Foundations of Faith: Core Beliefs
Building Life on a Firm Foundation
Foundations of Faith: Core Beliefs
Understanding the Essential Truths of the Christian Faith
What do Christians believe? Why do we believe it? How do these beliefs shape our daily lives?
Throughout history, Christians have looked to Scripture as the foundation for understanding God, salvation, the Church, and the hope of eternal life. These core beliefs provide a framework for worship, discipleship, spiritual growth, and faithful living.
Whether you are exploring Christianity for the first time, returning to church after many years, preparing for church membership, teaching others, or simply seeking a deeper understanding of God, these resources can help you grow in faith and confidence.
Start Here: Exploring the Foundations of Christian Faith
If you are new to Christianity or looking for a simple place to begin, explore these topics in order:
The Bible
God the Father
The Trinity
Jesus Christ
The Holy Spirit
The Nature of Humanity
The Garden of Eden
The Fall of Humanity
Sin and Redemption
Salvation
Grace
Means of Grace
Spiritual Growth
The Church
Death and the Intermediate State
Resurrection of the Body
The Return of Jesus
The Final Judgment
The Book of Life
The New Jerusalem
Understanding God
The Bible
God has revealed Himself through Scripture. Learn how the Bible was written, how it is organized, why Christians trust it, and how it guides faith and life.
Read More: The Bible
God the Father
Discover the Creator of heaven and earth, His character, His love, His holiness, and His plan for humanity.
Read More: God the Father
The Trinity
Christians believe in one God who exists eternally as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The Trinity helps us understand God’s nature and His work in creation, salvation, and daily life.
Read More: The Trinity
Jesus Christ
Learn about the life, ministry, death, resurrection, and ongoing work of Jesus Christ, the Son of God and Savior of the world.
Read More: Jesus Christ
The Holy Spirit
Explore how the Holy Spirit guides, empowers, teaches, convicts, comforts, and transforms believers.
Read More: The Holy Spirit
Understanding Humanity and God’s Plan
Creation
Explore the biblical account of creation and God’s purpose for the world He made.
Humanity and Sin
The Nature of Humanity
Learn what Scripture teaches about being created in the image of God and what it means to be human.
Read More: The Nature of Humanity
The Garden of Eden
Discover the significance of Eden, humanity’s original relationship with God, and God’s design for creation.
Read More: The Garden of Eden
The Fall of Humanity
Understand how sin entered the world and how the brokenness of creation affects every person.
Read More: The Fall of Humanity
Sin and Redemption
Learn how God’s plan of redemption unfolds throughout Scripture and finds fulfillment in Jesus Christ.
Read More: Sin and Redemption
Salvation and the Christian Life
Salvation
What does it mean to be saved? Explore grace, faith, repentance, forgiveness, redemption, and new life in Christ.
Read More: Salvation
Grace
Discover the Methodist understanding of prevenient grace, justifying grace, and sanctifying grace.
Read More: Grace
Means of Grace
Learn how God strengthens faith through prayer, Scripture, worship, Holy Communion, fellowship, and acts of mercy.
Read More: Means of Grace
Spiritual Growth
God desires every believer to grow in faith and become more like Jesus Christ through the work of the Holy Spirit.
Read More: Spiritual Growth
The Church
Discover God’s purpose for the Church as the Body of Christ and why worship, fellowship, discipleship, service, and mission matter.
Read More: The Church
Eternity and the Christian Hope
Angels and Heaven
Explore what Scripture teaches about angels, heaven, worship before God’s throne, and God’s unseen spiritual kingdom.
Read More: Angels and Heaven
Death and the Intermediate State
What happens when we die? Learn about the believer’s hope, the soul, Paradise, and the promise of resurrection.
Read More: Death and the Intermediate State
Resurrection of the Body
Discover God’s promise that believers will be raised to new and eternal life through Jesus Christ.
Read More: Resurrection of the Body
The Return of Jesus
Explore the biblical promise that Jesus Christ will return to complete God’s plan of redemption.
Read More: The Return of Jesus
The Final Judgment
Learn what Scripture teaches about accountability, justice, mercy, and God’s final judgment.
Read More: The Final Judgment
The Book of Life
Discover the significance of the Book of Life and the assurance believers have in Christ.
Read More: The Book of Life
The New Jerusalem
Explore the Bible’s vision of God’s eternal kingdom where He dwells with His people forever.
Read More: The New Jerusalem
The GROW Framework
Grounded in Scripture
Everything Christians believe begins with God’s Word.
Reasons We Believe
Faith is strengthened through Scripture, history, fulfilled prophecy, personal experience, and the testimony of believers throughout the ages.
Obedience in Action
Christian faith moves beyond knowledge into faithful living.
Walk It Out
Discipleship is a lifelong journey of following Jesus through worship, prayer, study, service, and daily obedience.
Related Pages
New Believer / New Christian Pathway
Prayer and Worship Preparation
Learn the Story of God and the Old Testament
Continue Learning
Start Here: Your Discipleship Journey
Christian Discipleship Library
Begin the Journey
Understanding the foundations of faith helps us build a life that can withstand life’s storms and challenges. As Jesus taught, the wise person builds on a solid foundation.
Whether you are exploring Christianity for the first time or seeking deeper spiritual growth, we invite you to continue learning and growing with us.
Visit PGUM.org to explore additional resources, Bible studies, worship opportunities, and ways to grow in your walk with Christ.
