Are you a Christian ? - (Part 1) What It Means to Be a Christian

According to the Bible, a Christian is someone who believes in Jesus Christ as the Son of God and the Savior of humanity. Christians acknowledge that Jesus' death and resurrection provide the means for salvation and eternal life. You are saved from the eternal consequences of sin by believing that Jesus died for our sins and rose again. As a Christian, you rely on Jesus for your salvation and daily walk with God. While being saved does not exempt you from earthly troubles, it does assure you of deliverance from eternal judgment.

Romans 10:9

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.

Being a Christian begins with faith in Jesus Christ as the Son of God and the Savior of the world. But it doesn’t stop there. 

Key characteristics of a Christian include:

• Faith in Christ: Belief in Jesus as Lord and Savior (Romans 10:9).

• Repentance and Baptism: Turning away from sin and being baptized in the name of Jesus 

Acts 2:38

Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

• Following Christ's Teachings: Living according to the teachings of Jesus and the Bible 

John 14:15

If you love me, keep my commands

• Being Born Again: Experiencing spiritual rebirth through the Holy Spirit.

John 3:5

Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit.

• Love for Others: Demonstrating love for God and others as Jesus commanded (, John 13:34-35).

Matthew 22:37-39

Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind." This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’

A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another

• Share the Gospel: tell others about Jesus, and to live out their faith daily, growing in spiritual maturity and displaying the fruit of the Spirit.

Mark 16:15

He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.

 grow in their faith

Being a Christian is more than just a label, it is a transformative journey rooted in faith, repentance, and a deep relationship with Jesus Christ. As a Christian, we are called to follow Christ’s teachings, love others as He loved us, and share the Gospel with the world. While the path of faith may come with challenges, the assurance of salvation and the presence of the Holy Spirit guide us through. Let us continually seek to grow in faith, living out the true essence of what it means to be a follower of Christ. Being a Christian is not just about belief but about living a life transformed by faith in Christ.

Let’s pray: "Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. Help us to live out our faith with love, obedience, and a commitment to Your Word. May our lives reflect Your grace and truth, drawing others to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen."