Many people today don’t have a clear idea of what a Christian really is. Some consider themselves Christians but are not. Rather than explore all the wrong ideas of what various people think, let’s just start with a simple definition and work from there: A Christian is a follower of Jesus Christ.
The Bible records in Acts 11:26, “And in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians.” So a disciple is a “Christian” (little Christ).
Christian = Follower of Jesus = Disciple of Jesus
What is a Disciple?
A disciple is someone who has entered into a covenant relationship with Jesus Christ. “Covenant” is not a very familiar word today. The best example is marriage and since about half of marriages in Europe end in divorce, it is not a very good example. In a covenant there are 3 main aspects: commitment, agreement, and physical expression. In a marriage it looks like this:
- Commitment. Two people agree to marry. In Western society this might involve dating or courting. In some cultures the parents arrange the union, but there is always a commitment.
- Agreement. There is a document that both parties sign. In most wedding ceremonies there are verbal agreements or vows expressing love and commitment.
- Physical expression. There is an exchange of rings (public) and there is a physical union (private).
In a covenant relationship with Jesus Christ we see the same pattern:
- Commitment. One consciously makes the decision to repent of their sins (rebellion and offenses against God) and turn to God through Jesus. (Acts 26:20)
- Agreement. This is usually expressed as a prayer. One tells God that he/she is a sinner (confesses), tells Him they are sorry (repents), and receives His forgiveness, and accepts Jesus as Lord and Master. (Rom 10:9-10)
- Physical expression. Baptism is the concrete covenant expression of a decision to follow Jesus. (Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 2:38) This is a public physical expression of a spiritual union that takes place, God puts His Spirit in us. Jesus explained this as a new birth and said, “you must be born again”. (John 3)
This covenant relationship confers a new identity on us. We become part of God’s family, able to pray “Our Father” and be heard. We then have many brothers and sisters. We Christians really become little Christs and represent Jesus in our world as lights in a dark place. (Matthew 5:14-16). God’s Spirit lives in us and gradually works to transform us into His image. We are ambassadors, representatives of His kingdom, everyday, everywhere. (2 Corinthians 5:20-21)
What is the Gospel?
Gospel means “good news”. That good news is “Jesus Christ”. His life, death, and resurrection are the gospel. Why is Jesus good news? Because He came into our world. Because He conquered death.
“16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. 19 And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. 20 For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. 21 But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.”
The Gospel of Jesus Christ according to John 3:16-21
Why should I become a Christian?
Jesus explained that it may seem counter-intuitive to give up your present life to follow Him, but it is worth more than gaining the entire world. You need to realize the great value of your soul, which is eternal.
For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel’s will save it. For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul? For what can a man give in return for his soul? For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of Man also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.
Mark 8:35-38
Certainly, the main reason to follow Jesus is your eternal future. In Paul’s famous chapter on the resurrection, he points out: “If we have hoped in Christ only in this life, we are of all people most to be pitied.” 1 Cor. 15:19 But that doesn’t mean you have to wait until you die to experience the benefits. Jesus will totally transform your life! In many respects the Jesus way of life is the exact opposite of the way the world thinks and operates. For example:
- Jesus taught us that we should love our enemies. (Matthew 5:43-47) Obviously this isn’t a romantic or even emotional love, it is a decision, a choice to care for them. And Jesus demonstrated this type of love by praying for His enemies on the cross, “Father forgive them.” That is supernatural. In contrast we are taught by the world from early childhood to be aggressive to succeed, to look out for our own interests. The heroes in our movies are those who fight and win despite overwhelming odds.
- Jesus told us, “Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven.” (Luke 6:37) In this world we are constantly judging others, condemning some and approving others. Just look at social media. When we receive God’s forgiveness this weight of judgement is lifted off our shoulders and leads us to true joy and peace. If God forgave you then you can forgive your father, your spouse, your boss, your enemy, and move on in life. God will judge the world fairly! Knowing that God will one day judge every thought, intention, and action actually frees us.
- Hebrews 2:14-15 says that Jesus became human, “that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery.” We no longer fear death!
- Jesus promised to empower us to live a courageous, supernatural life by putting His Spirit in us. “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” (Acts 1:8) His power contains a purpose. And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 2:38) This amazing gift is free, permanent, part of the covenant relationship. God’s Spirit makes us sons and daughters of God. (Romans 8:5-17)
How does all this sound? Would you like to be at peace with God? Are you ready to become a real Christian?
How do I become a Christian?
As you can see by the stories of various Christians in the Our Journeys section of this website, each path is different. Rather than just give you a formula, let’s review…
What is a Christian? A Christian is a disciple who worships Jesus, obeys Jesus, and is changed by Jesus in all of life, then leads others to do the same.
How do you enter a covenant relationship with Jesus as a disciple? The relationship begins with commitment, agreement, and physical expression. Have you done these? You can begin that journey with Christ right where you are now. Just pray and express your repentance and agreement to follow Jesus Christ. Contact us for more information or to connect with local Christians.
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