The Christian Faith

Sometimes Christianity can appear complex, uninviting and demanding. However, the simple truths which build the foundations of Christianity bring clarity and freedom.

A man in the Bible once asked "Sirs, what do I have to do to be saved, to really live?" - The answer given was as clear and concise as possible: "Put your entire trust in the Master Jesus. Then you'll live as you were meant to live—and everyone in your house included!" (Acts 16:30-31, taken from The Message).

The following paragraphs outline in a little more detail the core truths of the Christian Faith:

God Created a Perfect World

The Bible tells us that God created the world and everything in it. 'God created the Heavens and Earth—all you see, all you don't see.' - Genesis 1:1. The Bible also tells us that God is perfect and he expects perfection - 'God said, "I am holy; you be holy."' - 1 Peter 1:16.

However, God also gave us free will, that we might decide whether we want to follow Him or not. In John's Gospel Jesus says '"If you love me, show it by doing what I've told you."' - John 14:15. There is no presumption that we will love him - it's an 'if'.

Man Ruined the World's Perfection

God placed Adam and Eve (the first people) in the Garden of Eden. They had free will, just as we do. God commanded that they not do something: 'God commanded the Man, "You can eat from any tree in the garden, except from the Tree-of-Knowledge-of-Good-and-Evil. Don't eat from it. The moment you eat from that tree, you're dead." - Genesis 2:16-17.

Also in the garden was a serpent that persuaded them to eat of the 'Tree-of-Knowledge-of-Good-and-Evil'. The moment they ate of the fruit, the perfect relationship between God and man was broken - they had decided to go against God's commands and in so doing had destroyed their perfection in God's sight.

As we are all descendants of Adam and Eve, we all face the same dilemma - our relationship with God is broken.

The Great Divide

Adam and Eve's decision to defy God created an irreversible gap between man and God - a gap that we can do nothing to repair. However, God had a plan.

God Sent Jesus to Take Our Place

God knew that we could never live up to his standards - we are no longer perfect. So he sent Jesus, his perfect son, to take our place. Throughout the Old Testament animal sacrifices were given - Jesus was the final sacrifice. Hebrews 9:27 says "Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people".

He took our sin (all the things we do which offend God) upon himself when he died on the cross. After his death he was buried in a tomb, but, 3 days later was resurrected, defeating death. 1 Corinthians 15:20-22 says "But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive."

This amazing act is what repairs the divide between man and God.

Faith in Christ Saves Us

Remember the man from Acts who asked what he must do to be saved? The answer he was given applies as much to you as it did to him 2000 years ago - "Put your entire trust in the Master Jesus. Then you'll live as you were meant to live—and everyone in your house included!" (Acts 16:31).

God doesn't demand us to be perfect; he just requires our trust in the selfless act of his son.

What Now?

If you understand that you need God's forgiveness and would like to give your life to God and re-build your relationship with him, all you have to do is say a simple prayer of forgiveness. God says '"I will be merciful toward their iniquities, and I will remember their sins no more."' - Hebrews 8:12. You might like to use the following example to ask God into your life today:

"God, I know that I have broken your laws and my sins have separated me from you. I am truly sorry, and now I want to turn away from my past sinful life toward you. Please forgive me, and help me avoid sinning again. I believe that your son, Jesus Christ died for my sins, was resurrected from the dead, is alive, and hears my prayer. I invite Jesus to become the Lord of my life, to rule and reign in my heart from this day forward. Please send your Holy Spirit to help me obey You, and to do Your will for the rest of my life. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.”

If you've just prayed that prayer and truly believed, welcome to the family of God! It's important that you tell someone about your new faith so you can get the support and help that all Christians need. Feel free to Contact Us; we'd love to hear from you!

If you still have questions why not Contact Us anyway - we'd love to discuss this with you further.