Who is a True Christian?

There are many definitions for the word Christian. About 75% of all Americans say they are Christian. But, not everyone who claims to be a Christian is a True Christian. So, who is a True Christian?

What does the Bible say?

The Bible only uses the actual word Christian in three places: Acts 11:26 Acts 26:28 1 Peter 4:16. It is the first that offers us insight into who is a Christian. Acts 11:26 And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.

Here we learn that Christians belong to a church and they are disciples. According to Webster, a disciple is “one who accepts and assists in spreading the doctrines of another”. In this case we are talking about Jesus Christ. So it is one who accepts everything the Bible has to say about Jesus Christ, which is a lot. This includes everything Jesus said about himself in the Bible, which is very significant.

Based Upon the Teachings of Jesus Christ a Christian repented of their sins and has put their faith and trust of salvation in Jesus Christ alone. A Christian is said to have been Born Again. 1 Peter 1:23. They believe they are saved from the wrath of God for their sins by Jesus Christ and not by anything they do themselves

We also learn that Christians assemble together in fellowship, with what is called The Church. This does not refer to a building for worship. It refers to a body or organization of religious believers: in this case the whole body of Christians. This Body of Believers, or Church, was established by Jesus Christ. It is distinguished from other religions or churches in that the believers follow Only the teaching of Jesus Christ.

What True Christians Believe

About their sinfulness.

Christians recognize their sinfulness. A person must first accept that they are guilty before they can appreciate the need to be saved or forgiven. All people that call themselves Christian must face the fact of their sinful nature. People know that they have done bad things, such as lie, cheat, steal, or hurt others. But it is another thing to realize that you will pay a severe price for your actions. More so, to realize that every act of your being is offensive to the Almighty God, that you are condemned and do not deserve to be in his presence. We come to this realization not of ourselves but by the work of the Holy Spirit.

In western philosophy, mankind is perceived to be basically good. Mankind may have a few flaws but they can be overcome through his own effort, growth, evolution, and education. A Christian realizes that they are in a desperate situation that is beyond their ability to overcome.

About salvation through faith alone

A Christian understands that they can only obtain forgiveness of their sins and salvation from God’s wrath through faith in Jesus Christ. Faith in Jesus Christ is the only way, there is no other way. Jesus is the central focus of the Christian faith, without it there is no Christianity. Jesus’ whole purpose for coming to earth was to sacrifice himself to pay for the sins of all mankind. In doing this he enables us to restore our relationship to God, Himself, which we lost due to our sins. The entire Bible is the story of man’s fall into sin and God repairing the broken relationship through Jesus. There is no other way to repair/restore your relationship with God.

Our salvation is completely the result of God’s actions and nothing of our own. Mankind is incapable of saving himself from his sinful nature. Jesus’ sacrifice is complete and totally sufficient to cover the sins of all of mankind. Nothing else is required.

Now there are some people who believe that Jesus Christ died for their sins and is their Savior. But they also believe that there are other paths to achieve salvation, via other means, religions, faiths, and gods. You cannot believe anything like this and be a Christian. Why, because Jesus himself warned of this. Jesus said himself that he is the only way.

About the crucifixion and resurrection

They believe in the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus in the fullest sense. There was no qualified crucifixion or resurrection. Jesus really died on the cross. Jesus really rose from the dead on the third day.

During the crucifixion, Jesus took upon himself all the sins of mankind. This includes all the sins of the past and all the sins of the future, and all your sins. In doing this Jesus freed us from God’s wrath and anger. He substituted himself in our place and paid our penalty.

The resurrection demonstrates the success of Jesus, his victory over sin and death. It also confirms that as believers our victory over sin and death is assured. Without the resurrection, there is no Christianity.

About repentance

A Christian is sorry and ashamed of their sins and they try not to sin anymore. They try to follow the life of Jesus as an example. A Christian is thankful of their salvation and do not want to sin anymore. They are repentant and give up sinful practices. A conversion, transformation takes place in a Christian’s life made possible by the Holy Spirit. Christians study the Bible to learn how to live their lives as Jesus taught. As is said, Christians are Born Agan. They no long live for themselves. They are no longer part of the secular world, but are the children of God.

Christians are not perfect by any measure and do not always live the way the should. In fact, they are habitual sinners. There are certainly many examples of what a Christian should not be in the Church. A Christian has no right to judge others or think they are better than anyone else. Being a Christian should be a journey of growth and development of faith and love.

About fruits of the faith

Christians know they are not saved by works. But works are the evidence of their faith. The Bible says God gives each and every person spiritual gifts.