Understanding Christian Doctrines: From Denominations to the True Biblical Faith

Christianity, though rooted in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, has over time developed into many denominations and theological streams—each with distinct beliefs and practices. Among these are Roman Catholicism, Evangelicalism, Baptist traditions, Charismatic movements, and many more. But what does the Bible itself say about sound doctrine, and how do we discern the true faith?

27 March 2025 by

Sajeeva Vahini

Major Christian Traditions and Ministries

1. Roman Catholic Ministry

The Roman Catholic Church is the largest Christian denomination globally. It teaches:

Authority of Scripture and Sacred Tradition
Leadership under the Pope, regarded as the successor of Peter
Seven sacraments as means of grace (Baptism, Eucharist, Confirmation, etc.)
Salvation as a process involving faith, works, and the sacraments
Veneration of Mary and the saints

While rooted in early Christian history, many Protestants challenge Catholic doctrines for adding human traditions not explicitly found in Scripture.

2. Evangelicalism

Evangelicals focus on:

The authority of Scripture
The need for a personal relationship with Christ
Salvation by grace through faith
Spreading the Gospel (evangelism)

Evangelicalism spans across many denominations, including Baptist, Methodist, Pentecostal, and non-denominational churches.

3. Baptist Churches

Baptists are known for:

Believer’s baptism by immersion
Local church autonomy (each congregation is self-governing)
Strong emphasis on biblical authority and religious liberty
Salvation by faith alone, not by works

Most Baptists are also Evangelical in theology, though they maintain distinct church governance and practices.

4. Charismatic Ministry

Charismatics emphasize:

Spiritual gifts (tongues, healing, prophecy) as active today
Experiential worship led by the Holy Spirit
The power and presence of God in daily life

This movement crosses denominational lines and includes Pentecostals and many modern worship churches.

Shared Biblical Beliefs Among Evangelicals and Baptists

Many Evangelicals and Baptists agree on core doctrines:

The Bible is the inspired, inerrant Word of God
Salvation is by faith in Christ alone
The death and resurrection of Jesus are central to salvation
A person must be “born again” (John 3:3)
The Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20) calls believers to make disciples

How to Discern the Right Doctrine?

The right doctrine is not determined by denomination but by alignment with God’s Word.

According to the Bible, sound doctrine teaches:

God is One, in Three Persons (Trinity)
Matthew 28:19, Deuteronomy 6:4
Jesus Christ is fully God and fully man
John 1:1, Colossians 2:9
Salvation is by grace through faith in Christ alone
Ephesians 2:8–9, Romans 10:9–10
The Bible is the supreme authority in all matters
2 Timothy 3:16–17
Believers are filled and led by the Holy Spirit
John 14:26, Romans 8:14
Baptism and Communion are ordinances, not requirements for salvation
Luke 22:19, Acts 2:41
Jesus will return to judge and restore all things
Revelation 22:12, 1 Thessalonians 4:16–17

Final Thoughts: The True Faith According to Scripture

The Bible warns of false teachers and empty traditions (Mark 7:8–9, 2 Peter 2:1–2). It calls believers to:

Contend for the faith once delivered (Jude 1:3)
Abide in Christ’s teachings (2 John 1:9)
Worship in Spirit and truth (John 4:24)

Therefore, the “right doctrine” is:

Bible-based
Christ-centered
Spirit-empowered
Faith-driven, not works-based
Focused on the Gospel of grace

No denomination saves—it is Jesus Christ alone who saves. A true church is one that holds fast to biblical truth and bears spiritual fruit in love, holiness, and service.