The Basis of Christianity

Bible Reading: Hebrews 1:1 – 2:4

“He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high” (Hebrews 1:3)

Christianity is different from all other religions. 

First, all other religions claim to have received revelations from God. All other religions started when a prophetic religious figure claimed that they had received revelations of the truth from God. But, Christianity is different. In the end, if we ponder the question, “what is truth?” we will find that we will not be able to find a definitive answer to the meaning of life from our human speculations. All there is is a whirlpool of various opinions. 

Christianity is different because, in Christianity, Christ came into the earth. Christ, who is 100% man, is also 100% God. He is the Son of God, the heir of all things, and the Creator of the world. Moreover, He is the radiance of the glory of God, the exact imprint of God’s nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. 

Our beliefs are not based on human speculations. Our beliefs are grounded in reality and rationality. Jesus of Nazareth was a real-life person. He said, “I am the way, and the truth and the life” (John 14:6). C.S Lewis said there were only three different possibilities for a man who makes such a claim. He is either a lunatic, a liar, or He is God. 

Why would a lunatic or liar willingly endure death on a cross for a lie? We have to decide for ourselves. 

Second, Jesus did not only incarnate a man. He also died to save His people. All other religions are about pleasing God in order to gain some sort of acceptance into heaven. Christianity is different. We are all lost in sin and rebellion against God. There is no hope for us to turn back to God. Yet, because of love, God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to become a man so that He could live a perfect life, then die an unworthy death so that our sin’s punishment could be laid on Him, and His perfect life could be laid on us. As a result, Jesus was separated from God on the cross, and we were united with God in Christ’s righteousness. Christianity is not about works. There is complete assurance of salvation because of grace. 

However, this was not enough. If Christ remained dead, there would be no certainty for us. Even though Christ experienced eternal death on the cross for our sins, He overcame the power of death and defeated it. On the third day, Christ rose again from the dead. After forty days, He ascended into heaven, and he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high. This means God the Father accepted His sacrifice. Christ won over death, and we are in Christ. Our salvation is secure because death does not reign anymore, and God the Father approves of what Christ has done. Therefore, as Romans 8:34 says, “Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died – more than that, who was raised – who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us”. 

If Christianity is more than mere religion, we must make a choice. Christianity is grounded in real-life facts. No one can deny it. The writer of Hebrews sends us a warning. “Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it…how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation?” (Hebrews 2:1,3).

Lord, thank You that You died and rose again for us. Thank You that what we believe in is not in vain because You have defeated death. Please hold on to our faith and strengthen us as we walk and follow You each day. Revive our hearts and grant us a trusting heart and faithful obedience to You. In Jesus’ name, amen.