$JES 911 Essence of World Religions Reference Book

Author(s): Pravin K Shah
Publisher: JAINA Education Committee

Page 69

Essence of World Religions
Beliefs
In God, the Creator of the universe, reigning forever distinct over man, his beloved creation.
God exists as three persons; Father, Son, and Holy Spirit or Ghost and these three are one infinite, eternal, holy God, the same in substance, equal in power and glory (Holy Trinity).
In the Messiah: that God sent his Son Jesus Christ to show people the way God wants them to live. And to offer his life as the way to forgiveness and salvation.
That Jesus Christ was born of Mary, a virgin. He was crucified on the cross then resurrected from the dead and now sits at the right hand of the Father as the final judge of the dead and that He will return again as prophesied.
That Salvation can be achieved through Jesus Christ, who died and rose to reveal God's love and plan for humanity.
In the historical truth of the Holy Bible, that it is a sacred scripture of the highest authority and the only word of God.
Satan exists and is the chief agent of evil, deception and darkness in this world.
Man is born a sinner, and that he may know salvation only through the savior, Jesus Christ, God's only begotten son.
That the soul is embodied for a single lifetime, but is immortal and accountable to God for all thoughts and actions.
That upon death the soul enters Heaven, Purgatory (Roman Catholics belief) or Hell according to its earthly deeds and its acceptance of the Christian faith. There awaiting the Last Judgment when the dead shall rise again, the redeemed to enjoy life everlasting and the unsaved to suffer eternally.
In the intrinsic goodness of humanity and the affirmative nature of life and in the priceless value of love, charity and faith.
Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.
Golden Rule: Do unto others as you would have others do unto you.
Symbols
The cross is the symbol of Christianity. Jesus Christ, the founder of the Christian faith died on a cross in ancient Palestine. Jesus
69