The tenets of TRUE Christianity
I wanted to take a few moments to give you a brief summary of the characteristics that differentiate between "true" Christianity, as opposed to "nominal" Christianity. I have put the Bible verses that support these truths in bold print. True Christianity is not a religion; it is a relationship. It is not about what we can do; it is about what HE has done.
The first basic tenet of true Christianity is that God Almighty loves mankind:
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
John 3:16
The love of God is directed to all mankind regardless of race or religion. This means, Friend, that God loves you!
The second basic tenet of true Christianity is that mankind needs God's love. There is a manifold basis for this truth found in the Holy Scriptures:
a) All mankind (even the best of mankind) is sinful.
Behold, thou hast made my days as an handbreadth; and mine age is as nothing before thee: verily every man at his best state is altogether vanity. Selah.
Psalms 39:5
As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:
Romans 3:10
For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
Romans 3:23
Romans 3:23
b) The penalty for sin is everlasting punishment.
For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Romans 6:23
But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.
Revelation 21:8
c) Man has no means by which to save himself from the awful penalty of sin.
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
John 14:6
Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.
Galatians 2:16
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. Ephesians 2:8-9
Ephesians 2:8-9
Ephesians 2:8-9
Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
Titus 3:5
d) God paid the penalty for us in the Person of Jesus Christ.
But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
Romans 5:8
And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.
1 John 5:11-12
The third basic tenet of true Christianity is that anyone can receive God's love through Jesus Christ.
But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
John 1:12
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.
Romans 10:9
Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.
Revelation 3:20
All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.
John 6:37
The fourth basic tenet of true Christianity is that those who have received God's love by trusting Christ will live forever with Him.
These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.
1 John 5:13
The fifth basic tenet of true Christianity is that those who have received God's love will live new lives from now on.
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
Matthew 5:16
What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?
Romans 6:1-2
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
Ephesians 2:10
My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:
1 John 2:1
It is my hope and prayer, dear Friend, that you will believe the Scriptures and trust and receive the Lord Jesus Christ as your own personal Savior.
