What is a Christian?
What Does It Mean to Be a Christian?
A dictionary definition of a Christian might state something like, “a person professing belief in Jesus as the Christ or in the religion based on the teachings of Jesus.” While this definition provides a good starting point, it falls short of capturing the full biblical meaning of what it truly means to be a Christian.
The term “Christian” appears three times in the New Testament (Acts 11:26; 26:28; 1 Peter 4:16, NKJV). The first instance occurs in Acts 11:26 (NKJV), which says, “And when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for a whole year they assembled with the church and taught a great many people. And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.” This designation arose because the followers of Jesus Christ demonstrated behavior, speech, and activities that mirrored Christ Himself. The word “Christian” literally means “belonging to the party of Christ” or “a follower of Christ.”
Misunderstandings About the Word “Christian”
Over time, the term “Christian” has been misapplied and diluted in its significance. Today, many use the word to describe someone who is religious or morally upright but may not be a genuine follower of Jesus Christ. For example, some believe that attending church, performing charitable deeds, or simply living in a predominantly Christian nation automatically makes them a Christian. However, these outward actions or associations do not make someone a Christian.
The Bible is clear that good works alone cannot make us acceptable to God. Titus 3:5 (NKJV) states, “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit.” Likewise, Ephesians 2:8–9 (NKJV) declares, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” Salvation is not something we earn or achieve through our efforts; it is a gift freely given by God’s grace through faith in Jesus Christ.
What Does It Truly Mean to Be a Christian?
A Christian is someone who has been born again by God and has placed their faith and trust in Jesus Christ as their Savior. This concept of being “born again” is essential. In John 3:3 (NKJV), Jesus says, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Similarly, John 3:7 (NKJV) reiterates, “Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’” Being born again signifies a spiritual transformation wrought by God through the Holy Spirit, as described in 1 Peter 1:23 (NKJV): “Having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever.”
True Christianity begins with acknowledging our sinfulness and trusting in Jesus’ finished work on the cross for the forgiveness of sins. John 1:12 (NKJV) explains, “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name.” A Christian recognizes that Jesus’ death and resurrection were necessary to pay the penalty for sin and to secure eternal life. Romans 10:9 (NKJV) affirms, “That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.”
The Marks of a True Christian
The Bible provides clear evidence of what characterizes a true Christian:
Love for Others
A true Christian is marked by love for others. 1 John 2:10 (NKJV) states, “He who loves his brother abides in the light, and there is no cause for stumbling in him.” Jesus Himself commanded His followers to love one another as He loved them (John 13:34–35, NKJV), and this love is a defining trait of discipleship.Obedience to God’s Word
A Christian demonstrates their faith through obedience. 1 John 2:4 (NKJV) declares, “He who says, ‘I know Him,’ and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.” Obedience to God’s Word is not the means of salvation but rather the evidence of a transformed life.New Life in Christ
Being a Christian means experiencing a new life in Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NKJV) states, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” This new life is characterized by a desire to grow in holiness and reflect the character of Christ.Faith in Jesus Alone
A Christian places their faith exclusively in Jesus Christ. Acts 4:12 (NKJV) declares, “Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” This means rejecting all other paths to salvation and trusting in Jesus’ work alone.
Conclusion: What It Means to Be a Christian
To summarize, being a Christian is not about religious rituals, good deeds, or cultural identity. It is about having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, being born again by the Spirit of God, and living a life that reflects faith, love, and obedience to Him. A true Christian recognizes their need for a Savior, places their trust in Jesus’ sacrificial death and resurrection, and walks in newness of life as a child of God.
This profound truth is captured in John 3:16 (NKJV): “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” If you have not yet placed your faith in Jesus, the invitation is open to you today: “Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2, NKJV). Place your trust in Him, and you will experience the transformative power of His love, grace, and salvation.
