Essential doctrines of the Christian Faith?

[Basil the Great]

Jesus said that we are to love God and love our neighbor. I believe that this will determine our eternal security far more than our adherence to any creed or particular theology.

 

[Bible Highlighter]

In your opinions, what are essential doctrines one must believe and hold onto to be considered a Christian and thus be eternally secure and saved?

Is it, believing in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ? If one denies the resurrection or death of Christ can one be saved?

Is it, believing that faith alone in Christ alone by the grace of God is enough to save? Like for an example, having faith in Christ and trusting that he alone can save them and that the cross is sufficient enough to save.

Is it, believing in the doctrines that set Christians apart? This question is partially to do with my previous question but it goes deeper. Like, believing that Christians are eternally secure, believing the truth that God died for his sheep and that he has preset the lives of people around the globe.

Is it, accepting the Nicene or Apostles creed?

Is it, being baptized, partaking of the Eucharist, or any other ritual based salvation system?

Is it our works, or based anything on what we do rather than what Christ has done for us?

Just, what is required for salvation in your opinions? I think I know the answer to my own questions, I just wanted to check the opinions of other Christians. I obviously left some details out but these are the main questions floating around the church today.

Here is my list:

What are the BIG things in the Bible we must accept as Christians? (Please no debating or criticism)

 

[renniks]

T

Is it, believing in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ? If one denies the resurrection or death of Christ can one be saved?

Is it, believing that faith alone in Christ alone by the grace of God is enough to save? Like for an example, having faith in Christ and trusting that he alone can save them and that the cross is sufficient enough to save.

These two.

 

[fhansen]

Jesus said that we are to love God and love our neighbor. I believe that this will determine our eternal security far more than our adherence to any creed or particular theology.

I think that sums it up best perhaps. For its part the Catholic Church actually teaches, quoting a 16th century believer,
"At the evening of life we shall be judged on our love."

That's what faith is meant to lead to.

 

[Saint JOHN]

We Believe in the infallibility of the word of God.
We Believe Jesus Christ is the Son of God.
We Believe the Gospel of his death, reserrection, and directive to REPENT, be BAPTIZED and receive the HOLYT SPIRIT.

We Believe we are baptized into the body of Christ (the Church) through the Holy Spirit with the Bible evidence of SPEAKING in TONGUES.

We Believe in the miraculous gifts of the Holy Spirit in the church.
We Believe in prayer for the sick and healing by the power of God.
We Believe the return of Jesus Christ.

 

[Mark Quayle]

In your opinions, what are essential doctrines one must believe and hold onto to be considered a Christian and thus be eternally secure and saved?

Is it, believing in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ? If one denies the resurrection or death of Christ can one be saved?

Is it, believing that faith alone in Christ alone by the grace of God is enough to save? Like for an example, having faith in Christ and trusting that he alone can save them and that the cross is sufficient enough to save.

Is it, believing in the doctrines that set Christians apart? This question is partially to do with my previous question but it goes deeper. Like, believing that Christians are eternally secure, believing the truth that God died for his sheep and that he has preset the lives of people around the globe.

Is it, accepting the Nicene or Apostles creed?

Is it, being baptized, partaking of the Eucharist, or any other ritual based salvation system?

Is it our works, or based anything on what we do rather than what Christ has done for us?

Just, what is required for salvation in your opinions? I think I know the answer to my own questions, I just wanted to check the opinions of other Christians. I obviously left some details out but these are the main questions floating around the church today.

I don't expect you are ignorant of the fact that getting essential doctrines right doesn't save you, nor does it give you eternal security. Nor does holding onto them, nor does being considered a Christian do the job. I say this for the sake of those who will light into you for supposing such a thing. I doubt you meant to come across that way.

But then, just today for example, I was told one thing is required: faith. By this the poster meant faith apart from the work of the Holy Spirit. I didn't argue whether faith was required, but the source of the faith. Truth is, God doesn't require faith of us, as a work, in order for him to be able to save. We cannot produce such faith. It is the gift of God by the Spirit of God who has given us new life. But is faith necessary? Certainly so.

Carry on. Sorry for the interruption.

 

[Cis.jd]

Is it, accepting the Nicene or Apostles creed?

For me, it's this. In terms of being accurately defined as a Christian by religion, they have to believe this.

 

[Mark Quayle]

There are many Calvinists or Reformed Christians who claim that one has to accept their theologies (I'm not one of them.)

Strange. I've never heard of even one of them, who claim you have to accept their theology to be saved.

 

[coffee4u]

In your opinions, what are essential doctrines one must believe and hold onto to be considered a Christian and thus be eternally secure and saved?

Is it, believing in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ? If one denies the resurrection or death of Christ can one be saved?

Is it, believing that faith alone in Christ alone by the grace of God is enough to save? Like for an example, having faith in Christ and trusting that he alone can save them and that the cross is sufficient enough to save.

Is it, believing in the doctrines that set Christians apart? This question is partially to do with my previous question but it goes deeper. Like, believing that Christians are eternally secure, believing the truth that God died for his sheep and that he has preset the lives of people around the globe.

Is it, accepting the Nicene or Apostles creed?

Is it, being baptized, partaking of the Eucharist, or any other ritual based salvation system?

Is it our works, or based anything on what we do rather than what Christ has done for us?

Just, what is required for salvation in your opinions? I think I know the answer to my own questions, I just wanted to check the opinions of other Christians. I obviously left some details out but these are the main questions floating around the church today.

Romans 10:9
If you declare with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

 

[EpicScore]

I hit agree and then did a double take it says, not sure what you mean by that but it also says

Col 2:8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.

My bad, I suppose I didn't make my point very clear in the previous post.

Basically I agree that Christians have the responsibility to equip themselves in the word to defend themselves against bad theology; but at the same time, we need to acknowledge that as we live in the world, we may often unknowingly pick up certain cultural worldviews that isn't quite compatible with the Bible and don't even realize how the implications of those worldviews actually undermine the Biblical faith when taken into their most logical conclusion.

My point was that there are stages in our growing in understanding and trust towards Jesus. It's unrealistic to expect every believer to immediately have all their doctrines right, and we shouldn't immediately condemn them as "unsaved" for holding onto those beliefs, especially if it is due to a genuine lack of knowledge, but rather correct them as Paul did for the Corinthians.

 

[2BeholdHisGlory]

My bad, I suppose I didn't make my point very clear in the previous post.

Basically I agree that Christians have the responsibility to equip themselves in the word to defend themselves against bad theology; but at the same time, we need to acknowledge that as we live in the world, we may often unknowingly pick up certain cultural worldviews that isn't quite compatible with the Bible and don't even realize how the implications of those worldviews actually undermine the Biblical faith when taken into their most logical conclusion.

My point was that there are stages in our growing in understanding and trust towards Jesus, and that it's unrealistic to expect every believer to immediately have all their doctrines right, but also that we shouldn't immediately condemn them as "unsaved" for holding onto those beliefs, especially if it is due to a genuine lack of knowledge. Of course, we do have the responsibility to correct them when we encounter them, as Paul did for the Corinthians.

I agree there are things I dont yet understand either but I dont care, I love growing in my faith and the knowledge of him and all understanding, its pretty much a day to day thing with me, and I wouldnt have it any other way. It never gets boring except when it doesnt center around it (for me anyway) but I love other brothers and sister that use the scriptures, that share what they see (how they are seeing something) or how they are connecting those dots, and just because they are reaching and I just think that is so great. And regardless of whether I feel they are spot on or off a little or much (it really doesnt matter) their use of the word will still sharpen you in other ways, they dont always have to be right for them to benefit you in respects to your own discerning a thing for yourself or the benefit of another. Where they are coming from or going, and then figuring out a way (from the scripture) how to better reason with something (and I am bad at that) but it is fun to look things and try to figure out how to tweek something (being honest with it) to bring it home. But whether another adds to my learning or I can add to another I love both. I just love how the body has both stronger and weaker in it and how they can work together to increase the other in those things. I know for myself that I might be stronger in my understanding on certain things (just like each of us is) but I am absolutely pathetically worthless on others, like escatology for example, I cant even go there (and my mind starts reeling reading anything there especially). I couldnt even pretend to know anything about it (so I do try to stay far away from that conversation).

I sure hope that will change after I can get a grip on it one of these days. I just get a crumb or two here and again, so I will be thankful for those and look forward to better days in those things

God bless you

 

[disciple Clint]

In your opinions, what are essential doctrines one must believe and hold onto to be considered a Christian and thus be eternally secure and saved?

Is it, believing in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ? If one denies the resurrection or death of Christ can one be saved?

Is it, believing that faith alone in Christ alone by the grace of God is enough to save? Like for an example, having faith in Christ and trusting that he alone can save them and that the cross is sufficient enough to save.

Is it, believing in the doctrines that set Christians apart? This question is partially to do with my previous question but it goes deeper. Like, believing that Christians are eternally secure, believing the truth that God died for his sheep and that he has preset the lives of people around the globe.

Is it, accepting the Nicene or Apostles creed?

Is it, being baptized, partaking of the Eucharist, or any other ritual based salvation system?

Is it our works, or based anything on what we do rather than what Christ has done for us?

Just, what is required for salvation in your opinions? I think I know the answer to my own questions, I just wanted to check the opinions of other Christians. I obviously left some details out but these are the main questions floating around the church today.

ACTS 16:30-31 30 And he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” 31 So they said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.”

 

[Gregory Thompson]

In your opinions, what are essential doctrines one must believe and hold onto to be considered a Christian and thus be eternally secure and saved?

Is it, believing in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ? If one denies the resurrection or death of Christ can one be saved?

Is it, believing that faith alone in Christ alone by the grace of God is enough to save? Like for an example, having faith in Christ and trusting that he alone can save them and that the cross is sufficient enough to save.

Is it, believing in the doctrines that set Christians apart? This question is partially to do with my previous question but it goes deeper. Like, believing that Christians are eternally secure, believing the truth that God died for his sheep and that he has preset the lives of people around the globe.

Is it, accepting the Nicene or Apostles creed?

Is it, being baptized, partaking of the Eucharist, or any other ritual based salvation system?

Is it our works, or based anything on what we do rather than what Christ has done for us?

Just, what is required for salvation in your opinions? I think I know the answer to my own questions, I just wanted to check the opinions of other Christians. I obviously left some details out but these are the main questions floating around the church today.

The creeds illustrate the experience that unfolds as we experience Christianity and the Trinity God in our every day lives.

Since we begin from a perspective that the old life isn't over yet and we are in the same body, it takes years to become aware of the changes that actually took effect.

The creeds also have another purpose so we can weed out "other transformations" that are not being born again by the Holy Spirit.

Because of the nature of our transformation, it is simple to be fooled or operate with two transformations at the same time but not realize it.

One would be surprised how important the doctrine of Trinity really is in application, for example.

==Edit: ==

So say someone says "the resurrection has no value" you know because uncle bob died and no one can resurrect people today anyway. However, the spiritual transformation that is the basis of Christianity, being born again by the Holy Spirit, has it's basis in the resurrection power of God.

So it's not so much, you don't agree to this written thing and you are not saved, but more so, if Jesus is not resurrected, then no one can be saved.

The basis of salvation is God saving you. The idea that you agreeing intellectually with the carnal brain to one idea or another being the basis of salvation is somewhat Gnostic in nature.

The creeds in general exist as guideposts for those who actually are born again by the Holy Spirit. Questions like the OP are common today since the evolution of doctrine has lead to people being told they're saved but not sure if that's actually the case.

=== Further Edit: ===

Another example is the last half of James Chapter 3. It illustrates what heavenly demonic wisdom based on how people act in conversation. This is another example of how Godly teaching is fruit based, you look at the fruit so you can self examine and correct your path before you destroy yourself.

This element of doctrine where the way we conduct ourselves towards others illustrates whether our doctrine is of God or is evil has been rejected today in some contexts. The doctrine needs to be technically correct, but the teacher has no responsibility to actually embody the teachings. In some contexts the statements of faith, bible, and creeds become a litigation tool saying this is written therefore I am saved - However, the way things are communicated implies demonic wisdom according to James Chapter 3. Treating others as you would like to be treated is a core teaching, and if salvation ideologies are used as an excuse to emphasize this out of the teachings and common application - then this results in unspeakable evil in which the name of God is blasphemed because of you.

So in the end of it, I think about whether God is glorified or not. Also I think if as a body most are acting evil towards unbelievers and calling this Godliness, what kind of God would encourage such actions?

So it comes down to those who are born again by the Holy Spirit and experience the creeds, and those who try to use the creeds as proof of salvation. In the end will God be glorified? Will we continue to love our neighbours as we would also be loved?

 

[chilehed]

In your opinions, what are essential doctrines one must believe and hold onto to be considered a Christian and thus be eternally secure and saved?

There are no such doctrines.

 

[pescador]

We Believe in the infallibility of the word of God.
We Believe Jesus Christ is the Son of God.
We Believe the Gospel of his death, reserrection, and directive to REPENT, be BAPTIZED and receive the HOLYT SPIRIT.

We Believe we are baptized into the body of Christ (the Church) through the Holy Spirit with the Bible evidence of SPEAKING in TONGUES.

We Believe in the miraculous gifts of the Holy Spirit in the church.
We Believe in prayer for the sick and healing by the power of God.
We Believe the return of Jesus Christ.

Who is "we"? The Pentecostal Church? There are many others who believe the same thing.

 

[zoidar]

In your opinions, what are essential doctrines one must believe and hold onto to be considered a Christian and thus be eternally secure and saved?

Is it, believing in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ? If one denies the resurrection or death of Christ can one be saved?

Is it, believing that faith alone in Christ alone by the grace of God is enough to save? Like for an example, having faith in Christ and trusting that he alone can save them and that the cross is sufficient enough to save.

Is it, believing in the doctrines that set Christians apart? This question is partially to do with my previous question but it goes deeper. Like, believing that Christians are eternally secure, believing the truth that God died for his sheep and that he has preset the lives of people around the globe.

Is it, accepting the Nicene or Apostles creed?

Is it, being baptized, partaking of the Eucharist, or any other ritual based salvation system?

Is it our works, or based anything on what we do rather than what Christ has done for us?

Just, what is required for salvation in your opinions? I think I know the answer to my own questions, I just wanted to check the opinions of other Christians. I obviously left some details out but these are the main questions floating around the church today.

To be honest, no doctrine saves. We need to be born again no matter what doctrine we hold. Exactly what we need to know to be born again is hard to say, but we need to believe Jesus died for our sins and rose again for our salvation. I think that is all.

 

[Basketball]

T

These two.

I agree. When you believe that Jesus died for our sins, was buried and rose again, you believe and have faith in Jesus and that Jesus will save you.

Believe on Jesus Christ. Have faith and trust in Lord Jesus to save you. You should also believe that Jesus died for our sins, was buried and rose again the third day.

 

[renniks]

To be honest, no doctrine saves. We need to be born again no matter what doctrine we hold. Exactly what we need to know to be born again is hard to say, but we need to believe Jesus died for our sins and rose again for our salvation. I think that is all.

Well if we believe in a Jesus that never existed, then how can we be saved by him? I could believe that Jesus was just a man that lived, nobody special, just a wandering Rabbi. I could even believe that wandering Rabbi died for everyone for some reason. But that's not the Jesus of scripture. So I would be believing a lie.

 

[pescador]

My bad, I suppose I didn't make my point very clear in the previous post.

Basically I agree that Christians have the responsibility to equip themselves in the word to defend themselves against bad theology; but at the same time, we need to acknowledge that as we live in the world, we may often unknowingly pick up certain cultural worldviews that isn't quite compatible with the Bible and don't even realize how the implications of those worldviews actually undermine the Biblical faith when taken into their most logical conclusion.

My point was that there are stages in our growing in understanding and trust towards Jesus. It's unrealistic to expect every believer to immediately have all their doctrines right, and we shouldn't immediately condemn them as "unsaved" for holding onto those beliefs, especially if it is due to a genuine lack of knowledge, but rather correct them as Paul did for the Corinthians.

Great post!!

 

[chilehed]

My bad, I suppose I didn't make my point very clear in the previous post.

Basically I agree that Christians have the responsibility to equip themselves in the word to defend themselves against bad theology; but at the same time, we need to acknowledge that as we live in the world, we may often unknowingly pick up certain cultural worldviews that isn't quite compatible with the Bible and don't even realize how the implications of those worldviews actually undermine the Biblical faith when taken into their most logical conclusion.

My point was that there are stages in our growing in understanding and trust towards Jesus. It's unrealistic to expect every believer to immediately have all their doctrines right, and we shouldn't immediately condemn them as "unsaved" for holding onto those beliefs, especially if it is due to a genuine lack of knowledge, but rather correct them as Paul did for the Corinthians.

This is a decent summary of the teaching of the Catholic Church.