What makes someone a Christian?
In the last UK census around 60% of the population identified themselves as being a ‘Christian’. But what were they basing that on? What is it that really makes someone a true Christian?
A Person not a Place
The term ‘Christian’ was first used in a city called Antioch (in modern day Syria). It was used to describe those who belonged to Jesus Christ. Christianity is essentially all about a person; Jesus Christ.
Many consider themselves to be ‘Christian’, simply because they were born in the UK, which was historically regarded as a ‘Christian country’. Others describe themselves as being ‘Christian’ due to their regular attendance at a place of worship.
However, according to The Bible, it isn’t a place of birth, nor a place of worship, that makes someone a Christian. A true Christian is someone who has surrendered and committed their life to the person of Jesus Christ.
Trusting not Trying
Some people consider themselves to be a Christian because they try their best to live a good life and help others whenever they can. Whilst these are commendable things, the Bible is clear that it is not through trying, but by trusting in Jesus that a person receives forgiveness, eternal life and the guarantee of a home in Heaven. It is not about what we can do to work our way into God’s good books. It’s all about what Jesus has done through His death on the cross. As a result we can receive God’s forgiveness as a free, undeserved, gift.
They say that “God helps those who help themselves”, but actually the wonderful news is that God helps those who are utterly helpless. None of us measure up to God’s standards and we are unable to earn our way into Heaven. But God is merciful, gracious and loving and simply asks us to trust in the Lord Jesus. This is the point at which a person becomes a true Christian.
A Relationship not a Religion
A religion is a system of rules and rituals designed to help a person gain the approval of God. As we’ve already noticed such an approach based on our own efforts is doomed to fail. Christianity is different. When a person becomes a Christian they are not subscribing to a set of rules and rituals which they must keep to earn a place in Heaven. Rather, they are entering in to an unbreakable, personal relationship with God.
Upon becoming a Christian, a person is welcomed into the family of God and is assured of an eternal home in the ‘Father’s House’ in Heaven. The Holy Spirit empowers them to overcome sinful desires and to live a new life. They can talk with their Heavenly Father through prayer and can learn His desires for their life through His guidebook, the Bible.
So to be a Christian is not simply to live a ‘religious’ life. It is to have a personal relationship with God, through faith in Jesus Christ. This brings with it forgiveness, peace, love, hope and joy.
A Person not a Place
The term ‘Christian’ was first used in a city called Antioch (in modern day Syria). It was used to describe those who belonged to Jesus Christ. Christianity is essentially all about a person; Jesus Christ.
Many consider themselves to be ‘Christian’, simply because they were born in the UK, which was historically regarded as a ‘Christian country’. Others describe themselves as being ‘Christian’ due to their regular attendance at a place of worship.
However, according to The Bible, it isn’t a place of birth, nor a place of worship, that makes someone a Christian. A true Christian is someone who has surrendered and committed their life to the person of Jesus Christ.
Trusting not Trying
Some people consider themselves to be a Christian because they try their best to live a good life and help others whenever they can. Whilst these are commendable things, the Bible is clear that it is not through trying, but by trusting in Jesus that a person receives forgiveness, eternal life and the guarantee of a home in Heaven. It is not about what we can do to work our way into God’s good books. It’s all about what Jesus has done through His death on the cross. As a result we can receive God’s forgiveness as a free, undeserved, gift.
They say that “God helps those who help themselves”, but actually the wonderful news is that God helps those who are utterly helpless. None of us measure up to God’s standards and we are unable to earn our way into Heaven. But God is merciful, gracious and loving and simply asks us to trust in the Lord Jesus. This is the point at which a person becomes a true Christian.
A Relationship not a Religion
A religion is a system of rules and rituals designed to help a person gain the approval of God. As we’ve already noticed such an approach based on our own efforts is doomed to fail. Christianity is different. When a person becomes a Christian they are not subscribing to a set of rules and rituals which they must keep to earn a place in Heaven. Rather, they are entering in to an unbreakable, personal relationship with God.
Upon becoming a Christian, a person is welcomed into the family of God and is assured of an eternal home in the ‘Father’s House’ in Heaven. The Holy Spirit empowers them to overcome sinful desires and to live a new life. They can talk with their Heavenly Father through prayer and can learn His desires for their life through His guidebook, the Bible.
So to be a Christian is not simply to live a ‘religious’ life. It is to have a personal relationship with God, through faith in Jesus Christ. This brings with it forgiveness, peace, love, hope and joy.
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