What is a Christian?

Response

A dictionary definition of a Christian would be something similar to “a person professing belief in Jesus as the Christ or in the religion based on the teachings of Jesus.” While this is a good starting point, like many dictionary definitions, it falls somewhat short of effectively communicating the biblical truth of what it means to be a Christian. The term “Christian” is mentioned three times in the New Testament (Acts 11:26; Acts 26:28; 1 Peter 4:16). Followers of Jesus Christ were initially referred to as “Christians” in Antioch «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) because their conduct, actions, and speech resembled that of Christ. The term “Christian” literally means, “belonging to the party of Christ” or a “follower of Christ.”

Unfortunately, over time, the term “Christian” has lost much of its significance and is often used to describe someone who is religious or has high moral values but may not necessarily be a genuine follower of Jesus Christ. Many individuals who do not believe in and trust Jesus Christ consider themselves Christians simply because they attend church or reside in a “Christian” nation. However, attending church, helping those less fortunate, or being a good individual does not automatically make you a Christian. Going to church does not make you a Christian any more than going to a garage makes you an automobile. Being a member of a church, participating

Attending services regularly and contributing to the work of the church do not define your Christianity.

The Bible teaches that our good works cannot earn us favor with God. Titus 3:5 states, “He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.” Therefore, a Christian is someone who has experienced spiritual rebirth through God (John 3:3;John 3:7;1 Peter 1:23) and has placed faith and trust in Jesus Christ. Ephesians 2:8 explains, “…by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.”

A genuine Christian is an individual who has faith in the person and work of Jesus Christ, which includes His sacrificial death on the cross for our sins and His resurrection on the third day. John 1:12 declares, “Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” The distinguishing trait of a true Christian is love for others and obedience to God’s Word «He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. », (1 John 2:4,10) «He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him. », (1 John 2:4,10). A genuine Christian is truly a child of God, a member of God’s authentic family, and someone who has received new life through Jesus Christ.

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