What Is Christianity?

What Is Christianity?

By Dr. Maxwell Shimba
Shimba Theological Institute, America
(Originally written on August 15, 2015)

Introduction

The term Christianity is derived from the name Christ. Therefore, a Christian is a follower of Christ. The relationship between the word and its origin is comparable to the way the term American derives from America. The identity of a Christian, therefore, is rooted in being a disciple and follower of Jesus Christ.

The purpose of every Christian is to seek a close fellowship with God the Father. This fellowship is made possible through the redemptive work accomplished by Jesus Christ and the continuing ministry of the Holy Spirit within the believer’s life.

Because God is holy, He cannot coexist with sin. There exists a vast moral gap between humanity and God — the separation caused by sin (Isaiah 59:2; Romans 3:23). Humanity attempts to bridge this divide through religion, good works, or prayers. However, these efforts fall short because human beings remain inherently sinful and incapable of saving themselves (Ephesians 2:8–9).

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The Meaning of Christianity

Christianity is a distinct faith compared to other belief systems because it emphasizes a relationship with God rather than religious works. Unlike religions that rely on strict rules or rituals — “do this” and “do not do that” — Christianity centers on an intimate, personal fellowship with God the Father through His Son, Jesus Christ, empowered by the indwelling Holy Spirit.

Christians believe that the Bible is the inspired Word of God and the ultimate authority for faith and practice (2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20–21). They believe in one God who exists eternally in three persons: the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit — a doctrine known as the Holy Trinity (Matthew 28:19; John 14:16–17).

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The Meaning of Religion

Religion may be defined as humanity’s attempt to reach or relate to God through self-effort or ritual. In contrast, the Christian faith is a divinely initiated relationship between God and humankind — established through what God has done for humanity in the sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus Christ (Romans 5:8; John 3:16).

Therefore, Christianity is not merely a religion but a living faith centered on divine relationship rather than human effort.

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Christianity Is Not a Religion but a Relationship

Christianity stands apart from other belief systems because it offers a single way to true fellowship with God: through Jesus Christ. He is the only means of reconciliation between humanity and God. Jesus declared,

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

Jesus died for our sins to reveal God’s love and divine plan for humanity (Romans 5:8).

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What Is True Faith?

True faith is not defined by external observance of laws but by inner transformation through divine grace. Whereas false religions attempt to solve the problem of human separation from God through moral codes and rituals, true faith acknowledges that only God can restore this relationship — and that He has already done so in Christ Jesus (Ephesians 2:4–5).

True faith recognizes the following essential truths:

1. All have sinned and are separated from God.
   (Romans 3:23)

2. The penalty for sin is death and eternal separation from God.
   (Romans 6:23)

3. God provided a solution through Jesus Christ.
   Jesus died for our sins, taking the punishment we deserved, and rose again to demonstrate that His sacrifice was sufficient.
   (Romans 5:8; 1 Corinthians 15:3–4; 2 Corinthians 5:21)

4. Salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ alone.
   Whoever believes in Him, confessing with their mouth and believing in their heart that Jesus is Lord, will be saved.
   (John 3:16; Romans 10:9–10; Ephesians 2:8–9)

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Summary: The Meaning of Christianity

Christianity is a unique faith emphasizing relationship over ritual. Its ultimate goal is not moral perfection through works, but restored fellowship with God through Jesus Christ. This relationship is sustained by the transformative work of the Holy Spirit in the believer’s life (John 14:26; Romans 8:11).

While other religions focus on human efforts to please God, Christianity focuses on what God has done to redeem humanity. Therefore, Christianity is the following of Christ — who is God Himself.

Jesus Christ is God.
(John 1:1, John 10:30, Colossians 2:9)

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Conclusion

In summary, Christianity is not a man-made religion but a divine relationship initiated by God through His Son, Jesus Christ. It transcends rituals, commandments, and cultural limitations, offering humanity a personal connection with the Creator. As Christians, Americans are called to live out this divine fellowship daily through faith, love, and obedience to God’s Word.

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References

Biblical References:

• The Holy Bible, King James Version (KJV).

• Isaiah 59:2 — Sin separates humanity from God.

• Romans 3:23; 6:23 — All have sinned; the wages of sin is death.

• John 3:16; 14:6 — Jesus is the only way to God.

• Romans 5:8; 10:9–10 — God’s love demonstrated through Christ’s death and resurrection.

• 1 Corinthians 15:3–4 — The resurrection as the foundation of faith.

• Ephesians 2:8–9 — Salvation by grace through faith, not by works.

• 2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20–21 — The divine inspiration of Scripture.

• Matthew 28:19 — The doctrine of the Trinity.

Scholarly References:

• Grudem, Wayne. Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine. Zondervan, 2020.

• Erickson, Millard J. Christian Theology. Baker Academic, 2013.

• Lewis, C.S. Mere Christianity. HarperOne, 2001.

• Stott, John R.W. Basic Christianity. InterVarsity Press, 2008.

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© Max Shimba Ministries, 2015 (Revised American Edition 2025)
Email: info@maxshimbaministries.org
Website: www.maxshimbaministries.org

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