Christianity is the world’s largest religion and centers on the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Christians believe that God acted through Jesus to reconcile humanity to Himself and offer the gift of eternal life. While there are many Christian traditions (such as Catholic, Orthodox, and Protestant), the following summarizes beliefs that are broadly shared across most of Christianity.

1. One God in Three Persons (The Trinity)

Christians believe there is one God who exists eternally as:

• The Father
• The Son (Jesus Christ)
• The Holy Spirit

These are three distinct Persons who share one divine nature.

2. Jesus Christ

Christians believe:

• Jesus is the Son of God and fully divine.
• He also became fully human.
• He was born of the Virgin Mary.
• He lived a sinless life.
• He taught about God’s kingdom and performed miracles.
• He died on the cross for the forgiveness of sins.
• He rose bodily from the dead.
• He ascended into heaven.
• He will return to judge the living and the dead.

Jesus is the central figure of the Christian faith.

3. Salvation

Christians believe that salvation is God’s gift, made possible through Jesus Christ.

Most Christians believe that:

• People are reconciled to God through God’s grace.
• Faith in Jesus Christ is essential to salvation.
• A transformed life of love and obedience flows from genuine faith.

Different Christian traditions vary in how they describe the relationship between faith, grace, good works, and the sacraments, but all affirm that salvation ultimately comes from God.

4. The Bible

Christians believe the Bible is inspired by God and is the primary source of teaching about faith and moral living.

It consists of:

• The Old Testament.
• The New Testament, which records the life of Jesus and the teachings of the early Church.

5. The Church

Christians believe the Church is the community of believers united in Christ.

The Church exists to:

• Worship God.
• Teach the faith.
• Celebrate baptism and communion (also called the Lord’s Supper or Eucharist).
• Serve others.
• Share the message of Jesus.

Different denominations have different forms of church leadership and worship.

6. Baptism and Communion

Nearly all Christians practice:

• Baptism, which marks entry into the Christian faith.
• Communion (also called the Lord’s Supper or Eucharist), which commemorates Jesus’ last meal with His disciples.

Christian traditions differ on the meaning and manner of these practices, but they are widely regarded as central acts of worship.

7. Prayer

Christians believe they can pray directly to God.

Prayer includes:

• Praise.
• Thanksgiving.
• Confession.
• Requests for guidance and help.
• Praying for others.

Jesus’ model prayer, the Lord’s Prayer, is central to many Christian traditions.

8. Sin and Forgiveness

Christians believe:

• All people sin and fall short of God’s perfect standard.
• Sin separates people from God.
• Jesus’ death and resurrection provide the means for forgiveness and reconciliation.
• God forgives those who sincerely repent and turn to Him.

9. Love and Moral Living

Jesus taught that the greatest commandments are:

• Love God with all your heart.
• Love your neighbor as yourself.

Christians are called to practice:

• Compassion.
• Forgiveness.
• Humility.
• Justice.
• Honesty.
• Generosity.
• Care for the poor and vulnerable.

10. Eternal Life

Christians believe:

• People will be resurrected.
• God will judge humanity.
• Those who are reconciled to God will enjoy eternal life with Him.
• Those who reject God face separation from Him.

Different Christian traditions understand aspects of the afterlife differently, but belief in resurrection and final judgment is widely shared.

11. The Holy Spirit

Christians believe the Holy Spirit:

• Dwells with and empowers believers.
• Guides them in truth.
• Helps them grow in faith and character.
• Gives spiritual gifts for serving God and others.

12. Hope and the Kingdom of God

Christians believe that God is bringing about the renewal of creation.

They look forward to:

• The return of Jesus Christ.
• The resurrection of the dead.
• The establishment of God’s eternal kingdom, where justice, peace, and the fullness of God’s presence will be realized.

In one sentence

Christianity teaches that the one true God revealed Himself through Jesus Christ, whose life, death, and resurrection provide the way for humanity to be reconciled to God, receive forgiveness and eternal life by God’s grace through faith, and live in love, hope, and obedience while awaiting the fulfillment of God’s kingdom.

Although Christian denominations differ on some doctrines and practices, these points reflect the core beliefs shared by the vast majority of Christians.