There are many definitions of the word “Christian” and lots of people use the word in different ways. People used to say that Britain was a “Christian country”. People put their religion down as “Christian” when they fill forms in. In certain countries to say someone is a “christian” indicates membership of a social movement or sub-group in the population. More usually we use the term “Christian” as a way of describing behaviour and characteristics that are like Jesus Christ
All this is very confusing especially when you see people in the UK officially wearing a Christian badge but living lives that seem anything but like that of Jesus. Even worse when we look at the behaviour of our governments and our social norms we can be seriously put off if we think that the way these are an accurate reflection of Christian values and beliefs.
Then there is a very tight theological approach to the definition of “Christian”. You have to believe certain things in order to truly be a Christian. This is most definitely true but the pure adherence to certain beliefs is entirely pointless if it is not backed up by real life expression of those principles in the way we live. Often the people who argue most forcibly for the need to believe certain things about Jesus and God in order for a person to be recognised as a Christian miss the point that it is the real stuff of our actions that actually proves whether or not we truly believe these things or just have them as information in our head.
Many people think that being a Christian is about keeping rules and regulations and earning God’s love and friendship. That is, fortunately, untrue.
Christianity is about having a relationship with God that is made possible by what He has done not what we do.
So are you a Christian? Try these statements answering “true” or “false”.
1. Jesus Christ existed as a historical figure in the beginning of the 1st century?
2. The New Testament of the bible gives an historically verifiable and accurate account of what Jesus did?
3. Jesus was not just a man, but is indeed the Son of God?
4. Jesus died on a cross, murdered by human beings although he was without fault, sin or blame.
5. Jesus rose from the dead and came back to life to live forever after 3 days.
6. Because Jesus was totally innocent his death and punishment is counted in place of the death and punishment I deserve for the wrong things I have done so I can be forgiven.
7. Because I am forgiven I can have a friendship with God that is like being adopted by God as His child.
8. To prove that friendship, God puts his Spirit in my heart, which means that He is the dynamic or driving force in my life.
9. My life now demonstrates the person, character and values of the real Jesus in the things I do and think.
10. I am not perfect yet but I find I am turning away from and am no longer doing things that God says are wrong and instead am doing the things that please Him.
If you got some “false” responses there, then chances are you need to think through your position.
A real Christian is someone who acts like Jesus because they have Jesus living inside them.
Jesus knew there would be counterfeit Christians and told His followers that the way to tell the real from the false was to look at the outcomes of their actions. He said, Thus you will know them by their fruits” (Matthew 7:20 RSV).