The Christian faith

Text is written by MYRTLE LANGLEY

CHRISTIANS TAKE THEIR NAME from Jesus Christ. Jesus was a Jew who lived in the first century in what is now Israel. At the age of 30 he gathered a band of disciples and travelled about preaching, teaching, and healing the sick. He declared the need for people to repent (ask for forgiveness for their sins), and to believe and follow him. His disciples saw Jesus as the Messiah the Jews expected.

For Christians, Jesus is not just a man. They believe that God, creator and ruler of the universe, became incarnate (came to earth as a human being) in Christ to offer forgiveness and salvation to humankind. This was necessary, Christians believe, because God is good and people are not, which creates a gap or barrier between humanity and God. Christians see Jesus as the saviour (rescuer) who brings people to God.