What Does It Mean To Be A Christian?

The word “Christian” occurs but three times in the New Testament but it introduces the most revolutionary concept in human history. The world has never been the same since Jesus Christ came to this earth and people began to follow him.

But the term “Christian” is also one of the most misused and badly defined words in the English language. It is not unusual to hear someone say they are a Christian, but then make it clear by what they say and do that their concept of “Christian” has not been shaped by what the New Testament reveals.

For all who believe they are Christians, and for those who know they are not, we need to

ask the question, “What does it mean to be a Christian?” and allow the New Testament to answer our query.

Christians follow Christ

By this we know that we are in Him: the one who says he abides in Him ought himself to walk in the same manner as He walked. 1 John 2:5-6.

While the word Christian doesn’t occur in this verse, it gives the best definition of a Christian anywhere. Whether defined by a dictionary or by this passage, one thing is clear: Christians follow Christ; they walk as he walked. What he says, they do. Where he leads they follow. Anything other than, or less than, this type of character and one is not a Christian. And this leads to another consideration.

Designation vs. Reputation

For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly; neither is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh. But he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that which is of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter; and his praise is not from men, but from God. Romans 2:28-29.

The problem with first century Jews is the problem with twenty-first century Christians: glorying in the designation, but not having the reputation. Calling a Volkswagen a Mercedes-Benz does not make it one, and neither does calling ourselves Christians make it so. Unless our character reflects a lifestyle in which we seek to follow the Lord, we can designate ourselves as “Christians” all we want but it will never make it so.

We want to provide assistance to those who seek to follow Christ; who call themselves Christians but whose lives do not reflect that character. Other articles on this topic will follow which hopefully help in this regard.

David Smitherman