The term “Christian” refers to a follower of Jesus Christ and the faith based on his life and teachings. Here is an overview of what it means to be a Christian according to the Bible:
Believing in Jesus as Lord and Savior
At the heart of Christianity is the belief that Jesus is the Son of God who came to Earth to save humanity from sin and death. As Romans 10:9 (ESV) says, “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Christians believe that Jesus died on the cross for our sins and rose again, proving he was the promised Messiah.
By putting faith in Jesus alone for salvation, Christians believe their sins can be forgiven and they can have a renewed relationship with God. As Ephesians 2:8-9 (ESV) explains, “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”
Following Jesus’ Teachings
Christians seek to follow the teachings and example of Jesus as set out in the Gospels. This includes loving God above all and loving your neighbor as yourself (Mark 12:30-31; Matthew 22:37-39 ESV). Christians strive to live out virtues such as compassion, forgiveness, honesty, self-sacrifice, generosity, and humility.
Jesus taught the importance of repentance, prayer, worship, and seeking after righteousness. He called his followers to serve the poor and marginalized. Christians aim to put Jesus’ words into practice in their daily lives, even though they admit to sometimes falling short.
Part of the Church
Christians belong to the global Church founded originally by Jesus and his apostles. They participate in faith communities for worship, fellowship, teaching, and service. The Church is made up of all true believers in Jesus and functions as the spiritual body of Christ on Earth (1 Corinthians 12:12-27 ESV).
Within the larger Church are different denominations, traditions and organizations with varying practices and secondary beliefs. Yet Christians are unified by core doctrines like Jesus as God’s Son, salvation by grace through faith, and the authority of the Bible.
Being Christ’s Disciple
Christians seek to be disciples, or followers, of Jesus Christ. This means adhering to his teachings, imitating his loving example, and living for God as he did. As Luke 9:23 (ESV) says, Jesus told his followers, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.”
To be a disciple means leaving behind an old way of life centered on self. Instead, Christians adopt a new lifestyle of love, holiness, generosity and hope. Their identity is found in Christ.
Relying on the Holy Spirit
Christians believe God gives them the Holy Spirit to help transform them into Christ’s image and empower them to do God’s work in the world. The Spirit enables Christians to produce virtuous character and bear good fruit for the Kingdom of God (Galatians 5:22-23 ESV).
The Holy Spirit dwells in Christians’ hearts, teaching and comforting them. They rely on the Spirit’s guidance and draw on His strength. As Romans 8:9 (ESV) explains, “You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you.”
Awaiting Christ’s Return
Christians look forward to the day when Jesus will return to completely fulfill God’s Kingdom plans. According to Scripture, Christ will come back to raise the dead, judge all people, defeat evil forever, and usher in a renewed creation (Matthew 24; 1 Corinthians 15; Revelation 21-22).
This eager expectation of Christ’s return motivates Christians to live holy lives, share their faith, and work for justice in the world around them until He comes. As Paul says in Titus 2:11-13 (ESV), “For the grace of God has appeared… as we wait for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.”
Identifying as Christ’s Followers
The term “Christian” was first used in Antioch to describe those who followed Jesus Christ (Acts 11:26 ESV). It communicated that someone was a disciple or adherent of Christ. Just as Christ’s first followers were called Christians, so His followers today proudly use that name to identify themselves.
Despite differences in denominations, traditions, theology, and culture, Christians universally identify as followers of Jesus Christ. By taking on His name, they signify their allegiance to Christ as Lord, devotion to His teachings, and faith in Him for salvation.
Living Distinctly as Christians
Christians are called to be distinct from the world around them and set apart for God and His purposes. Though they must interact with society, Christians’ values, beliefs and way of life are shaped by following Jesus above all else.
As Romans 12:2 (ESV) says, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind…” While some values may align, Christians are guided by God’s principles when society’s values conflict. This makes Christians noticeably counter-cultural in many respects.
Diversity Within Christian Unity
There is tremendous ethnic, denominational, cultural and theological diversity within Christianity. Yet beneath these differences, Christians share foundational doctrinal unity and the bond of belonging to Christ.
Jesus transcends human divisions. By relying on the Bible’s core teachings, Christians can have fellowship and cooperate across lines of difference for the sake of furthering God’s Kingdom on Earth. Unity in Christ does not necessitate uniformity in all practices and beliefs.
Sharing the Gospel
Based on Christ’s Great Commission to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19-20 ESV), Christians seek to spread the salvation message of Jesus worldwide. This is done through personal evangelism, community service, social justice, and global missions work.
Christians believe eternal destinies hinge on how people respond to the Gospel. Thus, out of love and obedience to Christ, Christians compassionately plead with others to be reconciled to God through repentance and faith in Jesus.
Persecution and Suffering
Jesus taught that following Him could lead to rejection and persecution (Luke 21:12-17 ESV). Christians throughout history and around the world today face discrimination, harassment, imprisonment, and even death for their faith.
Yet Jesus promised believers that suffering for Him proves their heavenly reward is great (Matthew 5:11-12 ESV). The book of 1 Peter encourages Christians to gracefully endure hostility because of Christ and lean on Him for strength.
Trusting in Jesus
Despite hardships, Christians cling to Jesus with hope-filled faith. They confess that He alone is enough – that Christ’s companionship surpasses all earthly treasures and His love conquers fear.
Christians find purpose, satisfaction, and fullness of joy in pursuing an intimate relationship with their Lord and Savior. Their lives revolve around growing closer to Jesus and telling others of His wondrous love.