What is a Christian?Many people say that they are Christians—in fact, nearly one third of the earth's population would call themselves Christian. But what is it that makes a person a Christian?
Is a person a Christian simply because they believe that God exists? Are they a Christian because they pray, or read the Bible, or attend church or mass on a regular basis? Or maybe being baptized into the church and observing the Holy Sacrament is what makes a person a Christian?
Some people would say that living a moral life or following the Ten Commandments is what makes you a Christian. While still others would argue that being born into a "Christian Nation" like the United States automatically makes a person a Christian.
Indeed, millions of people all over the world hold to these beliefs—among others. But the truth is, none of these things makes a person a Christian. And they most certainly do not guarantee you a place in heaven when you die.
No.
What makes me a Christian is the fact that I have believed God's Word and have trusted God as a result. Therefore, I have been made righteous in God's eyes, not because of anything I have done for God, but because of what God has done for me. (Romans 4, Ephesians 2:8-9, Titus 3:3-7)
There are only two kinds of people in the world: Those who are forgiven, and those who are not. Good people don't go to heaven. Forgiven people do.
That is why Christianity isn't a religion. A Christian knows that they don't have to earn God's forgiveness. Nor do they have to prove anything to Him to gain His favor. If you are a follower of Christ then God has already poured out His favor on you, and has forgiven you through the death and resurrection of His Son, Jesus Christ. (Ephesians 1:3-14)
"Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory.
"We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.
"When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners. Now, most people would not be willing to die for an upright person, though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good. But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. And since we have been made right in God’s sight by the blood of Christ, he will certainly save us from God’s condemnation. For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of his Son. So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God."
~Romans 5:1-11 New Living Translation (NLT)
~Romans 5:1-11 New Living Translation (NLT)
So what is it that makes a person a Christian?
Faith.
For it is only through faith in Christ—trusting him as God's promised salvation—that we can be made right with God, and have the assurance of eternal life with Him when we die.
See Also:
No comments:
Post a Comment