Introduction
Religion refers to the symbolic rituals and elements which enable people to connect with the sacred or divine for example Christianity. Prayer on the other hand is termed as a very important intervention between a believer and the divine God as people use behavioral and cognitive strategies as stated by their religious beliefs in accordance to the innate meaning of life (Kessler, 2006). Believers therefore use prayer so as to avert or overcome challenging scenarios or situations in life. The concept of spirituality and religion comprises of different dimensions that include; behavioral, cognitive and affective as prayer is regarded as an expression of a believer’s behaviors. When it comes to religion, the central controversial issue emanates from the fact that the moralistic part of Christianity advocates the fact that the supreme God wants all of us to be nice and good and its only then after fulfilling the demands that we will be welcomed to heaven (Kessler, 2006).
Christianity has over the years been split into various denominations for instance; Lutherans, Episcopalians, Charismatics, Pentecostals, Methodists, Presbyterians, Catholics, the Baptists and many other. It is imperative to point out that many individuals across the world were brought up in a certain type of religious belief (Christian Bible Reference Site, n.d.). Therefore, religion is a set of common beliefs concerning the purpose, nature and cause of the universe especially when it comes to issues revolving around the creation of agencies or a superhuman agency. Religion revolves around the ritual and devotional observances which contain moral code of conduct governing how human beings should conduct themselves. Religion has been taught in many societies for many generations and subsequently passed on. However, most religion has common beliefs and practices that uniquely distinguishes and identifies them as coming from a particular religion. The three main and largest practicing religions across the entire world include; Hinduism, Islam and Christianity (Christian Bible Reference Site, n.d.).
Delegate your assignment to our experts and they will do the rest.
Basic beliefs anyone or everyone must have in order to be a true Christian?
Firstly, Christians believe that the whole universe was created by only one supreme God whom they all call Father the way his son; Jesus Christ taught them. All Christians also believe in Jesus Christ as the only son of God who was sent from heaven to come and liberate mankind from sin (Bradley, n.d.) . Additionally, Christians believe in faith and the justification by faith as a foundation or pillar in believing the fact that through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ who was the son of God, all sins were washed away from the universe and that mankind was forgiven by God in a renewed relationship with the creator. Christians also believe in the holy Trinity which refers to God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. For instance, all Christians believe that God is three persons in one; in the form of Jesus Christ and through the Holy Spirit which guides all actions of Christians across the globe (Bradley, n.d.) .
Christians believe in life after death; that is life does not end when one dies. Additionally, Christians also believe in the existence of the Holy Saints. The term “Saint” is used to refer to the Christian who used to live a holy life on earth and therefore Christians believe that miracles are associated with these individuals even after their death (Bradley, n.d.) . The term “Saint” is commonly used by the Orthodox and the Roman Catholic churches through the process known as canonization. Therefore, to be a true Christian, one must believe that the Saints role is to intercede with the creator on behalf of mankind. A true Christian also believes in prayer which is a means of communicating with God the creator. Christians also believe in the church as God’s body on earth. Additionally, true Christians believe in the baptism as one should be baptized as an infant or as an adult so as to signify their commitment to the teachings of Jesus Christ. Finally, a true Christian believes in the Eucharist which is a greek word that refers to thanksgiving (Bradley, n.d.) . It is a celebration done by all Christians so as to remember the last meal Jesus Christ took before his death. It is commonly referred to as the “Last Supper.”
How much do you need to know in order to believe?
In order for one to believe, they need to know that there is only one supreme God who is the creator. That Christians believe that God is a Trinity; God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit (BBC, 2009). One should know that God is perfect and that God is omnipotent. It should also be common knowledge that God is everywhere and all knowing which also implies that God knows everything. One should also know that God created the universe in which we live in and that God loves us all unconditionally despite the fact that other people have constantly failed to comply with the demands and wishes of God. One should also know that all humans can reach out to God and get to know him better through worship, prayer, love and mystical experiences and that all humans have the ability of knowing God through his grace which involves his power and love (BBC, 2009).
For one to believe, they should know that God lived on earth as Jesus Christ and that Jesus was both a wholly human and a wholly God. Additionally, Jesus was born of a virgin human woman known as Mary but was conceived of the Holy Spirit (BBC, 2009). Since Jesus was a Holy Human being, he was subjected to sorrow, suffering and pain just like any other human being. It is also important for one to know that Jesus Christ was executed through crucifixion but later on resurrected on the third day and that the life of Jesus on earth is a perfect example for all Christians of how the supreme creator God wants us to live on earth. Finally, for one to believe, they should know that Jesus Christ promised to all humans that he would send a helper known as the spirit to guide us in all our endeavors and that the holy spirit continues to guide, encourage and comfort all of us even to date (BBC, 2009).
Who is responsible for salvation?
Being saved or salvation refers to the means of redemption of all human beings from their sins. For instance, God’s salvation is the only remedy for humans to get access to eternal life (Bible.org, n.d.). According to the bible, all human beings that ever lived on earth whether; non-Christians or Christians will have the chance to face the final judgment which will determine the destiny of their souls whether they end up in hell or heaven (Bible.org, n.d.). Human beings are strictly responsible for actions on earth as they must be made acceptable to God. It is imperative to point out that in the natural state, all human beings are sinners and that human salvation only comes through the grace of God and that there is nothing humans can do to guarantee salvation (Bible.org, n.d.).
Despite the death of Jesus on the cross, the salvation of mankind is still not guaranteed since it is a mystery no one has been able to understand. There is no chapter or verse in the bible that explains about the conditions for salvation. However the main requirements for salvation is; to love God and no idols, loving one’s neighbor as we love ourselves, having faith in Jesus Christ and God, the heart is more important more than the existing laws and rules in life, that we should live a moral and righteous life, always repent and ask for forgiveness for our shortcomings and try our best to do God’s work on earth (Bible.org, n.d.) .
Is it biblically proper to use the term Saved from a "who (personal) or a what (impersonal)'?
No. In fact, the word “Saved” is the most misunderstood word in Christianity. According to Acts 16:31, Ephesians 2:5-9, Corinthians 15:2 and Romans 10:9-10, the word “saved” does not refer to the process of getting forgiveness of sins from God so that one could escape going to hell, go to heaven or earn eternal life (Myers, n.d). It is therefore not biblically correct to use the term Saved from personal or impersonal point of view (Myers, n.d).
References
Kessler, Gary E. (2006). Studying religion: an introduction through cases. Boston: McGraw-Hill.
Myers, J., (n.d.). Saved: The Most Misunderstood Word in the Bible. Retrieved from https://redeeminggod.com/saved-most-misunderstood-word-bible/
Christian Bible Reference Site., (n.d.). What Does the Bible Say About Salvation?. Retrieved from https://www.christianbiblereference.org/faq_salvation.htm
BBC., (14 th August 2009). The basics of Christian beliefs. Retrieved from http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/christianity/beliefs/basics_1.shtml
Bradley, M., (n.d.). The Basic Tenets of Christian Faith. Retrieved from https://www.bible-knowledge.com/basic-tenants-of-christian-faith/
Bible.org., (n.d.). Divine Sovereignty vs. Human Responsibility. Retrieved from https://bible.org/article/divine-sovereignty-vs-human-responsibility
