What is a Christian… Really?
We all have heard the phrase “I am a Christian” but what does it really mean? Some people think it means being religious, but that would be called Catholic, Protestant, etc.
Others say it is because they attend church on Sunday or whatever day the service is performed. Once again, that is not correct. Attending church does make it good for you socially and possibly spiritually.
Then you hear that you are a Christian if you do good things. Once again that is incorrect. Of course, doing good is always a benefit to your values and character. How about helping your neighbors and others makes you a Christian. Wrong again, but that does make you a very good and caring person.
Here’s another one. Reading the Bible every day. Nope. That does make you a good reader and maybe with enough knowledge to pass on to others to their benefit.
Donating my time and money makes me a Christian. Sorry it doesn’t, but that does make you a caring and compassionate person and maybe a tax write-off provider. Simply put, being a true Christian is believing in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior and accepting Him into your life on a daily basis.
The modern usage of the word “Christian” does not typically include the original definition. Today, it means someone who trusts Jesus for their salvation. But the word is also used in ways that are completely inaccurate:
– A Christian is not someone who belongs to a cult that mentions Jesus but does not follow the truths in the Bible – Galatians 1:8.
– A Christian is not someone who was born and raised in a Western nation – Galatians 3:28.
– A Christian is not someone whose parents were believers and who went to church as a child – Romans 9:6-18.
– A Christian is not someone who once said a prayer and then rejected God for the rest of his life – Jude 1:18-19.
– A Christian is not someone who thinks Jesus was a good man and did good things, but does not believe that Jesus is God and the Son of God – Matthew 19:17.
– A Christian is not someone who believes he must complete certain duties to be saved – Ephesians 2:8-9.
– A Christian is not someone who does good deeds – Romans 3:23; 6:23.
What is a Christian? Culturally, it is someone who relies on Jesus alone for his or her salvation. Originally, it meant someone who strives to be like Jesus. Ultimately it means both. Being a Christian literally means to believe and follow Jesus Christ. Nothing more and nothing less.
Blessings to you,
Jean & John
Evangeciples