The Breakdown: The Essentials of the Faith

In Christian Convictions, Chad Ragsdale lists 6 essentials of Christianity. These are elements that are the difference between salvation and lostness. Each belief written below is the bedrock of our faith. We cannot be a follower of Jesus if we do not believe these truths.



1. It is essential for a Christian to believe that God exists (and to earnestly seek him). See Hebrews 11:6.

2. It is essential that a Christian believes Jesus is Lord. See Romans 10:9.

3. It is essential that a Christian believes that Jesus is the risen Savior. See 1 Corinthians 15:3-8.

4. It is essential that a Christian is saved by grace through faith and not by human effort. See Ephesians 2:8-9.

5. It is essential that a Christian be born again by the Holy Spirit. See John 3:3.

6. It is essential that a Christian perseveres in a faithful faith. See Hebrews 3:14.



You might be someone who has gone to church all your life. You might have even studied the Bible or taught it to others. But genuinely believing it is another question. Imagine if you begin to really, truly believe that Jesus is Lord. Imagine what might change if you let the truth that Jesus is the risen king sink into your heart to become its most bedrock conviction. Imagine believing with your whole self that you have a heavenly Father in heaven who loves you. If you know the essentials of the faith, it’s time to really, honestly believe them.