S. Michael Houdmann Supporter Got Questions Ministries

According to Acts 11:26, the followers of Jesus were first called Christians at Antioch. Why were they called Christians? Because they were "followers of Christ." They had committed their lives to ...

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July 01 2013 • 5 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Wade Fehlman Supporter

Jesus told Nicodemas in John 3:3 most assuredly I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

A true Christian is therefore someone who is born again. How do you get born again? Well the cross, Jesus, and all that he came here to do makes no sense without understanding sin. Jesus came here to save us from the consequences of sin which is spiritual death, and ultimately the lake of fire. 

We are all born separated spiritually from God by our sin. Contrary to popular opinion we are not all children of God, but actually children of the devil, as Jesus stated to the Pharisees in John 8:44.

To give a short answer to this, first we must recognize that we need a savior. This cannot be done without recognition of our sin. John wrote in 1st John 3:4, sin is transgression of the law.

What law is he talking about? In Galations 3:24 Paul writes the law is a Tudor or schoolmaster to bring us to Christ. So we are truly brought to Christ when we recognize that it is Gods law that we are breaking.
Remember the Ten Commandments these are like a mirror to show us our sin. Breaking one is the same as breaking them all. Since we have all broken all or some of these laws, We therefore are all guilty of transgressing or going outside of or against Gods law. The law is Gods standard for righteousness and perfection.

It is a standard no human being can or has ever kept, with one exception, Jesus. Both fully man and fully God, He came as the perfect sacrifice to fulfill the requirements God has for redemption, righteousness and justification.

Therefore, we must recognize our sin and desire to turn from it and follow Jesus, this is called repentance. Without this step there is not true salvation. The second thing we must do is put our faith and trust in Jesus alone for our salvation, we must believe in him, not just believe he exists or is the son of God but the word believe means faith and trust. We must wholly trust him alone for our salvation. Not our works. Good works come from salvation not to get it or keep it. Read Ephesians 2:8-9, Titus 3:5
The world is full of false converts who think they have Christ but have never recognized or repented of their sin.

God bless..

February 06 2015 • 2 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Jeffrey Johnson Supporter

What is a true Christian?

A true Christian is not simply someone who carries the name "Christian," attends church, or knows Bible stories. A true Christian is someone whose life has been changed by Jesus Christ and who is learning to follow Him sincerely, even through weaknesses and failures.

When I read Scripture, what stands out is that Jesus never focused mainly on outward appearances. He looked at the heart. A person can look religious on the outside and still be far from God. A true Christian begins with repentance—recognising the need for God's grace—and placing faith in Christ rather than in personal goodness. As Ephesians 2:8-9 reminds us, "For by grace are ye saved through faith... not of works, lest any man should boast."

The mark of a true Christian is not perfection. Christians still struggle, make mistakes, and sometimes fall short. The difference is that their direction has changed. They desire to know God, obey Him, and grow closer to Him. A quiet transformation is taking place within. As 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, "If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new."

Jesus Himself gave one of the clearest signs of authentic faith: love. Not a sentimental feeling, but a practical love that reflects God's character. He said, "By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another" (John 13:35). A true Christian learns to forgive, serve, show compassion, and care for others, not because it earns salvation, but because God's love is working in their heart.

Spiritual fruit is also evidence. Galatians 5:22-23 speaks of "love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance." These qualities do not appear instantly, nor are they always present in equal measure, but over time they become increasingly visible in a believer's life.

Perhaps the simplest description comes from Jesus' own words: "If ye love me, keep my commandments" (John 14:15). A true Christian trusts Christ, loves Him, and seeks to follow Him. They do not claim to have arrived; they know they are still being shaped. Their confidence rests not in themselves but in the One who saved them.

In the end, a true Christian is not defined by a label, a denomination, or a flawless record. They are a person who has turned to Christ in faith, is being transformed by His grace, and is striving, day by day, to walk in His ways. That journey may be imperfect, but it is real—and its foundation is Jesus Christ alone.

Summary of the query:

Religious habits, impressive words, or a perfect track record do not measure a true Christian. It is a person who has placed their trust in Jesus Christ and is being shaped by Him from the inside out. Faith becomes more than a belief—it becomes a way of living.

The change is often quiet and gradual. A growing desire to seek God, turn away from sin, and reflect Christ's character in everyday life emerges. Love, humility, patience, and mercy begin to appear, not because someone is trying to earn God's approval, but because His grace is at work within them.

Jesus said, "By their fruits ye shall know them" (Matthew 7:20). The evidence of genuine faith is seen in how a person lives, treats others, and responds to God's Word. A true Christian still has struggles, yet keeps returning to Christ, trusting Him more than themselves.

At its heart, Christianity is not about appearing righteous—it is about belonging to Jesus and walking with Him day by day. As Galatians 2:20 says, "Christ liveth in me." That simple reality is what sets a true Christian apart.

August 19 2026 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report