What do Christadelphians Believe?

Christadelphians are a Christian community whose faith is based entirely on the teachings of the Bible. They seek to follow the message first preached by Jesus and his apostles, believing that the Scriptures reveal God’s purpose for humanity and the world. The following points summarize ten core beliefs commonly held among Christadelphians. These principles shape their understanding of God, Jesus Christ, the gospel message, and the hope offered in Scripture.

1. The Bible Is the Inspired Word of God

Christadelphians believe the Bible is the inspired Word of God and the only reliable authority for faith and life. Both the Old and New Testaments are essential for understanding God’s purpose. The Scriptures reveal God’s character, His plan for the earth, and the message of salvation through Jesus Christ. Regular bible reading and study are central to Christadelphian life.

2 Timothy 3:16–17, 2 Peter 1:20–21, Psalm 119:105

2. There Is One God, the Father

Christadelphians believe that there is one God, the Creator of heaven and earth. The Bible consistently identifies Him as the Father. Jesus Christ is His Son, and the Holy Spirit is understood as God’s power at work rather than a separate divine person. For this reason, Christadelphians do not accept the doctrine of the Trinity and instead emphasize the Bible’s teaching that God is one.

Deuteronomy 6:4, Isaiah 45:5, John 17:3, 1 Corinthians 8:6

3. Jesus Christ Is the Son of God and the Promised Messiah

Christadelphians believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, born of the virgin Mary by the power of God. He lived a life of perfect obedience and revealed God’s character through his teaching and example. Though fully human, he did not sin. Through his sacrificial death and resurrection, God opened the way for forgiveness of sins and the hope of eternal life for those who follow him.

Luke 1:31–35, Hebrews 4:15, Acts 2:22–24, Romans 5:8–10

4. Jesus Will Return to the Earth

Christadelphians believe that God will one day soon send Jesus Christ back to earth. His return will bring judgment and the fulfillment of God’s promises. The second coming of Christ is a central theme throughout the Bible and was a key part of the message preached by Jesus and the apostles.

Acts 1:11, Matthew 25:31–32, Revelation 11:15

5. God Will Establish His Kingdom on Earth

Christadelphians believe that the Bible promises a future Kingdom of God on earth. When Jesus returns, he will reign as king and bring peace, justice, and righteousness to the nations. This kingdom fulfills the promises God made to Abraham, David, and Israel and will ultimately extend throughout the whole world.

Daniel 2:44, Psalm 72:8–11, Luke 1:32–33, Genesis 12:1–3

6. The Gospel Concerns the Kingdom of God and the Name of Jesus Christ

Christadelphians understand the gospel message of the Bible to center on two connected themes: the coming Kingdom of God and the saving work of Jesus Christ. This message runs throughout the entire Bible, from the promises made in the Old Testament to the preaching of Jesus and the apostles in the New Testament.

Mark 1:14–15, Acts 8:12, Galatians 3:8, Luke 24:27

7. Salvation Comes Through Faith, Repentance, and Baptism

Christadelphians believe that individuals respond to the gospel by believing its message, repenting of sin, and being baptized by full immersion in water. Baptism represents a conscious commitment to follow Jesus Christ. It symbolizes the forgiveness of sins and the beginning of a new life devoted to learning from the Bible and living according to Christ’s teachings.

Acts 2:38, Mark 16:16, Romans 6:3–5, Acts 8:35–38

8. Death Is the End of Conscious Life

Christadelphians understand the Bible to teach that humans are mortal and that death is the end of conscious existence. The dead do not live in heaven or hell. Instead, the Bible describes death as a state like sleep, from which people will be awakened when Jesus returns and the resurrection takes place.

Ecclesiastes 9:5–6, Psalm 146:4, John 11:11–14, Daniel 12:2

9. Resurrection and Judgment Will Occur When Christ Returns

Christadelphians believe that when Jesus returns, those who are responsible to God will be raised from the dead and judged. Those who have faithfully followed Christ will receive eternal life and will share in the blessings and work of God’s kingdom on earth.

John 5:28–29, Acts 17:31, 2 Corinthians 5:10, Matthew 25:34

10. Followers of Christ Seek to Live by His Teachings

Christadelphians seek to follow the example and teachings of Jesus in everyday life. This includes practicing love, humility, honesty, and service to others. Members meet in local congregations, called ecclesias, for worship, Bible study, and fellowship as they encourage one another in living according to the message of the Bible.

John 13:34–35, Micah 6:8, Colossians 3:12–14, Hebrews 10:24–25

If you’d like to learn more, visit our First Principles section.