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Despite fewer Americans identifying as Christians today than in previous decades, Christianity remains the primary religion in America.
Granted, some Americans may be cultural Christians, or, more simply, be clinging to the faith as part of their childhood tradition or family upbringing. Nevertheless, Christianity remains widespread in the nation and around the world, encompassing both Protestant and Catholic traditions. Christianity is the largest religious body in the world.
Yet the prevalence of Christianity forces us to ask a deeper question: what distinguishes biblical Christianity from Christianity in name only?
From the apostolic fathers, such as Clement, to the early church fathers like Augustine, to the Protestant Reformation, a common trait emerges: these writers and voices viewed the Scriptures as the Word of God. The Bible held weight and importance not only for daily living but also for doctrinal development.
Inevitably, there were differences between theologians and Christians, much like today. However, the commonalities of faith in Jesus Christ, centered on His teachings in the Bible, were at the forefront of Christianity.
In fact, during the Reformation, the term evangelical was used as a bit of an insult toward Reformers such as Luther. King Henry VIII even coined the term, using it derisively in letters debating Luther. It held great meaning, as the term derived from the Greek word evangelion, meaning “good news” or “gospel.”
Ever since, the term evangelical has stood apart, often distinguishing Protestants from Catholics.
The development of the term evangelical is closely aligned with the Reformation movement, which focused on sola Scriptura, or Scripture alone.
However, it is important to realize that Christians before the Reformation also adhered to biblical Christianity. The medieval period is often ignored in church history because illiteracy was common, and church traditions dictated much of what we now know of Christian practice.
Biblical Christianity is undoubtedly connected to adherence to the teachings of Jesus Christ and the Scriptures. Yet for those who could not read, this knowledge was gained through sermons and teachings passed down from the church.
Did the Scriptures convict the soul and motivate the heart to faith in Jesus Christ? If so, this was biblical Christianity, too.
Biblical Christianity meant not only a declaration, but a commitment to Jesus Christ and His teachings. Studies of church history show that emphasis was placed upon devotion to God, but also upon loving one’s neighbor, which, of course, solidified the Greatest Commandment.
The Reformation excelled in arguing that salvation was by faith and grace alone. Yet, as in the time of the Reformers, and in the centuries before, not everyone could possess their own Bible or even read it.
Biblical Christianity was then, and is now, best understood through the teachings of Jesus Christ in the Gospel of Luke:
“And he said to the woman, ‘Your faith has saved you; go in peace.’” – Luke 7:50
This verse emphasizes faith, not works. Belief in Jesus Christ is indeed biblical Christianity, and declaring His name as Lord and Savior is the first obligation of faith.
So, we ask, what is biblical Christianity? It is faith in Jesus Christ, centered on love, shaped by Scripture, and confessed by the mouth.
