What Is a Christian?
Key Teaching Points
A Christian is a forgiven and redeemed follower of Jesus Christ—made alive by grace, indwelled by the Holy Spirit, and committed to obeying God’s Word while growing into Christlikeness.
1. Christianity Is Relationship, Not Mere Information
The Christian faith is more than learning facts or affirming doctrines. God desires a personal relationship with us—to know us and to be known by us. Scripture uses deeply relational language to describe this bond: child, bride, brother, sister. Through Christ, God invites us into His family at the closest level.
Knowing about God is intellectual; knowing God is relational, transformative, and life-giving.
2. Remember Who We Once Were
Before Christ, we were spiritually dead—enslaved to sin and under God’s wrath.
Ephesians 2:1–7 (ESV) reminds us:
- We were dead in our trespasses and sins
- We were children of wrath
- But God, rich in mercy and great in love, made us alive with Christ
Our salvation is entirely by grace, and this grace is the source of our joy.
3. Living Between Redemption and Restoration
Though redeemed, we still live in a fallen world. Creation groans, and so do we, as we wait for the full redemption of our bodies.
Romans 8:22–23 (ESV) teaches that believers live with hope-filled longing—empowered by the Spirit while eagerly awaiting adoption’s completion.
4. A Transformed and Sacrificial Life
Because of God’s mercy, Christians are called to live differently.
Romans 12:1–5 (ESV) calls us to:
- Offer our lives as living sacrifices
- Refuse conformity to the world
- Be transformed by renewed minds
- Walk humbly and serve faithfully within the body of Christ
We are not self-sufficient or independent; we are interdependent members of one body. The Spirit gives different gifts—not for personal elevation, but for mutual encouragement, unity, and service.
5. A Distinct People Marked by Love and Hope
Christians are called to be different from the world—loving God’s commands, loving one another, and sacrificially following Christ’s example. We live with expectation, eagerly awaiting Christ’s return.
Revelation 22:20–21 (ESV) captures the heart cry of the believer: “Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!”
6. God’s Ultimate Purpose: Dwelling With His People
God’s plan is to restore humanity to its original purpose—to fully know and live with our Creator.
Revelation 21:1–3 (ESV) reveals the final fulfillment: God dwelling with His people in a new creation, where we become everything we were always meant to be.
In summary:
A Christian is someone rescued by grace, living in relationship with God, transformed by the Spirit, committed to Christ’s body, and joyfully awaiting the day when God will dwell with His people forever. AMEN