The basics of the Christian faith are not complex.   The Word of God itself says that the wisdom from above is pure, easy to be entreated.  It says that it is able to make the simple, (people who haven't learned), into the wise.

^{Psalm 19:7} The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. KJV

So the truths presented here are not complex.  They are simply and clearly seen in scripture. 

Arguments over what is  basic to Christianity do not have to divide us. After years of biblical study and fellowship with Christians in numerous churches and denominations I have joyfully found  that basic Christianity is simpler than all the arguments for and against one denomination or another.  While certainly not in every case, for the most part, in Presbyterian, Methodist, Lutheran, Nazarene, Baptist, Disciples of Christ, Pentecostal,  and many more denominational and non-denominational churches I have found  the following simple, clear truths to be the unity of our faith.

Basic Christianity starts with Salvation.  Other basics are
Holding to God's Word as our only rule of faith and practice,
Praying, Studying, Renewing your Mind, Walking in Love, Confessing your sins, Fellowshipping with God, Fellowshipping with others, Following the Spirit, Submitting, 
Giving, Serving and Ministering: Using the gifts God gave you, and last, but certainly not least, Waiting For Christ's Return

Salvation

This is the most basic truth about Christianity.   We all fall short of God's standards.  We can never be "good enough."   No matter how hard we try we cannot be sinless.   The price of sin is eternal destruction.  God doesn't grade on a curve.  You either are sinless and get to be with Him eternally or you don't.  But God is merciful and compassionate.   He provided a way for us to overcome this seemingly insurmountable hurdle.  He sent his son.  His son lived a perfect life.  Because he lived that perfect life he should not have had to die.  

Death is the consequence of sin.  Jesus Christ had no sin.  Jesus didn't die because he had to.  Jesus died that horrible death on the cross to pay for our sin so that we could have  eternal life.  There is no greater love than that.  He gave his life for us.

I heard a story a while back about a man who was on a rooftop as the river was rising in a flood.  He saw that the water would soon  rise over the roof so he prayed that God would save him.  He felt confident that God was a merciful God that answered prayer, and waited patiently.  Soon, a helicopter came by, and lowered a rope.  But the man hated flying, and told the pilot to go on but not to worry because God was going to save him.  As the water neared the rooftop where he was he heard a shout and saw a man in a boat.  But he didn't like the  look of the man or the boat he was in, so he told the man to go on but  not to worry because God was going to save him.  Well, pretty soon the water swept over the roof.  The man didn't make it.  He drowned.  

When the man faced God he asked God what happened.   He was so disappointed because  he had told everyone that he had prayed and he was sure God would answer this prayer. God  replied,  "I sent a helicopter and a boat,  and you turned them down.  I provided a way for you.  You just didn't take it."

If you have not accepted Christ you are dying.  In truth you are spiritually dead.   If you don't like the method God has sent to save you then you suffer the eternal consequences. Jesus Christ is the helicopter and the boat.   Accept the gift.  Get in.  Do what he says.  He is piloting the ship.  He's in charge.  He's the boss.  And he will take you from death to life.

 So we make Jesus Lord of our lives.  We believe He died to pay the price for the sin in the lives of every one of us and was raised from the dead to sit at the right hand of the Father.  We are saved from eternal  destruction that is the result of the sin in our lives because he paid the price for us.  We are no longer our own, but we belong to Him, the living Lord and Savior Jesus Christ

^Romans10:8But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; ⁹That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. ¹⁰For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. ¹¹For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. KJV

^John3:36Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on him. KJV

If you haven't committed to Christ, why not now?  You are not guaranteed the rest of the day let alone tomorrow.  This is too important to wait.  You can commit to Christ by making him Lord in your life believing God has raised him from the dead.  The following prayer meets these requirements:

Dear God,  I confess my shortcomings.  I believe you sent Jesus Christ to pay the price for my sin, which he did, and you raised him from the dead.  I thankfully submit to him now as lord in my life.

When you do this you become a new creation in Christ.  This is the start of a new life.  One with Christ at the center and eternal life with him as its duration. 

In my my journey I have personally seen that Jesus Christ is as real and personal to many Baptists as He is to many Pentecostals, and vice versa.  The same is true for many believers in many different denominational and non-denominational churches.  This personal relationship of Jesus as Lord is the cornerstone of Christianity everywhere.

Next basic: Holding to God's Word as our only rule of faith and practice