A Definition of A Christian

What is a Christian?

A Christian is a person who has experienced a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. The word relationship is of special importance in that Christianity in its purest sense is not a religion but a relationship with Jesus Christ.

What Are Some of The Core Christian beliefs?

1. That there is a thing called “sin” that has separated every person from God

Romans 3:23
For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard.

2. There a place called hell which has been prepared for the devil and his angels and all human being who have not accepted the renewing power of God.

2 Peter 2:4
For God did not spare even the angels who sinned. He threw them into hell, in gloomy pits of darkness, where they are being held until the day of judgment.

Luke 12:5
But I’ll tell you whom to fear. Fear God, who has the power to kill you and then throw you into hell. Yes, he’s the one to fear.

3. There is a place called heaven which is the dwelling place of God.

Colossians 3:1
Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand.

4. That good works on their own will never make a person acceptable to God.

Titus 3:5
He saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit.

5. It is by God’s gift of grace that a person experiences the salvation of God.

Eph. 2:8
God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God.

6. Those who accept the renewing power of God’s grace become a part of his eternal family.

Galatians 4:7
Now you are no longer a slave but God’s own child. And since you are his child, God has made you his heir.

What Are The Essential Beliefs For Salvation?

• that Jesus Christ is the Son of God
• that he died on a cross as payment for our sins
• that Jesus in being raised from the dead has defeated death and now offers an eternity in heaven to any who will believe in him
• that one needs to repent of their sin

How Does One Enter Into a Right Relationship with God?

This is accomplished through approaching God in prayer. In this prayer we acknowledge the following:

• that we are sinners
• that we are in need of his forgiveness
• that we desire to repent of our sins
• that we thank him for Jesus’ death on the cross that has opened up a way to heaven
• that we ask for his forgiveness
• that we thank him for welcoming us into the true family of God
• that we ask him to take control of our lives
• that we desire him to help us grow in our new found faith

To grow in ones faith there is a need to begin reading the Bible on a consistent basis. This is important because the Bible is God’s personal message for humanity. Two of the best versions available are the New Living Translation Second Edition and the New International Version.

Copyright. Bruce September 2006

Note: All quotes taken from the New Living Translation Second Edition.