Christian Definition & Meaning
While many people believe that going to church occasionally or simply believing in God makes them a Christian, the Bible presents a different perspective and meaning of Christianity.
To be a Christian means to be like Jesus and to follow him.
Here, we’ll dive into the basics of the gospel and what it means to be like and follow Jesus. You’ll also learn how to live out your Christian faith.
What’s Here:
The Basics of Christianity: Understanding the Gospel
To trust in Jesus as your Savior and become a Christian, you need to understand who Jesus is, what he’s done for us and how that changes our lives. And that’s known as the gospel.
The term “gospel” comes from the Greek word euangelion, which means “good news.” And this good news? It’s simple and life-changing!
Here are the basics:
- We’ve all sinned. Sin can be defined as the bad actions we take, such as lying or stealing. All of us are born into sin, which separates us from God. Isaiah 59:2 (NIV) says, “But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear.”
- Because of sin, we deserve death. The penalty for sin is death. Romans 6:23 (NIV) reads, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
- Jesus came to earth and died as the sacrifice for our sins. God sent his Son, Jesus, to earth. Jesus lived a perfect life and was then crucified to pay the penalty for our sins. Isaiah 53:5 (NIV) says, “But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.”
- Jesus rose from the dead, defeating death once and for all. After three days, Jesus was resurrected from the dead, defeating death for all of us. In Matthew 28:6 (NIV), we read, “He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.”
- Now, we can follow Jesus and be with him for eternity. Because of what he did for us, we get to have a personal relationship with Jesus, freely following him and enjoying life with him forever.
Christian Meaning: How Can We Be Like Jesus?
When we put our faith and trust in Jesus, accepting that he died and rose from the dead to bring us back to God, and when we commit our lives to following him, we become Christians.
In fact, we become brand-new creations who delight in God’s ways instead of how the world lives, making us more like Jesus.
When we become Christians, we receive the Holy Spirit. When the Holy Spirit works in our lives, we begin to show fruit or specific qualities that mirror Jesus.
What does being like Jesus look like in our day-to-day lives? Here are some specific examples:
- Loving others, even our enemies. Jesus did just that, even as he died. With his dying breath, Jesus prayed for those who were crucifying him: “Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing’” (Luke 23:34, NIV). We should forgive, love and care for those around us, even when they don’t deserve it.
- Being kind and generous to others, especially the vulnerable. Jesus is kind, compassionate and generous, especially to those in need. Throughout the Bible, we see examples of Jesus serving the sick and marginalized. For example, in Matthew 14, Jesus had so much compassion for those following him that he healed all their sick: “When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick” (Matthew 14:14, NIV).
- Having peace in the midst of life’s storms. To have peace is to be content and to know that Jesus is with you, no matter what life throws your way. Jesus showcased his peace in Mark 4, when he was in a boat with his disciples. When a storm blew up, the disciples became scared. They ran to Jesus, who was asleep in the boat, and asked him if he cared that they might drown. Jesus got up, rebuked the wind and told the waves to be still. He then asked the disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” (Mark 4:40, NIV). Jesus had peace in the storm, and so should we!
- Showing self-control, even when we’re angry or frustrated. To have self-control is to control your emotions and actions. Having self-control can protect you from sinning or doing things to hurt others. Jesus showed self-control when he was tempted by Satan in the wilderness. In Matthew 4, Satan took Jesus to a high mountain and showed him the kingdoms of the world. “’All this I will give you,’ he said, ‘if you bow down and worship me’” (Matthew 4:9, NIV). But Jesus didn’t give in. He replied, “‘Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only’” (Matthew 4:10, NIV). We should avoid giving in to temptation too, whether that’s the temptation to get angry with a friend or the temptation to do something we shouldn’t.
Living a Christian life, or following Jesus and becoming more like him, is a lifelong journey as we trade our selfish pursuits for the more beautiful things God has in store for us.
Remember: Being a Christian means we get to love and enjoy God. We get to spend time with him. And as we do, he’ll make us more like him. As we abide in him, we’ll be transformed into his image.
Bible Verses About Being a True Christian
God didn’t leave us to figure out how to be like Jesus on our own. In fact, he gave us his Word, the Bible, which provides a ton of guidance on being true Christians with hearts for Jesus.
Here are several Bible verses that help illustrate what being a Christian and following Jesus really looks like:
- For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith — and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God — not by works, so that no one can boast. — Ephesians 2:8-9, NIV
- Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” — Matthew 16:24, NIV
- Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirt who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. — Romans 8:1-2, NIV
- Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” — John 14:6, NIV
- Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is — his good, pleasing and perfect will. — Romans 12:2, NIV
- Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give. — Matthew 10:8, NIV
- I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. — Galatians 2:20, NIV
- And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. — Colossians 3:17, NIV
How Do I Become a Christian?
Becoming a Christian is simple. Here are three steps you can follow right now to start your journey with Jesus:
- Admit to God that you’re a sinner in need of a Savior.
- Trust that Jesus died on the cross and rose again.
- Commit your life to following Jesus.
What’s your next step? Get connected with other Christians! Find a local church. Reach out to your Christian friends and family members. Other Christians can show you way more about following Jesus than this one guide can.
Learn Even More About Following Jesus