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Essence of World Religions
system centers on the teachings of Jesus Christ. Christians believe that the original human beings rebelled against God and from that time until the coming of Christ the world was ruled by Sin. Jesus of Nazareth was and is the Messiah or Christ promised by God in the prophecies of the Old Testament (the Hebrew Bible). By his life, death, and Resurrection Jesus freed those who believe in him from their sinful state and made them recipients of God's saving Grace. Many also await the Second Coming of Christ, which they believe will complete God's plan of salvation. The majority of Christians adhere to the Apostles' Creed:
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Maker of Heaven and Earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord. Who was born of the Virgin Mary by the power of the Holy Spirit, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead and buried. He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended unto Heaven and Sitteth on the right hand of God, the Father Almighty. From thence, He shall come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit (Ghost), the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting.
Christians are monotheists (believers in one God). The early church, however, developed the characteristic Christian doctrine of the Trinity, in which God is thought of as a Creator (Father), a Redeemer (Son), and a Sustainer (Holy Spirit), but one God in
essence.
Christians worship in congregations, celebrate baptism (an individual's entrance into Christianity) and the Eucharist (Holy Communion), which reenacts Jesus' Last Supper with his disciples. Many Christians believe that it is the only true religion, the only path to salvation. This engenders a missionary zeal, an urgency to evangelize around the world. Stress is placed on acceptance of Jesus as God and Savior, on good conduct, compassion, and service to humanity, faith, and preparation for the Final Judgment. Some say only good Christians will be saved. Substantial differences in faith exist among the various churches. Those in the Protestant tradition insist on Scriptures as the sole
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