What Makes a Christian? Certainly Not Just a Belief in Jesus
In today’s world, the term “Christian” is often associated with simply believing in Jesus Christ as the Son of God and the Savior of mankind. However, is belief alone enough to define a Christian? What does it truly mean to be a follower of Christ? Let us explore what truly makes a Christian. Let is delve into the deeper aspects of commitment, actions, and faith that go beyond mere acknowledgment of Jesus.
Belief Alone Is Not Enough
In the book of James, we find a critical passage that challenges the notion that belief in Jesus is the only requirement for being a Christian. James 2:19 says, “You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.” This verse reminds us that simply acknowledging God or Jesus as the Son of God is not the hallmark of genuine faith. Even demons know who God is—they tremble at His name. Yet, they are far from being Christian.
Belief is the starting point, but it is not the end. To be a Christian is not simply a matter of mental ascent. It requires something deeper—a transformation of the heart, soul, and actions. James 2:19 is a warning to those who think that mere belief without accompanying action can be enough. It is a call for a living, active faith that is demonstrated in the way one lives.
True Commitment: It’s About Action, Not Just Words
Jesus Himself makes it clear in Matthew 7:21 that not everyone who professes faith is truly His follower. In this passage, He says, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.” This is a sobering reminder that a verbal declaration of faith is insufficient. Jesus calls for obedience to the will of God, which requires more than just lip service.
True commitment to Christ involves a willingness to submit to God’s will and live according to His commands. This means actively pursuing a life of holiness, demonstrating love, and living out the teachings of Jesus in our daily lives. A true Christian does not simply call Jesus “Lord” but strives to obey His commands and follow His example.
In John 14:15, Jesus says, “If you love me, keep my commandments.” Love for Jesus is not a passive emotion, but an active commitment to His Word and His ways. This commitment to follow Jesus is not always easy. It requires sacrifice, humility, and sometimes, persecution. But it is through this active, intentional commitment that a person truly shows they are a disciple of Christ.
Transformation and New Identity in Christ
A true Christian is not defined by a past profession of faith, but by a present transformation of life. In 2 Corinthians 5:17, Paul writes, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” When a person truly follows Jesus, they undergo a radical transformation. Their old self—marked by sin, selfishness, and rebellion—is put to death, and they are raised to new life in Christ.
This new identity in Christ is characterized by a change in desires, attitudes, and behaviors. A Christian no longer lives for themselves but for Christ. In Galatians 2:20, Paul states, “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.” This new identity is about surrendering to the will of God and allowing Christ to live through us.
This transformation goes beyond just avoiding sinful behavior. It involves actively pursuing righteousness, loving others selflessly, forgiving as we have been forgiven, and seeking justice for the oppressed. It means becoming more like Christ in our thoughts, words, and actions every day.
Obedience to Christ’s Teachings
True Christian faith is not just about intellectual agreement. It involves living out the principles of the Kingdom of God in every area of life. In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus gives His disciples the Great Commission, saying, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations… and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” Obedience to Christ’s teachings is central to being a Christian. This means living according to the teachings of Jesus. This includes loving God with all our heart, loving our neighbor as ourselves, caring for the poor, and spreading the message of the Gospel.
Obedience is not about following a set of rules to gain favor with God; it is the fruit of a heart that has been transformed by God’s love. In 1 John 5:3, we read, “This is love for God: to keep his commands. And his commands are not burdensome.” Obedience flows from love for God and gratitude for the salvation we have received through Christ.
The Role of the Holy Spirit
A key aspect of being a Christian is the empowerment by the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the presence of God that lives within every believer. He is guiding, convicting, and empowering them to live the Christian life. In Romans 8:9, Paul says, “You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you.” Without the Holy Spirit, it is impossible to live according to God’s will.
The Holy Spirit enables believers to bear fruit—such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—(Galatians 5:22-23). This fruit demonstrates a life lived in submission to Christ and His teachings.
The Cost of Discipleship
Following Jesus is not always easy. In Luke 14:27, Jesus says, “Whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.” The call to follow Christ involves sacrifice. It may mean giving up personal desires, ambitions, and comforts for the sake of the Kingdom of God. It involves putting others before oneself, serving the needy, and facing hardship for the sake of righteousness. This is a commitment to live a life marked by love, service, and obedience to the will of God, no matter the cost.
Conclusion: A Christian Is More Than Just a Believer
In conclusion, being a Christian is not merely about believing in Jesus. It’s about committing to a life of discipleship, which includes following Christ’s teachings, allowing Him to transform our hearts, and living out the Gospel in the world. It is a life marked by obedience, love, service, and a deep relationship with God through the Holy Spirit. It is a radical, ongoing transformation that affects every part of our lives.
As Christians, we must not only believe in Jesus but also fully follow Him, live in a way that reflects His love, and serve as His witnesses in the world. Our faith is not passive; it is active, living, and transformative. So, the question remains: Are we truly living as followers of Christ, or are we merely professing belief without letting that belief change the way we live? Let’s remember that the commitment to Christ is a lifelong journey that requires dedication, sacrifice, and unwavering faith.
A Personal Prayer for True Commitment to Christ
Dear Heavenly Father,
I come before You today with a heart full of gratitude and humility. You are my Creator, my Savior, and the source of all love and grace. I recognize that, at times, I’ve reduced my faith to just a belief, thinking that simply acknowledging You is enough. But deep down, I know that true Christianity is not just about words or thoughts—it’s about a life that reflects Your love and Your truth in every moment.
Lord, I ask You to help me go beyond mere belief and step into a deeper, more committed relationship with You. Holy Spirit, I invite You into my heart, to guide me and empower me to live out my faith in a way that honors You. I want to be more than just a believer—I want to be a true disciple of Jesus, someone whose life shows His love, His mercy, and His grace.
Please help me to live with a heart of obedience, not out of duty, but because I love You and am so grateful for what You have done for me. Teach me to follow Jesus with all my heart, to put others before myself, to serve with a humble spirit, and to reflect His light wherever I go.
When the road gets tough and following You seems hard, remind me of Your sacrifice and Your never-ending love. Strengthen my resolve to be faithful, to bear fruit, and to walk in Your will each day. Help me to choose Your Kingdom over everything else, and let my life be a testimony to Your goodness and grace.
Thank You for being patient with me, for transforming my heart, and for always being there when I need You. I surrender my life to You, Lord, trusting that You will guide me on this journey of true discipleship. In Jesus’ name, I pray.
Amen.