Those with only a marginal understanding of Christianity might sometimes wonder what is a Christian? There are many out there who call themselves Christians for a variety of reasons, some of which have nothing whatsoever to do with the Christian religion. To answer the question "What is a Christian?" a look at what the Bible says on the subject is in order.
The Bible states that followers of Jesus Christ were first called Christians in the city of Antioch in the first century A.D. So what does it mean to follow Christ? Is it simply trying to live a good life and keep the golden rule? Again the Bible is quite clear on what it means to follow Jesus, and the first step is realizing that nobody ever can on their own.
The Bible talks of the fallen nature of mankind and how it is impossible for man to serve God out of the "goodness" of his own heart. The sin that a person commits has separated him from God with no hope of reconciliation save one, Jesus Christ himself. It is only through the perfect sacrifice that Jesus made one time to cover every sin ever committed that man can again be reconciled with God.
To be a Christian does not simply mean that somebody believes that Jesus lived, was a pretty good guy, and had some good things to say. It means that a person has admitted the fact that he is a sinner and has no way to have a relationship with God outside of faith in Jesus Christ. The is the first step in answering the question, "What is a Christian?"
It is the faith that is essential. The Bible says without faith it is impossible to please God. By faith a person admits that they are sinful and in need of a savior. By faith that person asks Jesus Christ to save their soul from an eternity without God. Once a person has asked Jesus Christ to be their savior from their sins, they can truly be considered a Christian.
What is a Christian? According to the Bible it is a person who has placed his faith in the saving power of Jesus Christ and turned his life over to Jesus.
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 tells 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 true family, and one who has been given new life in Jesus Christ.
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Are Christian Denominations really essential for you to go to heaven? Get more christian news on our What Is A Christian blog.
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