by Cheryl Williams

Created on: June 26, 2009

Essential Principles to Which Christians Can Agree

As much divisiveness as there seems to be among Christians, Christianity is rooted in some beliefs that are basic and common to all believers. If Christians will learn to focus on these beliefs, they can still talk and debate about other issues such as the second coming of Christ, who the Anti-Christ will be, faith vs. works and so many other topics.

Here are the mainstays of the Christian faith that are beyond debate. To be a Christian, these must be a part of your belief system:

1. Jesus Christ is the son of God.

2. Jesus Christ is God in human flesh, born of the virgin Mary.

3. Jesus Christ suffered and died on the cross, taking the punishment for your sins.

4. Jesus Christ was buried and arose on the 3rd day, ascending into heaven.

5. You must be born again in the Holy Spirit by confessing your sins, asking for forgiveness and accepting Jesus Christ as your personal Savior.

6. Jesus Christ will come again one day, taking all believers back to Heaven with Him.

Christianity is founded on a belief in Jesus Christ as personal Savior. Christianity is also the only one of the world's religions in which one does not have to earn his way into Heaven. You can never be good enough for Heaven. You can never keep all of the commandments perfectly. The only perfect person to walk on earth was Jesus Christ.

Christianity says that you are saved by grace. That grace is a free gift from God. Jesus paid the price for your freedom. Because of Him, you can have eternal life.

There will always be debates among various Christian denominations regarding certain aspects of the Christian faith. Some believe in the secret rapture. Others believe Jesus will return for his people only one time. Some believe they are saved by works. Others believe they are saved by faith. Some believe Christians will be on earth when the Anti-Christ is here. Others believe Christians will escape it.

Christianity is a religion that says people do not have to be perfect to be a Christian. Christianity recognizes that humanity is fallen, has original sin and that the only hope of redemption is in Jesus Christ, the son of God. That redemption assures the Christian of life eternal.

All of the religious debates about the details of certain aspects of Christianity should never be used to divide Christians. By claiming the roots of Christianity and holding tight to them, none of the other things matter.

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