What Does It Mean to Be a Christian?
More Than a Name
In today’s world, the word Christian is used so broadly that it has almost lost its meaning.
Many claim the name because they believe in God. Others claim it because they were raised in a religious home. Some identify as Christians because they occasionally attend worship services, celebrate Christian holidays, or hold certain moral values.
Yet the question remains: What does it actually mean to be a Christian?
The answer is not found in modern culture, denominational tradition, or personal opinion. It is found in the Scriptures.
The first recorded use of the name appears in Antioch:
“And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.” (Acts 11:26)
Notice that the text does not say believers invented the name for themselves. It was applied to disciples, those who followed Christ. A Christian, therefore, is not merely a person who believes certain facts about Jesus. A Christian is a disciple of Jesus Christ. A disciple is defined as one who embraces and helps spread the teachings of another. An active adherent and follower of Jesus.
The name itself signifies belonging to Christ, following Christ, and living under the authority of Christ.
The First Christians
The Christians of the first century were united by more than a title.
They shared a common faith.
They shared a common doctrine.
They shared a common purpose.
They shared a common pattern of worship.
They devoted themselves to the teachings of the apostles, fellowship with one another, prayer, and worship.
“And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.” (Acts 2:42)
Christianity was never intended to be a private faith practiced in isolation.
From the beginning, Christians assembled together, encouraged one another, bore one another’s burdens, worshiped together, and worked together for the cause of Christ.
The New Testament consistently portrays believers as members of a body, not isolated individuals pursuing independent spiritual journeys.
Can Faith Be Separated From Obedience?
Many people today speak of having a personal relationship with God while showing little interest in obeying His teachings. Some view Christianity as merely believing in Jesus. Others see it as an internal faith that requires no commitment to a local congregation, no participation in worship, and no accountability to fellow believers.
Yet Jesus taught:
“If ye love me, keep my commandments.” (John 14:15)
Love for Christ is demonstrated through obedience.
It is easy to profess faith. It is much more difficult to submit one’s life to the will of God. The New Testament repeatedly connects belief with action.
A Christian is not merely someone who acknowledges Christ. A Christian is someone who actively follows Him, not conveniently, not partially, but completely.
Christianity Is Not a Convenience
One of the greatest spiritual dangers of our age is treating God as a resource rather than the creator of all.
Many people go days, weeks, or months without prayer, worship, study, or service to God. Yet when tragedy strikes, when health fails, when relationships crumble, or when fear overwhelms them, they suddenly seek divine intervention.
God becomes an emergency contact rather than the center of their lives.
God is not a genie in a bottle. He is not a celestial servant waiting to fulfill our requests. He is not a divine errand boy who exists to solve our problems whenever we decide we need Him.
The Bible presents a very different picture of our relationship with God.
He is the Creator of heaven and earth.
He is the giver of life.
He is the sustainer of every breath we take.
He is the One before whom every person will one day stand in judgment.
Because of who He is, He deserves our worship, our gratitude, our obedience, and our devotion, not merely when life becomes difficult, but every day.
Why Christians Worship
Some ask, “Why do I need to worship with other Christians? Isn’t my faith personal?”
Faith is personal, but it was never intended to be private. Throughout the New Testament, Christians assembled together for worship, teaching, fellowship, prayer, and encouragement.
The writer of Hebrews instructed believers:
“Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is…” (Hebrews 10:25)
Worship is not merely about receiving something from God. It is about giving honor to God. When Christians gather, they acknowledge God’s greatness, remember Christ’s sacrifice, encourage one another, and declare together that God is worthy of praise.
A person who truly understands who God is does not view worship as a burden. It is seen as a privilege. Worship is also needed to defend against worldly influences. Without a strong relationship with God through worship, prayer, fellowship, and study of His word, it is impossible to sustain a strong faith and consciously strive to live blamelessly.
Bearing the Name Worthily
The name Christian is not merely a religious label. It is a calling and a lifestyle. It is a declaration of allegiance.
When someone wears the name of Christ, he represents Christ before the world. His conduct reflects upon the One he claims to follow. His words reflect upon the One he claims to follow. His priorities reflect upon the One he claims to follow.
For this reason, the Scriptures repeatedly call Christians to live differently from the world around them. Not because they are perfect, but because they belong to Christ.
The Question We Must Answer
The real question is not whether we call ourselves Christians. The real question is whether Christ would call us His.
- Have we truly surrendered ourselves to Him?
- Do we seek His will above our own?
- Do we worship Him because He is worthy?
- Do we follow His teachings because He is Lord?
- Do we love Him enough to obey Him?
Anyone can wear the name. Not everyone bears it faithfully.
The Christians of the first century were known by their devotion to Christ, their commitment to His teachings, their love for one another, and their willingness to sacrifice everything for the Lord they served.
The challenge for every generation is the same:
Are we merely carrying the name, Christian? Because we have a loose affection for the belief structure? Because we can’t identify with any other religion? Or are we truly following Christ?
Let’s be honest about something. Most people who profess Christianity or the principles of the faith are not living up to what it means to warrant the name. Let’s do what James tells us every day:
But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like.
(James 1:22-24)
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