Bible’s Viewpoint: What Does It Mean to Be a True Christian?
- Edward D. Andrews
- Jul 5
- 8 min read
The question of what it means to be a true Christian is central to understanding the faith as presented in the Bible. In a world where the term "Christian" is often used loosely, applied to cultural traditions, nominal affiliations, or subjective personal beliefs, the Scriptures provide a clear, objective standard. The Bible defines a true Christian not by external labels or rituals but by a transformative relationship with Jesus Christ, evidenced by faith, obedience, and a life aligned with God’s will. This article examines the biblical definition of a true Christian, focusing on key elements such as faith in Christ, repentance, obedience to Scripture, love for others, and perseverance in the face of trials. Using the Historical-Grammatical method of interpretation, the analysis draws on the inspired text to present a precise, evidence-based understanding, rooted in a high view of Scripture’s inerrancy and authority.
The Foundation: Faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord
The Bible establishes that a true Christian is fundamentally someone who has placed their faith in Jesus Christ as the Son of God and the only means of salvation. In John 3:16, Jesus declares, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” This belief is not mere intellectual assent but a deep trust in Christ’s atoning work on the cross, where He bore the penalty for humanity’s sins. Romans 10:9 further clarifies, “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” This confession and belief involve acknowledging Jesus as both Savior, who redeems from sin, and Lord, who commands authority over one’s life.
This faith is rooted in the historical reality of Christ’s life, death, and resurrection, as recorded in the Gospels and affirmed throughout the New Testament. For example, 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 states, “For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures.” A true Christian trusts in this gospel message, recognizing that salvation is by grace through faith, not by works (Ephesians 2:8-9). This foundational belief distinguishes a true Christian from those who claim the title without a personal commitment to Christ.
Repentance: Turning from Sin to God
Faith in Christ is inseparable from repentance, a critical aspect of becoming a true Christian. The New Testament consistently emphasizes repentance as a turning away from sin and a reorientation toward God. In Acts 3:19, Peter urges, “Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out.” This call to repentance echoes Jesus’ own teaching in Mark 1:15, where He proclaims, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.” Repentance is not merely feeling sorry for sin but involves a deliberate change of mind and behavior, aligning one’s life with God’s standards.
The Greek word for repentance, metanoia, denotes a change of mind that results in a transformed life. For a true Christian, repentance is an ongoing process, not a one-time event. Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 7:10, “For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death.” This ongoing repentance reflects a heart responsive to the Holy Spirit’s conviction through the Word, leading to continual growth in holiness. A true Christian, therefore, is marked by a life that progressively turns from sin and seeks to honor God.
Obedience to God’s Word
A true Christian is characterized by obedience to the teachings of Scripture, which is the inspired Word of God (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Jesus Himself emphasized this in John 14:15, stating, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” Obedience is not a means of earning salvation but a natural outcome of genuine faith. James 2:17 reinforces this, declaring, “So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” The works James refers to are not ritualistic or legalistic but the fruit of a transformed heart that seeks to live out God’s will.
The Bible provides clear guidance for Christian living, including moral conduct, worship, and relationships with others. For example, the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) outlines Jesus’ ethical teachings, emphasizing humility, purity, and love. Paul’s epistles, such as Romans 12:1-2, urge believers to present their bodies as a living sacrifice and to be transformed by the renewal of their minds. A true Christian studies and applies Scripture, relying on the Spirit-inspired Word to guide their decisions and actions (Psalm 119:105). This commitment to obedience distinguishes a true Christian from those who profess faith but live contrary to biblical principles.
Love for God and Others
Love is a hallmark of a true Christian, as it reflects the character of God and the teachings of Christ. Jesus identified love as the greatest commandment, stating in Matthew 22:37-39, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” This love is not sentimental or emotional but an active, sacrificial commitment to God and others.
Paul expands on this in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, describing love as patient, kind, and enduring, devoid of envy or pride. A true Christian demonstrates love through actions, such as serving others, forgiving enemies, and showing compassion to the needy. John 13:35 records Jesus’ words, “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” This love extends beyond personal relationships to include enemies, as Jesus taught in Matthew 5:44, “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” A true Christian’s life is marked by this selfless, Christlike love, which flows from a heart transformed by the gospel.
Perseverance in Faith and Trials
The Bible teaches that a true Christian perseveres in faith, even amidst trials and persecution. Jesus warned in John 16:33, “In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” This perseverance is not a human effort but a result of God’s sustaining grace. Philippians 1:6 assures believers, “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” A true Christian remains steadfast, trusting in God’s promises despite challenges.
The book of Hebrews emphasizes perseverance, particularly in Hebrews 12:1-2, which encourages believers to “run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith.” This endurance is not passive but involves active trust and obedience, even when faced with suffering. James 1:2-4 further instructs, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.” A true Christian’s faith is proven genuine through perseverance, demonstrating a commitment to Christ that withstands the pressures of the world.
The Role of the Holy Spirit in Christian Life
The Holy Spirit plays a vital role in the life of a true Christian, working through the inspired Scriptures to convict, guide, and sanctify. Unlike charismatic views that emphasize mystical experiences or direct revelation, the Bible teaches that the Spirit operates through the Word. In John 16:13, Jesus promised the apostles, “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth.” This guidance was fulfilled in the inspiration of the New Testament, which serves as the authoritative guide for believers today (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
The Spirit empowers Christians to live godly lives, producing the fruit of the Spirit described in Galatians 5:22-23: “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.” This fruit is the natural outcome of a life submitted to the Word, not the result of ecstatic experiences. A true Christian relies on the Spirit-inspired Scriptures to grow in holiness, rejecting claims of ongoing revelation or miraculous gifts that contradict the sufficiency of the Bible.
The Christian’s Hope: Eternal Life
A true Christian lives with the hope of eternal life, a gift promised through faith in Christ. John 10:28 records Jesus’ assurance, “I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.” This hope is not based on human merit but on Christ’s finished work. The Bible distinguishes between two hopes for believers: a heavenly hope for the select few who will rule with Christ as kings, priests, and judges (Revelation 5:10), and an earthly hope for the majority of the righteous, who will enjoy eternal life on a restored earth (Psalm 37:29).
This hope shapes a Christian’s perspective, motivating them to live for eternity rather than temporary pleasures. Paul writes in Titus 1:2, “In hope of eternal life, which God, who never lies, promised before the ages began.” A true Christian’s life is oriented toward this promise, influencing their priorities, decisions, and conduct.
Addressing Common Misconceptions
Several misconceptions about what it means to be a true Christian must be addressed. First, being a Christian is not merely about cultural or familial affiliation. Many claim the title because they were raised in a Christian environment or attend church, but the Bible requires personal faith and commitment. Second, Christianity is not about earning salvation through good deeds. Ephesians 2:8-9 clearly states that salvation is by grace through faith, though good works follow as evidence of genuine faith.
Third, a true Christian is not defined by emotional experiences or charismatic displays. The Bible emphasizes sober-mindedness and reliance on the Word, not subjective feelings or supposed miracles. Finally, the idea that all who claim to be Christians are automatically true believers is refuted by Jesus’ warning in Matthew 7:21, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.” A true Christian’s life aligns with God’s will as revealed in Scripture.
The Call to Evangelism
A true Christian is also called to share the gospel, fulfilling the mandate given by Jesus in Matthew 28:19-20: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” Evangelism is not optional but an expression of love for God and others, as it seeks to bring people into a saving relationship with Christ. A true Christian actively participates in this mission, whether through personal witness, teaching, or supporting the spread of the gospel.
Baptism and Christian Identity
Baptism is an important step for a true Christian, symbolizing their identification with Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection. Romans 6:4 states, “We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.” Baptism is not a means of salvation but an act of obedience that publicly declares one’s faith. The Bible teaches total immersion, as practiced by Jesus (Matthew 3:16) and the early church (Acts 8:38-39), and excludes infant baptism, as it requires personal faith and understanding.
The Church and Community
A true Christian is part of the body of Christ, the church, which is not a building but a community of believers. Hebrews 10:24-25 instructs, “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another.” This community provides accountability, encouragement, and opportunities for service. While the Bible does not mandate formal church membership, it emphasizes the importance of fellowship with other believers who share the same faith and commitment to Scripture.
Conclusion
The Bible’s viewpoint on what it means to be a true Christian is clear: it involves faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, repentance from sin, obedience to God’s Word, love for God and others, perseverance in trials, reliance on the Spirit-inspired Scriptures, and a hope in eternal life. This definition excludes cultural or nominal affiliations, emphasizing a transformed life that reflects Christ’s teachings. A true Christian is also committed to evangelism, baptism, and participation in the community of believers. By adhering to these biblical principles, one can live out the calling of a true Christian, honoring God in all aspects of life.
About the Author
EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220 books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).