But if it’s that simple, why are there around 40,000 different denominations from which to choose? The truth is that it is a very complex question demanding a well thought-out answer. Hopefully the following short list, by no means exhaustive, will help you begin to answer this important question.Nearly all denominations would most likely agree on the first four beliefs (because of their clear biblical origin). But many denominations would likely disagree on the last four, and that should give us pause as we consider what a true Christian must believe.
1. God exists.
One cannot be a Christian if he or she doesn’t first believe in an invisible power that created everything (Genesis 1:1; 2:4). It is foundational that a true Christian will believe in a Supreme Being of superior power and intellect.
2. Jesus Christ was God in the flesh.
Christianity is based on Jesus Christ. Christians believe He did exist and walk the roads of Judea about 2,000 years ago. But it isn’t enough to believe simply that the historical figure Jesus Christ lived. A Christian must believe He was the Son of God. He was the Word (the being who communicated with mankind in the Old Testament) who came to earth as a human being(John 1:1-3, 14; Philippians 2:5-8).
3. Christ died for the sins of all humanity and was raised to eternal life.
“Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29). This statement from John the Baptist sums up the Christian belief that Christ sacrificed Himself so that every human being may be forgiven his or her sins (Hebrews 9:28). Jesus also had to be raised to life again after His death or we would still be in our sins (1 Corinthians 15:17).
4. Followers of Christ should be characterized by having love for one another.
Jesus Christ made this crucial statement identifying His followers: “By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:35). Love, outward concern for others, should be a key descriptor of every Christian.So far, so good, right?