Christianity: New Way in Life

Christianity is a religion based on the teachings of Jesus Christ and worship of one God who exists in three forms. This threesome is known as the Holy Trinity and consists of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. The Father, God, is the creator and lord. The Son, Jesus Christ, is the savior and messiah. The Holy Spirit is the one that directs people and shows them the difference between right and wrong.

Jesus Christ was born of a virgin named Mary around 1 BC. He lived a sinless life, teaching of God's love and forgiveness. He taught peace, love, mercy, and repentance. He also performed many miracles to demonstrate God's power, including healing the sick and feeding 5000 people with five loaves of bread and two fish. Jesus made many friends in his time, including the twelve disciples or apostles. However, he also made many enemies of the Roman soldiers, who feared his power and questioned his authority. These Roman soldiers talked Judas, one of Jesus' disciples, into handing Jesus over for thirty pieces of silver. Judas handed Jesus over to the Romans, and Jesus went peacefully and willingly. The Romans crucified him, that is, nailed him to a cross by his hands and feet. While Jesus hung there, he took all the sin of the world, present past and future, upon him. When he died, he had paid the penalty for our sins.

But the story doesn't end there. Three days later, Jesus rose from the dead, in real flesh and blood form. He appeared to his disciples, saying "Peace!" They thought he was a ghost at first, but Jesus invited them to touch his hands and see where the nails had been. He also ate some fish in front of them, convincing them he was real. (Ghosts don't eat) He ascended into Heaven later and is still there today. Someday, he will return to Earth. When Jesus died and rose again, he fufilled all the prophecies of ancient scripture (sacred writing) that foretold of a Messiah, or savior, who would offer people a chance at Heaven. A person becomes a Christian by placing his or her trust in Jesus Christ, admitting their sins and asking forgiveness. They believe in their heart that Jesus died willingly for their sins and that by placing trust in Him they are assured of a place in Heaven. Heaven is a place of joy and rewards that awaits Christians after this life. Hell is the place of doom for unbelievers.