Christianity now numbers over 2.1 billion believers. With such numbers comes a wide range of differences in doctrinal opinions. Nevertheless, there are several beliefs held by virtually every Christian in the world:

• Virtually every Christian holds the doctrine of the Trinity, which refers to the belief that God is simultaneously one singular being, yet also three separate persons or aspects that differ in role and functionality. The three members of the Trinity are God the Father, God the Son (Jesus Christ) and God the Holy Spirit.
• God is the creator and ruler of the universe. He created Adam and Eve, the first man and woman, and placed them in an earthly paradise known as the Garden of Eden.
• In the Garden of Eden, God was in perfect communion with his creation. He gave Adam and Eve full reign over all the Earth. Their only instruction was to not eat from the Tree of Life.
• Satan tempted Eve into eating from the Tree of Life. Adam soon followed, eating from the tree, and they both fell into sin. Within Christianity, this event is often called the "Fall of Mankind."
• The only way to end the separation from God that resulted from the fall of mankind is for a blood sacrifice to be made to atone for the sins of the people.
• Jesus Christ is the Son of God and the savior of mankind.
  • Jesus Christ was born to a virgin named Mary.
  • Through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, mankind can be forgiven of sin.
  • Through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, all mankind will be resurrected, or raised from the dead.
• The Holy Spirit is a comforter, who assists adherents in their discipleship.
• Angels are servants of God who interact with men as messengers, protectors, and in other ways.
• Certain sacraments are essential:

• Baptism symbolizes the entry into the community of the faithful. Some Christian denominations believe that baptism is necessary in order to truly understand God and his commandments and eventually gain entry to his kingdom, while other denominations believe that it is a right of passage and a public declaration of faith.
• The Eucharist––also called the Holy Communion––is the taking of bread and wine or juice, which represents the body and blood of Christ that were given as a ransom for man's sins. Partaking of a similar meal within Christian rites symbolizes the “Last Supper” Jesus ate with his disciples.
• Other sacraments, that many, but not all Christian denominations practice, include Reconciliation (forgiveness from sins), Confirmation, Holy Orders, Matrimony, and the Anointing of the Sick.
  • The Holy Bible is a collection of sacred writings divinely inspired by God for the instruction of his children.
  • Satan—variously referred to as Lucifer or the Devil—is the enemy of God and tempts all humankind to do evil.
  • Demons serve Satan in bringing men to misery.
  • God will oversee a final judgment of all his children.
  • Those who accept Jesus Christ as their savior will live eternally with God in a heavenly paradise.