Understanding the Heart of the Christian Faith in Everyday Language
If you’ve ever wondered what the Christian faith is really all about, here are two simple truths about Jesus Christ. These truths stand at its very center. They explain what it means for people who want to connect with God.
1. Jesus Shows Us Exactly Who God Is
One of the most important things Christians believe is that God wants to be known. He isn’t distant or mysterious, hiding out of reach. Instead, God chose to reveal himself most clearly through Jesus Christ.
But Jesus isn’t just another wise teacher or a really good person—he’s actually God’s own Son. That means when you look at Jesus—how he loved and how he forgave. You also see how he stood up for those in need. Moreover, he had power over sickness and even death. Through these, you’re getting the clearest possible picture of what God is really like. The Bible teaches that Jesus deserves the same respect and honor as God the Father. He shares God’s very nature.
2. Jesus Brings Us Close to God and Offers New Life
The second big truth is all about hope, forgiveness, and starting fresh. Jesus came into the world, not to point fingers or condemn, but to rescue us. According to the Christian faith, all people make mistakes and need forgiveness. Jesus took on the burden of those mistakes when he died on the cross. He did this so anyone can be forgiven and start a new chapter with God.
What’s more, after Jesus died, he was raised to life again. This means God’s power is greater than even death. Anyone who trusts in Jesus can have a new, unbreakable life with God. Through what Jesus did, everyone is invited into God’s family—where you’re loved, accepted, and given a fresh start. The promise doesn’t end there: Jesus will one day return to set everything right. Until then, believers have help for daily living through God’s Spirit.
In short: Jesus shows exactly who God is. Through him, anyone can find forgiveness and hope. He offers a life that lasts forever.
How Should We Respond?
If all this is true, what does God ask of us? Here’s what the Bible says in everyday terms:
· Faith: This means more than just believing in your head. It’s about trusting God with your whole heart. It involves accepting what he says, putting confidence in Jesus, and committing to follow him. Faith is like saying yes to God’s promises, trusting his Word, and sticking with Jesus through life’s ups and downs.
· Repentance: This is a big word. It simply means realizing you’ve been living your own way. You feel genuinely sorry about it. Then, you decide to make a U-turn. You choose to follow Jesus instead of going after your old habits. It’s a lifelong journey of making better choices with God’s help.
· Hope: For Christians, hope isn’t just wishful thinking. It’s the confident expectation that God will do good things, both now and in the future. Hope helps us keep going, even when things get tough, because we know God keeps his promises.
· Love: The response to God’s love is to love him back. We should show love and kindness to other people. This applies both inside and outside the church. Love means gratitude for what God has done and caring for others the way Jesus cared for us.
These responses include faith, repentance, hope, and love. Each one is part of what it means to follow Jesus. They help us experience the new life he offers.
To sum up: The good news about Jesus is that he shows us who God is. He invites everyone to have a personal relationship with God. All that’s needed is a heartfelt response. It requires trust and a willingness to change direction. It also involves hope for the future and love for God and others. This is the simple but life-changing heart of the Christian faith.
Minister A Francine Green
afrancinegreen.com 