The true meaning of Christmas can be easily forgotten. In December 2020 Teleios conducted a survey of young believers on the Christian Instagram account, Instapray, to determine if respondents could recognize the biblical meaning of Christmas. The results of the survey were compared to one performed in the same manner two years prior on the Instagram account GodsHolyScriptures.
In 2018 we received 127 and 223 responses in 2020 for a total of 350 responses. The majority were from the United States (61%) and from non-denominational, Bible-believing churches (34%). Comparing the two sets of responses, there were only slight differences for each question demonstrating little change in beliefs. Therefore, we combined the data from the two surveys.
The majority (97%) of respondents noted Jesus primarily came to earth to bring salvation to the world (Mat 1:21, 20:28) and to show mercy to man (34%).
Most participants (70%) recognized Christ was born a man, God’s demand for a sufficient sacrifice for sins required a perfect man, and Christ fulfilled this role (Rom 3:25, Heb 9:16). Some responded (15%) Christ’s purpose was to be a holy example (1 Pet 2:21).
When asked why Christ was born of a virgin, the majority (80%) selected to show that He was begotten of God by the Holy Spirit- all man, all God (Heb 9:14-17, 1 Tim 2:6) and more than half (58%) said to fulfill prophecy (Mat 1:22-23, Isa 7:14).
Most participants (69%) agreed that Christ was born from the lineage of King David to fulfill prophecy (2 Kings 7:12-16) and more than half (58%) chose as a sign that Christ really was Messiah (2 Kin 7:12-16, Mat 22:42-42).
Half of the respondents (56%) noted the promised Kingdom Christ intended to bring was a place where Christ will reign as king (2 Sam 7:12-16, Psa 110:1); others (38%) chose the kingdom will include the Gentiles (Hos 1:10, 2:23).
When asked about the meaning of the term ‘Christ’, the majority (83%) selected it means the ‘anointed one’ derived from the biblical Hebrew title ‘Messiah’ (1 Sam 2:10, Psa 45:6-7).
Finally, participants (87%) agreed salvation is obtained by God’s forgiveness by faith alone through Christ’s death for sins on the cross (Eph 2:2-10, Rom 3:23-26).
Dr. William C. Stewart, co-founder of Teleios, Inc., noted that “This survey was quite positive in that when young evangelicals are shown choices of biblical beliefs regarding Christ and his initial advent, the majority are able to choose correctly. However, there was also a substantial proportion of incorrect answers or failure to identify what was true based on the biblical narrative. This indicates the need for more education regarding the events around Christ’s first advent and bringing salvation to man. Teleios thanks God for all those who strive to teach young people the truth of scripture.”
In summary, this survey indicated that young Christians generally have a good sense of the true biblical meaning of Christmas.
WC Stewart, JA Stewart, LA Nelson
