Pax Tibi Christology Central! Have you ever wondered what unites Christians across the globe despite there being over 45,000 different denominations? Whether Catholic, Protestant, or Orthodox, Christians share core beliefs that transcend denominational boundaries. These beliefs shape how we view God, salvation, and our place in the world.

At Christology Central, we believe in making theology accessible to young people and offering a space where believers can engage in meaningful conversations about faith. We are a youth-led organization committed to fostering ecumenism (unity among Christian denominations) and promoting theological literacy. Our mission is to provide a platform for believers to deepen their understanding of Christian doctrines while also living their faith in community.

Today, we’re excited to introduce 7 foundational beliefs shared by all Christians. As you read, reflect on how these beliefs resonate with your own understanding of faith, and consider how they shape your life as a follower of Christ.

The 7 Core Beliefs of Christianity

Jesus is the Son of God and Fully God

All Christians believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and fully divine. He wasn’t just a moral teacher or a prophet—He is God in the flesh, sent to reveal God's nature to humanity. This belief is central to Christianity because it means that through Jesus, we experience God’s grace and truth firsthand. In John 1:1, we read, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." Jesus, as the Word, is eternal and shares the divine nature of God. This belief may be expressed differently across denominations, but all Christians affirm Jesus' divinity.

Reflection: How does knowing Jesus is both fully God and fully human impact your understanding of His role in your life?

Baptism Baptism is a sacrament that initiates a person into the Christian faith. While there are differences in how denominations practice baptism (e.g., infant baptism in the Catholic and Orthodox Churches vs. believer’s baptism in many Protestant traditions), all Christians agree on its importance.  Baptism symbolizes the washing away of sins and signifies the believer’s new life in Christ. Matthew 28:19 gives the command to baptize: "Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." Reflection: Have you been baptized? How does your baptism shape your identity as a follower of Christ?   The Bible is Divine Inspiration Christians believe that the Bible is the inspired Word of God. Whether reading from the Catholic Bible, which includes the Deuterocanonical books, or the Protestant Bible, Christians view scripture as authoritative for faith and practice. In 2 Timothy 3:16, it says, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness." The Bible guides believers in understanding God's will and growing in faith. Reflection: How has the Bible influenced your faith journey? Do you turn to it for guidance in your daily life?

 We are Saved by Jesus’ Perfect Sacrifice

Salvation is central to the Christian message. Christians believe that Jesus’ death on the cross was the perfect sacrifice for the sins of the world. His death reconciles humanity with God, offering eternal life to all who believe in Him. Though denominations may differ on the specifics of how salvation is applied—some emphasize faith alone while others include works—all agree that salvation is made possible only through Jesus’ sacrifice. John 3:16 reminds us, "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life."

Reflection: How does the knowledge of Jesus’ sacrifice affect the way you live and relate to others?

 Jesus Will Come Back

The belief in the Second Coming of Christ is a hope shared by all Christians. Christians believe that Jesus will return at the end of time to judge the living and the dead and to establish His kingdom fully. Though there are different views on the specifics of eschatology (the study of end times), the belief that Jesus will come again is foundational. Matthew 24:30 says, "They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory."

Reflection: Does the belief in Jesus’ return bring comfort to you? How does it influence the way you live your life now?

Despite the 45,000 Christian denominations worldwide, these seven core beliefs unite Christians. From the divinity of Jesus to the hope of His return, these doctrines form the foundation of what it means to follow Christ. As you reflect on these beliefs, consider how they influence your own faith journey. Which of these doctrines resonates most with you? How have they shaped your understanding of God and your relationship with others?

At Christology Central, we are committed to helping you explore these beliefs more deeply. Together, we can continue to grow in theological understanding and live out our faith in community.

Join us on this journey! Follow Christology Central for more blogs, discussions, and resources as we dive deeper into the Christian faith. Whether you're new to theology or looking to deepen your understanding, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Let’s continue exploring, learning, and growing in faith—together.