Bible Study: What Do Christians Believe? The 16 Fundamental Truths Explained?

Christians believe many important things, but the 16 Fundamental Truths help summarize the core biblical teachings that shape Christian faith, worship, and daily life in the Assemblies of God. They are not above Scripture. They are a clear guide to what Scripture teaches about God, salvation, the Church, and our future hope.

In this guide, we will walk through each of the 16 Fundamental Truths, look at their biblical foundation, and explain why they still matter today. If you have ever wondered what Christians believe or why doctrine matters, this article offers a simple place to start and a clear path to keep growing at www.boundlessonlinechurch.org.

The Foundation: God and His Word

Every spiritual journey begins with a foundation. For us, that foundation is the inspired Word of God and the nature of the One who created us. Without these starting points, our faith would have no anchor. The first three truths establish who God is and how He has chosen to communicate with humanity.

1. The Scriptures Inspired The Bible is the inspired Word of God, a divine revelation that serves as our infallible rule of faith and conduct. It is not just a historical book; it is living and active, guiding us in every area of life. As Paul wrote to Timothy, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness" (2 Timothy 3:16).

2. The One True God We believe in one true God who has revealed Himself as the eternally self-existent "I AM," the Creator of heaven and earth, and the Redeemer of mankind. He has further revealed Himself as a Trinity: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. This mystery of three persons in one Godhead is central to our understanding of God's love and work in the world (Matthew 28:19; Luke 3:22).

3. The Deity of the Lord Jesus Christ Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God. Scripture affirms His virgin birth, His sinless life, His miracles, His substitutionary work on the cross, His bodily resurrection from the dead, and His exaltation to the right hand of God. He is fully God and fully man, the only way to the Father (Matthew 1:23; Hebrews 7:26; Acts 2:22; 1 Corinthians 15:3).

The Problem and the Solution: Sin and Salvation

Understanding who God is naturally leads us to ask: where do we fit in? The next two truths address the reality of the human condition and the incredible grace of God that rescues us from it. This is the heart of the Gospel message.

4. The Fall of Man Humanity was created good and upright, for God said, "Let us make man in our image, after our likeness." However, by voluntary transgression, man fell and thereby incurred not only physical death but also spiritual death, which is separation from God (Genesis 1:26-27; 2:17; 3:6; Romans 5:12-19). This fall created the need for a Savior.

5. The Salvation of Man Man's only hope of redemption is through the shed blood of Jesus Christ the Son of God. Salvation is received through repentance toward God and faith toward the Lord Jesus Christ. By the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, being justified by grace through faith, man becomes an heir of God, according to the hope of eternal life (Luke 24:47; John 3:3; Romans 10:13-15; Ephesians 2:8; Titus 3:5-7).

If you are looking for real-life change and want to understand how salvation transforms your story, we invite you to read more about understanding your testimony and how God works in our lives.

The Practices of the Faith: Ordinances and Empowerment

Faith is not just a set of beliefs; it is lived out through specific actions and experiences that Jesus commanded. These truths focus on the outward signs of our inward faith and the spiritual power available to every believer.

6. The Ordinances of the Church The Church practices two main ordinances: Water Baptism and Holy Communion. Baptism by immersion is a public declaration of our identification with Christ’s death and resurrection (Matthew 28:19; Acts 10:47-48). Holy Communion, or the Lord's Supper, is a symbolic act of obedience whereby we remember Christ's suffering and death and look forward to His second coming (1 Corinthians 11:26).

7. The Baptism in the Holy Spirit All believers are entitled to and should ardently expect and earnestly seek the promise of the Father, the baptism in the Holy Spirit and fire, according to the command of our Lord Jesus Christ. This was the normal experience of all in the early Christian Church. With it comes the enduement of power for life and service, the bestowment of the gifts and their uses in the work of the ministry (Luke 24:49; Acts 1:4, 8; 1 Corinthians 12:1-31).

8. The Initial Physical Evidence of the Baptism in the Holy Spirit The baptism of believers in the Holy Spirit is witnessed by the initial physical sign of speaking with other tongues as the Spirit of God gives them utterance (Acts 2:4). The speaking in tongues in this instance is the same in essence as the gift of tongues, but is different in purpose and use.

9. Sanctification Sanctification is an act of separation from that which is evil, and of dedication unto God (Romans 12:1-2; 1 Thessalonians 5:23; Hebrews 13:12). It is a process that begins at salvation and continues throughout the believer's life as we grow in the likeness of Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit.

The Purpose: The Church and Its Mission

We are not meant to follow Jesus in isolation. God has called us into a community, the Church, and given us a specific mission to fulfill in the world. These truths explain why the Church exists and how it should function.

10. The Church and Its Mission The Church is the Body of Christ, the habitation of God through the Spirit, with divine appointments for the fulfillment of her Great Commission. Each believer, born of the Spirit, is an integral part of the General Assembly and Church of the Firstborn, which are written in heaven (Ephesians 1:22-23; 2:22; Hebrews 12:23). Our mission is to evangelize the world, worship God, build a body of saints being perfected in the image of His Son, and demonstrate His love and compassion to all.

If you are searching for a place to grow and study these truths with others, we invite you to join our Bible Study Club, where we dive deeper into God's Word every week.

11. The Ministry A divinely called and scripturally ordained ministry has been provided by our Lord for the fourfold purpose of leading the Church in: (1) Evangelization of the world, (2) Worship of God, (3) Building a body of saints being perfected in the image of His Son, and (4) Meeting human need with ministries of love and compassion (Mark 16:15-20; John 4:23-24; Ephesians 4:11-16; Psalm 112:9).

12. Divine Healing Divine healing is an integral part of the gospel. Deliverance from sickness is provided for in the atonement, and is the privilege of all believers (Isaiah 53:4-5; Matthew 8:16-17; James 5:14-16). We believe that God still heals today and that we should pray with confidence for the sick.

If you or a loved one is in need of healing or support, please don't hesitate to submit a prayer request at our Prayer Wall. Our online community is ready to stand with you in faith.

The Future: Our Blessed Hope and Final Victory

The Christian faith is one of hope. We do not just look back at what Jesus did; we look forward to what He has promised to do. The final truths describe the end of this age and the glorious eternity that awaits those who follow Christ.

13. The Blessed Hope The resurrection of those who have fallen asleep in Christ and their translation together with those who are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord is the imminent and blessed hope of the church (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17; Romans 8:23; Titus 2:13; 1 Corinthians 15:51-52). We live in expectation of His return!

14. The Millennial Reign of Christ The second coming of Christ includes the rapture of the saints, which is our blessed hope, followed by the visible return of Christ with His saints to reign on earth for one thousand years (Zechariah 14:5; Matthew 24:27, 30; Revelation 1:7; 19:11-14; 20:1-6). This millennial reign will bring the salvation of national Israel and the establishment of universal peace.

15. The Final Judgment There will be a final judgment in which the wicked dead will be raised and judged according to their works. Whosoever is not found written in the Book of Life, together with the devil and his angels, the beast and the false prophet, will be consigned to the everlasting punishment in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone, which is the second death (Matthew 25:46; Mark 9:43-48; Revelation 19:20; 20:11-15; 21:8).

For a deeper study on this difficult but important subject, you may find the resource Hell: An Unfathomable Reality helpful in understanding the biblical perspective on eternal judgment.

16. The New Heavens and the New Earth "We, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth wherein dwelleth righteousness" (2 Peter 3:13; Revelation 21, 22). This is our final destination: a place of perfect peace and joy in the presence of God forever.

A Pastoral Prayer for Your Journey

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the truth of Your Word. We thank You that You have not left us to wander in the dark, but have given us a clear foundation for our faith. I pray for the one reading this today: that these truths would move from their head to their heart. May they feel the comfort of Your salvation, the power of Your Spirit, and the hope of Your return. Strengthen their faith and draw them closer to Jesus every day. In His holy name, Amen.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the 16 Fundamental Truths of the Assemblies of God? They are the core doctrinal beliefs of the Assemblies of God, covering topics from the inspiration of Scripture and the nature of God to the mission of the Church and the final judgment. They serve as a guide for biblical living and teaching.

Do I have to believe all 16 truths to be a Christian? While salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ alone, these truths represent a healthy, biblical understanding of the Christian faith. They are meant to encourage and ground believers in sound doctrine so they can grow in maturity.

Why is the baptism in the Holy Spirit emphasized so much? We believe the baptism in the Holy Spirit is a vital experience that empowers believers for service and witness, just as it did for the early church in the book of Acts. It is a gift from God available to all believers today.

What is the "Blessed Hope"? The Blessed Hope refers to the imminent return of Jesus Christ to gather His Church. It is a source of great comfort and motivation for Christians to live holy lives and share the Gospel with urgency.

How can I learn more about these doctrines? The best way to learn is by joining a community of believers. You can participate in our online Bible studies, connect with a mentor, or explore our digital resources to deepen your understanding of God's Word.

Take Your Next Step in Faith

Are you ready to grow deeper in your understanding of God's Word? Whether you have questions about these truths or simply want to find a community that loves Jesus, we are here for you. We invite you to join our online community, join the Bible Study Club, or reach out to us for prayer. You don't have to walk this journey alone.

Visit www.boundlessonlinechurch.org to join the Bible Study Club, submit a prayer request, and connect with believers from around the world.

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