Christian Basics: Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. The Bible presents itself as the Word of God, not merely a human collection of religious thoughts. “All scripture is given by inspiration of God” [2 Timothy 3:16], and “thy word is truth” [John 17:17]. Christians trust the Bible because God speaks truth, and because the Lord Jesus Himself treated Scripture as fully reliable.

The Bible reveals one living and true God, holy, wise, eternal, just, good, and sovereign. He is not an impersonal force, nor a vague spiritual idea. He is the Creator, Sustainer, and Judge of all. Scripture also reveals that the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost are one God.

Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God who became truly man. He is not merely a prophet, teacher, or example. He is the Lord, the promised Messiah, and the only mediator between God and men. He is fully God and fully man, yet one person.

Because sin is serious, God is holy, and forgiveness requires a true sacrifice. Christ died in the place of sinners. On the cross He bore sin, turned away wrath, paid the ransom price, and reconciled believers to God. His death was not merely an example of love, but a saving act.

Yes. The Bible teaches that Jesus truly died, was buried, and physically rose from the dead. His resurrection was witnessed by many and is central to the Christian faith. A dead teacher cannot save, but a living Saviour can.

Sin is not merely making mistakes or failing to live up to our own standards. Sin must be understood in relation to God. It is falling short of His glory, breaking His law, refusing His rule, and failing to trust Him as we ought.

People are made in God’s image and therefore have real dignity and value. But because of the fall, all people are now sinners by nature and by choice. The Bible says, “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” [Romans 3:23]. So we are not neutral before God, and we cannot save ourselves.

Not by trying to make yourself good enough, and not by religious effort alone. The Bible calls you to repent of your sin and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. Salvation is by grace through faith in Christ alone.

Repentance means turning from sin to God, with sorrow for sin and a real desire for new obedience. Saving faith means receiving and resting upon Christ alone for salvation as He is offered in the gospel. It is more than knowing facts. It is personal trust in the Lord Jesus.

Yes. Christ came into the world to save sinners. The gospel is for guilty people, ruined people, ashamed people, and helpless people. No one is beyond the reach of Christ if they come to Him. “Him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out” [John 6:37].

Justification means that God pardons the believer’s sins and accepts him as righteous in His sight because of Christ alone. Christ’s righteousness is counted to the believer, and this gift is received by faith alone. It is one of the sweetest truths in the gospel, because it means our standing with God rests on Christ, not on ourselves.

Yes, though believers may struggle at times with doubt, fear, or spiritual darkness. Assurance rests not in our feelings, but in Christ, His promises, and the evidence of His work in our lives. The Bible says believers may know that they have eternal life.

The Bible does not give a shallow answer to suffering. It shows that we live in a fallen world under the effects of sin, and yet it also teaches that God is sovereign, wise, and good. He is never confused, never defeated, and never absent. Suffering is real, but it is not outside His rule.

Yes. Christ saves a people, not isolated individuals living alone forever. The local church is where believers worship, hear the Word preached, receive pastoral care, share fellowship, and grow together in grace. The Christian life is not meant to be lived in isolation.

Baptism is an outward sign of an inward change. It symbolises union with Christ, washing from sin, and belonging openly to Him. In the New Testament, baptism follows faith in Christ.

The Lord’s Supper is a Christ-given ordinance in which believers remember His death, show it forth, and enjoy communion with Him and with one another. It is not empty ritual. It is a sign and pledge of Christ’s love and saving work.

The Bible teaches that believers who die go to be with Christ and await the resurrection of the body. Those outside Christ remain under judgement. Christ will return, the dead will be raised, and all will stand before Him.

Yes. Heaven is life with Christ in joy, holiness, and everlasting blessedness. Hell is everlasting punishment, deprived of God’s favour, with no opportunity to change. The Bible speaks plainly because eternity is real and Christ calls us to be ready.

Read the Bible honestly. Ask God for light. Turn from sin. Come to Christ. Do not wait until you feel better or become good enough. The call of the gospel is to come now. Seek out a faithful Bible-teaching church and keep listening to the Word of God.