The term “Christianity” is an all-encompassing general term that describes the religion based on the person and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth, or its beliefs and practices. Christians study the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Christians believe God sent His son Jesus, the Messiah, to save the world.
Though Christianity is based on the teachings of Jesus, there are many variations of belief.
On the basis of our studies in the Scriptures, we believe the faithful sacrifice and death of Jesus will lead to the blessing of ALL people who ever lived, including those who never heard about Jesus, and those who chose not to believe.
Philippians 2:8-11: “He humbled himself, by becoming obedient to the point of death—even death on a cross! As a result, God highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow—in heaven and on earth and under the earth—and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of the Father.”
Faithful Christians who have sacrificed and suffered in their following of Jesus’ teachings are promised a heavenly resurrection, and they will reign with Christ over the earth. They will join Jesus in reigning over the earth to resurrect and bless the rest of our human family born in the first man, Adam.
Revelation 5:10: “Thou hast made them to be a kingdom and priests to our God, and they will reign upon the earth.”
1 Corinthians 15:22: “As in Adam all die, so also in Christ all shall be made alive.”
John 5:28-29: “Do not marvel at this; for an hour is coming, in which all who are in the tombs shall hear his voice, and shall come forth; those who did the good deeds to a resurrection of life, [faithful Christians resurrected to heaven] those who committed the evil deeds to a resurrection of judgment” [an earthly resurrection].
This reign will provide a time of blessing and opportunity to accept Christ and to repent of sinful choices. There will be opportunities for the healing of body, mind and heart. See Isaiah 35:5-6: describing this great time. According to Isaiah 35:8 there will be a “highway of holiness,” a path of choices that leads to becoming holy.
Ephesians 1:10: “And this is in harmony with God’s merciful purpose for the government of the world when the times are ripe for it—the purpose which He has cherished in His own mind of restoring the whole creation to find its one head in Christ: yes, things in heaven and things on earth, to find their one head in him.”
Additional Resources:
PDF Booklet: God’s Grand Plan of the Ages
Video: For This Cause – The Purpose of Jesus’ Death on the Cross
Christian Questions Podcast
Episode #1283: “Is Following Christ the Same as Following Christianity? (Part I)”
Comparing several original teachings of Christ to today’s Christianity
Preview Video
CQ Rewind Show Notes
