What Does It Really Mean to Be a Christian? (Biblical Truth Explained)
Matthew BellShare
Being a Christian is not just about attending church, following traditions, or calling yourself religious. It is about having a real, living relationship with Jesus Christ and walking in His truth every single day. Many people have different ideas about what it means to be a Christian, but the Bible gives us the true definition. Let’s take a closer look at what God’s Word says.
A Christian Believes in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior
Romans 10:9 (KJV) says:
“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.”
To be a Christian means you believe Jesus Christ is the Son of God who died for your sins and rose again. Christianity is not about trusting in good works or religious rituals—it is about faith in Christ’s finished work on the cross. Salvation comes by grace through faith, not by anything we can earn ourselves.
A Christian Is Born Again
John 3:3 (KJV) says:
“Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”
Jesus told Nicodemus that to enter God’s kingdom, a person must be born again. This doesn’t mean a physical rebirth, but a spiritual one. When someone becomes a Christian, God’s Spirit transforms them from the inside out. Old habits, desires, and ways of thinking begin to change, and a new life in Christ begins.
A Christian Follows Christ’s Teachings
John 14:15 (KJV) says:
“If ye love me, keep my commandments.”
Being a Christian isn’t just believing in Jesus with words—it’s following Him in action. Love for Christ is shown by obedience to His Word. Christians strive to live according to the teachings of the Bible—not because it earns salvation, but because it shows love and gratitude to God for what He has done.
A Christian Walks in the Spirit, Not in the Flesh
Galatians 5:16 (KJV) says:
“This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.”
Christians are called to live differently from the world. The Holy Spirit guides believers to resist sin and live in holiness. This doesn’t mean Christians are perfect, but it does mean they rely on the Spirit’s power daily to overcome temptations and reflect Christ’s character.
A Christian Loves Others
John 13:35 (KJV) says:
“By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.”
Love is the mark of a true Christian. It’s not just about loving friends and family—it’s about showing kindness, forgiveness, and compassion even to those who mistreat us. A Christian’s love reflects God’s love, which is sacrificial and unconditional.
A Christian Denies Self and Follows Jesus
Luke 9:23 (KJV) says:
“And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.”
To be a Christian means surrendering your own will to follow Christ’s will. It requires self-denial—putting aside selfish desires and being willing to sacrifice for the sake of obedience to God. Following Jesus isn’t always easy, but it leads to eternal reward.
A Christian Endures Trials with Faith
James 1:2-3 (KJV) says:
“My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.”
Christians are not exempt from hardship. In fact, trials are part of the Christian walk. But the difference is that Christians have hope and strength in God during those trials. Every challenge becomes an opportunity for growth, refining faith, and drawing closer to God.
A Christian Lives with Eternal Hope
Philippians 3:20 (KJV) says:
“For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ.”
A Christian’s life is not centered only on this world—it’s focused on eternity. While others may chase money, fame, or power, Christians live with the hope of heaven and the return of Jesus Christ. This eternal perspective changes how we live day by day.
What It Truly Means
To sum it up, being a Christian means:
- Believing in Jesus Christ as Savior.
- Being spiritually reborn.
- Following Christ’s teachings.
- Walking in the Spirit.
- Loving others deeply.
- Denying self to follow Jesus.
- Enduring trials with faith.
- Living with eternal hope.
Christianity is not a label—it’s a lifestyle rooted in a personal relationship with Christ.
Final Encouragement
If you have been wondering what it truly means to be a Christian, let today be the day you take that step toward Jesus. He is waiting with open arms to forgive, restore, and guide you into a new life. Being a Christian doesn’t mean you’ll live without challenges, but it does mean you’ll never walk through them alone.
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