Ask A Christian Adult Catechism

God is the eternal Creator of everything, perfect in love, power, and holiness. He exists as one God in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Trinity). He is all-knowing, all-powerful, and everywhere at once. See Genesis 1:1 and Matthew 28:19.

God is one in essence but three in persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Each is fully God, yet there is only one God, not three (Trinity). This shows God’s relational nature and unity. See John 1:1-14.

God created us to know Him, love Him, and bring Him glory. We’re made in His image to reflect His goodness and enjoy a relationship with Him forever. See Genesis 1:27 and Isaiah 43:7.

God is holy, loving, just, merciful, all-powerful (omnipotent), all-knowing (omniscient), and everywhere (omnipresent). These traits show His perfection and why He alone is worthy of worship. See Isaiah 6:3 and 1 John 4:8.

Sin is anything we think, say, or do that goes against God’s perfect will. It’s rebellion against Him, and it separates us from His holiness. Everyone has sinned. See Romans 3:23.

Sin entered when Adam and Eve disobeyed God in the Garden of Eden by eating the forbidden fruit. Their choice brought sin and death to all humanity (original sin). See Genesis 3:1-19.

Sin separates us from God, brings spiritual death, and leads to eternal separation from Him if unaddressed. It also causes suffering and brokenness in the world. See Romans 6:23.

Jesus Christ is the Son of God, fully God and fully man (hypostatic union). He came to earth to save us from sin by dying on the cross and rising again, proving His power over death. See John 1:14.

Jesus died to pay the penalty for our sins. God’s justice requires payment for sin, but His love provided Jesus as our substitute (atonement), taking our punishment so we can be forgiven. See Romans 5:8.

Jesus’ resurrection means He conquered sin and death, proving He is God and that His sacrifice was accepted. It guarantees our future resurrection and eternal life. See 1 Corinthians 15:3-4.

To be saved, you must turn from your sins and trust in Jesus as your Lord and Savior (repentance and faith). Confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead. See Romans 10:9-10.

Being saved means trusting in Jesus’ death and resurrection to forgive your sins and restore your relationship with God (salvation). It’s a gift of grace, received through faith, not works. See Ephesians 2:8-9.

The Holy Spirit is God living in believers. He convicts us of sin, guides us into truth, and empowers us to live for Christ. He also gives spiritual gifts to serve others. See John 16:13.

Being born again means receiving new spiritual life through faith in Jesus. The Holy Spirit transforms your heart, making you a new creation in Christ. See John 3:3-7.

The gospel is the good news that Jesus died for our sins, rose again, and offers eternal life to all who believe in Him. It’s the message of salvation through Christ alone. See 1 Corinthians 15:1-4.

No, if you’re truly saved, you cannot lose your salvation. God promises to keep those who trust in Jesus, sealing them with the Holy Spirit (eternal security). See John 10:28-29.

The Bible is God’s Word, inspired by the Holy Spirit and written by human authors. It’s our guide for faith and life, revealing God’s truth and His plan for salvation (inspiration). See 2 Timothy 3:16.

The Bible is trustworthy because it’s God’s Word, confirmed by fulfilled prophecies, historical accuracy, and its transformative power. It’s been preserved through centuries for us. See 2 Peter 1:21.

After death, believers go to be with Christ in heaven, while those who reject Him face eternal separation from God (judgment). Jesus will return to judge all people. See John 14:3 and Revelation 20:11-15.

Heaven is a perfect place where believers live with God forever, free from sin, pain, and death. It’s a place of joy, worship, and eternal life. See Revelation 21:4.

Hell is a place of eternal separation from God for those who reject Christ. It’s described as a place of suffering and regret, apart from God’s presence. Often, “hell” is used interchangeably with the “Lake of Fire,” the final place of judgment (Revelation 20:14-15). See Matthew 25:46.

Yes, Jesus will return to judge the living and the dead, establish His kingdom, and make all things new. This is called the Second Coming. See Acts 1:11.

The new heaven and new earth are God’s final restoration of creation, where believers will live with Him forever in a perfect, sinless world. See Revelation 21:1-5.

Angels are spiritual beings created by God to serve Him and deliver His messages. They worship God and sometimes protect or guide believers. See Hebrews 1:14.

Satan is a fallen angel who rebelled against God. He tempts people to sin and opposes God’s work, but he is already defeated by Christ. See Revelation 12:9.

Baptism is a public act where a believer is immersed in water to show they follow Jesus. It symbolizes dying to sin and rising to new life (Romans 6:4). Jesus commands it, but it’s not required for salvation—if you believe but die before baptism, you’re saved (Romans 10:9). The Bible shows only believers being baptized, not infants (Acts 8:36-38).

No, you don’t need a church building to be baptized. The Ethiopian eunuch was baptized by Philip in water they found on the road (Acts 8:36-38). All you need is another believer to baptize you in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19).

Communion is a symbolic act where believers eat bread and drink wine (or juice) to remember Jesus’ sacrifice—His body broken and blood shed for us (Luke 22:19-20). It’s not required for salvation and doesn’t become Jesus’ literal body or blood (transubstantiation).

Some believe God chooses who is saved (Romans 9:15-16), while others emphasize free will (John 3:16). Both views cite Scripture, but this isn’t a salvation issue. We’re called to unity in Christ, loving one another despite differences (John 13:35).

Some believe gifts like tongues and prophecy continue (continuationism), while others say they ceased after the apostles (cessationism). Scripture supports both views (1 Corinthians 12:7-11; 1 Corinthians 13:8-10). We should focus on loving one another, not dividing over this (Colossians 3:14).

Justification is God declaring us righteous when we trust in Jesus. His death pays for our sins, and His righteousness is credited to us (imputation). See Romans 5:1.

Sanctification is the process of growing in holiness as the Holy Spirit works in us. It’s a lifelong journey of becoming more like Christ. See 1 Thessalonians 4:3.

Glorification is the final step when believers are fully transformed into Christ’s likeness at His return, free from sin forever. See Romans 8:30.

Good works don’t save us—salvation is by faith alone (Ephesians 2:8-9). But they’re evidence of true faith, showing our love for God and others (James 2:17).

The law shows us God’s perfect standard and our sin, while the gospel offers forgiveness through Jesus’ sacrifice. The law convicts; the gospel saves. See Romans 3:20-21.

The Old Covenant was God’s agreement with Israel through the law, pointing to their need for a Savior. It was fulfilled in Christ. See Exodus 19:5-6.

The New Covenant is God’s promise through Jesus, where our sins are forgiven, and the Holy Spirit writes God’s law on our hearts. See Jeremiah 31:31-34.

Jesus is our high priest because He offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for our sins and intercedes for us before God. See Hebrews 4:14-15.

The Ten Commandments show God’s moral standard, reveal our sin, and guide us in loving God and others. They don’t save us but point us to Christ. See Exodus 20:1-17.

The unpardonable sin is persistently rejecting the Holy Spirit’s work to convict you of sin and lead you to Jesus. It’s a lifelong refusal to repent. See Matthew 12:31-32.

No, Christianity is unique because Jesus is the only way to God, as He claimed to be the truth and the life. Other religions don’t offer salvation through Christ. See John 14:6.

Faith is trusting in Jesus for salvation, while works are good deeds we do. Faith saves us; works show our faith is real. See Ephesians 2:8-10.

Repentance is turning from sin and toward God, a necessary part of true faith. It’s a change of heart that leads to a changed life. See Acts 3:19.

Grace is God giving us what we don’t deserve—salvation. Mercy is God not giving us what we do deserve—punishment. Both show His love. See Ephesians 2:4-5.

The church doesn’t save us—Jesus does. But the church helps us grow in faith, hear the gospel, and live out our salvation in community. See Hebrews 10:24-25.

The Old Testament points to the coming of Christ through the law and prophets, while the New Testament reveals Jesus as the fulfillment of God’s plan. See Luke 24:27.

The Holy Spirit convicts us of sin, leads us to faith in Jesus, and seals us for eternal life. He ensures our salvation is secure. See Ephesians 1:13-14.

Salvation is the moment you trust Jesus and are saved. Discipleship is the lifelong process of following Him, growing in faith, and obeying His teachings. See Matthew 28:19-20.

Confession is admitting our sins to God, which restores our fellowship with Him. It’s not about earning forgiveness but maintaining closeness. See 1 John 1:9.

Belief is agreeing that something is true, like Jesus is Lord. Faith is trusting in Him personally, relying on Him for salvation. See James 2:19.

The church is the community of all believers in Christ, called to worship God, grow in faith, and share the gospel. It’s not a building but a living body with Christ as the head. See Ephesians 1:22-23.

We pray to talk with God, grow closer to Him, and seek His guidance, help, and strength. Prayer aligns our hearts with His will and shows our trust in Him. See Philippians 4:6.

We should pray with honesty, humility, and faith, trusting God’s will. Jesus taught us to pray for God’s glory, our needs, and forgiveness (Lord’s Prayer). See Matthew 6:9-13.

Worship is giving God the honor and glory He deserves through our words, actions, and hearts. It includes singing, praying, and living for Him, but also teaching sound doctrine (2 Timothy 4:2-3), edifying one another (Ephesians 4:29), and building each other up in faith (1 Thessalonians 5:11). See John 4:23-24.

Christians traditionally gather on Sundays to worship, remember Jesus’ resurrection, and encourage one another, a practice rooted in the early church (Acts 20:7). However, Scripture also says some esteem one day above others, while others esteem all days alike (Romans 14:5-6), meaning we can worship God every day through our lives.

Pastors and elders lead, teach, and care for the church, helping believers grow in faith and stay true to Scripture. They’re called to serve humbly. See 1 Timothy 3:1-7.

Church discipline is the loving process of correcting sin in a believer’s life to restore them to God and the church. It’s done with grace. See Matthew 18:15-17.

Deacons serve the church by meeting practical needs, like caring for the poor, so leaders can focus on teaching and prayer. See Acts 6:1-4.

Tithing is giving a portion of your income to support the church’s work. It’s an act of worship and trust in God’s provision, though not a requirement. See Malachi 3:10.

Fasting is giving up food or other things for a time to focus on prayer and seeking God. It helps us grow closer to Him. See Matthew 6:16-18.

Scripture is the foundation for teaching, correction, and training in the church. It’s God’s Word and our ultimate authority. See 2 Timothy 3:16-17.

Fellowship is believers encouraging, supporting, and loving one another. It builds unity and helps us grow in faith together. See Acts 2:42.

The Great Commission is Jesus’ command to make disciples of all nations, baptizing and teaching them to obey Him. It’s our mission as Christians. See Matthew 28:19-20.

We share our faith by living out Christ’s love, speaking the truth with gentleness, and being ready to explain our hope in Jesus. See 1 Peter 3:15.

Spiritual gifts are abilities given by the Holy Spirit to serve the church, like teaching or helping. They build up the body of Christ. See 1 Corinthians 12:7.

We should speak with grace, seek understanding, and prioritize unity. Disagreements on secondary issues shouldn’t divide us—we’re called to love one another. See Colossians 4:6.

Gossip harms others and divides the church. We’re called to speak words that build up, not tear down, showing love for one another. See Ephesians 4:29.

We should love, honor, and serve one another, showing the world we’re Christ’s disciples by our love. Unity and kindness matter. See John 13:35.

Forgiving means letting go of anger and showing mercy, just as God forgave us. It’s a command and heals relationships. However, it doesn’t mean staying in harmful situations—you can forgive while removing yourself from ongoing harm. See Ephesians 4:32.

Accountability helps believers grow by encouraging and correcting one another in love, keeping us on the path of righteousness. See Galatians 6:1-2.

Music helps us praise God, express our hearts, and unite in worship. It’s a way to glorify Him and encourage one another. See Colossians 3:16.

Preaching teaches God’s Word, equips believers, and calls people to faith and obedience. It’s central to the church’s mission. See 2 Timothy 4:2.

Small groups foster deeper relationships, Bible study, and prayer, helping believers grow in faith and support one another. See Acts 2:46-47.

Missions involve sharing the gospel and serving others worldwide, fulfilling the Great Commission to make disciples of all nations. See Matthew 28:19.

Near-death experiences can’t be fully verified by Scripture, so we trust God’s Word over personal accounts. The Bible is clear on life after death. See John 14:3. We focus on what God has revealed.

We should live by loving God and others, obeying His commands, and being a light in the world through our actions and words. See Matthew 5:16.

We should help the poor with compassion, meeting their needs wisely—like providing nutritious food—but not with excess. This ensures resources help more people (Proverbs 19:17; 2 Thessalonians 3:10).

We should seek justice with love, speaking for the oppressed and acting fairly, while trusting God as the ultimate judge. See Micah 6:8.

We should see money as a tool to honor God, provide for needs, and help others—not as our security. We give generously but wisely. See 1 Timothy 6:10.

We should work diligently, as if serving God, using our skills to provide for ourselves and others while honoring Him. See Colossians 3:23.

We should love our enemies, pray for them, and do good to them, showing God’s love even when it’s hard. See Matthew 5:44.

We should trust God in suffering, knowing He uses it to grow our faith and draw us closer to Him. We also comfort others. See Romans 5:3-5.

Marriage is a lifelong covenant between one man and one woman, reflecting Christ’s love for the church. It’s built on love and mutual respect. See Ephesians 5:25-33.

We should raise children with love, teaching them God’s Word and modeling a life of faith, while disciplining them with care. See Proverbs 22:6.

We should respect and pray for leaders, obeying laws unless they contradict God’s commands. We trust God’s sovereignty over all. See Romans 13:1-2.

We should endure persecution with faith, praying for strength and loving our persecutors, knowing God is with us. See Matthew 5:10-12.

We should steward the earth responsibly, caring for creation as God’s gift, but not worshiping it. We balance this with human needs. See Genesis 1:28.

We should seek knowledge with humility, ensuring our learning aligns with God’s truth. Education should honor God and serve others. See Proverbs 1:7.

We should test trends against Scripture, embracing what’s good and rejecting what’s sinful, while showing love to all people. See 1 Thessalonians 5:21-22.

Sexuality is a gift from God, designed for marriage between one man and one woman. We honor God by living purely. See 1 Corinthians 6:18-20.

We should reject racism, as all people are made in God’s image. We love and treat everyone equally, seeking reconciliation. See Galatians 3:28.

We should engage in politics with wisdom, voting and speaking for biblical values, while respecting others and trusting God’s control. See 1 Timothy 2:1-2.

Wealth isn’t evil, but we shouldn’t love it. We use it to honor God, meet needs, and give generously but wisely. See Matthew 6:24.

We should help the homeless with compassion, meeting needs like shelter and food wisely, while pointing them to Christ’s hope. See Matthew 25:35-40.

We should use technology to glorify God and serve others, but avoid letting it distract us from faith or lead to sin. See 1 Corinthians 10:31.

We should seek peace, pray for leaders, and support just causes, while trusting God’s sovereignty and showing love to all. See Matthew 5:9.

The Bible distinguishes murder (unjust killing, Exodus 20:13) from self-defense. If someone threatens your life or others, defending yourself—even with lethal force if necessary—is permissible (Exodus 22:2-3). We still love and pray for enemies (Matthew 5:44), but this doesn’t mean passivity against unjust harm.

We should care for our bodies as God’s temple, support healing, and help others access care, balancing compassion with wisdom. See 1 Corinthians 6:19-20.

We should choose entertainment that honors God, avoiding what promotes sin, and use it to rest and connect with others. See Philippians 4:8.

We should support those struggling with mental health, offering love, prayer, and practical help, while trusting God’s comfort. See 2 Corinthians 1:3-4.

We should serve our communities with love, meeting needs and sharing the gospel, showing Christ’s care for all people. See Galatians 5:13.