Basis Bible Truths for Disciples
The core beliefs among Bible-based Christians can vary slightly depending on denomination and interpretation, but many agree on several foundational doctrines rooted in Scripture. Here are twelve essential beliefs that are widely held among Christians who base their faith on the Bible:
1. The Trinity
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
Matthew 28:19
The belief in one God eternally existing in three persons: Father, Son (Jesus Christ), and Holy Spirit, each of whom possesses all the attributes of deity and personality.
2. The Deity of Jesus Christ
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.
John 1:1,14
Jesus Christ is fully God and fully man. He lived a sinless life, performed miracles, died on the cross for sinners, and rose from the dead, affirming His deity.
3. The Virgin Birth
The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel (which means "God with us").
Matthew 1:23
Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. This miraculous event underscores both His divinity and humanity.
4. The Sinfulness of Humanity
For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.
Romans 3:23
Humanity was created in the image of God but fell into sin through the disobedience of Adam and Eve. This original sin has corrupted all humans, necessitating salvation.
5. Salvation by Grace Through Faith
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.
Ephesians 2:8-9
Salvation is a gift from God, not a result of human works or goodness. It is received by faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
6. The Authority of Scripture
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
2 Timothy 3:16-17
The Bible is the inspired, infallible Word of God and the final authority in all matters of faith and practice.
7. The Atonement
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Romans 5:8
Jesus’ sacrificial death on the cross paid the penalty for sin, reconciling believers to God. This atonement is sufficient for all humanity, though effective only for those who believe.
8. The Resurrection of Jesus Christ
For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.
1 Corinthians 15:1-3
Jesus physically rose from the dead, ascended into heaven, and will return in glory. His resurrection is essential for Christian faith, affirming His victory over sin and death.
9. The Holy Spirit
But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.
John 14:26
The Holy Spirit indwells believers, empowering them for ministry, guiding them in truth, and transforming them to be more like Christ.
10. The Church
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
Hebrews 10:24-25
The universal body of believers, known as the Church, is commissioned to worship God, observe the ordinances of baptism and the Lord’s Supper, and spread the gospel to the world.
11. The Second Coming of Christ
"Men of Galilee," they said, "why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven".
Acts 1:11
Jesus Christ will return visibly and personally to earth to fulfill God’s sovereign plan, judge the living and the dead, and establish His eternal kingdom.
12. Eternal Destiny
And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God".
Revelation 21:3-4
There is a future resurrection of the dead, leading to eternal life with God for believers in Jesus Christ and eternal separation from God for unbelievers.