Understanding the Heart of the Christian Faith in Simple Terms
When you hear the word “Christianity,” the first thing that should come to mind is Christ—Jesus Christ. He isn’t just a famous teacher. He is also an inspirational figure. He is the very heart and foundation of the Christian faith. But what happens if we start to take Christ out of Christianity? Let’s break it down in plain language.
The Risk of Losing the Core Message
If Christianity loses its focus on Jesus, it stops being about a real relationship with God’s Son. It turns into something else—just a list of rules, a group of friends, or a set of rituals. This shift is dangerous because it empties faith of its true power and meaning. Instead of finding hope, forgiveness, and real change, people are left with spiritual emptiness.
Dangers to Your Own Faith
· Loss of Salvation: Jesus isn’t just a part of Christianity—He’s the source of forgiveness and eternal life. Without Him, the promise of being saved and having a relationship with God disappears.
· A False Jesus: When Christ is removed, He’s often reduced to just a wise teacher. He is also seen as a philosopher or a “life coach.” This ignores who He really is: God who became a man for our sake.
· Empty Rituals: Church and religious activities can become just routines. These are things you do out of habit. They are not done because they connect you to God. It’s like going through the motions without any real heart change.
· Spiritual Drifting: Without focusing on Christ, it’s easy to slowly drift away from what really matters. This is just like a boat quietly floating away from shore without anyone noticing.
Dangers to the Christian Community
· A Distorted Gospel: The message shifts from what Jesus did for us. It focuses on what we can do for ourselves. This includes trying to be good enough or obeying rules, instead of trusting in Christ’s sacrifice.
· “Christianity Without Christ”: The faith becomes a hollow shell. It turns into just another club or organization. It has Christ’s name but not His presence or power.
· More False Teachings: When the focus isn’t on Jesus, misleading ideas can easily come in. Teachers pull people away from the true message.
The Core Issue: Christ Is the Center
The very word “Christianity” means being centered on Christ or being a follower of Christ. If He is removed, all that is left is an empty name. It becomes a building without a purpose and a message with no hope. From a Christian viewpoint, the greatest danger isn’t just missing out on peace or community. It’s missing out on eternal life. This is because true Christianity is all about knowing, trusting, obeying and pursuing Jesus Christ.
In summary, taking Christ out of Christianity leaves us with nothing but empty traditions and lost meaning. The true power and promise of the faith is found only in Jesus. It is found in His divine nature, His sacrifice for our sins, and His resurrection. That’s what makes Christianity different and truly life-giving.
Minister A Francine Green
December 2025
afrancinegreen.com 