Maybe you’re new to Christianity and wondering what it truly means to be a believer. Or perhaps you’ve grown up in the faith but find yourself questioning whether your “come to Jesus” moment really stuck.
Wherever you’re coming from, we’re excited to walk alongside you and unpack what it does—and doesn’t—mean to be a Christian. Let’s dive in together!
The term “Christian” comes from the New Testament scriptures and translates to “a follower of Christ (Acts 11:26).” Today, Christianity is a religion based on the teachings of Jesus. A Christian is someone who professes their belief in Jesus Christ as the Son of God.
- These titles also refer to Christians:
- Believer
- Jesus-follower
- Disciple of Christ
- Born-again
- Child of God
- Saved
- Follower of the Way
- Co-heir with Christ
- Ambassador for Christ
- Member of the Body of Christ
While some might say being a Christian means going to church, living a moral life, or owning a Bible, true Christianity is about the heart. It’s about putting your faith in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ and trusting him for the salvation of your soul.
How to Know You Are a Christian
If you believe that Jesus is your Savior who died for your sins and defeated sin and death by rising again, then you’re a Christian! Romans 10:9 puts it this way, “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”
Here’s a simple breakdown of the gospel, or the “good news” that Christians believe.
Humans are Born Sinful and Far from God
It’s no secret that the world is far from perfect. Since Adam’s first sin, every person has been born into a fallen world with a sinful nature. Sin is anything that separates us from a holy and perfect God. As Romans 3:23 reminds us, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
Because of this sin, we deserve God’s wrath and eternal death (Romans 6:23). But here’s the good news: while we can’t fix our sin on our own, salvation is possible through Jesus alone.
God Sent His Son Jesus to Earth as a Sacrifice for Our Sins
God’s Son, Jesus, took on human flesh and came to earth to live the perfect life we could never live. As the perfect Son of God, he is the only person who can bring us back to God. Jesus died a sinner’s death on the cross, taking our place to pay the debt we owed God because of our sins.
Jesus Defeated Sin and Death
If Jesus had stayed dead, then sin and death would still have a hold on us. But Jesus defeated sin and death once and for all by rising from the grave (Matthew 28:6). His resurrection points to the power of God! He promises that everyone who believes in Him will also be raised to new, eternal life.
Jesus Offers Salvation as a Free Gift to All!
We can experience new life in Christ simply by receiving his free gift of salvation. Becoming a Christian is not something anyone can earn or do on their own (Ephesians 2:5). Because of Jesus’ sacrificial death, those who believe are welcomed into God’s family as God’s sons and daughters. They can enjoy a personal relationship with Jesus, follow Him daily, and look forward to spending eternity with Him in heaven.
How to Accept Jesus Into Your Heart
Jesus makes it easy for anyone to come to him, no matter who you are or what you’ve done. Becoming a Christian is simple, and you can take these steps right now where you are:
- Recognize Your Need: Admit that you’re a sinner and need a Savior.
- Trust in Jesus: Believe that Jesus is the Son of God, that He died for your sins, and rose again to give you eternal life. You can pray from your heart, saying: “Jesus, I believe in You. Please forgive my sins and come into my life.”
- Follow Him: Commit to letting Jesus lead you in living a new life with Him, knowing you’re never alone. God’s Spirit now lives within you, uniting you with Christ and guiding you to follow him.
Next Steps
Now that you understand what it means to be a Christian, what’s your next step? Maybe you’re ready to join a community of Believers at a local church. Or perhaps you have more questions about Christianity and want to talk to a church leader. You might even feel called to share with your friends and family that you’re now a Christian!
Whatever your next step is, we’re here to support and encourage you! Feel free to reach out to us anytime at