Core Beliefs Required to Be a Christian
The Bible outlines clear, essential doctrines that define true Christian faith. These beliefs are not based on tradition, ritual, or church membership, but on the Word of God. Salvation is through personal faith in Jesus Christ as revealed in Scripture.
1. Belief in One True God
Deuteronomy 6:4 (KJV)
“Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD:”
Isaiah 45:5 (KJV)
“I am the LORD, and there is none else, there is no God beside me…”
There is only one true God—eternal, holy, and sovereign. Idolatry or belief in multiple gods is rejected in both Old and New Testaments.
2. Belief That Jesus Is the Son of God and the Christ
John 20:31 (KJV)
“But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.”
Jesus is not just a prophet or teacher, but the Son of God and the promised Messiah. This is foundational to Christian identity.
3. Belief in the Death, Burial, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ
1 Corinthians 15:3–4 (KJV)
“For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:”
The gospel centers on Christ’s atoning death, His burial, and His literal, bodily resurrection. This is the heart of the Christian message.
4. Recognition of Personal Sin and the Need for Salvation
Romans 3:23 (KJV)
“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;”
Romans 6:23 (KJV)
“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
All have sinned and are in need of salvation. No one is righteous apart from God's grace.
5. Salvation Is by Grace Through Faith, Not Works
Ephesians 2:8–9 (KJV)
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.”
Salvation is a free gift of God, received by faith—not earned through human effort or religious rituals.
6. Confession of Jesus as Lord and Belief in His Resurrection
Romans 10:9 (KJV)
“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.”
Faith in the risen Lord, combined with genuine confession, brings salvation.
7. Indwelling of the Holy Spirit
Romans 8:9 (KJV)
“Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.”
Every true believer is indwelt by the Holy Spirit. The Spirit confirms salvation and enables a life of obedience.
Summary of Core Beliefs
| Core Belief | Scripture Reference | Biblical Teaching |
|---|---|---|
| One true God | Deuteronomy 6:4; Isaiah 45:5 | There is no other God but the LORD |
| Jesus is the Son of God and Christ | John 20:31 | Faith in Jesus as the Son of God brings life |
| Death, burial, resurrection of Christ | 1 Corinthians 15:3–4 | Christ died, was buried, and rose again |
| All are sinners in need of salvation | Romans 3:23; 6:23 | Sin separates from God; salvation is needed |
| Salvation by grace through faith | Ephesians 2:8–9 | Salvation is not earned, but received by faith |
| Confession and belief in resurrection | Romans 10:9 | Confession of Christ and belief in His resurrection is essential |
| Presence of the Holy Spirit | Romans 8:9 | Those in Christ are indwelt by the Holy Spirit |
Conclusion
To be a Christian according to Scripture is to believe in the one true God, to trust in Jesus Christ as the Son of God who died and rose again, to recognize personal sin, and to receive salvation by grace through faith. This faith is marked by confession of Christ as Lord and evidenced by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. These core beliefs are required for biblical Christianity.