What is a Christian?

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 really communicating the biblical truth of what it means to be a Christian.

The word “Christian” is used three times in the New Testament (Acts 11:26; 26-28; 1 Peter  4:16). Followers of Jesus Christ was first called “Christians” in Antioch (Acts 11;26)  because their behavior, activity and speech were like Christ. The word “Christian” literally means, “Belonging to the party of Christ” or a “follower of Christ”.

Christianity is Christ.

Unfortunately over time, the word “Christian” has lost a great deal of its significance and often used of someone who is religious or high moral values who may or may not be a true follower of Jesus Christ. Many people who do not believe and trust in Jesus Christ consider themselves Christians simply because they go to church or live in a “Christian” nation. However, going to church, serving those who less fortunate than you or being a good person do not make you a Christian. Going to Church does not make you a Christian anymore than going to a garage makes you an automobile. Being a member of the church does not make you a Christian.

The Bible teaches that the good works we do cannot make us acceptable to God. Titus 3:5 says, “He saved us, not because not because of righteous things we have done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.”

 So, a Christian is someone who has been born again by God (John 3:3; Johm 3:7;1 Peter 1:23) and has put faith and trust in Jesus Christ. Ephesians 2:8 tells us that it is “…by grace we have been saved, through faith--- and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.”

A true Christian is a person who has put faith and trust in the person and work of Jesus Christ, including His death on the cross as payment for sins and His resurrection on the third day. John 1:12 tell us, “Yet, to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” The mark of a true Christian is love for others and obedience to God's Word (1 John 2:4, 10).

 A true Christian is indeed a child of God, a part of God's family, and one who has been given new life in Jesus Christ.

Are we Christians?