Christianity: Principal Beliefs Divinity & humanity of Jesus Christ Death & resurrection of Jesus Christ The Nature of God The Nature of the Trinity

The Nature of God Christians believe that there is only one God, who is the creator of all things. They believe that God is expressed in three co-equal natures, the Father (creator), the Son (redeemer) and the Holy Spirit (sanctifier)

The Trinity Triune nature is called the Holy Trinity The Trinity is a ‘mystery of faith’ Not treated the same way by all streams of Christianity The origin of the spirit and his role in creation was one of the points of difference that led to the East-West Schism of 1054

Revelation Christians believe in a God who has revealed himself to humanity and offers himself in loving relationship to all Christians believe God has revealed himself in creation, through the teachings and writings of the prophets, through the Holy Spirit and most fully in the person, life and teaching of Jesus Christ

Revelation 2 God’s revealing of himself an his offer of and unconditional loving relationship are a continuing process through which faithful people are called to live according to his will and in unconditional love with all humankind.

Salvation Christians believe that all people are created in the likeness and image of God with infinite potential for good. Christians believe that people are created with ‘free will’ to choose good or to turn away in self-interest. This potential to choose self over God turns people towards sin.

Salvation 2 Christians believe that God freely offers salvation in the person of Jesus Christ. J.C’s death and resurrection overcomes the sinfulness of all who accept him as saviour. During the 16th century the Catholic and Protestant Churches alike affirmed that this saving grace of God is not merited but proceeds solely from the love and mercy of God.

The Death, Resurrection and Ascension of Christ Christians are sometimes described as Easter people. Christians believe that Christ, in his fully human nature, suffered the pain and humiliation of his trial and crucifixion as redemption for the sins of all people.

…Continued… In this loving act he brings all people back to the potential of a full and loving relationship with God. Christians also believe that after his death, Christ, fully divine, rose from death and ascended into heaven to overcome the finality of sin and fulfil the promise of eternal life with God.

Divinity and Humanity of Jesus Christ The question of Jesus’ nature as a human figure and an incarnation of God was a question of some conjecture in the early church. Point of discussion at the Councils of Nicea (325), Ephesus (431) and Chalcedon (451)

The Councils ruled that… Jesus was at once fully human and fully divine, equal in nature and without sin. Council of Ephesus: bestowed upon Mary the title ‘theotokos’ – mother of God. This emphasised the complete humanity that brought the suffering of Christ’s crucifixion to reality and the divinity that brought about the glory of the resurrection.