“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” (John 1:1)
This verse reminds us that all Christian teachings begin with the Word of God, which is the Bible.
Christian doctrine is not based on opinion, tradition, or feeling. It comes from Scripture, which God has given for truth and instruction.
What Is Christian Doctrine?
Christian doctrine is what the Bible teaches about God, salvation, and how people should live.
It explains who God is, what He has done, and what He expects from those who follow Him.
Doctrine helps believers to know the difference between right and wrong, truth and error.
It comes from both the Old and New Testaments and stays the same over time because God’s truth never changes.
“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.”
(2 Timothy 3:16)
God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
The Bible teaches that there is one God, but He exists in three Persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
This truth is called the Trinity, and though the word is not found in the Bible, the idea is present throughout.
God the Father is the Creator of all things.
Jesus Christ, the Son, is the Savior who died for our sins and rose again.
The Holy Spirit lives in believers and helps them live in a way that pleases God.
“For there are three that bear witness in heaven: the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit; and these three are one.” (1 John 5:7)
Jesus Christ and His Work
Jesus is not just a good teacher or a prophet.
He is the Son of God who came to earth to rescue people from sin.
He was born of a virgin, lived a life without sin, and died on the cross to take the punishment that sinners deserve.
On the third day, He rose from the dead, proving that He has power over death and sin.
He went back to heaven and will come again to judge the world and make all things right.
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)
Salvation by Faith
Salvation means being saved from sin and its punishment, which is separation from God.
It is not earned by doing good things or being religious.
Instead, it is received by trusting in what Jesus did on the cross.
When a person believes in Jesus, God forgives their sins and gives them eternal life.
This is a free gift from God, not something anyone can earn.
“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.”
(Ephesians 2:8–9)
Living as a Follower of Christ
A person who has trusted in Jesus is called to live in a way that honors God.
This includes loving others, telling the truth, being kind, and turning away from sin.
The Holy Spirit gives power to obey God’s Word and grow in faith.
Reading the Bible, praying, and being part of a local church are important for every believer.
Living this way shows the world what it means to follow Jesus.
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” (2 Corinthians 5:17)
The Church and the Christian Life
The church is made up of all people who believe in Jesus.
It is not just a building but a family of believers.
The church gathers to worship, learn, and help each other grow in faith.
Each believer has a part to play in the church, using their gifts to serve others.
Jesus is the head of the church, and He leads His people through His Word.
“And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence.”
(Colossians 1:18)