Being a Christian is not about performing rituals, following the rules and regulations, or regularly attending church. It’s about forming a bond with Jesus Christ, knowing him to reach God, and helping others learn His message.
What Does it Mean to be a Christian?
“For a whole year, Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.”- Acts 11:26. The word ‘Christians’ was used for the early followers of Jesus and is now used for all believers. To connect with God, we must build a special relationship with Jesus. The Bible says, “God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” –John 3:16. Therefore, to be a Christian, we must first learn what it means to be a Christian!
1. A Christian Is Someone Who Follows Jesus
“The Apostle Paul says Those who become Christians become new persons. They’re not the same anymore, for the old life is gone. A new life has begun!”- 2 Corinthians 5:17, NLT.
Being a Christian means having firm faith in Jesus and implementing his teachings in your daily lives. It means following his guidance through Scriptures and seeking the Holy Spirit for the rest of your life.
2. It’s About an Intimate Relationship
In John’s Gospel, it’s said: “To all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” (1:12)
John teaches us to have the closest possible intimate relationship of love with Jesus Christ if we wish to be Christian. This relationship is similar to a child’s love for their parents. The New Testament even associates this relationship to be close to the analogy of a husband and wife. Therefore, seek his love and love him to understand and accomplish the true beauty of Christianity!
3. Having Faith in the Word of God
To be a Christian means to be confident about your faith and knowing that you have eternal life! “I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.” -1 John 5:13
Christian faith means having confidence and assurance in the Word of God. It’s based not on feelings but facts because feelings can subside, but facts remain. Paul says that “faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” -Romans 10:17 NKJV. To ensure you have faith, read the Bible daily and fathom how God speaks to you through it. It’s a great way to interact with your Lord!
4. Inviting Jesus to Be a Part of Your Life
Jesus says: “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.”- Revelation 3:20. Invite Jesus into your spirit, asking God to forgive the sins that separate you from Him. Be thankful for His blessings, and regret your sins, promising never to walk back on the path of the wrongdoers.
Inviting Jesus to be a part of your life is crucial to being a Christian. Eventually, God will minister our hearts, enlightening our innermost being. That’s how true transformation takes place. The Trinity sets apart Christians from other believers. It’s an avenue for us to be intimate and connected with our creator. Therefore, being a Christian means filling yourself up with the presence of God.
5. Admitting Your Sins
The Bible says that all humans have sinned, lack the desire to serve God, and have no potential to save themselves. Stubbornness, wrong choices, and failures leave us humans powerless and guilty. Such habits are hard to break and soon become addictions. Human sins affect our entire society and create a world of violence, oppression, greed, injustice, and pollution.
Romans 3:10-12 states, “… There is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands, no one who seeks God. All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one.”
Despite our sins, God loves us and desires our fellowship. With Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, Christians hope for a new life that continues beyond death. Therefore, admit your sins to renew your Christian faith.
6. Turning Away from Sins
Admitting your sins isn’t enough unless you regret and turn away from them. The Bible teaches in Acts 3:19, “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.”
Repentance in Greek means ‘changing your thinking,’ or ‘turning around.’ Turning away from our sins is crucial to being a Christian. Repentance changes your actions, mindset, and your life’s direction. True repentance is about pleasing God and living an outward lifestyle.
7. Live With Gratitude to God
Being a Christian means living a life full of gratitude to God. Obedience to God’s law is an opportunity to thank for His blessings as expressed in the Ten Commandments. This obedience isn’t about seeking God’s approval but showing Him love and appreciation.
Psalm 107:21-22 says, “Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind. Let them sacrifice thank offerings and tell of his works with songs of joy.”
Christians can show gratitude to God by doing the following things:
- Worshipping Him
- Treating their families kindly
- Performing well at their job.
- Reading the Bible
- Participating in community growth
- Interacting with neighbors
- Spending money righteously
Our Final Thoughts
To be a Christian means following the above-mentioned practices in your life. You can ensure personal development as a Christian by following the word of God and having faith in Jesus Christ. Through Christianity, you’ll join an incredible spiritual journey! It will discipline you and encourage you to walk on a path that leads to intimacy and unity with God!
