What Is a Christian?
"For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast." - Ephesians 2:8-9
One of the most misunderstood words in the English language is the word “Christian.” Especially in the South, we live in a culture where most people claim to be Christians. We grow up in Christian homes, come from Christian families, go to Christian schools, and even eat Christian chicken. But what does it really mean to be a Christian?
It’s easy to confuse cultural Christianity with biblical Christianity. Culture says being a Christian means you’ve walked an aisle, prayed with a preacher, or been dunked in a pool of water. Some think it’s about having good manners, reading your Bible on weekdays, avoiding certain sins on Saturday, and showing up to church on Sunday. And while none of that is necessarily bad, we have to ask ourselves, is that really what it means to be a Christian?
Here’s the truth. Christianity is not a birthright or a box you check off. Just because you grew up around faith doesn’t mean you belong to Jesus. In some parts of the world, like Egypt, when you’re born, you’re marked as either Muslim or Christian. But being labeled as Christian on a piece of paper doesn’t mean you truly know Jesus. It doesn’t mean you’ve surrendered your life to Him and are living for Him.
The Bible makes it clear that being a Christian is about grace through faith. It’s not something you earn or inherit. It’s about having a real, personal relationship with Jesus that changes the way you live. It’s about following Him, loving Him, and allowing Him to transform your heart from the inside out.
So, where do you stand? Are you living with the label of Christianity or truly walking with Jesus? Take some time today to examine your heart and ask yourself if you are following Jesus or just going through the motions of religion.
One of the most misunderstood words in the English language is the word “Christian.” Especially in the South, we live in a culture where most people claim to be Christians. We grow up in Christian homes, come from Christian families, go to Christian schools, and even eat Christian chicken. But what does it really mean to be a Christian?
It’s easy to confuse cultural Christianity with biblical Christianity. Culture says being a Christian means you’ve walked an aisle, prayed with a preacher, or been dunked in a pool of water. Some think it’s about having good manners, reading your Bible on weekdays, avoiding certain sins on Saturday, and showing up to church on Sunday. And while none of that is necessarily bad, we have to ask ourselves, is that really what it means to be a Christian?
Here’s the truth. Christianity is not a birthright or a box you check off. Just because you grew up around faith doesn’t mean you belong to Jesus. In some parts of the world, like Egypt, when you’re born, you’re marked as either Muslim or Christian. But being labeled as Christian on a piece of paper doesn’t mean you truly know Jesus. It doesn’t mean you’ve surrendered your life to Him and are living for Him.
The Bible makes it clear that being a Christian is about grace through faith. It’s not something you earn or inherit. It’s about having a real, personal relationship with Jesus that changes the way you live. It’s about following Him, loving Him, and allowing Him to transform your heart from the inside out.
So, where do you stand? Are you living with the label of Christianity or truly walking with Jesus? Take some time today to examine your heart and ask yourself if you are following Jesus or just going through the motions of religion.
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