What are the key doctrines of the Christian faith? The core teachings of the Bible have defined Christianity for 2000 years. Virtually all Christians who seek to have a faith that is biblical hold to some form of these basic doctrines. Christians may not always agree on how they work out the details of their faith, but they should agree on the essential doctrines, which are these core truths.

What Are the Essential Doctines? The essential doctrines of Christianity have to do with: who God is, who Jesus Christ is, God’s love for his people, and his desire to save them.

These are the 14 essential salvation doctrines that have to be true in order for anyone to know God and be saved:

1. GOD’s UNITY – there is only one God. He has always existed and will never cease to exist. There is one- and only one- God, creator of the universe. You actually need to believe that: there is only one God. “Hear O Israel: the Lord our God is one Lord (Deuteronomy 6:4). “I am the Lord your God….. You shall have no other gods before Me” (Exodus 20:2-3). “Before me no God was formed, nor will there be one after me. I, even I, and the Lord apart from me there is no savior” (Isaiah 43:10-11). What’s at stake here? – Knowing the only true God (John 17:3).

2. GOD’s TRI-UNITY – while there is only one God, he exists eternally in three persons. In the Bible- the Father is called God (2 Thessalonians 1:2), the Son is called God, (John 1:1-5; John 10:30-33; John 20:28; Hebrews 1:8; Philippians 2:9-11) the Holy Spirit is called God (acts 5:3-4; 2 Corinthians 3:17). God is one substance but three persons in relationship. There are more than 60 passages in the Bible that mentions the three persons together. You actually need to believe that God is one in essence, but three persons. What’s at stake here? Knowing the unity and relational nature of God.

3. HUMAN DEPRAVITY – since God is a personal being, he wants personal relationship with human beings. Human depravity means that every human is spiritually separated from God, totally incapable of saving himself. When Adam sinned, he died spiritually and his relationship with God was severed. Additionally, all of Adam’s descendants (we) are “dead in trespasses” (Ephesians 2:1). Without a new birth (being created anew) no one can enter life (John 3:3). You actually need to believe that we are sinful and cannot please God by our own good works alone. We can never be good enough.” What’s at stake here? When we try to deal with the problem of separation and death on our own terms, we will fail, resulting in eternal separation from God. As it is written: “There is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands, no one who seeks God. All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one.” (Romans 3:10-12)

4. CHRIST’S VIRGIN BIRTH – Jesus was born as a result of a miracle: Mary, Jesus’ mother, became pregnant without ever having sexual relations. The doctrine of Jesus’ Virgin Birth is not primarily about Mary’s virginity and miraculous conception. Though this miracle fulfilled a preordained prophecy (Isaiah 7:14), the reason it is essential has to do with God’s supernatural intervention. Our sin is not merely something we do: it is who we are. It is inborn. Our depravity is transmitted to us from our parents (Psalm 51:5; 1 Corinthians 15:22; Romans 5:12- 15). Because God interrupted the natural birth process in the case of Jesus, Jesus did not inherit a sin nature. In other words, Jesus not only did not sin, he had no inclination to sin even when tempted. He was perfect. You actually need to believe that Jesus became a human being through a supernatural conception in Mary’s womb. What’s at stake here? Knowing God’s supernatural intervention in order to break the chain of sin. ‘This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit….(an angel said): “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: “the virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they shall call him Immanuel”-which means, “God with us.” (Mathew 1:18-23)

5. CHRIST’S SINLESSNESS – Christ was born of a virgin, and he did not suffer the effects of a sin nature. Throughout his life Jesus remained sinless. Because of our sin, we could not have a relationship with God; but because Christ did not sin He was perfectly able to represent us (stand in our place) before God. You actually need to believe that Jesus was perfect. What’s at stake here? The ability of Christ to represent us before God and thus provide salvation for us. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us….. (2 Corinthians 5:21). For we……. have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are-yet He was without sin (Hebrews 4:15). He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth (1 Peter 2:22).

6. CHRIST’S DEITY – the only way for humans to be restored spiritually to God was for God to build a bridge across the gap of separation. So God, by retaining his full God nature, became a perfect man in Christ in order to bridge the chasm. If he is not both God and man he cannot mediate between God and man (1 Timothy 2:5). Jesus Christ is the second person in the Trinity. You actually need to believe that Jesus is, in essence, God divine, not just a good teacher or a righteous man. What’s at stake here? Jesus’s ability to save us. “In the beginning there was the word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1).“For in Christ dwells all the fullness of the Godhead in bodily form” (Colossians 2:9). “But about the son he says,“Your throne, O God, will last forever and ever”(Hebrews 1:8).

7. CHRIST’S HUMANITY – Jesus was also fully human. Jesus got tired; he slept: sweat it; he got hungry and thirsty. Without being fully human, Jesus cannot pay the price for human sin. He needed to be designed to have the power to save us, and he needed to be human in order to adequately represent us. Christ had to be both divine and human. You actually need to believe that Jesus Christ was fully human, as well as fully divine. What’s at stake here? Confidence in Jesus’s ability to fully represent mankind in atonement. “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us” (John 1:14). “Jesus Christ….. Taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness…..” (Philippians 2:7, 8).” Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death, that is, the devil……” (Hebrews 2:14).

8. THE NECESSITY OF GOD’S GRACE – because of human depravity, we cannot save ourselves. It is by God’s grace alone that salvation is possible. God is right to call mankind to account for sin. However, by his grace, undeserving people be reunited in fellowship with him and avoid judgment. Without God’s grace, no one could come into fellowship with God. Relationship with God is peace, joy, and eternal life itself (John 17:3). You actually need to believe that God, and God alone is able to rescue us. What’s at stake here? Our relationship to God, eternal life. “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith, and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God; not by works, so that no man can boast “(Ephesians 2:8, 9). “If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). “He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy (Titus 3:5-7). “It does not, therefore, depend on man’s desire or effort, but on God’s mercy” (Romans 9:16).

9. THE NECESSITY OF FAITH – faith is trusting that God can and will save us. No one can earn salvation. No amount of good works can ever repay the debt that is owed to God. However, by trusting in him and thankfully accepting his gift of salvation, we can be reunited with God. Our faith is an act on our part, but it is not a work. Faith is trusting God to do what we could not do for ourselves (Ephesians 2:8, 9; Titus 3:5). You actually need to believe that faith, not works, connects us to God. What’s at stake here? Whether we want to be judged by what we deserve or with God’s undeserved favor (grace). “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exist & that he rewards those who diligently seek him (Hebrews 11:6). “However, to the man who does not work but trust God who justifies the wicked, his faith is credited as righteousness (Romans 4:5).

10. CHRIST’S ATONING DEATH – the penalty for sin is death, not only physical death (separation of the soul from the body), but also spiritual death (separation of ourselves from God). The penalty we hold to God was paid by Christ’s through his death on the cross. The acceptable payment had to be perfect, complete, and without fault. Christ, the perfect man, gave himself in our place, so that whoever believes in him will not die (physically and spiritually) but have everlasting life (John 3:16). You actually need to believe that only Christ’s sinless life, sacrificial death and bodily resurrection can bring us to God. What’s at stake here? The unique nature of Jesus’s work of salvation. “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many (Mark 10:45). “He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness” (1 Peter 3:18). “For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God“(1 Peter 3:18). Jesus said: “No one comes to the father except through me”(John 14:6).

11. CHRIST’S BODILY RESURRECTION – the atoning death of Christ paid for our sins, but the process was not complete until he had defeated death by being physically resurrected in the same body (John 2:19-21). Because Christ is the victor over death and the prototype of a new, glorified physical body, all of humanity will be resurrected and live forever in either heaven or hell. You actually need to believe Jesus rose bodily from the grave. What’s at stake here? The proof that Jesus conquered death. ‘…. If you confess with your mouth,” Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved (Romans 10:9). “He was delivered over to death for our sins was raised to life for our justification (Romans 4:25). Jesus said: “touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bone, as you see I have (Luke 24:39).

12. CHRIST’S BODILY ASCENSION – Christ died for our sins and was physically resurrected for our salvation then 40 days later, he was taken up (“ascended”) bodily into heaven. Because Christ has ascended to the father, the Holy Spirit now guides us, shows us where we are going wrong and comforts us when we hurt. Jesus’going to the father means our life is kept safe in heaven with God. You actually need to believe that Jesus ascended, body and soul, to God. What’s at stake here? The Holy Spirit’s work in the life of the believer. Jesus said: “But I tell you the truth: it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Holy Spirit will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you” (John 16:7). When he had led them out vicinity to Bethany, he lifted up his hands and blessed them. While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven (Luke 24:50-51). “After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going (Acts 1:9-10).

13. CHRIST’S INTERCESSION – Christ’s bodily ascension allowed him to serve as our mediator (or high priest) before God. In God’s presence, Christ prays continually on our behalf. Like a lawyer defends someone before a judge, so Jesus defends us before the bar of God’s law and against the accusations of Satan (Revelation 12:10). You actually need to believe that Christ represents our best interest before God. What’s at stake here? Assurances that my prayers are heard by God. ‘After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven‘ (Hebrews 1:3). ‘For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are, but without sin (Hebrews 4:15).’ ‘Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them’ (Hebrews 7:25). ‘But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the father in our defense: Jesus Christ, the righteous one‘ (1 John 2:1).

14. CHRIST’S SECOND COMING – just as Christ left the world physically, so he will return in the same manner. His second coming is the hope of the world. Christ’s bodily return to earth will be visible to all, and all believers will rule with him in his kingdom and will live with him forever. Those who do not believe will be separated from God’s goodness forever. You actually need to believe that Jesus is coming again soon, and we should be ready. What’s at stake here? Our hope of being together with Christ. In Matthew 24:30 Jesus says: “and then shall appear the sign of the Son of Man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of Man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.” In Revelation 22:12 Jesus says: “and behold I come quickly; in my reward is with me, to give to every man according as his works shall be.” In Colossians 3:3, 4, the apostle Paul says: ‘for ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then we shall also appear with him in glory.‘ Jesus says in Luke 12:40, “be ye therefore ready also; for the Son of Man cometh at an hour when you do not expect him.“

Eternal Life – In John 14:1-3, Jesus said: “Let not your heart be troubled: you believe in God, also believe in me. In my father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so I would’ve told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” Revelation 21:4 says: ‘and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.’

Eternal Separation – In 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9, the apostle Paul writes:……. ‘when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ: who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from God the glory of his power.’ In Revelation 20:11-15, the apostle John writes: ‘and I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it from whose face the earth and heaven fled away….. And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before his throne…….. and they were judged every man according to their works. And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire….. That whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.’

How Do We know About Essential Doctrines ?

We know about the essential doctrines of the Bible; however, the inspiration of the Scriptures as a doctrine is not necessary for salvation to be possible. People were saved before there was a Bible, and some people are saved without ever reading the Bible. The Bible is, however, the only divinely authoritative foundation that makes the plan of salvation knowable.

15. INSPIRATION OF SCRIPTURE – in order for us to have a sure foundation for what we believe, God revealed his word (the Bible) as the basis of our beliefs. As Thomas Aquinas put it, “in order that salvation might the easier be brought to man and be more certain, it was necessary that men be instructed concerning divine matters through divine revelation,” which is the Bible (summa theologica 1.1.1). God cannot err (Hebrew 6:18) and neither can his word (John 17:17). Without a divinely authoritative revelation from God, such as we have in the Scriptures, we could never be sure of the doctrines that are necessary for salvation.

16. METHOD OF INTERPRETATION – In addition, all the salvation doctrines are derived from the Bible by the literal method of interpretation- that is, Scripture is true, just as the author meant. By applying the historical- grammatical method of interpretation to Scripture one can know which truths are essential for salvation.

by Dr. Norman L. Geisler.