Are you confused by what it means to be a Christian? Or are you trying to understand how (or how not) to be one?

I understand. I asked the same questions at one stage.

The truth is that many people struggle to understand what it means to be a real Christian. And most people have adapted their definition of the word Christian to suit their lifestyle and experiences.

However, being a Christian is more than just holding certain beliefs or following a set of rules.

Consider this: the word “Christ” forms the bulk of the word “Christian,” meaning if you’re a Christian, you’re a follower of Christ—you’re a follower of Jesus.

So, what does being a Christian mean? Ultimately, calling yourself a Christian means you have a life-changing relationship with Jesus.

As expected, this relationship will impact every aspect of your existence, in this life and the next.

What Does Being A Christian Mean to God?

It means…

1. Embracing Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior

Ask yourself this: Can you make a blade of grass? Get your dog to stop barking?

How about explain the thrill of an orgasm?

There are so many things we don’t understand, yet a lot of people can’t accept that there’s a God, a creator.

People usually can’t accept the Bible for two reasons:

#1 They prayed, and their prayer wasn’t answered.

Or…

#2 Their experiences are so far from what the Bible teaches that, in their mind, what is written in the Bible can’t be true.

At the heart of Christianity is a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. A Christian is someone who has recognized their need for a Savior and has placed their faith and trust in Jesus. As Billy Graham once said, “A Christian is a person who is trusting Jesus Christ for their eternal salvation, and is seeking to follow Him in their daily life.”

Jesus—both fully God and fully human—came to earth to offer salvation to all who believe in Him. He lived a sinless life, died on the cross to pay the price for our sins, and rose again, conquering death.

By accepting Jesus as Lord and Savior, Christians receive forgiveness of sins and the gift of eternal life.

2. Surrendering to God’s Authority

Being a Christian means surrendering one’s life to the authority of God. It involves acknowledging that God is the ultimate authority over all things and submitting to His will.

This surrender is not a one-time event but a continual process of aligning one’s desires and actions with God’s Word.

As followers of Christ, Christians strive to live according to the teachings of Jesus. They seek to imitate His love, compassion, and selflessness in their daily lives.

As expected, this requires making choices that honor God and reflect His character.

3. Experiencing Transformation through the Gospel

The Gospel is the good news of Jesus Christ. It’s the message of God’s love, grace, and redemption for humanity. Christians who persue God experience the transformative power of the Gospel in their lives.

Ultimately, the Gospel addresses the problem of sin that separates humanity from God. Sin entered the world through Adam and Eve’s disobedience in the Garden of Eden, and ever since, all people have fallen short of God’s glory.

However, God, in His mercy, sent Jesus to reconcile us to Himself. Through His death on the cross, Jesus paid the price for our sins and made a way for us to be forgiven and restored in our relationship with God.

4. Living a Life of Faith and Obedience

Faith is an essential aspect of being a Christian. Christians trust in God’s promises and believe in the truth of His Word, the Bible.

But faith is not merely intellectual assent but a deep conviction that shapes how Christians live and make decisions.

James, in his letter, emphasizes the importance of faith accompanied by works. He writes, “What good is it if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him?” (James 2:14)

As God wants, genuine faith produces a transformed life characterized by love, kindness, and obedience to God’s commands.

5. Being Part of the Body of Christ

Being a Christian means being part of a larger community of believers known as the Church.

The Church isn’t just a building but a gathering of individuals who share a common faith in Jesus Christ.

Christians are called to fellowship and worship together, supporting and encouraging one another in their callings.

Within the Church, Christians find a place to grow in their faith, serve others, and use their spiritual gifts for the benefit of the body. The Church provides a context for accountability, discipleship, and the expression of love and unity among believers.

6. Sharing the Good News

As recipients of God’s grace and salvation, Christians are called to share the good news of Jesus Christ with others. This is known as evangelism.

Christians are motivated by their love for God and their desire to see others experience the same salvation and transformation they have received.

Jesus commanded His followers to go and make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19). Likewise, if you’re a Christian, you should fulfill this command by proclaiming the Gospel, demonstrating God’s love through acts of service, and living as a testimony—a light—to the transformative power of Christ.

7. Growing in Relationship with God

Being a Christian is an ongoing journey of growth and deepening relationship with the Lord.

Christians seek to cultivate a vibrant and intimate connection with the Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit through prayer, reading the Bible, and fellowship with other believers.

The Holy Spirit, whom Jesus promised to send to His followers, empowers and guides Christians in their daily lives. The Spirit convicts of sin, provides wisdom and understanding of God’s Word, and gives spiritual gifts to equip believers for service.

8. Enduring in Faith

Following Jesus does not exempt Christians from facing trials, challenges, and persecution. In fact, throughout history and even today, many Christians around the world endure persecution for their faith. Yet, they remain steadfast in their commitment to Christ.

The hope and strength that Christians find in their relationship with Jesus sustain them in difficult times. They trust that God is faithful and will never leave them nor forsake them. As a Christian, you can draw comfort from knowing that your ultimate citizenship is in heaven and that you have an eternal inheritance awaiting you.

9. Reflecting God’s Love to the World

Being a Christian means being a light in a dark world. We are called to love others as Jesus loved us. This love goes beyond mere words and extends to practical acts of kindness, compassion, and service.

Jesus said, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this, all people will know that you are my disciples if you have love for one another” (John 13:34-35).

Christians are to be ambassadors of God’s love and grace, pointing others to the hope found in Jesus.

10. Eternity with God

The ultimate assurance for Christians is the promise of eternal life with God.

Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live” (John 11:25). Christians have the hope of resurrection and the promise of spending eternity in the presence of God, where there will be no more pain, sorrow, or death.

The journey of being a Christian isn’t without challenges, doubts, or struggles. However, as Christians, we find strength, peace, and purpose in our relationship with Jesus. The Christian walk is a transformative journey that shapes every aspect of our lives and gives us hope both in this life and the life to come.

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)