What is BibleAsk?

BibleAsk is a non-denominational Christian ministry dedicated to pointing people to God and His Word, the Bible.

Our goal is not to promote a denomination, church tradition, creed, council, prophet, or human organization, but to help people search the Scriptures and understand what the Bible teaches.

Core Beliefs and How They Compare With Other Denominational Views

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1. Source of Authority

View	Definition	Commonly associated denominations/groups
Solo Scriptura* (see how BibleAsk defines Solo Scriptura)	The Bible alone is the final test of truth; no denomination, tradition, creed, council, prophet, or church authority is binding above Scripture.	BibleAsk
Sola Scriptura / Protestant Bible authority	Scripture is the highest authority, though creeds, confessions, statements of faith, and denominational traditions may guide interpretation.	Assemblies of God, Baptist, Brethren, Church of Christ, Church of God, Church of the Nazarene, Evangelical, Lutheran, Methodist, Non-Denominational, Pentecostal, Presbyterian, Reformed, Seventh-day Adventist, many Quaker/Evangelical Friends
Scripture + Sacred Tradition / Church Authority	Scripture is interpreted together with sacred tradition, councils, bishops, liturgy, or official church teaching authority.	Catholic, Episcopal / Anglican to a lesser degree, Orthodox
Scripture + Additional Revelation / Centralized Interpretation	The Bible is used, but additional scripture, modern prophets, or a centralized governing body also shape doctrine.	Jehovah’s Witnesses, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

*References: Isaiah 8:20, Deuteronomy 4:2, Deuteronomy 12:32, Proverbs 30:5–6, Matthew 4:4, Matthew 4:7, Matthew 4:10, Matthew 15:3–9, Matthew 22:29, Mark 7:7–13, Luke 16:29–31, John 5:39, John 10:35, Acts 17:11, Romans 15:4, 1 Corinthians 4:6, 2 Timothy 3:15–17, 2 Peter 1:19–21, Revelation 22:18–19

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2. Godhead / Trinity

View	Definition	Commonly associated denominations/groups
Biblical Godhead / Trinity*	The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are divine and united as one God.	BibleAsk, Assemblies of God, Baptist, Brethren, Catholic, Church of Christ, Church of God, Church of the Nazarene, Episcopal / Anglican, Evangelical, Lutheran, Methodist, Non-Denominational, Orthodox, Pentecostal, Presbyterian, Quaker, Reformed, Seventh-day Adventist
Non-Trinitarian	Rejects the full deity or equality of the Son and/or Holy Spirit.	Jehovah’s Witnesses
Restorationist Godhead	Uses Christian language but defines God, Christ, and the Holy Spirit differently from historic Christianity.	Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

*References: Isaiah 48:16, Matthew 3:16–17, Matthew 28:19, John 1:1–3, John 1:14, John 10:30, John 14:9–11, John 14:16–17, John 14:26, John 15:26, Acts 5:3–4, 1 Corinthians 8:6, 1 Corinthians 12:4–6, 2 Corinthians 13:14, Ephesians 4:4–6, Philippians 2:5–6, Colossians 2:9, Hebrews 1:8, 1 Peter 1:2

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3. Jesus Christ

View	Definition	Commonly associated denominations/groups
Eternal divine Son of God*	Jesus is divine, became human, died for sin, rose bodily, ministers for His people, and will return.	BibleAsk, Assemblies of God, Baptist, Brethren, Catholic, Church of Christ, Church of God, Church of the Nazarene, Episcopal / Anglican, Evangelical, Lutheran, Methodist, Non-Denominational, Orthodox, Pentecostal, Presbyterian, Quaker, Reformed, Seventh-day Adventist
Created or lesser divine being	Jesus is honored as God’s Son and Savior, but not viewed as fully equal with God the Father.	Jehovah’s Witnesses
Exalted Son / separate divine being	Jesus is central, but understood through LDS teaching about the Godhead, premortal life, and exaltation.	Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

*References: Micah 5:2, John 1:1–3, John 1:14, John 8:58, John 10:30, John 20:28, Romans 9:5, Philippians 2:5–8, Colossians 1:15–17, Colossians 2:9, Hebrews 1:8, Hebrews 13:8, Isaiah 7:14, Matthew 1:21–23, Luke 1:35, Galatians 4:4–5, Hebrews 2:14, Isaiah 53:5–6, Matthew 20:28, John 3:16, Romans 5:8, 1 Corinthians 15:3–4, 1 Peter 2:24, 1 Peter 3:18, Matthew 28:5–6, Luke 24:39, John 20:26–27, 1 Corinthians 15:20, Acts 1:9–11, Romans 8:34, 1 Timothy 2:5, Hebrews 4:14–16, Hebrews 7:25, Hebrews 8:1–2, Hebrews 9:24, John 14:1–3, Matthew 24:30–31, 1 Thessalonians 4:16–17, Titus 2:13, Revelation 1:7–8

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4. Salvation

View	Definition	Commonly associated denominations/groups
Grace through faith producing obedience*	Salvation is by God’s grace through faith in Christ, resulting in repentance, obedience, and transformation.	BibleAsk, Assemblies of God, Baptist, Church of God, Church of the Nazarene, many Evangelical, Methodist, Pentecostal, Seventh-day Adventist, and Non-Denominational churches
Faith alone / Protestant justification emphasis	Strong emphasis that believers are justified by faith apart from meritorious works.	Baptist, Evangelical, Lutheran, Reformed, Presbyterian, many Non-Denominational churches
Sacramental salvation	Grace is received through faith and the church’s sacraments, such as baptism, Eucharist, confession, or other rites.	Catholic, Episcopal / Anglican, some Lutheran and Methodist traditions, Orthodox
Faith plus ordinances / true organization emphasis	Salvation is tied to faith, required ordinances, works, or belonging to the true visible organization.	Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day saints, some Church of Christ groups, Jehovah’s Witnesses

*References: John 3:16, John 3:36, John 6:29, Acts 2:38, Acts 16:30–31, Acts 20:21, Romans 3:23–24, Romans 3:28, Romans 5:1, Romans 5:8–9, Romans 6:1–2, Romans 6:15–18, Romans 10:9–10, 1 Corinthians 6:9–11, 2 Corinthians 5:17, Galatians 2:16, Galatians 5:6, Galatians 5:22–24, Ephesians 2:8–10, Philippians 2:12–13, Titus 2:11–14, Titus 3:5–7, Hebrews 5:9, Hebrews 12:14, James 2:17–18, James 2:26, 1 Peter 1:14–16, 1 John 2:3–6, 1 John 3:3, Revelation 14:12

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5. Scripture and Bible Study

View	Definition	Commonly associated denominations/groups
Direct Bible study encouraged*	Believers are encouraged to personally read, study, and test teachings by Scripture.	BibleAsk, Assemblies of God, Baptist, Brethren, Church of Christ, Church of God, Church of the Nazarene, Evangelical, Lutheran, Methodist, Non-Denominational, Pentecostal, Presbyterian, Reformed, Seventh-day Adventist, many Quaker/Evangelical Friends
Bible study through church tradition	Scripture is read and honored, but official interpretation is strongly shaped by church tradition, councils, liturgy, or church authority.	Catholic, Episcopal / Anglican to a lesser degree, Orthodox
Bible study through centralized interpretation	Scripture is studied through an official organization, governing body, prophet, or restored authority system.	Jehovah’s Witnesses, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

*References: Joshua 1:8, Psalm 1:1–3, Psalm 119:9–11, Psalm 119:18, Psalm 119:105, Isaiah 8:20, Matthew 4:4, Matthew 22:29, John 5:39, John 17:17, Acts 17:11, Romans 15:4, 1 Corinthians 4:6, Colossians 3:16, 1 Thessalonians 5:21, 2 Timothy 2:15, 2 Timothy 3:15–17, 2 Peter 1:19–21, 1 John 4:1

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6. Ten Commandments / Moral Law Still Applicable Today

View	Definition	Commonly associated denominations/groups
All Ten Commandments still applicable, including the seventh-day Sabbath*	God’s moral law remains binding, including all Ten Commandments and the seventh-day Sabbath.	BibleAsk, Baptist*, Seventh-day Adventist, *Seventh-Day Baptists
Moral law affirmed, Sabbath reinterpreted	The Ten Commandments are generally respected, but the Sabbath command is commonly applied to Sunday, spiritual rest, or a general principle of rest.	Baptist, Church of the Nazarene, Lutheran, Methodist, Presbyterian, Reformed, many Evangelical and Non-Denominational churches
New Testament ethics emphasized	Christian obedience is taught, but the Ten Commandments are not always treated as a directly binding moral code for Christians today.	Assemblies of God, Church of God, some Baptist, Brethren, Evangelical, and Non-Denominational churches, Pentecostal
Church-defined moral tradition	Moral teaching is shaped by Scripture plus church tradition, catechisms, councils, or official church doctrine.	Catholic, Episcopal / Anglican, Orthodox
Restorationist moral code	Moral teaching is shaped by the group’s official interpretation, additional scripture, or restored authority structure.	Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Jehovah’s Witnesses

*References: Exodus 20:1–17, Deuteronomy 5:6–21, Psalm 19:7–11, Psalm 111:7–8, Ecclesiastes 12:13–14, Isaiah 8:20, Matthew 5:17–19, Matthew 19:16–19, Matthew 22:37–40, Luke 16:17, John 14:15, John 15:10, Romans 2:13, Romans 3:31, Romans 7:7, Romans 7:12, Romans 13:8–10, 1 Corinthians 7:19, James 2:8–12, 1 John 2:3–6, 1 John 3:4, 1 John 5:2–3, Revelation 12:17, Revelation 14:12, Genesis 2:2–3, Exodus 20:8–11, Exodus 31:16–17, Isaiah 56:2, Isaiah 58:13–14, Ezekiel 20:12, Ezekiel 20:20, Mark 2:27–28, Luke 4:16, Luke 23:54–56, Acts 13:42–44, Acts 16:13, Acts 17:2, Acts 18:4, Hebrews 4:4, Hebrews 4:9–11

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7. Prayer, Worship, and Mediation

View	Definition	Commonly associated denominations/groups
Prayer to God through Christ alone*	Prayer and worship are directed to God, with Jesus Christ as the only mediator. Mary and saints are respected as biblical/historical figures but not invoked.	BibleAsk, Assemblies of God, Baptist, Brethren, Church of Christ, Church of God, Church of the Nazarene, Evangelical, Lutheran, Methodist, Non-Denominational, Pentecostal, Presbyterian, Reformed, Seventh-day Adventist, many Quaker/Evangelical Friends
Liturgical prayer and sacramental worship	Worship is structured through liturgy, sacraments, church calendar, and historic forms.	Catholic, Episcopal / Anglican, Lutheran, Methodist to varying degrees, Orthodox
Prayer with saints’ intercession	Prayer to God may include asking Mary or saints to intercede.	Catholic, Orthodox
Restorationist worship framework	Worship is shaped by additional teachings, temples, restored priesthood, or centralized interpretation.	Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Jehovah’s Witnesses

*References: Exodus 20:3–5, Deuteronomy 6:13, Psalm 5:2–3, Psalm 65:2, Isaiah 42:8, Matthew 4:10, Matthew 6:6–13, Matthew 7:7–11, John 14:6, John 14:13–14, John 16:23–24, Acts 4:12, Romans 8:26–27, Romans 8:34, Ephesians 2:18, Ephesians 3:12, Philippians 4:6, Colossians 3:17, 1 Timothy 2:5–6, Hebrews 4:14–16, Hebrews 7:25, Hebrews 9:24, Hebrews 10:19–22, 1 John 2:1, Revelation 19:10, Revelation 22:8–9

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8. Baptism and Discipleship

View	Definition	Commonly associated denominations/groups
Believer’s baptism and discipleship*	Baptism follows repentance and faith and marks a life of following Christ.	BibleAsk, Assemblies of God, Baptist, Brethren, Church of Christ, Church of God, Pentecostal, Seventh-day Adventist, many Evangelical and Non-Denominational churches
Infant baptism / covenant community	Infants or children of believers are baptized as part of the covenant or church community.	Catholic, Episcopal / Anglican, Lutheran, Methodist, Orthodox, Presbyterian, Reformed
Baptismal regeneration	Baptism is closely connected with washing away sin, receiving new birth, or entrance into the church.	Catholic, Church of Christ, Episcopal / Anglican, Lutheran, some Methodist traditions, Orthodox
No required outward baptism	Inward spiritual experience is emphasized more than water baptism.	Quaker

*References: Matthew 28:19–20, Mark 16:15–16, Acts 2:38, Acts 2:41, Acts 8:12, Acts 8:35–38, Acts 10:47–48, Acts 16:30–33, Acts 18:8, Acts 22:16, Romans 6:3–6, Galatians 3:27, Colossians 2:12, 1 Peter 3:21, Luke 9:23, John 8:31, John 13:35, John 15:8

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9. Communion / Lord’s Supper

View	Definition	Commonly associated denominations/groups
Symbolic memorial*	Bread and cup symbolize Christ’s body and blood and are taken in remembrance of Him.	BibleAsk, Baptist, Brethren, Church of Christ, many Evangelical and Non-Denominational churches, many Pentecostal churches, Seventh-day Adventist
Real presence / spiritual presence	Christ is truly or spiritually present in the Lord’s Supper, though explained differently by each tradition.	Episcopal / Anglican, Lutheran, Methodist, Presbyterian, Reformed
Transubstantiation	The bread and wine become the actual body and blood of Christ.	Catholic
Sacramental mystery	The Eucharist is a holy mystery through which believers participate in Christ.	Orthodox
No formal sacrament/ordinance	Outward rites are often minimized or not practiced.	Quaker

*References: Matthew 26:26–29, Mark 14:22–25, Luke 22:14–20, John 6:53–58, 1 Corinthians 10:16–17, 1 Corinthians 11:23–29, 1 Corinthians 11:33–34

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10. Death, Resurrection, and Final Judgment

View	Definition	Commonly associated denominations/groups
Unconscious death, resurrection, final destruction*	The dead sleep unconsciously until the resurrection; the wicked are finally destroyed rather than living forever in torment.	BibleAsk, Jehovah’s Witnesses, some conditionalist Evangelicals, Seventh-day Adventist
Conscious afterlife, resurrection, eternal torment	The soul consciously enters heaven, hell, or an intermediate state after death, with final resurrection and judgment still affirmed.	Assemblies of God, Baptist, Catholic, Church of God, Church of the Nazarene, Episcopal / Anglican, Evangelical, Lutheran, Methodist, Non-Denominational, Orthodox, Pentecostal, Presbyterian, Reformed
Purgatory, resurrection	Some believers undergo purification before heaven; final resurrection.	Catholic
Spirit world / degrees of glory	The dead enter a spirit world, and final destiny includes degrees or kingdoms of glory.	Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

*References: Job 14:10–12, Psalm 6:5, Psalm 115:17, Psalm 146:3–4, Ecclesiastes 9:5–6, Ecclesiastes 9:10, Daniel 12:2, John 5:28–29, John 11:11–14, Acts 2:29, Acts 2:34, Acts 24:15, 1 Corinthians 15:20–23, 1 Corinthians 15:51–55, 1 Thessalonians 4:13–17, Hebrews 9:27, 2 Peter 2:6, 2 Peter 3:7, 2 Peter 3:10–13, Malachi 4:1–3, Matthew 10:28, Romans 6:23, Philippians 3:18–19, 2 Thessalonians 1:8–9, Revelation 20:5–6, Revelation 20:9, Revelation 20:12–15, Revelation 21:4

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11. Second Coming and Christian Hope

View	Definition	Commonly associated denominations/groups
Visible, literal return of Christ*	Jesus will return personally, visibly, and gloriously, and believers look forward to resurrection and restoration.	BibleAsk, Church of the Nazarene, Catholic, Episcopal / Anglican, Lutheran, Methodist, Orthodox, Presbyterian, Reformed, Seventh-day Adventist
Visible return with futurist / rapture framework	Christ’s return is often understood through a future tribulation, rapture, or dispensational end-time framework.	Assemblies of God, Baptist, Church of God, Evangelical, Non-Denominational, Pentecostal, many Brethren groups
Restorationist end-time framework	End-time hope is shaped by the group’s own prophetic or restored doctrinal system.	Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Jehovah’s Witnesses

*References: Matthew 24:27, Matthew 24:30–31, Matthew 25:31, John 14:1–3, Acts 1:9–11, Philippians 3:20–21, Colossians 3:4, 1 Thessalonians 4:16–17, 1 Thessalonians 5:1–6, 2 Thessalonians 1:7–10, Titus 2:13, Hebrews 9:28, 2 Peter 3:10–13, 1 John 3:2–3, Revelation 1:7, Revelation 22:12, Revelation 22:20

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12. Mission, Evangelism, and Service

View	Definition	Commonly associated denominations/groups
Evangelism and Bible teaching*	Emphasizes sharing the gospel, teaching Scripture, prayer, discipleship, outreach, and service.	BibleAsk, Assemblies of God, Baptist, Brethren, Church of Christ, Church of God, Church of the Nazarene, Evangelical, Non-Denominational, Pentecostal, Seventh-day Adventist
Church-centered mission and service	Mission is connected to the church’s sacramental, liturgical, institutional, educational, or charitable life.	Catholic, Episcopal / Anglican, Lutheran, Methodist, Orthodox, Presbyterian, Reformed, Quaker
Restorationist mission	Mission is tied to proclaiming the group’s restored organization, prophet, priesthood, message, or unique end-time identity.	Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Jehovah’s Witnesses

*References: Matthew 5:14–16, Matthew 9:37–38, Matthew 10:7–8, Matthew 22:37–39, Matthew 28:18–20, Mark 16:15, Luke 10:2, John 13:34–35, Acts 1:8, Acts 2:42, Acts 4:29–31, Acts 8:4, Acts 17:2–3, Romans 10:13–15, 1 Corinthians 9:19–23, 2 Corinthians 5:18–20, Galatians 5:13, Galatians 6:9–10, Ephesians 4:11–13, Ephesians 6:18–20, Philippians 2:4, Colossians 4:2–6, 1 Timothy 4:13, 2 Timothy 2:2, 2 Timothy 4:2, James 1:27, 1 Peter 3:15, 1 Peter 4:10–11

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