What Is a Christian?
It is easy to look at the huge variety of people who call themselves Christians and be confused about exactly what a Christian is.
Sometimes people use "Christian" just to mean a moral person or as a word to describe someone who goes to church. Some people think "Christian" refers to a political view.
The first time anyone was called a Christian is recorded in the Bible. "It was at Antioch that the believers were first called Christians" (Acts 11:26, New Living Translation).
The people who believed that Jesus was God also chose to live like Him. As a result, a group of people in Antioch teasingly applied Jesus' title of Christ as a label for His followers.
The word Christian is less important than the spiritual reality it illustrates.
Christians know God loves them.
They recognize their rebellion separates them from God. This is what the Bible calls sin.
They know Jesus came to earth, died and came to life again to offer forgiveness.
Christians have responded to God's offer of forgiveness by making a choice to stop living for themselves and allow God to make them who He wants them to be.
Many people think they must behave a certain way to become a Christian. The Bible explains that becoming a Christian is not about behavior, but about responding to Jesus' offer of forgiveness.
"God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can't take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it" (Ephesians 2:8,9, NLT).
However, people behave differently after becoming a Christian because their relationship with God changes them. People do good things for many reasons, but a Christian is motivated to do good things because they love God.
Learn more about how God changes lives by reading about what the Bible says is true if you are a Christian.
If you are a Christian, then:
God's Spirit lives in you
Revelation 3:20 (A picture of your new relationship with Jesus if you've placed your faith in Him.)
Romans 8:9-11
Ephesians 1:13,14
You are forgiven
Colossians 2:13,14
Romans 6:6, 11-13,14
1 Corinthians 10:13
God changes you
As you get to know God better and continue to follow His plan, God will change your life and character through the Holy Spirit.
2 Corinthians 3:18
2 Corinthians 5:17
Galatians 5:22,23
Philippians 1:6; 2:13; 4:13
You live for Christ
Living for Christ is a lifelong process. God will give you the ability to follow Him as you trust in His promises and obey Him.
Ephesians 2:10
Galatians 2:20
Matthew 10:38,39
2 Corinthians 5:14,15
John 15:9-11
Your faith and trust in God will continually develop
This process of knowing God better and experiencing His love and plan is developed by:
Talking to others about Christ
Spending time with other Christians
To Think About:
In light of these truths from the Bible, are you a Christian?
What would keep you from committing your life to Jesus Christ?
Learn more about becoming a Christian by reading How to Know God Personally
