“Biblical” Christianity – Does It Really Exist?

“Biblical Christianity” is something I’ve been seeing across many platforms, with several saying this doesn’t exist.

I’ve written in the past about the diverse types of Christianity I’ve observed in today’s society, and this type does, in fact, exist.

We’re living in an age where “Christianity” is losing its true meaning — in other words, losing its saltiness — becoming worthless in the eyes of the world. We’ve been called to be “salt of the earth” (Matthew 5:13) by Jesus, meaning we’re to preserve the true message, the true Gospel of Jesus Christ. Instead, we’re diluting the message to cater to the seekers, to the world, to remain relevant in society.

People don’t want to be made uncomfortable; no, they come to church to feel better about themselves. The church and its leaders, instead of preaching and teaching the true, undiluted message and Gospel, improvised and altered what Christianity was truly about.

So, whenever the term “Biblical Christianity” comes up, it makes people uncomfortable.

Why? Because Biblical Christians hold fast to the authority and message of the Bible, the Word of God, instead of man.

Billy Graham laid out the foundation of what makes up Biblical Christianity:

“As Christians, we have only one authority, one compass: the Word of God.”

The issue is that not every Christian views the Bible in this manner.

Let’s look at a few examples.

Progressive Christians view the Bible as a collection of human writings about God, rather than God’s literal word. They reject the idea of biblical inerrancy and don’t see the Bible as the ultimate or sole authority. The Bible is seen as a dynamic text that is open to new readings and interpretations, with its meaning shaped by the ongoing participation and experiences of contemporary readers. (Source: Ways Progressive Christians Interpret the Bible)

Cultural Christians often claim to believe in the Bible as a sacred text and the word of God, providing a point of access for discussions on faith. However, their cultural norms, beliefs, and values often take precedence over the Bible’s teachings, leading to a culturally shaped Christianity that differs from the gospel’s core message. To them, the Bible might be appreciated for its positive influence on society or its moral framework, rather than as the unique source of salvation through Jesus Christ. (Source: Cultural Lenses: Interpreting the Bible In Light of Our Heritage and Experiences)

Universalist Christians view the Bible as a source of wisdom and inspiration, but not as an infallible, literal, or authoritative text. They interpret scripture through a lens of divine love and universal salvation, focusing on passages that suggest reconciliation for all. They reinterpret or downplay passages that describe judgment or eternal punishment. Instead, they focus on passages that speak of God’s love and of social justice. (Source: Toward a biblical view of universalism)

And then, we have the Biblical Christians who view the Bible as the inspired Word of God, a divine revelation that is authoritative, truthful, and enduring. It serves as the foundation for their faith and life, a source of truth that should be understood in its original context and centered on Jesus Christ.

To say that Biblical Christianity does not exist is to say that Progressive Christianity (as an example) does not exist. Each group or faction within Christianity believes a bit differently from the other groups or factions.

This then brings up a problem for the rest of the world — which message carries the truth? Which group or faction of Christianity is the true form of Christianity?

I will save that one for another post.