What is a believer?

Answer

In the New Testament, the term “believer” refers to an individual who is convinced that Jesus is the Messiah and the source of salvation. The Greek term commonly translated as “believer” or “believing” conveys the concept of faithfulness and loyalty (John 20:27;Acts 16:1;2 Corinthians 6:15). A believer is someone who places their trust faithfully in Jesus Christ.

A believer is a person who has embraced the truth that Jesus Christ is the Son of God in their heart, leading to a new beginning (John 1:12;2 Corinthians 5:17). A believer goes beyond merely hearing Jesus’ teachings and acknowledging His statements about God; a believer allows this knowledge to transform them (see John 2:23-24). Genuine faith entails more than just mentally agreeing with the truths concerning Christ; it includes repentance and wholehearted dedication to Him. True believers are those who listen to the Word of God, accept it in their hearts, and appreciate its significance to the point of being willing to bear their crosses and follow Jesus (Luke 9:23;Luke 14:26-33).

In the Scriptures, believers were also referred to as disciples. A disciple is someone actively striving to emulate the one they admire. The followers of Jesus were so dedicated to becoming like Him that their critics began calling them “little Christs,” or “Christians” «and when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch. », (Acts 11:26). The unbelievers may have meant the term as an insult, but such a name is the highest compliment believers can receive. Our goal as believers is to be “little Christs” in our words, actions, and values «For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. », (Romans 8:29).

Sadly, the term Christian has lost most of its meaning in our secular world. It has come to mean one’s religious preference, akin to Buddhist, Muslim, or atheist. Today, many people call themselves “Christians” or “believers,” but the label has more to do with culture or upbringing than true faith in Christ. Not so in the first century. Believers lived quite differently from their unbelieving peers. They may have come from any number of wicked pasts, but they had been redeemed and transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:9-11). There were no cultural benefits of being a believer. To believe in Jesus of Nazareth as the promised Messiah often meant persecution, rejection, and even death (Acts 8:1;1 Thessalonians 3:7;2 Corinthians 4:8-10).

Believers “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness” «But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. », (Matthew 6:33). Such faith often comes at a high cost relationally, socially, financially, and even physically. Jesus warned prospective believers to “count the cost” of following Him (Luke 14:25-33). Paul warned that “everyone who wants to live”Live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.”, (2 Timothy 3:12). Believers worldwide are currently enduring persecution for their faith, just as Paul and the other apostles did. Even in countries that were once free, believers are encountering growing hostility towards practicing their faith.

A believer is blessed with numerous promises from God to provide comfort, encouragement, and motivation for greater service. A believer has undergone the new birth: “Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God” “Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him.”, (1 John 5:1). A believer has a relationship with God that liberates them from their former life of guilt, shame, and sin (John 8:36;Romans 8:2). A believer encounters an unparalleled love and is empowered to love others (John 10:11;Romans 5:8;1 John 4:11). A believer has the privilege of God’s presence and communion with the Holy Spirit, who comforts, protects, leads, and guides (Ephesians 2:13,18;Hebrews 4:16;John 14:16-18).

Jesus said, “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it” (Matthew 7:13-14). Believers are those who have discovered the narrow road that leads to life and remain steadfast.Lastly, they stand firm on it regardless of opposition, (John 8:31;2 John 1:9).