What is a real Christian?

The Open-Air Mission

‘Holding forth the word of life...’
(Philippians 2:16)

‘Holding fast the faithful word...’
(Titus 1:9)

What is a real Christian ?

There are many wrong ideas about what makes a person a real Christian. We hear people say that a person is a Christian ecause they …

· Attend church
· Read the Bible.
· Pray.
· Live a good, moral life.
· Do good works.

All of these things are good but of themselves do not make a person a Christian.

Others say that a Christian is someone who …
· Was born into a supposedly Christian country, or family.
· Has been through some kind of special ceremony such as a christening.
· Is deeply religious, believing that other religions also lead to God.
· Accepts everyone, whatever their beliefs and practices, as long as it harms no one else.

But what is a real Christian? …. The Bible surely is the final authority on this – It teaches that a Christian is someone who …

· Acknowledges that they are a sinner and fall far short of God’s standards. (Romans 3:23). Sin is not doing what humans say is wrong – but what God says is wrong. It is the breaking of God’s law. (1 John 3 :4), This is summed up in the 10 commandments. (Exodus 20:1-17)

· Knows that no matter how hard they try, they could never be good enough. (Romans 3:10).

· Believes that because of their sin they were separated from God and were under His condemnation, deserving of death and eternal punishment. (Romans 6:23a)

· No longer is fooled into thinking that they can clean up their own lives and earn favour and forgiveness with God, through good works or religious acts. This comes through what Jesus Christ alone has done for them. His underserved favour (Grace). (Ephesians 2: 8-9, Romans 6:23b).

· Believes that Jesus took the punishment for their sin by dying on the cross. (Romans 5:8). They have repented (turned away) from their sin and turned to Christ in faith, knowing that by His death and resurrection He has made them right with God. (Romans 10:9,10,13). They have invited Christ into their lives, in the person of the Holy Spirit. This is referred to as being born again. (John 3:3, John 1:12,13). They now have peace with God (Romans 5:1) and the promise of eternal life. (John 3:16).

· Believes that the Lord Jesus Christ is the only way to God. (John 14:6, Acts 4:12)

· Has a desire to please God and not themselves, recognising that they still fail, but knowing that God is willing to forgive them because of what Christ has done. (2 Corinthians 5:17,
1 John 1:9). There is a love for God’s word, and His people, and a longing to share their faith.