural Reference:

• 1 Corinthians 3:16: “Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst?”

9. The Church as the Body of Christ

Concept: The belief that the Church is the spiritual body of Christ, with Christ as the head.

Explanation: Christianity teaches that all believers collectively form the Church, which functions as Christ’s body on earth, with each member playing a vital role.

Scriptural Reference:

• 1 Corinthians 12:27: “Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.”

10. The Great Commission

Concept: The command given by Jesus to His disciples to spread the gospel to all nations.

Explanation: Christianity emphasizes the mission to evangelize and make disciples of all people, following Jesus’ directive known as the Great Commission.

Scriptural Reference:

• Matthew 28:19-20: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

These concepts are foundational to Christianity and distinguish it from other faith traditions, shaping its teachings, practices, and worldview.