How is Christianity Unique?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

First and foremost, the Christian faith is based on the literal, physical resurrection of Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). No other religion is based on the bodily resurrection of its founder; all other founders have died and stayed dead. The resurrection is proof of who Jesus is (God) and that He accomplished what He set out to do: provide the only means of redemption for mankind.

Second, Christianity is unique in its teachings regarding salvation. All other religious systems either require works to receive eternal life, teach reincarnation, or reject the afterlife. The Bible teaches that salvation is by faith alone in Jesus Christ apart from works (John 3:16; Ephesians 2:8-9).

Third, Christianity is not a religious system. Instead, it is a relationship with God, one that He initiated and maintains. Believers are adopted into God's family as His children (Ephesians 1:5), have peace with God (Romans 5:1), and are members of the "body of Christ" (Romans 12:5).

Fourth, Christianity accepts the sixty-six books of the Old and New Testaments as the inspired Word of God that serves as the authority for matters of faith and practice (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Christians look to the unchanging Bible over the changing traditions of men.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• The Old Testament reveals our need for a Savior, predicts His coming, and sets the stage for the significance of His sacrifice. The person and work of Jesus Christ forms the foundation of Christian faith (Isaiah 28:16; Acts 4:11-12).

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• Christianity is the one faith that teaches there is one God who exists in three Persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. All three Persons form one God (Matthew 28:18-19), yet each Person is specifically referred to as God—Father (Genesis 1:1), Son (John 1:1), and Spirit (Acts 5:3-4).
• Christianity shows us that " we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ" rather than salvation through our own merit (Romans 5:1). We cannot be rid of guilt and shame by man-made strength, ability, or action.
• The apostle Paul considered the resurrection of Jesus Christ of first importance: "For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures" (1 Corinthians 15:3-4).
• Salvation is given to us by God, not as a result of what we have done: " For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast" (Ephesians 2:8-9). All we have to do is receive the gift by faith. We do this when we recognize we are sinners and find forgiveness and life through Jesus’ death and resurrection.
• Second Timothy 3:16-17 teaches, "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work." Christianity teaches that God’s Word is inspired by God and is living (Hebrews 4:12), meaning that it is not just a historical document but an unchanging, dynamic source of truth that continues to shape and guide believers today.

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

Christianity is unique in its impact. The church began in approximately AD 33 in Jerusalem on the Day of Pentecost under the leadership of the apostle Peter and 120 followers of Jesus (Acts 1—2). That day, three thousand people were added (Acts 2:41). Within the next thirty years, churches expanded across the Roman Empire, including Rome itself (Acts 28). By the fourth century, Christianity became the official religion of the Roman Empire. By the twenty-first century, it had become the world's largest religion, with more than two billion estimated adherents.

The message of Jesus’ death and resurrection is unlike any other because it teaches salvation through God’s grace, not our own efforts. This grace frees us from the exhausting pursuit of perfection and gives us a hope beyond this world—a secure eternal life with God, made possible by Jesus' victory over death (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). Christianity invites us into more than a religion; it offers us a personal relationship with God. We are called to respond to this invitation, trust in Jesus’ finished work, and step into the abundant life He offers. The choice to embrace His grace is the most crucial decision a person can make.

UNDERSTAND

• Christianity uniquely bases its faith on the literal resurrection of Jesus, proving He is God and the Savior.
• Salvation is a gift from God, received by faith, not earned through works.
• Christianity offers a personal relationship with God, not just a religion, for those who trust in Him.

REFLECT

• How does the truth of salvation by grace, rather than works, impact your understanding of faith?
• How does the resurrection of Jesus impact your life’s purposes and priorities?
• How has the uniqueness of Christianity impacted your relationship with God?

ENGAGE

• How can we help others understand that Christianity is not just a religious system, but a personal relationship with God—and why does that matter?
• Why do many people struggle with the concept of salvation by grace, and how can we support them in understanding it?
• What is the significance of the resurrection of Jesus in the daily life of a believer, and what impact does that make in our lives?