What are the basic beliefs of Christianity?
By CopticBot.ai (Coptic Space Inc.) · Last reviewed 2026-10-10
The basic beliefs of Christianity, from the Coptic Orthodox perspective, are rooted in the Holy Scriptures, the Apostolic Tradition, and the decrees of the first three Ecumenical Councils (Nicaea, Constantinople, and Ephesus). These truths are summarized in the Orthodox Creed.
1. The Holy Trinity
We believe in one God in three Persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. They are one in essence, co-equal, and co-eternal.
- The Father: The Creator of heaven and earth, of all things visible and invisible.
- The Son: Begotten of the Father before all ages.
- The Holy Spirit: The Lord, the Giver of Life, who proceeds from the Father.
2. The Incarnation and Miaphysite Christology
We believe that the Word of God, the Only-Begotten Son, came down from heaven and was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and of the Virgin Mary.
- One Nature: Following the teaching of St. Cyril of Alexandria, we believe in "One Nature of the God-Logos Incarnate". This means that His divinity and His humanity were united in a real, perfect, and indivisible union without mingling, confusion, or alteration.
- The Savior: He was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, suffered, was buried, rose from the dead on the third day, and ascended into heaven to sit at the right hand of His Father.
3. Salvation and Grace
Salvation is the process of being restored to communion with God. It was granted to us through the Incarnation of the Word. Through His death and resurrection, Christ trampled over death and liberated humanity from the bondage of the devil.
- Grace and Faith: We call God our Father by grace and favor, a privilege granted through the Son (John 1:12-13).
- The Role of Works: Unlike Protestants who erroneously claim "faith alone" saves, we believe that faith must be living and expressed through love and keeping the commandments. As the heavenly angels conform to His Will in worship, we must also conform our conduct on earth to be suitable to the hallowing of His Name.
4. The Church and Sacraments
We believe in One, Holy, Catholic (Universal), and Apostolic Church.
- Sacraments (Mysteries): These are the visible means by which we receive invisible grace. These include Baptism for the remission of sins, Chrismation (receiving the Holy Spirit), and the Eucharist, which is the true Body and Blood of.
- Baptism: We confess one baptism for the remission of sins.
5. The Afterlife and the Second Coming
We look for the resurrection of the dead and the life of the age to come. Christ will come again in His glory to judge the living and the dead, and His kingdom shall have no end.
6. Spiritual Warfare and Discipline
The Christian life is one of struggle against the "arrows of the enemy" (Satan). We use tools like the Agpeya (the Book of Hours), fasting, and the intercession of the Virgin Mary and the Saints to strengthen our spiritual state. As Clement of Alexandria noted, while "all things are lawful," the Christian life is premised upon self-discipline and ensuring the body remains a temple for the Holy Spirit, not a slave to temptation.