Basic Christianity

1. Christianity's Foundation: God's Initiative and Our Search

The Bible isn’t about people trying to discover God, but about God reaching out to find us.

God's first move. The core of biblical religion is God's initiative. He is always "in the beginning," acting before we even conceive of seeking Him. This sovereign, forward-looking activity is evident in creation, revelation (making Himself known), and salvation (rescuing humanity through Jesus Christ). We don't take God by surprise; He always makes the first move.

Divine revelation. Humanity, being finite, cannot grasp the infinite God through mere intellect. God, however, has "unveiled" Himself through both general revelation (nature, showing His power and divine nature) and special revelation (through prophets and ultimately in Jesus Christ). This special revelation, primarily through Jesus, discloses His holiness, love, and power to save from sin, providing the necessary knowledge for a personal relationship.

Our essential response. While God seeks us, we must also earnestly seek Him. This seeking requires humility, acknowledging our limitations; honesty, laying aside prejudice; and obedience, being prepared to reform our lives according to God's will. Jesus promised, "Seek and you will find," emphasizing that genuine, wholehearted seeking will always be rewarded by God.

2. Jesus' Stupendous Claims to Divinity

It is now recognized that the one Christ for whose existence there is any evidence at all is a miraculous Figure making stupendous claims.

Self-centered teaching. A striking feature of Jesus' teaching is his constant focus on himself, setting him apart from other religious leaders. He declared, "I am the truth; follow me," and made astonishing statements like "I am the bread of life," "I am the light of the world," and "I am the way and the truth and the life." He demanded personal allegiance, faith, and supreme love, even promising to send the Holy Spirit to glorify him.

Direct claims to deity. Jesus explicitly claimed a unique, eternal relationship with God, referring to God as "my Father" in a distinct way. His declaration "before Abraham was born, I am!" directly invoked the divine name God revealed to Moses, leading his opponents to accuse him of blasphemy. After his resurrection, he calmly accepted Thomas's worshipful confession, "My Lord and my God!"

Indirect and dramatized claims. Jesus performed actions only God could do, such as forgiving sins and giving life, baffling his contemporaries who questioned his authority. His teaching style was dogmatic and authoritative, unlike the religious experts, and he claimed he would judge the world, determining eternal destinies based on people's response to him. His miracles, like turning water into wine or raising Lazarus, were "signs" that visually dramatized his claims to be the Messiah, the bread of life, the light of the world, and the resurrection and the life.

3. Christ's Unique, Sinless Character

His character was more wonderful than the greatest miracle.

Self-attested sinlessness. Jesus consistently presented himself as without sin, challenging his accusers with "Can any of you prove me guilty of sin?" and living a life of perfect obedience to his Father. He never confessed sin or showed moral discontent, a stark contrast to other holy individuals who, the closer they drew to God, became more acutely aware of their own failings. His moral uniqueness was unselfconscious, implied in his role as Saviour for the lost and sick.

Witness of his friends. Despite living in close proximity for three years, his disciples, steeped in the Old Testament doctrine of universal sin, never found fault in him. Their testimony to his sinlessness is credible because it is often indirect, woven into their broader discussions. Peter described him as "a lamb without blemish or defect" who "committed no sin," while John stated that in Christ "there is no sin."

Concession of his enemies. Even his adversaries, who relentlessly sought to trap him, could only level trivial or question-begging accusations like blasphemy (forgiving sins) or sabbath-breaking (healing on the Sabbath). At his trial, they resorted to false witnesses, and even then, the Roman governor Pilate, King Herod, and the traitor Judas all declared him innocent. The centurion at the cross exclaimed, "Surely this was a righteous man," confirming his moral perfection.

4. The Undeniable Evidence of Christ's Resurrection

To me the evidence is conclusive, and over and over again in the High Court I have secured the verdict on evidence not nearly so compelling.

The empty tomb. The resurrection accounts begin with women discovering Jesus' body missing from the tomb. This fact is undisputed, even by his enemies, who spread a false rumor that his disciples stole the body. Theories like the women going to the wrong tomb, Jesus merely fainting, or thieves stealing the body are easily refuted by the evidence, including the Roman guard and the undisturbed graveclothes.

Undisturbed graveclothes. John's eyewitness account emphasizes that the linen strips and head cloth were found "lying there" and "still lying in its place," respectively, after the body had vanished. This suggests the body passed through them, leaving them collapsed but intact, like a discarded chrysalis. This sight convinced John, indicating a miraculous transformation rather than a mere resuscitation or theft.

Post-resurrection appearances. Jesus appeared to numerous "chosen witnesses" on at least ten separate occasions, including individuals, small groups, and over five hundred people at once. These appearances cannot be dismissed as inventions due to their simple, graphic narratives and the apostles' unwavering conviction. Nor were they hallucinations, as the disciples were initially skeptical, fearful, and slow to believe, lacking the wishful thinking and favorable conditions typically associated with such phenomena.

Transformed disciples. Perhaps the most compelling evidence is the radical transformation of Jesus' disciples. From being despondent, fearful, and hiding behind locked doors, they became bold, powerful preachers willing to suffer and die for their belief in the risen Christ. Peter, who denied Jesus three times, became a courageous leader, and James, who initially disbelieved, became a pillar of the church—both transformed by seeing the risen Lord.

5. The Universal Reality and Nature of Sin

All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags.

Sin's universality. The Bible unequivocally states that sin is a universal human condition. From King Solomon to the prophets and apostles like Paul and John, the message is consistent: "There is no-one who does good, not even one." This pervasive reality is evident in society's need for laws, contracts, and police, all based on the assumption that humanity cannot be fully trusted.

Defining sin. Sin is described in the Bible both negatively as a "shortcoming" (a lapse, a failure to hit the target, an inner badness falling short of good) and positively as "wrongdoing" (trespassing, breaking God's law, contravening justice). It implies a clear standard, whether God's law or our own conscience, which all have failed to meet.

The Ten Commandments as a mirror. Using the Ten Commandments reveals the depth of our sin, extending beyond outward actions to inner thoughts and motives.

• Idolatry: Placing anything or anyone before God.
• Hypocrisy: Distorted images of God, insincere worship, or inconsistent behavior.
• Disrespect: Misusing God's name or failing to honor parents.
• Selfishness: Murderous anger, lustful thoughts, stealing, covetousness, and false testimony.
  This exercise exposes the "ugly catalogue of sins" lurking beneath the surface, confirming that "through the law we become conscious of sin."

6. Sin's Catastrophic Consequences

Your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear.

Alienation from God. The most dire consequence of sin is separation from God, our Creator and the source of true life. God is infinitely righteous and holy, and our sin creates an impassable chasm. Biblical figures like Moses, Job, and Isaiah, upon glimpsing God's glory, were overwhelmed by their own unworthiness. This separation is spiritual "death," and deliberate rejection of Christ leads to eternal separation, or hell.

Bondage to self. Sin is not merely a collection of wrong actions but a deep-seated inner sickness—a self-centered bias inherent in human nature, often called "original sin." Jesus taught that evil thoughts and actions originate "from within, out of your hearts." This internal infection enslaves us, making us "slaves to sin," as Paul described. We have high ideals but weak wills, unable to free ourselves from this self-centered prison.

Conflict with others. Our inherent self-centeredness, which prioritizes "self first, neighbor next, God last," inevitably leads to conflict in all relationships. Whether in families, workplaces, or international relations, misunderstandings, envy, pride, and a failure to appreciate others' perspectives cause discord. Only a radical change from self-assertion to self-sacrifice, which the Bible calls "love," can neutralize sin's divisive force and restore harmony.

7. The Cross: God's Reconciling Act for Our Sins

God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ.

Centrality of the cross. The death of Jesus as a sacrifice for sin is the central theme of the Bible, foreshadowed in Old Testament sacrifices and prophecies (like Isaiah's suffering servant). Jesus himself recognized this "must," moving steadily towards his death, which he described as giving his life "as a ransom for many." The Gospels devote a disproportionate amount of space to his final week, and New Testament authors like Paul declared "Christ crucified" as the core of their message.

Christ as our example. Peter urged Christians to patiently endure unjust suffering, following Christ's example. Jesus, though sinless, did not retaliate when insulted but committed himself to God, the just Judge. His death provides a pattern for Christian love and submission, challenging our natural instincts to resist evil with good.

Christ as our sinbearer. However, Christ's death is more than an example; it is a substitutionary sacrifice. Peter states, "He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross," meaning he took responsibility for the penalty of our sins in our place. This concept, rooted in Old Testament sacrifices and the "scapegoat" ritual, culminates in Christ, "the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" Paul further explains that "God made him who had no sin to be sin for us," meaning Christ bore the curse of the law we deserved.

Reconciliation and forgiveness. On the cross, Jesus experienced spiritual abandonment ("My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?") as our sins separated him from the Father. His cry "It is finished" signified the completion of his atoning work, making reconciliation with God available. This means our forgiveness is a gift, not earned by religious observance or good behavior. The cross demonstrates that we cannot save ourselves; Christ died precisely because we couldn't remove our own sins.

8. Salvation's Transformative Power: Spirit and Church

If anyone in Christ – new creation!

New birth by the Spirit. Since sin is an inner moral disease, salvation involves a change of nature, not just behavior. Jesus emphasized the crucial need to be "born again," or "born of the Spirit." This miraculous inner transformation, a "new creation," is the work of the Holy Spirit, who has always existed but now indwells believers. The Spirit replaces our self-centered nature with a new heart, enabling us to live in obedience to God.

The Spirit's indwelling and fruit. The Holy Spirit's presence within every Christian is a spiritual legacy, transforming character from the inside. While the "sinful nature" continues to conflict with the "Spirit," yielding to the Spirit produces "the fruit of the Spirit": love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. This is not about struggling to be like Jesus, but allowing his Spirit to change us, making him our Saviour, not just our example.

The church as God's family. God's plan extends beyond individual salvation to restoring relationships among people. He calls out a "people to belong to him," fulfilling his promise to Abraham to bless all nations through his descendants. The church, which Jesus called "my church," is this global community of believers, united by the Holy Spirit as the "body of Christ," with Christ as its head.

Fellowship and love. Membership in a local church provides opportunities for worship, fellowship, and service. While the church is imperfect, being composed of fallible people, it is the place where Christians experience a unique, deeper relationship with one another, a "fellowship of the Spirit." This love, characterized by self-sacrifice and a desire to serve others, neutralizes sin's divisive force, uniting where sin pulls apart.

9. The Cost of Following Christ: Total Self-Denial

Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.

The demand for total commitment. Jesus never concealed that following him involves a demand as total as his offer of salvation is free. He warned against superficial commitment, urging followers to "count the cost" like a builder planning a tower. He calls for thoughtful, absolute commitment, not "nominal Christianity" or a "soft cushion" religion.

Renunciation of sin and self. Following Christ requires a definite turning away from all known sin, a process called repentance. This is an inward change of mind leading to a change in behavior, sometimes requiring making amends to those we've wronged. More profoundly, it demands a renunciation of self-will, denying ourselves, taking up our cross daily (adopting an attitude of crucifixion towards self), and "losing our life" (surrendering our ego and independence to Christ).

Making Christ Lord. To follow Christ means making him Lord over every area of life:

• Career: Discovering and fulfilling God's purpose, seeing all work as "Christian ministry."
• Marriage and Home: Marrying only a Christian, seeing sexuality as God's design, and fostering a Christ-centered home.
• Money and Time: Detaching from material wealth, being generous, and prioritizing daily prayer, Bible reading, church involvement, and service.
  This commitment means bringing every aspect of our public and private lives under his control, accepting his absolute authority.

10. The Decisive Act of Personal Commitment

Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with them, and they with me.

Beyond intellectual belief. Becoming a Christian requires more than intellectual agreement with facts about Jesus or acknowledging our need for a Saviour. It demands a decisive act of personal trust and commitment, turning mental belief into active faith. We cannot remain neutral or drift into Christianity; each person must choose for or against Christ.

Christ's invitation. Jesus stands at the door of our lives, knocking and speaking, but he will not force entry. This humility is remarkable, as the "house" is rightfully his by creation and purchase. He desires to enter as both Saviour (to cleanse, forgive, and restore fellowship) and Lord (to manage our lives, receiving our "whole bunch of keys").

The act of opening the door. Opening the door to Christ is:

• Definite: It's a conscious act, not accidental.
• Individual: Each person must make their own decision.
• Unique: A once-for-all step, leading to a permanent relationship.
• Deliberate: Not waiting for supernatural flashes or overwhelming emotions.
• Urgent: Not to be delayed, even to "make ourselves better."
• Indispensable: No substitute exists for this personal invitation.
  This act involves hearing his voice (through conscience, truth, or others) and then, in faith and submission, inviting him in.

11. Living as a Child of God: Privileges and Responsibilities

See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!

New relationship with God. Those who receive Christ are "born of God," entering a special, intimate relationship as His children, distinct from the general Creator-creature relationship. Our Judge becomes our Father, and we are "justified"—accepted and declared righteous through Christ. This allows us to pray "Abba, Father" with new meaning, trusting His loving discipline and care, freeing us from fear.

Assured and secure relationship. Our relationship with God is not only intimate but also certain and permanent. Assurance comes not from fluctuating feelings but from God's promises in His Word (e.g., "Whoever has the Son has life") and the Holy Spirit's inward witness, prompting us to call God "Father." This assurance is further confirmed by the Spirit's work in our character, producing righteousness and love. While sin can break fellowship, it does not sever the relationship; confession restores it.

Responsibilities of growth. Being a child of God brings the responsibility to grow in understanding and holiness, moving from "babies in Christ" to "mature in Christ." This involves:

• Duty to God: Daily time in Bible reading and prayer, listening to God's Word, and speaking to Him about all aspects of life.
• Duty to the Church: Belonging to a local church, participating in worship (including baptism and the Lord's Supper), and cultivating genuine love and fellowship with other believers.
• Duty to the World: Engaging in Christian service to alleviate suffering and actively participating in evangelism, living a Christlike life, and sharing the good news with others.
  Christians live as "citizens of two kingdoms," balancing earthly responsibilities with heavenly allegiance, seeking to live "in Christ" and "in the world" simultaneously.

Last updated: February 27, 2026