To compare Christianity to the rest of the world religions, we first need to define: What does it mean to be a Christian? Who was the founder? What does Christianity teach? Answering these questions, we will find that Christianity is unique and stands apart from all other faith systems. These are the basic beliefs of biblical Christianity:
Founder: Jesus Christ, God in the flesh, the Son of God, Son of man.
Christian:
First got their name in Antioch (Acts 11:26) because of their behavior, activity, and speech were like Christ. The word Christian means "follower of Christ'. Over time the name Christian has lost its significance and is often used of someone who is religious or has high moral values but who may or may not be a true follower of Christ. Though people may do church activities or do "good" things, it doesn't make them Christian, a true Christian is one who has put faith and trust in the work of Jesus Christ, including His death on the cross as payment for sins and His resurrection. A mark of a true Christian is love for others and obedience to God's word. Now some religions would have you think they are "Christian" as well, but we will get into their beliefs next and we will see some vast differences.
God:
Christianity teaches that there is only one God eternally existing in three persons- Father, Son and Holy Spirit. He created everything, the sun, moon, stars, trees, animals, humans...you get the picture. God created man in His own image. Now that's not saying God is made of flesh and bone, because He isn't, He is spirit (John 4:24). Image, meaning the likeness of God's character. We were created specifically for God, to have a relationship with Him, but our sin broke that relationship, now... our sin separates us from God (Romans 3:23, 5:12), the penalty of sin is death (that answers why there is death in the world) and those who sin (which is everyone) against God are deserving of His holy justice.
-See http://carm.org/trinity for a good explanation of the Trinity
Jesus Christ:
Christianity is based upon the teachings and miracles of Jesus Christ. Now who is Jesus Christ? To simply put, He is the way, the truth, and the life. (John 14:6) He claimed to be God in the flesh. If we read John 1:1-3,14 we see that in "the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God". In verse 14 ,"And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us." There are numerous scriptures that point to the deity of Christ and where Jesus Himself claims to be the very I AM that spoke to Moses. Jesus Christ is fully God AND fully man, He lived a sinless and perfect life, He died on the cross for our sins and paid the debt we couldn't pay. His death on the cross was sufficient to pay for all sins (This is unique ONLY to biblical Christianity). He rose again the third day and is now seated at the right hand of the Father. Jesus' sacrifice is what restores the relationship between God and man.
The Bible:
Christians believe that the bible is the word of God, that it was inspired by God, and that it's teaching is the final authority in all matters of faith and practice. (2 Timothy 3:16, 2 Peter 1:20-21) A lot of people make the mistake of thinking that since 40 men from all different walks of life, penned the bible, that it can't be trusted, and that the bible has changed through the ages, well...the finding of the Dead Sea Scrolls proves that it hasn't changed! God is perfectly capable of preserving His word throughout the ages.
Salvation:
Salvation is the "saving" of a sinner from the righteous judgment (the wrath) of God (Romans 5:9, 1 Thess. 5:9). When someone repents, confesses their sins to God and puts their faith in Jesus Christ, that person's sins are forgiven. They are wiped clean and their relationship with God is restored and is made into a new creature. This is a gift from God. "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is a gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast." (Ephesians 2:8,9) Our works cannot save us, now, those who are saved, do good works out of love for what God did for us, works which He created for us before hand, so that we may walk in them. (Eph. 2:10)
Hell:
Hell is not a place anyone would want to go. But because of our sin and God's infinite, eternal, holy hatred of sin, and since He is just, those who do not believe in Jesus Christ will not enter the kingdom of heaven (John 3:3) and will end up in hell for eternity. Jesus spoke much about hell, and says ""I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish."(Luke 13:3) Hell is described as: eternal fire, unquenchable fire, shame and everlasting contempt, torment, everlasting destruction, lake of burning sulfur, and that the wicked are tormented day and night, forever and ever. (Matt. 25:41, Matt 3:12, Daniel 12:2, Mark9:44-49, Luke 16:23-24, Revelation 14:10-11). I don't want you to go there, and neither does God, it was created for the devil and his angels. Please confess your sins and trust in Jesus Christ!
Heaven:
Heaven:
In heaven there will be no more tears, no more pain, no more sorrow, no more death. (Revelation 20:6 ; 21:4) It's beauty cannot be described, and there, we will be with God for eternity, face to face with our Savior, we will have fellowship with one another and the things prepared for those who love God cannot be explained in our earthly terms...I want to see you there, please repent and trust in Christ!
