What is a Christian?

And Agrippa said to Paul, “In a short time would you persuade me to be a Christian?” 

Acts 26:28

So many have defined this word wrongly or just expect certain things about the word. This is my attempt to define it as simply as I can. 

First let’s look at what it is not.

1. To become a Christian is NOT to become “religious”, or adopt a new religion. 

To be a true Christian is NOT to accept a creed or statement of doctrine, to observe certain rites and ordinances, attend services and functions, and conform more or less diligently to a prescribed manner of life. All this may be carried way too far, with very many good works; but those concerned may still be outside the true New Testament category of “Christian.” This is the danger of an assumed acceptance with God, which may bring that bitter disillusionment given by our Lord Himself in those words: “Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not… by Thy name do many mighty works? And then I will profess unto them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me’” Matthew 7:22-23 Religion has never made this world happier or better. 

2. To become a Christian is NOT to join an institution called “The Church.”

Actually there is no such thing as “joining” the Christian Church. Did we ever take steps to get our limbs to become members of our body? The idea or institutional practice of ‘Membership’ may become a menace to the actual true life relationship with Christ and His real and true Church. Will your ‘membership’ certificate be enough for you to stand up to real suffering and trials? The real Church is not an institution or society, in fact you can visit many ‘churches’ and never really meet Christ or find satisfaction. The real true Church is ONE with Christ. “For where two or three are gathered in My name, there am I among them.” Matthew 18:20

3. To become a Christian is not to become part of a ‘movement’.

Many ‘join’ a movement to become a part of it because it looks appealing or exciting. They want to become part of a great ‘work’, evangelism, or social justice betterment program. Moses got the ‘movement’ idea in Egypt and then it took forty years in the desert to correct that notion in him. God is the ONE who begins a ‘movement’ — so you have the invitation to join HIM, not the movement. It takes much more than enthusiasm or natural powers to become a Christian. You have to accept Jesus INTO your being and life.

So then what actually is a Christian?

3 Principles and realities of a true Christian

1. “Who art thou?” “I am Jesus.”

It’s an inward realizing / revelation that Jesus IS… a living Person. Saul got that realization / revelation on the road to Damascus. The Holy Spirit reveals this to individuals …when they actually seek Jesus / Him. That individual then gains a heart experience with Him. The first step is to speak to Him as a person. This is the way to spiritual discovery. The New Testament speaks of the Holy Spirit is abroad in the world just to bring about this discovery. This wonderful realization. The only way to really know Jesus is to humbly come to Him. 

2. “ What will You have me to do, Lord?”

The second thing especially in Paul’s case is represented in this small question. This means a new position and a new relationship. Yes, the mark of a new Christian and their lives going forward is a recognition of their new “Lord.” We go forward with a new life in Him recognizing and being governed by our new Master.

3. “Christ in you” 

The one indispensable mark and feature of the Christian life is the … indwelling Presence of the Holy Spirit. “So Ananias departed and entered the house. And laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus who appeared to you on the road by which you came has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” Acts 9:17 The one great inclusive and crowning reality of a Christian is … Christ HIMSELF within us. To be born anew. There will be an inward ‘witness’ in the person by the Holy Spirit HIMSELF.

A simple song which defines this well is ..

“He lives! He lives!
Christ Jesus lives today!

He walks with me, He talks with me

Along life’s narrow way.

He lives, He lives, 

Salvation to impart!
You ask me how I know He lives?
He lives within my heart.”