Three Essentials of the Christian Faith

Martin Luther considered John 3:16 "the heart of the Bible – the Gospel in miniature." Yet there are other doctrines that must also be considered essential to the Gospel. Let's look at three of them.


God as Trinity

"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life." John 3:16

As Jesus came up from the Jordan waters the Spirit descended upon Him and the Father's voice was heard claiming Jesus as the divine Son. The Trinity was made manifest at Jesus' baptism by John.


Jesus as the unique Savior

"For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him.” John 3:17

“The Lord is . . . not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9

"He died for all, so that they who live might no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose again on their behalf.” 2 Cor 5:15

“God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself..." 2 Corinthians 5:19

"Jesus answered, 'I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." John 14:6


Jesus as the Son of God

“. . . the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14

"If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in them and they in God." 1 John 4:15

John explains that his purpose in writing is "that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God." (John 20:31) 

Likewise, Martha professes that Jesus is Messiah, the Son of God (John 11:27), and John the Baptist bears witness that Jesus is the Son of God (John 1:34).


Related reading: Jesus Christ's Triumphal Resurrection