Topical Encyclopedia In the context of Christian theology and practice, "essentials" refer to the core beliefs and practices that are fundamental to the Christian faith. These essentials are often distinguished from non-essential or secondary issues, which may vary among different denominations and traditions. The essentials are derived from Scripture and have been affirmed throughout church history as foundational to the faith.1. The Nature of God The essential belief in the nature of God is rooted in the understanding of the Trinity: one God in three persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This is foundational to Christian doctrine. The Bible affirms the oneness of God in passages such as Deuteronomy 6:4, "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is One." The triune nature of God is also evident in the Great Commission, where Jesus instructs His disciples to baptize "in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit" (Matthew 28:19). 2. The Authority of Scripture The Bible is considered the inspired and authoritative Word of God. It is essential for teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16-17). The Berean Standard Bible translates 2 Timothy 3:16 as, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness." 3. The Person and Work of Jesus Christ Central to the Christian faith is the belief in Jesus Christ as the Son of God, fully divine and fully human. His incarnation, atoning death, and resurrection are essential for salvation. John 1:14 states, "The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us." The atonement is captured in 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 , "Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures." 4. Salvation by Grace through Faith Salvation is a gift from God, received by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, not by works. This essential doctrine is clearly articulated in Ephesians 2:8-9 : "For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast." 5. The Resurrection and Eternal Life The resurrection of Jesus is a cornerstone of Christian faith, guaranteeing believers' future resurrection and eternal life. 1 Corinthians 15:20 declares, "But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep." The promise of eternal life is affirmed in John 3:16 : "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." 6. The Church and Its Mission The Church, as the body of Christ, is essential for the fellowship of believers, the proclamation of the Gospel, and the administration of the sacraments. The mission of the Church is to make disciples of all nations, as commanded in Matthew 28:19-20 : "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you." 7. The Return of Christ The second coming of Christ is an essential belief, affirming that Jesus will return to judge the living and the dead. This hope is expressed in passages like Acts 1:11 , where the angels tell the disciples, "This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen Him go into heaven." These essentials form the bedrock of Christian faith and practice, guiding believers in their understanding of God, salvation, and their role in the world. Greek 1876. epanagkes -- necessary, of necessity ... 15:28). Word Origin from epi and anagke Definition necessary, of necessity NASB Word Usage essentials (1). necessary. Neuter of ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1876.htm - 7k Library The Essentials of Prayer Three Essentials. The Three Essentials of Prayer The Essentials of Prayer Foreword Whether Every Error is an Impediment to Matrimony? Preface Christian Unity. Forms Versus Character The Good Shepherd: a Farewell Sermon Thesaurus Essentials (1 Occurrence)... Multi-Version Concordance Essentials (1 Occurrence). Acts 15:28 For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, no more burden ... /e/essentials.htm - 6k Essential (2 Occurrences) Cutter (3 Occurrences) Christianity Establish (133 Occurrences) Education (4 Occurrences) Proverbs (11 Occurrences) Parousia Sermon (1 Occurrence) Eschatology Resources What are the essentials of the Christian faith? | GotQuestions.orgChristianity Essentials ' Article Index | GotQuestions.org Thematic Content Index | GotQuestions.org Essentials: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Essentials (1 Occurrence)Acts 15:28 Subtopics Related Terms |