During the slightly more than 2000 years since
the birth of Jesus, Christianity has inspired an enormous literature
of theology, commentary, history, and interpretation. But
despite that, its essential message is clear and quite brief, and
its primary sacraments are few and simple.
Christians believe in an infinite, all-powerful
Creator God (sometimes called Jehovah, which is simply another
pronunciation of Yahweh). We also believe that God sent his
son, Jesus Christ, into the world to atone for human sins through
his death, thus providing everyone with the option to be saved - to
enjoy eternal life.
As is evident from the Apostle's Creed, the
principal Christian doctrine is that of the Atonement, that Christ's
death on the cross served as a sacrifice that reconciled humanity
with God.
The Apostles Creed
I believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth;
And in Jesus Christ His only Son our Lord;
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilot,
was crucified, died, and was buried;
the third day He rose from the dead;
He ascended into heaven,
and is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty;
from thence He shall come to judge the quick and he dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit;
the holy catholic church;
the communion of the saints;
the forgiveness of sins;
the resurrection of the body and the life everlasting.
Participation in the sacraments are a natural result of a personal
declaration of faith, these being the most significant: baptism and
Holy Communion (also known as the Eucharist or the Lord's Supper).
Church membership coinciding with formal instruction is favored in
developing the spiritual life of the believer and the daily
disciplines of Bible reading, prayer, and confession of sin are
necessary to sustain every Christian.
During the slightly more than 2000 years since
the birth of Jesus, Christianity has inspired an enormous literature
of theology, commentary, history, and interpretation. But
despite that, its essential message is clear and quite brief, and
its primary sacraments are few and simple.