Christianity: A Relationship-Centered Faith

Christianity is the world's largest religion, centered on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ—God's Son who became human, died for humanity's sins, and desires a personal relationship with each person. This faith describes the beliefs and practices of those who follow Jesus Christ.

The Heart of Christian Faith

Christianity is foremost a love relationship with God through Jesus, not merely adherence to rituals or rules. While God has established commands for all humanity to follow, our love—the most precious gift in any relationship—can subtly shift from being vibrant and passionate to a system of cold regulations, from reality to ritual, from joy to duty.

We need a clear understanding of God as our loving Father who accepts us as His children, created in His image and declared righteous through faith in Christ. Believing this and living accordingly results in daily experience and growth in practical Christianity. When we take our eyes off our identity in Christ, trying to earn acceptance God has already extended, we struggle. We don't follow Him to be loved; we are loved, so we follow Him. The key is believing what is already true about us and living the life He intended.

The challenge of Christianity is to live out what we believe with integrity. The resurrection of Jesus is a vital, non-negotiable truth of Christian faith, emphasized throughout Scripture (Act 2:24,32, 3:15,26, 4:10, 5:30…). Christianity points to an empty tomb—though Christ died, He was raised again by God's power and seen alive before ascending to heaven (Mk 16:19; Lk 24:1-7; Act 1:3, 13:31).

The challenge of Christianity is to live out what we believe with integrity

The resurrection demonstrates Christ's supernatural power and distinguishes Christianity from all other religions that can only show where their leaders are buried. Christianity begins in the human heart and should spread outward, bringing wholeness to each area of personality as sin's devastation is addressed and cleansed by Christ's blood—a radical transformation.

The world's manmade religions cannot deal with inner motives and attitudes, trying to make people into something they're not through good works to gain entrance to a better afterlife. Such activity is merely a veneer. In contrast, Christians' lives are based on faith in God's ability to change us—we live up to what, by God's grace, we are. While works should be a by-product, we don't serve God to gain His acceptance; we are accepted, so we serve God (Eph 2:8-10).

Growth in godly character results from responding to God's love, with love for others being a hallmark (Mk 12:31; Lk 6:31; Jn 13:34,35, 15:12,17). Jesus's life of compassion and justice is the primary model and inspiration for Christian lifestyle.

Living the Christian Life

While there are principles to live by, Christianity is not a self-improvement club instructing people what they should or should not do. Rather, it's a lifestyle typified by humble reliance on Him and cooperation in loving obedience. Our outer life naturally reflects Him as our inner life is brought under His control, with the indwelling Holy Spirit giving us the power to live it.

Relationship not rules distinguishes Christianity – do I exemplify this?

Instead of being content with your present experience in God, desire a closer relationship with Him to make your life count for His Kingdom, for "Those that know their God will be strong and do great things" (Dan 11:32).

However, early church leaders faced major challenges about lifestyle and customs intertwined in Gentile culture when non-Jewish believers joined the church. The apostles gave direction in key areas relevant to that time: do not eat food sacrificed to idols, animal blood or meat of strangled animals, and avoid sexual immorality (Act 15:20,29). While other actions would be inappropriate for believers, these were considered key issues of the day, with the directive being "Not to make it difficult or burden you with anything beyond these requirements" (Act 15:19,28).

Gentile believers were not required to conform to Jewish law (e.g., physical circumcision) to become Christians (Act 15:11). While dietary prohibitions no longer apply, moral restrictions do. The sexual realm continues to be a major challenge in today's permissive society. While salvation is by faith in Christ and not works (which speak of our efforts), there must be a leaving of the old life of sin in ongoing progressive walk into holiness (Jn 8:11; Eph 2:8,9).

There should be a remarkable transformation within

The ways of the world, termed the works of the flesh, are incompatible with God's standards (Gal 5:19-21). "Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires" and should instead be "conforming to the image of Christ" by outworking the fruit of the Spirit and living by godly principles (Rom 8:29; Gal 5:22-24).

By regularly reading and studying the Bible, we come to know God's view on life issues. As we interact with other believers, they can speak into areas of our personality we might be unaware of. Jesus told His disciples that the Holy Spirit "will teach you all things and remind you of everything I have taught you," and we can rely on the Spirit's guidance too, pointing out issues requiring attention so we conform to His standards (Jn 14:26, 16:13; Rom 12:2; 1 Pet 1:14).

Transformation must take place from the life we once walked in rebellion against God to now being new creations in Christ, redeemed by His blood (2 Cor 5:17; Col 3:5-7). The Christian says by God's grace they are His child and Christ's friend, a member of Christ's body and 'hidden with Him in God,' but also an enemy of the devil (Jn 1:12, 15:15; 1 Cor 12:27, 15:10; Col 3:3; 1 Pet 5:8).

Through the great exchange (His life for mine), I have been completely forgiven and made righteous. I must acknowledge I died with Christ and to sin's power over my life; being free of condemnation, I am now called to walk a new life (Rom 5:1, 6:1-6, 8:1). Since I died to sin, I no longer live for myself, but for Christ (2 Cor 5:14,15). Christ lives in me as I have been rescued from Satan's domain and transferred to Christ's kingdom, raised with Christ to be involved in eternal issues (Gal 2:20; Col 1:13, 3:1).

Christianity's Transformative Impact

Christianity, like no other religion, has been the driving force behind many socially beneficial changes—from abolition of slavery and the slave trade, to workers' rights, elevating women to equality, education, welfare, healthcare, and respecting the preciousness of all human life from conception to natural death.

God's values outworked

While atrocities have been done in Christ's name by those zealous to safeguard the faith, they are few compared to the enormous amount of good done spanning all strata of life.

Reflection and Application:

How can I ensure my relationship with God remains vibrant and personal rather than becoming ritualistic?
In what areas of my life am I relying on works rather than grace for my identity in Christ?
How does the truth of Christ's resurrection impact my daily life and witness?
What practical steps can I take to allow the Holy Spirit to transform my inner character?