What Does It Mean To Be A True Christian?

The term Christian according to the Bible was first given at Antioch to persons who were disciples or committed followers of the teachings of Jesus Christ (Acts 11:26). Jesus Christ said himself at (John 14:23) "If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching". So in its truest form a Christian is a person whose life is dedicated to following and obeying the teachings of Gods Son, Jesus Christ.

With that said, in this age the term "Christian" is used loosely and has lost the strictness of its meaning, being applied to people who either: reside in a culture that believes or practices some christian values or persons who believe in the existence of Jesus Christ but is not committed to his teachings and the Christian lifestyle.

It is very important to understand the difference between "True Christianity" and the "Secular Christianity" that now exist in order to serve God and His Son Jesus Christ faithfully and without corruption thus coming to enjoy the fullness of Gods provisions and blessings through his Son Jesus Christ.

The main difference between “True Christian” and “Secular Christianity” resides within the commitment to the words of our Lord & Savior Jesus Christ. True Christians seek to honor the full teachings of Jesus Christ & His Apostles and aim for their lives to be in harmony with these expectations laid out in the Bible.

For example the Apostle Pauls says at (Galatians 5:19-21) ”The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God”

In this scripture The Apostle Paul is warning believers in Christ Jesus or Christians to abstain from a "fleshly" or "secular" lifestyle of immorality as it displeases God. A True Christian would read this and make the necessary adjustments in obedience and make no excuses, but a Secular Christian can or would challenge these biblical expectations, make excuses about immorality and claim imperfect and other reasons as a license to continue doing what pleases them and not what pleases God. 

So at the heart of it all lies the questions as to whether or not the person truly believes in Jesus Christ or Not. People often say they believe but proof lies within their actions not their words, which is why Jesus said at (Matthew 7:16) “You will know them by their fruits.”and (Titus 1:6) says “They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him.”

In concluding, if someone claims Christianity, understand that this comes with an expectation and requires service and commitment to God & To His Son Jesus Christ. If one is not ready or prepared to do so, it is best not to claim this title as their lifestyle can set the wrong expectation of what the word means and what is expected of a person carrying this mantle of responsibility. 

Jesus Christ lived a Holy life in commitment to the words of His Father and as his followers, as "Christians" we are expected to do the same. Mistakes can happen and no man is perfect but a true Christian never makes continuous excuses about sin and immorality and aims to resolve those matters quickly in respect & service to Christ Jesus & His Father.

Reflect on the Scripture Below

 John 14:23

"Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them.

-Bible Based Disciples