What is a Christian?

 

People give a lot of different answers to this question. We would answer:

Someone who believes in Jesus Christ.

John said about Jesus, "God so loved the world that he gave his only son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have everlasting life." John 3 v 16

Jesus said (referring to himself as "the Son"), "Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God's wrath remains on him." John 3 v 36

or

Someone who knows Jesus as his (or her) saviour

Jesus said, "I am come that they might have life, and have it more abundantly" John 10 v 10

and, "He that follows me shall not walk in darkness but shall have the light of life" John 8 v 12

and, "Come to me all you that labour and are heavily loaded and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn of me, for I am meek and lowly in heart and you shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Matthew 11 v 28

 

A Christian is also someone who is part of the church, and someone who has become a son (or daughter) of God.

 

Wrong Answers

Some people give other answers which we believe are wrong:

Someone who is born in (or lives in) a Christian country.

There are many people living in what are called Christian countries who do not know Jesus as their saviour. God loves us whatever country or family we come from, or whatever colour we are, or whether we are man or woman. Jesus died so that anyone, whoever they are, can be forgiven and be made pleasing to God.

Someone who has been baptised.

Someone who becomes a Christian should be baptised because the Bible tells us that this is the right thing to do. But being baptised does not in itself change someone's life.

Someone who is a good person.

Christians should be good people and do good things, but there are lots of other people who do good too, not just Christians.

Someone who goes to church

It is right for a Christian to be part of a local church and to meet with other Christians there to worship God together, but just going to church does not make someone a Christian.

Someone who comes from a Christian family.

Many Christians come from Christian homes, but there are many who come from families who worship other Gods - or do not worship God at all. Also some children of Christian parents do not themselves become Christians. Everyone must decide for himself if he wants to follow Jesus.

 

Click here for Why should I become a Christian?

Click here for How do I become a Christian?

Click here for Why not become a Christian?

Click here for What should I do when I have become a Christian?

Click here for What is the Bible?

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Contact

If you would like to contact us e-mail mail@beachristian.info