Christianity

If you looked in a dictionary the definition of a Christian would be someone who was following Christ, or relating to Christ or His religion. However, like many dictionary definitions it doesn’t give the picture the bible teaches of what is a Christian.

The word christian literally means “belonging to the party of Christ”. It was first used to identify followers of Jesus Christ, whose behavior and speech was like that of Christ.

Over time the word “christian” has lost much of its significance and is often used of someone religious or having high morals who may or may not be a follower of Christ. There are many people who call themselves “christian” because they go to church. But going to church, helping in community activities or the like,doesn’t make you a christian. Even being a member of a church, giving offerings to the church doesn’t make you a christian. The bible teaches that doing good things cannot make us acceptable to God. In the book of Romans (Rom 3:20) we read that through no work can a person be justified before God. Because of his sin, man will always fall short of God’s holy standard. And the payment for man’s sin is eternal separation from God.

However, God says in the bible, that even though we are in that helpless condition, He loved the world, you and me, so much, that He gave His only son Jesus, that whoever will believe in Him , will not perish, but can have everlasting life (John 3:16) and will restore us into a relationship with Him forever.

So, the bible teaches that a christian is someone who has entered into a relationship with God by putting their faith and trust in Jesus Christ, in His death on the cross as payment for sins and His resurrection. John 1:12 tells us, “Yet to all who received Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God.” The mark of a Christian is love for others and obedience to God’s Word (1 John 2:4, 10). A Christian is a child of God, a part of God’s family, and one who has been given new life in Jesus Christ.

If you are interested in responding to Christ and His love to you, you can do so right now, wherever you are. We would love to talk to you about your decision, or if you have any further questions please click here to email us and someone will be in contact with you.