52 KEY QUESTIONS

of the Christian Life

Knowing and Understanding the Answers to Christianity's Most Foundational Questions

In a culture that often has many different answers to a single question, it’s more important now than ever to have a clear picture of what it means to be a Christian, what we believe, and why we believe it. Here, you’ll find a guide that outlines 52 key questions of the Christian life. In this, we offer simple answers to commonly asked questions about God, the world, the person of Jesus, and how Christians should live their lives. These answers are simple so that they are easier to understand and memorize.

Our ministry team created this 52-question guide as a tool to teach the basics of Christianity so that people could develop an understanding of the world built on what the Bible says. We’ve started with the top 12, which we feel are the most essential to Christianity, and will continue building onto this as we walk through each question and answer together. By knowing these, we pray each of you will be equipped with the biblical truths to both strengthen your own faith and defend that faith in everyday life.

In an effort to provide answers to these questions that are age-appropriate, you can use the following text color guide:

Blue: Early Childhood Blue and Red: Elementary Blue, Red, and Black: Students and Adults (If there is no black, Elementary answer is identical to Adult answer)

52 Key Questions

1. Who is God?

2. What is the Trinity?

There are three persons^a in the one^b true^c and living God^d: the Father^e, the Son^f, and the Holy Spirit^g. They are the same in substance^h and equal in power and glory.ⁱ

3. How and why did God create us?

God created mankind intentionally and purposefully^a as male and female,^b in His own image^c to know Him,^d love Him,^e live with Him,^f glorify Him,^g and to rule over His creation.^h

4. How can I know God?

God reveals himself to us ^a through His Word–the Holy Scriptures^b–and through His Holy Spirit.^c

a Ps 19:1; Rom; 1:19-20; Heb 1:1-2 b Lk 24:27; 2 Tim 3:16; 2 Pet 1:19–21 c Rom 8:16; 1 Cor 2:10

5. How Did God Create All Things?

In the beginning, God created all things^a out of nothing^b by his spoken word.^c He deemed His creation to be “good.”^d

a Gen 1:1; Jn 1:3 b Gen 1:2; Rom 4:17; Heb 11:3 c Gen 1:3; Ps 33:9 d Gen 1:31

6. Why do bad things happen in the world?

a Gen 1:31 b Gen 3; Rom 5:12a c Zech 1:3; Jn 3:36a d Jn 3:16; 2 Cor 5:21; 1 Jn 5:12a

7. What is sin?

a Rom 3:23b b Ps 53:3; Isa 53:6; Rom 3:23a c Isa 59:2; Eph 2:12

8. How are we affected by sin?

The corruption of sin^a makes us unclean^b and guilty^c before the Holy God. This results in shame,^d suffering,^e and death^f entering our lives.

a Rom 5:12-14 b Isa 64:6 c Rom 3:9 d Gen 3:7 e 1 Cor 11:30-32 f Ecc 9:2-4; Rom 5:12, 6:23

9. Was there death before Adam & Eve sinned?

No. God’s “good”^a creation was broken when Adam and Eve sinned.^b All manner of death and suffering was a result of the fall of humanity.^c Death is the due punishment for sin,^d and is experienced by all fallen mankind.^e

a Gen 1:31 b Rom 5:12 c Gen 3:14-19 d Rom 3:23 e Ecc 2:14, 9:2-4

10. Who is Satan?

Satan is a fallen angel who willingly sinned against God^a and was cast out of Heaven for his actions.^b He is the ruler of this fallen world.^c He and his demons actively oppose God and His people.^d

a Isa 14:13-14 b Isa 14:19; 1 Tim 3:6 c Jn 12:31; 2 Cor 4:4; Eph 2:2 d Gen 3; 1 Chr 21:1; Job 1-2; Zech 3:1-2

11. What is the gospel?

^aRom 8:1-4 ^bMatt 11:28-30; Rom 8:6 ^cJohn 3:16, 5:24 ^dRom 5:8; 2 Cor 5:21 ^eHeb 4:15 ^fMatt 7:24-27 ^gJohn 10:10

12. Who is Jesus Christ?

Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God,^a uncreated^b and equal to the Father in essence and power.^c He is fully God^d and fully man,^e incarnated into physical flesh^f and born to the virgin Mary.^g

a Jn 1:1-2 b Jn 17:5; Col 1:16 c Mk 2:28; Jn 10:30 d Col 1:15-20; Titus 2:13 e 1Cor 15:21; Heb 4:15 f Jn 1:14; Gal 4:4 g Isa 7:14; Matt 1; Lk 1-2

13. How did Jesus save God’s people?

Jesus died on the cross to pay for our sins,^a resurrected from the grave to give us new life,^band ascended to Heaven to reign as our King.^c

a Isa 53:5; 2 Cor 5:21; 1 Pet 2:24 b Isa 25:8; Rom 6:5 c Eph 1:20-21

14. How did Jesus die?

Jesus was handed over by Jewish leaders to the Romans to be crucified^a though He had done nothing wrong.^b This fulfilled God’s plan to save the world through His Son.^c

a Matt 27; Jn 18-19 b 1 Pet 2:22; 1 Jn 3:5 c Gen 3:15; Isa 53:10; Acts 2:23

15. What does the death of Jesus mean for the world?

Because Jesus died, the penalty for sin has been paid for,^a and all people can receive forgiveness for their sins and be reconciled to God.^b

a Isa 53:5; 2 Cor 5:21; 1 Pet 2:24 b 2 Cor 5:18-19; Eph 1:7; 1 Jn 1:9

16. What happened after Jesus died?

After three days, Jesus rose physically from the dead,^a defeating death,^b leaving an empty tomb^c then revealing Himself to His followers.^d

a Matt 28:6; Mk 16:6 b Jn 11:25-26 c Lk 24:2-3 d Lk 24:13-39; Jn 20:19-20

17. What does the resurrection of Jesus mean for the world?

Jesus’ resurrection proves that God’s Kingdom has come, just as He said,^a and that through faith in him anyone can be set free from the power of sin and death.^b

a Lk 24:5-8 b Rom 10:9; Rev 1:5-6

18. What happened after Jesus was raised from the dead?

Jesus physically appeared to his disciples after his resurrection.^a He taught them about the coming Kingdom of God^b and then ascended into Heaven.^c

a Matt 28:9; Jn 20:27 b Lk 24:13-39; Acts 1:6-8 c Lk 24:51; Acts 1:9

19. Where did Jesus go after the resurrection & ascension?

Jesus is now seated in power at the Father’s right hand,^a where He intercedes for His people^b and reigns as Lord over all creation.^c

a Lk 22:69; Acts 2:33; Col 3:1; Heb 12:2; 1 Pet 3:22 b Rom 8:34; Heb 7:25 c Matt 28:18; Rev 1:5

20. How will Jesus return?

Jesus will return personally and visibly in power,^a the same way that He ascended into Heaven.^b

a Matt 24:30; Lk 21:27; 1 Thes 4:16; Rev 1:7 b Zech 14:4; Acts 1:9

21. What will happen when Jesus returns?

When Jesus returns, He will raise everyone from the dead,^a judge us all in perfect judgment,^b and restore God’s creation.^c

a Jn 5:25-29 b Dan 12:2; Acts 17:31 c Isa 66:22; Rev 21:1-4

22. What will happen to unbelievers at the final judgment?

At the end of time, God will judge unbelievers according to their sin,^a the penalty for which is eternal torment in Hell.^b

a Rom 2:8; Col 3:5-6 b Matt 13:41-42; Rev 20:15

23. What will happen to believers at the final judgment?

At the end of time, God will judge believers according to Jesus’ righteousness,^a the reward for which is eternal life with God on the New Earth.^b

a Rom 8:1; 2 Cor 5:17-21 b Matt 25:34; 2 Cor 5:1; Heb 11:16; Rev 21

24. What is the Church to do while waiting for Christ to return?

The Church is commanded to proclaim the gospel to all mankind^a and to serve as Christ did.^b As the light of the world, the Church must point to Christ in all ways.^c

a Matt 28:19; Acts 1:18 b Matt 20:28 c Matt 5:14-16; 2 Cor 5:20

25. Who is the Holy Spirit?

The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity.^a The Spirit enters all believers at salvation,^b and He guides them toward Christlikeness.^c

a 1 Cor 2:10; 2 Cor 3:17 b Rom 8:9; 1 Cor 12:13; Eph 1:13-14 c 1 Cor 6:11; Gal 5:16; 22-25

26. Why is Jesus able to show us what God is like?

Because He is both fully God^a and fully human,^b having two distinct natures in his one person.^c He is the image of the invisible God; the perfect image of God.^d

a Col 1:19; Titus 2:13 b 1Cor 15:21; Heb 4:15 c Heb 1:3 d Col 1:15-20

27. Why does it matter that Jesus was fully human?

Jesus was incarnated as the perfect image of God^a without the corruption of sin,b though tempted as we are,^c so that He could take our place on the cross^d and restore us to the image of God.^e

a 2 Cor 4:4b; Col 1:15-20 b Heb 7:26; 1 Jn 3:5 c Matt 4:1-11; Heb 4:15 d Jn 1:29; 2 Cor 5:21; Heb 2:14 e Rom 8:29; 1 Cor 15:49; Col 3:10

28. Why does it matter that Jesus was fully God?

Only the infinite and eternal God^a can rescue humanity from the power of sin^b and restore creation from the curse of the fall.^c

a Jn 1:1-3, 8:58; Heb 13:8 b Matt 1:21; Rom 8:2; Eph 1:7 c Col 1:20; Rev 21:5

29. What is faith in Jesus Christ?

Faith is trusting in Jesus alone and what He has done for our salvation.^a We trust Jesus, even when we don’t understand it all.^b

a Acts 4:12; Eph 2:8-9 b Rom 8:28, 11:33-35

30. What is repentance?

Repentance is turning our hearts and minds away from sin and towards Christ who can forgive us and make us new.^a Repentance is more than being sorry for sinning, it is a whole-life change that results in following Jesus as our Lord and Savior.^b

a Ezek 33:11; Acts 3:19 b Matt 3:8; Acts 26:20b

31. What is the result of true faith?

True faith will result in transformed living^a as the Holy Spirit works in us to make us more like Jesus.^b

a Matt 3:8; Acts 26:20b b Rom 15:16; 1 Pet 1:2

32. What is justification?

Justification is to be declared right with God.^a It is a gracious act of God^b where the believer is seen as righteous through the work of Jesus on the cross.^c At salvation, the believer is justified by grace through faith in Christ alone.^d

a Rom 4:5-8; 2 Cor 5:21 b Rom 3:24a; Titus 3:5 c Rom 3:24b, 5:9; 1 Pet 2:24 d Rom 5:1; Eph 2:8

33. Must salvation be earned?

Salvation from sin is not earned,^a but given by the perfect mercy of God.^b No one is able to make themselves right before God.^c Forgiveness comes only by grace through faith in Christ.^d

a Eph 2:8-9 b Rom 3:10-12 c Rom 3:20, 5:6; Eph 2:9 d Rom 5:1; Eph 2:8a

34. What is sanctification?

Sanctification is the process of the Holy Spirit making believers more like Jesus in our thoughts, attitudes, and actions.^a This process is not instant^b nor will it be complete in this life.^c

a Rom 8:29; Gal 5: 16-26; Phil 2:12-13 b 2 Cor 3:18; Phil 3:12 c Phil 1:6; 1 Jn 1:10, 3:2

35. What is the Bible?

The Holy Bible is the only Word of God^a
through which He has revealed Himself.^b It alone is the final authority for determining all truth.^c

a 2 Tim 3:16-17; 1 Pet 1:20-21 b Lk 24:27; Jn 5:39; Rom 16:25-26 c Ps 1; Acts 17:11

36. Who wrote the Bible?

God wrote the 66 books of the Bible through the inspired hands^a of 40 different authors over 1500 years. All Scripture is “God breathed” for our learning.^b The Bible in its original writing contains no errors as all the words are directly from God.^c

a 1 Pet 1:20-21 b 2 Tim 3:16-17 c Ps 19:7; Prov 30:5; Matt 24:25; 1 Pet 1:24-25

37. What does the law of God require?

The Law demands personal, perfect, and continual obedience;^a that we love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength; and love our neighbor as ourselves.^b What God forbids should never be done and what God commands should always be done.^c We are expected to be Holy as He is Holy.^d

a Jas 2:10 b Deut 6:5; Matt 22:37–40; Lk 10:27 c Ps 19:7-9; Jas 1:25 d Gen 17:1; Matt 5:48; 1 Pet 1:16

38. Can anyone keep the law perfectly?

No human, except Jesus,^a has been able to keep the law perfectly since the fall.^b Our sinful nature drives us to commit sinful actions.^c

a Heb 7:26; 1 Jn 3:5 b Isa 53:6a; Rom 3:23 c Ps 51:5; Mk 7:21-22; Rom 7

39. Did God create us unable to keep his law?

No. God initially created mankind to live in a world with no sin and brokenness.^a However, because of sin, starting with Adam and Eve, we are now corrupt.^b As a result, we are unable to keep the Law.^c

a Gen 1:31 b Rom 5:12 c Ecc 7:20; Rom 3:10-12

40. Will God allow sin to go unpunished?

No, every sin is an offense to God‘s holiness, righteousness, and goodness; and against his righteous law.^a God is righteously angry with our sins^b and will punish them with perfect justice in the life to come.^c

a Jas 2:10 b Nah 1:2; Rom 2:5-6 c Acts 17:31; Rom 14:10; 1 Pet 1:17

41. Is there any way to escape punishment for our sins?

Yes, through the cross of Christ, Jesus offers to pay the penalty of sin to satisfy His justice, delivering us from sin and its punishment.^a

a Isa 53:4-6; Rom 8:1; 1 Pet 2:24, 3:18

42. What is the Church?

The Church is the family of believers who are united in Christ^a, in all times^b and all places^c, and expressed in many different local congregations.^d

a 1 Cor 12:13; Gal 6:10; Eph 1:22-23 b Jn 17:20 c Acts 1:8; Rev 7:9 d Acts 14:23; Rom 16:3-16; 1 Cor 16:1-4; Gal 1:1-2; Col 1:2

43. How should we live together as the Church?

Christ commands us to love one another,^a to meet regularly,^b to serve one another,^c and to strengthen each other’s faith in Christ by exercising the gifts of the Spirit.^d

a 1 Pet 1:20-21 b 2 Tim 3:16-17 c Ps 19:7; Prov 30:5; Matt 24:25; 1 Pet 1:24-25

44. Why is the Church so important?

a Acts 2; 1 Cor 12:13 b Rom 6:3-7 c Rom 12:5; 1 Cor 10:17; Eph 1:22-23; Heb 13:3 d Matt 28:16-20; Mk 13:10; 14:9; Lk 24:44-49; Jn 20:21; Acts 1:8

45. What is Baptism?

Baptism is the washing of water in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, as commanded by Christ.^a Through baptism, believers signify their union with Jesus in his death, burial, and resurrection.^b

a Matt 28:19; Jn 3:5 b Rom 6:4-5; 1 Cor 12:13; Col 2:13

46. What is the Lord’s Supper?

The Lord’s Supper (Communion) is eating the bread and drinking the cup that represents and reminds us of Jesus’ broken body and shed blood on the cross.^a

a Matt 26:26-29; Mk 14:17-25; Lk 22:7-22; Jn 13:21-30; 1 Cor 11:23-29

47. What is prayer?

Prayer is talking with God and having fellowship with Him.^a By faith,^b when we pray we come to the Father^c through the Son^d by the Holy Spirit.^e

a Ps 17:6, 66:17; Prov 15:29; Matt 6:9-13 b Jas 1:6 c Matt 6:6; Heb 4:16 d 1 Tim 2:5 e Rom 8:26; Eph 6:18

48. What is idolatry?

To place anything before God is idolatry.^a Idolatry is trusting in created things rather than the Creator for our hope, happiness, significance, and security.^b

a Exod 20:3-6, 23:13; Lev 26:1; Acts 17:29 b Hab 2:18; Ps 135:15-18; Rom 1:21-23

49. Who is Abraham?

Abraham is a man chosen by God to father the great nation that would show God to the world^a and eventually bless the whole world through his descendant, the Savior of the world, Jesus Christ.^b

a Gen 12:1-3; Deut 30:1-10 b Zech 12:10–14; Matt 1:1-16; Rom 11:25–27

50. Who is Israel?

Israel was the father of the Nation of Israel^a and his descendants, called Jews,^b were set aside by God to fulfill the promise God made to Israel’s grandfather, Abraham.^c

a Gen 35:22c-26 b 2 Kgs 16:6; Esth 2:5; Matt 2:2 c Gen 12:1-3; Deut 30:1-10

51. Why does the Old Testament follow the Children of Israel?

Israel was chosen by God as a special family through which God would bring the savior of the world.^a The Old Testament follows that promise through the family of Abraham until the birth of Jesus, the fulfillment of the promise to Abraham.^b

a Gen 12:1-3; 2 Sam 7:12-16 b Matt 1:1-16

52. How should we view God’s promises?

Christians must have an eternal view of God’s promises.^a God created us as eternal beings^b and when we fixate on the short time we live on this earth, we miss the perspective of God and his promises.^c

a Col 3:2 b Ecc 3:11 c Matt 6:19-20; 1 Cor 15:42-54; Rev 21

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52 KEY QUESTIONS

of the Christian Life

Knowing and Understanding the Answers to Christianity's Most Foundational Questions

Top 12 Questions

52 Key Questions

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