Biblical Christianity is not defined by a denomination, tradition, or institution.

It is defined by what Scripture teaches about:

• God

• Jesus Christ

• Salvation

Who Is God According to Scripture?

The Bible presents one God who exists eternally in three persons:

• Father

• Son

• Holy Spirit

This is not three gods, but one God.

God is personal, eternal, and the creator of all things.

“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”
(Genesis 1:1, NASB 1995)

Who Is Jesus Christ?

Jesus Christ is central to Biblical Christianity.

He is not merely a teacher or prophet.

He is:

• Fully God

• Fully man

• The Son of God

“And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us…”
(John 1:14, NASB 1995)

He lived without sin, died for sin, and rose again.

What Is Salvation?

Salvation is the forgiveness of sin and reconciliation with God.

It is not something a person earns.
It is given by God.

“For by grace you have been saved through faith… not as a result of works.”
(Ephesians 2:8–9, NASB 1995)

Salvation is received through faith in Jesus Christ alone.

What Is the Role of Works?

Good works are not the cause of salvation.

They are the result of it.

A person does not obey to become saved—
but because they have been saved.

What Is the Authority of Biblical Christianity?

The Bible is the final authority.

It is not supplemented by:

• Additional scriptures

• Institutional authority

• Personal revelation that contradicts it

“All Scripture is inspired by God…”
(2 Timothy 3:16, NASB 1995)

What Makes Biblical Christianity Distinct?

Biblical Christianity differs from other belief systems in one central way:

Salvation is not achieved.
It is received.

It does not depend on:

• Performance

• Ritual

• Personal effort

It depends entirely on what Christ has done.

Why This Matters

Many belief systems use similar language—faith, grace, salvation.

But those words do not always mean the same thing.

Scripture presents a consistent message:

God provides what humanity cannot.

Understanding this difference is essential to understanding the gospel itself.em description

What Do Jehovah’s Witnesses Believe?

Jehovah’s Witnesses are a religious group that emphasizes the use of God’s name “Jehovah” and follows a distinct set of teachings about God, Jesus, and salvation.

Who Is God According to Jehovah’s Witnesses?

They believe in one God, whom they call Jehovah.

God is understood as a single, distinct being.

They reject the doctrine of the Trinity.

Who Is Jesus Christ?

Jesus is not believed to be God.

He is understood as the first creation of Jehovah and is often identified with Michael the Archangel.

He is viewed as subordinate to God.

What Is Salvation?

Salvation involves:

• Faith in Jesus

• Obedience to Jehovah

• Active participation in the organization

This includes practices such as:

• Evangelism

• Meeting attendance

• Following organizational teachings

What Is Their Authority?

Jehovah’s Witnesses use the Bible, specifically the New World Translation.

They also rely on the guidance and interpretation of their central leadership, known as the Governing Body.

What Makes This Different from Scripture?

Scripture presents Jesus as fully divine:

“In Him all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form.”
(Colossians 2:9, NASB 1995)

It also presents salvation as a gift of grace through faith—not dependent on organizational participation:

“For by grace you have been saved through faith… not as a result of works.”
(Ephesians 2:8–9, NASB 1995)

Why This Matters

While similar language may be used—God, Jesus, salvation—the meaning behind those words is not the same.

Understanding these differences helps bring clarity to what Scripture teaches about who Jesus is and how salvation is received.

Mormonism, also known as The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), presents itself as a restoration of original Christianity.

It uses the Bible, but also includes additional texts such as:

• The Book of Mormon

• Doctrine and Covenants

• The Pearl of Great Price

Its teachings differ from Biblical Christianity in several foundational areas.

Who Do Mormons Believe God Is?

Mormonism teaches that God the Father was once a man who progressed to become God.

It also teaches that humans may progress to become gods.

Scripture presents God as eternal and unchanging:

“Before the mountains were born… from everlasting to everlasting, You are God.”
(Psalm 90:2, NASB 1995)

God is not a created or progressing being.

Who Is Jesus Christ in Mormonism?

Mormonism teaches that Jesus is the Son of God, but not eternally God in the same way Scripture describes.

He is viewed as a created being and the spiritual brother of all people.

Scripture presents Jesus as:

• Eternal

• Fully God

• Not created

“In the beginning was the Word… and the Word was God.”
(John 1:1, NASB 1995)

What Do Mormons Teach About Salvation?

Mormonism teaches multiple levels of salvation or “degrees of glory.”

Exaltation—the highest level—is associated with:

• Faith in Christ

• Obedience

• Participation in ordinances

• Temple marriage (sealing)

Scripture presents salvation as a gift:

“For by grace you have been saved through faith… not as a result of works.”
(Ephesians 2:8–9, NASB 1995)

Salvation is not dependent on rituals, marriage, or progression.

What Is the Role of Authority in Mormonism?

Mormonism teaches that priesthood authority has been restored through its leadership.

This authority is necessary for:

• valid ordinances

• proper worship

• progression toward exaltation

Scripture teaches that Christ alone is the mediator and authority for salvation.

“There is one mediator… Christ Jesus.”
(1 Timothy 2:5, NASB 1995)

What Are Some Distinct Practices?

Mormonism includes practices such as:

• Temple ceremonies and ordinances

• Baptism for the dead

• Eternal marriage (sealing)

• Emphasis on family lineage and eternal progression

These practices are based on teachings outside of Scripture.

What Makes Mormonism Different from Biblical Christianity?

The primary differences include:

• The nature of God

• The identity of Jesus

• The source of authority

• The requirements for salvation

Biblical Christianity teaches:

• God is eternal and unchanging

• Jesus is fully God

• Scripture alone is the authority

• Salvation is by grace through faith alone

Why Does This Matter?

Mormonism uses many of the same terms as Christianity—God, Jesus, salvation.

But those words are defined differently.

Understanding what Scripture teaches—and how it differs—is essential to understanding the gospel clearly.

Catholicism is a branch of Christianity that affirms belief in God, Jesus Christ, and the Bible.

It also includes additional teachings, traditions, and practices developed through church history.

Catholic teaching differs from Biblical Christianity in several key areas.

What Is the Source of Authority in Catholicism?

Catholicism teaches that authority comes from:

• Scripture

• Church tradition

• The teaching authority of the Church (the Magisterium)

These are considered together as the rule of faith.

Biblical Christianity teaches that Scripture is the final authority.

“All Scripture is inspired by God…”
(2 Timothy 3:16, NASB 1995)

Who Is Jesus Christ in Catholicism?

Catholicism affirms that Jesus Christ is:

• The Son of God

• Fully God and fully man

• The Savior of the world

These align with Scripture.

However, differences arise in how His work is applied to salvation.

What Does Catholicism Teach About Salvation?

Catholicism teaches that salvation involves:

• Faith

• Grace

• Participation in the sacraments

• Ongoing cooperation with God

Salvation is viewed as a process that includes both faith and works.

Scripture teaches that salvation is a gift:

“For by grace you have been saved through faith… not as a result of works.”
(Ephesians 2:8–9, NASB 1995)

Salvation is not achieved through religious participation or personal effort.

What Is the Role of the Church and Its Leaders?

Catholicism teaches that the Church, through its ordained leaders, plays a central role in:

• administering sacraments

• guiding doctrine

• mediating aspects of spiritual life

Biblical Christianity teaches that Christ alone is the mediator.

“There is one mediator… Christ Jesus.”
(1 Timothy 2:5, NASB 1995)

No person or institution stands between the believer and God.

What Are Some Distinct Practices?

Catholicism includes practices such as:

• The Mass

• Confession to a priest

• Veneration of Mary and the saints

• Teachings about purgatory

These practices are rooted in church tradition and interpretation.

What Makes Catholicism Different from Biblical Christianity?

The primary differences include:

• The source of authority

• The role of the Church

• The understanding of salvation

• The role of tradition and sacraments

Biblical Christianity teaches:

• Scripture alone is the final authority

• Christ alone is the mediator

• Salvation is by grace through faith alone

• No system or structure completes what Christ has finished

Why Does This Matter?

Catholicism uses many of the same terms—faith, grace, salvation.

But those terms are understood differently in practice.

Understanding what Scripture teaches—and how it differs—is essential to understanding the gospel clearly.

Islam is a monotheistic religion centered on the belief in one God (Allah) and the teachings of the prophet Muhammad.

It recognizes figures such as Abraham, Moses, and Jesus—but understands them differently than Scripture presents.

Who Is God in Islam?

Islam teaches that God (Allah) is one, without division or plurality.

The concept of the Trinity is rejected.

Scripture teaches that God is one, existing eternally in three persons:

• Father

• Son

• Holy Spirit

(Matthew 28:19)

Who Is Jesus in Islam?

Islam teaches that Jesus (Isa) was:

• A prophet

• Born of a virgin

• A messenger of God

However, Islam denies that Jesus is:

• The Son of God

• Divine

• Crucified and risen

Scripture presents Jesus as:

• The Son of God

• Fully God and fully man

• Crucified for sin and raised again

“Christ died for our sins… and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day…”
(1 Corinthians 15:3–4, NASB 1995)

What Does Islam Teach About Salvation?

Islam teaches that salvation is based on:

• Belief in Allah

• Obedience to his commands

• Personal deeds

A person’s eternal outcome is determined by the balance of their good and bad works.

Scripture teaches that salvation is not based on works:

“For by grace you have been saved through faith… not as a result of works.”
(Ephesians 2:8–9, NASB 1995)

Salvation is given, not earned.

What Is the Source of Authority in Islam?

Islam is based on:

• The Qur’an

• The teachings (Hadith) of Muhammad

These are considered the final and authoritative revelation.

Biblical Christianity teaches that Scripture is the final authority.

“All Scripture is inspired by God…”
(2 Timothy 3:16, NASB 1995)

What Are Some Core Practices?

Islam is structured around practices often referred to as the Five Pillars:

• Profession of faith

• Prayer

• Fasting

• Giving

• Pilgrimage

These practices are central to a Muslim’s life and devotion.

What Makes Islam Different from Biblical Christianity?

The primary differences include:

• The identity of Jesus

• The nature of God

• The basis of salvation

• The source of authority

Biblical Christianity teaches:

• Jesus is the Son of God

• God exists as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit

• Salvation is by grace through faith alone

• Scripture is the final authority

Why Does This Matter?

Islam affirms belief in one God and recognizes many biblical figures.

But it presents a different message about who Jesus is and how a person is saved.

Understanding these differences is essential to understanding the gospel clearly.

🔒 Why this works

Judaism is a monotheistic faith centered on the worship of one God and the covenant established with the people of Israel.

Who Is God According to Judaism?

Judaism teaches that there is one God who is eternal, personal, and the creator of all things.

Who Is Jesus Christ?

Jesus is not recognized as the Messiah or the Son of God.

He is generally viewed as a historical figure, not central to faith.

What Is Salvation?

Salvation is not emphasized in the same way as in Christianity.

Instead, focus is placed on:

• Faithfulness to God

• Obedience to the law

• Repentance

What Is Their Authority?

Authority in Judaism includes:

• The Hebrew Scriptures (Tanakh)

• Rabbinic teachings such as the Talmud

What Makes This Different from Scripture?

The New Testament presents Jesus as the promised Messiah:

“This Jesus… is both Lord and Christ.”
(Acts 2:36, NASB 1995)

It also presents salvation as found in Him:

“There is salvation in no one else…”
(Acts 4:12, NASB 1995)

Why This Matters

Judaism shares belief in one God and much of the Old Testament.

However, it does not recognize Jesus as the Messiah, which is central to the message of the New Testament.

Buddhism is a belief system focused on understanding suffering and the path to its end.

Who Is God According to Buddhism?

Buddhism does not center on a creator God.

Its focus is on human experience and the nature of suffering.

Who Is Jesus Christ?

Jesus is not a central figure in Buddhist teaching.

What Is Salvation?

Salvation is understood as freedom from suffering (nirvana).

It is pursued through:

• Ethical living

• Meditation

• Insight

What Is Their Authority?

Authority includes:

• The teachings of the Buddha

• Various Buddhist texts

What Makes This Different from Scripture?

Scripture presents God as the creator:

“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”
(Genesis 1:1, NASB 1995)

It also presents salvation as reconciliation with God through Christ:

“Having been justified by faith, we have peace with God…”
(Romans 5:1, NASB 1995)

Why This Matters

Buddhism focuses on overcoming suffering through personal insight.

Scripture presents salvation as reconciliation with a personal God through Jesus Christ.

Atheism is the belief that God does not exist.

It is not a religion, but a worldview that understands life and meaning apart from a creator.

Who Is God According to Atheism?

Atheism does not affirm the existence of God.

Reality is understood through natural processes rather than a divine source.

Who Is Jesus Christ?

Jesus is generally viewed as a historical figure or teacher.

He is not considered divine.

What Is Salvation?

Atheism does not include a concept of salvation in the biblical sense.

Meaning, morality, and purpose are typically understood through human reasoning or cultural frameworks.

What Is Their Authority?

Authority is generally based on:

• Human reason

• Science

• Personal or cultural perspectives

What Makes This Different from Scripture?

Scripture begins with God as the foundation of all things:

“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”
(Genesis 1:1, NASB 1995)

It also presents salvation as necessary because of sin:

“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
(Romans 3:23, NASB 1995)

Why This Matters

Atheism removes God as the foundation of truth and meaning.

Scripture presents God as central to both life and salvation.

New Age spirituality is a broad collection of beliefs focused on personal spiritual experience and self-discovery.

It is not a single organized religion.

Who Is God According to New Age Beliefs?

God is often understood as:

• An impersonal force

• Universal energy

• A form of consciousness present in all things

Who Is Jesus Christ?

Jesus is typically viewed as a spiritual teacher or enlightened individual.

He is not uniquely the Son of God.

What Is Salvation?

Salvation is understood as:

• Self-realization

• Awakening

• Alignment with spiritual truth

The focus is on discovering truth within oneself.

What Is Their Authority?

Authority is based on:

• Personal experience

• Intuition

• A blend of spiritual traditions

What Makes This Different from Scripture?

Scripture presents God as personal and distinct from creation:

“I am the Lord, and there is no other.”
(Isaiah 45:5, NASB 1995)

It also presents salvation as given by God, not discovered within:

“For by grace you have been saved through faith…”
(Ephesians 2:8–9, NASB 1995)

Why This Matters

New Age beliefs center on the self as the source of truth.

Scripture presents God as the source of truth and salvation.

Scientology is a structured belief system founded by L. Ron Hubbard, focused on spiritual self-improvement.

Who Is God According to Scientology?

Scientology does not center on a personal creator God in the way Scripture presents.

Its focus is primarily on the individual as a spiritual being.

Who Is Jesus Christ?

Jesus is not central to Scientology’s teachings and is not regarded as the Son of God.

What Is Salvation?

Salvation is understood as spiritual advancement.

This is pursued through structured processes such as “auditing,” aimed at overcoming past experiences and reaching higher states of awareness.

What Is Their Authority?

Authority is based on:

• The writings of L. Ron Hubbard

• The official teachings of the organization

What Makes This Different from Scripture?

Scripture presents salvation as coming through Jesus Christ:

“I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.”
(John 14:6, NASB 1995)

It does not present salvation as the result of a structured system of self-improvement.

Why This Matters

Scientology focuses on personal advancement through a defined system.

Scripture presents salvation as reconciliation with God through Jesus Christ.

Calvinism is a system of theology based on the teachings of John Calvin, a 16th-century reformer.

It emphasizes God’s authority over all things—especially salvation—and teaches that God determines who will be saved.

What Does Calvinism Teach About Salvation?

Calvinism teaches that salvation is entirely the work of God from beginning to end.

Human beings cannot choose God on their own.
God must first act—changing the heart—before a person can believe.

What Is “Election” in Calvinism?

Election means that God chooses certain people to be saved.

This choice is not based on anything they have done or will do.
It is based solely on God’s will.

Did Calvin Believe in Free Will?

Calvin taught that humans have a will—but not a free will in spiritual matters.

Because of sin, people cannot choose God unless God first enables them.

What Is “Limited Atonement”?

Calvinism teaches that Jesus died specifically for those who will be saved (the elect), not for every person in the same way.

This means His death was fully effective for those God chose.

Can Someone Resist God’s Grace?

According to Calvinism, when God calls someone to salvation, that call cannot ultimately be resisted.

God’s grace is effective and brings about the response He intends.

Can a Saved Person Lose Their Salvation?

Calvin taught that those truly saved will continue in faith until the end.

If someone falls away permanently, it is seen as evidence that they were never truly saved.

How Is Calvinism Different from Other Christian Beliefs?

The main difference centers on who initiates salvation:

• Calvinism: God chooses and brings people to salvation

• Other views: God offers salvation, and individuals respond freely

Is Calvinism the Same as Biblical Christianity?

Calvinism includes many biblical truths:

• Salvation by grace

• The authority of Scripture

• The seriousness of sin

However, some question whether its conclusions about election and human ability fully reflect the whole of Scripture.

Why Do Some People Struggle with Calvinism?

Common concerns include:

• It can seem like people do not have a real choice

• It may raise questions about God’s fairness

• It can feel difficult to reconcile with verses that invite all people to believe

Why This Matters

At its core, this discussion is about how salvation works:

Is it entirely determined by God?
Or is it offered by God and received through faith?

Scripture clearly teaches:

“Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved.”
(Acts 16:31, NASB 1995)

That invitation is central—and it is extended openly.

Arminianism is a system of theology based on the teachings of Jacob Arminius, a theologian who lived shortly after Calvin.

It emphasizes that God offers salvation to all people, and individuals have the ability to respond.

What Does Arminianism Teach About Salvation?

Arminianism teaches that salvation is a work of God—but it must be freely received by the individual.

God initiates, but people can accept or reject that offer.

What Is “Free Will” in Arminianism?

Arminianism teaches that, through God’s grace, people are given the ability to respond to Him.

This is often called prevenient grace—grace that comes before salvation and enables belief.

What Is “Election” in Arminianism?

Election is based on God’s foreknowledge.

This means God knows who will believe, and those are the ones counted as His people.

Did Jesus Die for Everyone?

Arminianism teaches that Jesus died for all people, not just a select group.

However, only those who believe receive the benefit of that sacrifice.

Can Someone Resist God’s Grace?

Yes.

Arminianism teaches that people can resist or reject God’s call to salvation.

Can a Saved Person Lose Their Salvation?

Views differ within Arminianism:

• Some believe salvation can be lost through continued rejection of God

• Others believe true believers will remain saved

How Is Arminianism Different from Calvinism?

The key difference is human response:

• Calvinism: God determines who will be saved

• Arminianism: God offers salvation, and people choose whether to accept it

Is Arminianism the Same as Biblical Christianity?

Arminianism affirms many biblical truths:

• God’s love for the world

• The call for all to repent

• The responsibility to believe

However, some question whether it fully accounts for passages that emphasize God’s sovereignty in salvation.

Why Do Some People Struggle with Arminianism?

Common concerns include:

• It can seem like salvation depends partly on human choice

• It may raise questions about whether salvation is secure

• It can be interpreted as placing responsibility on the individual rather than fully on God

Why This Matters

This discussion centers on a key question:

Is salvation something God decides for you—
or something God offers to you?

Scripture consistently calls people to respond:

“Whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
(Romans 10:13, NASB 1995)

That invitation is open—and personal.

Both systems attempt to explain how salvation works.

Both use Scripture.
Both aim to honor God.

But neither system is the gospel.

What Does Scripture Clearly Say?

Scripture emphasizes truths that are not always easy to fit into a system:

• God is sovereign

• Humanity is responsible

• Salvation is by grace

• People are called to believe

Jesus said:

“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.”
(Matthew 11:28, NASB 1995)

And also:

“All that the Father gives Me will come to Me.”
(John 6:37, NASB 1995)

Both are true.

Do I Need to Choose a System to Be Saved?

No.

Salvation is not found in Calvinism or Arminianism.

Salvation is found in a person—Jesus Christ.

“Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved.”
(Acts 16:31, NASB 1995)

What Should I Focus On Instead?

Rather than trying to resolve every theological tension, Scripture directs us to respond:

• Hear the gospel

• Believe in Christ

• Trust His finished work

Salvation is not about mastering a system.

It is about receiving what God has already done.

Why This Matters

The danger is not in studying theology.

The danger is replacing the simplicity of the gospel with a system that feels like the answer.

Scripture keeps the focus clear:

“For I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified.”
(1 Corinthians 2:2, NASB 1995)

Final Thought

You do not need to solve every question about sovereignty and free will to come to Christ.

You are invited to believe.

And that invitation is enough.