Who is a Christian?

A Christian Believes in Jesus Christ

The Bible makes clear that to be a Christian means to believe in Jesus as the Son of God and Savior. “Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God.” (1 John 5:1, NIV). A Christian’s faith is not in self, good works, or religion, but in Jesus alone (Acts 16:31).

A Christian Is Saved by Grace Through Faith

Being a Christian is not about earning God’s favor through deeds. The Bible teaches: “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.” (Ephesians 2:8–9, NIV). A Christian is one who has received God’s gift of salvation through faith in Christ.

A Christian Confesses Jesus as Lord

To be a Christian means publicly confessing and living under the lordship of Jesus. “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Romans 10:9, NIV). Christians not only believe in Christ but also follow Him as the Master of their lives.

A Christian Has New Life in Christ

When someone becomes a Christian, they are transformed by God’s Spirit. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” (2 Corinthians 5:17, NIV). A Christian’s identity is no longer defined by sin but by their relationship with Christ.

A Christian Follows Jesus Daily

Jesus explained what it means to be His disciple: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.” (Luke 9:23, NIV). A Christian is not someone who merely claims the title but one who actively follows Christ’s teachings and example.

A Christian Belongs to the Family of God

Christians are united with other believers as part of the church, God’s family. “You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:26, NIV). Being a Christian means belonging to the body of Christ and living in fellowship with other believers (Hebrews 10:24–25).

Living as a Christian

According to the Bible, a Christian is someone who believes in Jesus, is saved by grace through faith, confesses Him as Lord, and follows Him in new life. As Acts 11:26 records, “The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.” A Christian, then, is a true disciple of Jesus Christ, living to honor Him in faith and obedience.