What Does the Bible Say About Tenets Considered to be Foundational to the Christian Faith?

While the Bible does not present its central teachings and themes in formats similar to modern Statements of Faith, Jesus identified Deuteronomy 6:4-6 and Leviticus 19:18 as the two greatest commandments, indicating that some things are more important than others. This supports the idea that some beliefs are more fundamental. Historically, Christian orthodoxy has been advanced and defended based on agreements among various groups regarding such fundamentals. Following are some of the most common, with comments on what The Bible Says about these things.

 

The Bible: An Inspired, Trustworthy, and Authoritative Guide

Many statements of faith address the fundamental nature of scripture. The Bible describes itself as the very Word of God. 2 Timothy 3:16 explains that “All Scripture is inspired by God.” The phrase literally means “God-breathed.” While human authors wrote the books of Scripture—Moses in the wilderness, David in Israel’s early monarchy, Isaiah during the Assyrian crisis, Paul under Roman rule—the message ultimately originates from God.

This divine origin explains the remarkable unity of Scripture. Written over roughly 1,500 years by dozens of authors from varied backgrounds—shepherds, kings, prophets, fishermen, and physicians—it tells one coherent story centered on God’s redemptive plan. The continuity between the Old and New Testaments is not accidental. As explored in our Tough Topics Explained article, “How the Old Testament Points to Jesus,” prophecy, typology, and covenant promises converge in Christ.

Because God is truthful and unchanging (Numbers 23:19, Malachi 3:6), His Word is reliable. Jesus treated Scripture as completely authoritative. When tempted in the wilderness (Matthew 4), He responded, “It is written”, treating the written Word as decisive. In debates with religious leaders, He appealed to Scripture as final authority (John 10:35).

The Bible does not present itself as one spiritual option among many. It claims to be revelation—God making Himself known. It speaks into history, morality, salvation, and eternity. For that reason, the authority of Scripture does not rest on tradition or institutional endorsement. Its authority rests on the character of the God who is the One speaking.

Manuscript evidence, fulfilled prophecy, and archaeological support exist. But beyond evidences, the ultimate claim is spiritual: the Bible is God’s communication to humanity. It reveals who He is, what He has done, and what He promises to do.

 

One God, Eternally Father, Son, and Holy Spirit

The Bible does not contain the term “Trinity” which is often used in doctrinal statements. However, it supports the idea that God is both One and Three. Scripture asserts that there is one God. Deuteronomy 6:4 declares, “The LORD is one.” Isaiah repeatedly affirms that there is no other God besides Him (Isaiah 45:5).

Yet Scripture also reveals three persons within that unity. The Father is identified as God. Jesus, the Son, is identified as God (John 1:1, 20:28, Colossians 1:16-17). The Holy Spirit is also spoken of as God (Acts 5:3-4, 1 Corinthians 2:10-11). At Jesus’ baptism (Matthew 3:16-17), the Father speaks from heaven, the Son stands in the water, and the Spirit descends like a dove—all distinct, yet One.

The term “Trinity” is a later summary-word used to describe this Biblical reality: one God, three distinct persons. This is not a contradiction but a mystery—God is one in essence and three in personhood (see TTE article on “Founding Paradox”).

This triune nature of God is hinted at in the earliest pages of scripture, where God says, “Let Us make man in Our image” (Genesis 1:26). It also shapes the entire story of redemption. The Father sends the Son (John 3:16). The Son accomplishes salvation through His death and resurrection (Romans 6:10, Hebrews 9:12). The Spirit applies that salvation to believers (John 3:5-6, 1 Corinthians 12:13, Titus 3:5). Redemption itself involves three persons who are One.

 

Jesus Christ: God Incarnate and Redeemer

One of the most fundamental questions addressed throughout the centuries is the nature and person of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament anticipates Him; the New Testament reveals Him. Prophecy, history, and eyewitness testimony converge in His person.

John 1 declares that the eternal Word “became flesh.” Jesus is not merely a messenger from God; He is God in human form. His virgin birth (Matthew 1:18-23) demonstrates divine initiative. Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of Mary (Luke 1:35). By these means, Jesus took on humanity without inheriting sin.

Throughout His life, Jesus lived without sin (Hebrews 4:15). He fulfilled the Law perfectly (Matthew 5:17). His miracles—healing the blind, raising Lazarus from the dead, calming storms—were not random displays of power. They revealed His authority over nature, sickness, sin, and death.

But the central event of His earthly mission was His sacrificial death. Scripture teaches that “Christ died for our sins” (1 Corinthians 15:3). See more in the TTE article, “What is Eternal Life?” His death was substitutionary—He bore the penalty sin deserves. Justice and mercy meet at the cross. God does not ignore sin; He satisfies justice through Christ’s sacrifice.

Three days later, Jesus rose bodily from the dead. The resurrection is not symbolic language for spiritual renewal; it is presented as a historical, physical event witnessed by many (1 Corinthians 15:4-8). The resurrection validates His claims and guarantees future resurrection for believers. See more in the TTE article “Did Jesus of Nazareth Rise from the Dead?”

After appearing to His disciples, Jesus ascended into heaven (Acts 1:9-11). He is described as seated at the right hand of the Father—an image of authority and intercession (Hebrews 1:3, Romans 8:34). Scripture also promises His personal return in power and glory (Matthew 24, Revelation 19). History is not random; it is moving toward His return.

To learn more about Jesus’s accomplishment of our salvation, see the TTE article below:

What is Eternal Life? How to Gain the Gift of Eternal Life

 

The Necessity of Spiritual Rebirth

One of the greatest themes of scripture, and one of the most fundamental points typically addressed in statements of faith is the redemption of humanity from the Fall of Man. The Bible’s diagnosis of humanity is sobering: “All have sinned” (Romans 3:23). Sin is not merely bad behavior; it is a broken condition of separation from God. Left to itself, humanity cannot repair that separation.

Jesus told Nicodemus in John 3:5 that a person must be “born again” in order to enter His kingdom. This new birth is not self-improvement or religious ritual. It is spiritual regeneration—new life given by the Holy Spirit. This transformation happens when a person believes in Jesus Christ.

Salvation is by grace—God’s undeserved favor. It is received through faith, not earned by works (Ephesians 2:8-9). But it results in real change. Most notably, the Spirit of God comes to indwell those who have believed (1 Corinthians 6:19).

Just as physical birth is necessary to enter physical life, spiritual birth is necessary to become a part of God’s family.

The Present Ministry of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit is fully God and personally active. At salvation, He indwells believers (1 Corinthians 6:19). His presence is permanent.

The Spirit guides believers into truth (John 16:13), convicts of sin, produces spiritual fruit (Galatians 5:22-23), and empowers service (Galatians 5:16-17). The Spirit enables believers to set aside their old nature and walk in obedience to Christ.

This ongoing ministry is explored further in the commentary on Romans 8 and Ephesians 1.

Resurrection and Eternal Destiny

The Bible teaches that death is separation—physical death is the separation of spirit from body (James 2:26). Spiritual death is separation from God.

Believers will be raised to eternal life in the presence of God. This hope is grounded in Christ’s own resurrection (1 Corinthians 15). Revelation 21-22 describes a restored creation where God dwells with His people.

Those who reject Christ will face judgment. The TTE article, "What is Hell? The Eternal Punishment and The Lake of Fire," explores this sobering reality. Scripture consistently teaches that human choices have eternal consequences.

There is also a judgment of believers and rewards given for faithful service. The TTE article “Eternal Life: Receiving the Gift vs. Inheriting the Prize” speaks more of this.

The Spiritual Unity of Believers

The Bible describes believers as one body with Christ as the head (1 Corinthians 12, Ephesians 4). This unity transcends ethnicity, culture, and background (Galatians 3:28). All who trust in Christ share the same Spirit and the same hope.

This unity is spiritual, not merely organizational. It is rooted in shared life in Christ. Believers are called to express that unity through humility, love, and mutual care.

Jesus prayed for this unity in John 17. The early church embodied it in shared mission and fellowship. Despite differences that exist today, the fundamental bond is faith in Christ.