What is a Christian?

1. Summary of the Question

The question, “What is a Christian?” seeks to define what it means to be a Christian according to the Bible. A Christian is not merely someone who identifies with a particular religion or attends church services; rather, it is someone who has a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, believes in His death and resurrection for the forgiveness of sins, and follows His teachings. This answer will explore the biblical definition of a Christian, the historical context, key scriptural foundations, and how this understanding impacts daily living.

2. Context and Background

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To understand what it means to be a Christian, it is essential to consider the historical, cultural, and literary context of the early church. The term “Christian” was first used in Antioch as described in Acts 11:26. It was initially a term used by outsiders to describe the followers of Jesus Christ, who were distinct in their beliefs and practices from both Judaism and pagan religions of the Roman Empire.

Early Christians were known for their commitment to the teachings of Jesus and their transformation through the Holy Spirit. They faced persecution, misunderstanding, and opposition because of their faith in Jesus as the Messiah and Son of God, who died for their sins and rose again. Christianity spread rapidly despite these challenges because of the transformative message of the Gospel and the evident love and unity among believers.

3. Biblical Foundation (NASB 2020)

Several key scriptures in the NASB 2020 translation provide a biblical foundation for understanding what it means to be a Christian:

• Acts 11:26 (NASB 2020): “And when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. And for an entire year they met with the church and taught considerable numbers of people; and the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.”
  This verse indicates that the term “Christian” was initially used to describe the disciples of Jesus. Being a Christian means being a disciple—a follower of Christ who learns from Him and obeys His teachings.
• Romans 10:9-10 (NASB 2020): “That if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation.”
  This passage highlights that a Christian is someone who confesses Jesus as Lord and believes in His resurrection, resulting in salvation and a right relationship with God.
• Galatians 2:20 (NASB 2020): “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.”
  A Christian is someone whose life is transformed by Christ, living by faith and embodying the love and sacrifice of Jesus in daily life.
• John 13:34-35 (NASB 2020): “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all people will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”
  Jesus teaches that love is the defining characteristic of His followers. A Christian is known by their love for God and others, reflecting the love of Christ.
• 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NASB 2020): “Therefore if anyone is in Christ, this person is a new creation; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.”
  This verse describes the transformative aspect of becoming a Christian—a new creation in Christ, signifying a changed life and a new identity.
• Ephesians 2:8-9 (NASB 2020): “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”
  A Christian recognizes that salvation is a gift of God’s grace through faith in Jesus, not by works or human effort.

These verses collectively affirm that being a Christian involves faith in Jesus Christ, a transformed life by the Holy Spirit, and living in love and obedience to His teachings.

4. Addressing Other Perspectives

There are different interpretations and misconceptions regarding what it means to be a Christian:

1. Cultural Christianity: Some people may identify as Christians because of cultural or family traditions, rather than a personal faith in Jesus Christ. However, biblical Christianity is not based on culture or tradition but on a personal relationship with Jesus and a transformed life.
2. Moralistic View: Some see Christianity as merely following a set of moral guidelines or ethical teachings of Jesus. While Christianity does involve moral transformation, it is not about earning salvation through good works but about receiving God’s grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9).
3. Religious Identity: In some contexts, Christianity is viewed as just one of many world religions, a label rather than a life-changing relationship with Christ. The Bible presents Christianity as unique because it centers on Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection as the means of salvation.

The biblical perspective focuses on a relationship with Jesus Christ, marked by faith, transformation, and a life lived in obedience to His teachings.

5. Clarifying Misunderstandings

A common misconception is that being a Christian is about being a “good person” or following a set of religious rules. However, the Bible teaches that no one can earn their way to Heaven through good deeds (Romans 3:23). Instead, becoming a Christian involves recognizing one’s need for a Savior, repenting of sin, and placing faith in Jesus Christ.

Another misunderstanding is that Christianity is just a label or affiliation. The Bible presents it as a radical transformation of life—being “born again” (John 3:3)—that affects every aspect of one’s being, identity, and purpose.

6. Practical Application and Relevance

Understanding what it means to be a Christian has significant implications for daily living:

• Living as Disciples of Jesus: Christians are called to follow Jesus’ teachings, learn from His example, and obey His commands. This involves a daily commitment to grow in faith, knowledge, and spiritual maturity (Matthew 28:19-20).
• Loving God and Others: Jesus emphasized that love for God and love for others are the greatest commandments (Matthew 22:37-39). Christians are called to live out this love in their relationships, communities, and interactions with others.
• Being Ambassadors for Christ: Christians are called to represent Jesus to the world, sharing the message of the Gospel and demonstrating His love, grace, and truth in their words and actions (2 Corinthians 5:20).

Practical reflections for Christians include:

• Deepen Your Relationship with Jesus: Spend time in prayer, Bible study, and fellowship to grow closer to Jesus and understand His teachings.
• Reflect Christ’s Love: Actively look for ways to love and serve others, embodying the love of Christ in daily interactions.
• Share the Gospel: Be prepared to share the message of Jesus with those who do not know Him, pointing them to the hope and salvation found in Him.

7. Encouragement and Conclusion

A Christian is someone who has a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, trusts in His finished work on the cross for salvation, and lives a transformed life through the Holy Spirit. It is not about a label or religious affiliation but about a deep, life-changing relationship with God through faith in Jesus. Believers are encouraged to grow in their relationship with Jesus, live out His teachings in love and truth, and share the hope of the Gospel with others. As we align our lives with God’s will, loving what He loves and rejecting what He hates, we become true disciples of Christ, reflecting His light and grace to a world in need.