Basics of the Christian FaithSample

The most important truths

“Now, brothers and sisters, I want you to remember the Good News I told you…I told you the most important truths” (1 Corinthians 15:1-3, ERV).

If you are new to the Christian faith, there is much to learn. There are so many stories, keywords and truths, that one quickly loses the overview. It is not easy to discern what is of key importance and what is not, what you should absolutely know and which details can wait.

You are not the first one struggling with these questions. Early on in the history of the church, people established a ‘creed’, which was a short list of theological statements they considered undoubtedly true and essential. They did not always agree on everything, but this list of important truths united them — and distinguished them from other religions.

Throughout the centuries, this summary has proven useful to believers. It is used by many churches during their church services. For example, when people are baptized, some churches ask them to confess their faith in these fundamental doctrines.

Let’s study this creed over the next twelve days, one bit at a time, to get a clearer understanding of the basic beliefs of the Christian faith.

Today, just read the text:

I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary.
who suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried, descended into hell.
The third day He rose again from the dead.
He ascended to heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty.
From there He will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic church, the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.