What it means to be a Christian

Although the word “Christian” is only used three times in the entire New Testament, it is widely used throughout the world today. There are more than two billion people who claim to be Christians, but the question is: “What is a Christian?” Firstly, a child of God. According to John 3:5, “No-one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit.” This spiritual birth takes place when we accept the Lord Jesus as our personal Lord and Saviour.

“How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are” (1 John 3:1)! What an absolute privilege! The love the Father has for His children is immeasurable.

May we have power “to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge” (Ephesians 3:18, 19).

Secondly, a disciple of the Lord Jesus. A disciple is primarily a follower; therefore, a Christian is essentially a follower of Christ. Discipleship has a second connotation, though. A true disciple strives to become more and more like his Master.

“And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the

Spirit” (2 Corinthians 3:18).

Thirdly, a servant of the Lord. We serve the Lord by serving others in His Name.

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving” (Colossians 3:23, 24).

Fourthly, ambassadors for Christ. As His ambassadors, we represent the King of the Kingdom of God here on earth. What an awesome responsibility!

Quotations from New International Version