“And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.” — Acts 11:26
The Biblical Definition of a Christian
The modern world has diluted the meaning of the word Christian. Many claim the name without embracing the life, the doctrine, or the transforming power that the Scriptures require. But the Bible gives us a clear, authoritative definition rooted in the early church.
A Christian, according to Scripture, is a disciple of Jesus Christ—one who follows Him in repentance, faith, obedience, and holiness. The name was not invented by men seeking a religious label, but given by observation: people saw the disciples and recognized that they were shaped by Christ, loyal to Christ, and living like Christ.
To be a Christian is not merely to believe about Christ, but to belong to Christ.
A Christian Is One Who Has Turned to Christ in True Repentance
Jesus began His ministry with the command:
“Repent ye, and believe the gospel.” — Mark 1:15
Repentance is not a sentimental feeling; it is a decisive turning from sin toward God. The apostle Paul described true conversion this way:
“Ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God.” — 1 Thessalonians 1:9
A Christian is someone who has turned from the old life and has surrendered to the Lordship of Christ. No man can cling to sin and claim the salvation of Christ. Repentance is foundational.
A Christian Is One Who Believes the Gospel With Saving Faith
Scripture demands a faith that goes beyond intellectual agreement. The devils also believe (James 2:19), yet they remain unconverted. Saving faith is trusting in the finished work of Christ—His death, burial, and resurrection—as the only hope of salvation.
“Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved.” — Acts 16:31
This belief is transformative. It brings a man into union with Christ, makes him a new creature (2 Corinthians 5:17), and anchors him in the grace of God.
A Christian Is One Who Has Been Born Again
Jesus’ words are unambiguous:
“Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” — John 3:3
A Christian is not simply reformed—he is reborn. This new birth is a supernatural work of the Spirit, placing the believer into the family of God and giving him a new nature.
“Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God.” — 1 Peter 1:23
No man becomes a Christian by tradition, culture, or ceremony. Only the new birth makes a Christian.
A Christian Is a Disciple—A Follower and Learner of Christ
Jesus never offered an uncommitted Christianity. He said:
“If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.” — Luke 9:23
The believers in Antioch were called Christians precisely because they followed Christ’s teachings and lived in His likeness. The world recognized the marks of Christ upon them.
A Christian is not defined by attendance, affiliation, or outward appearance, but by active obedience.
A Christian Is One Who Keeps Christ’s Commandments
Jesus declared:
“If ye love me, keep my commandments.” — John 14:15
Obedience is not optional—it is the evidence of genuine salvation. Though no Christian walks flawlessly, the trajectory of his life is obedience, not rebellion.
“And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.” — 1 John 2:3
A Christian’s life is shaped by Scripture, not the world; by holiness, not compromise.
A Christian Is One Who Bears the Fruit of the Spirit
The true evidence of new life in Christ is spiritual fruit:
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance.” — Galatians 5:22–23
Fruit does not produce the tree; the tree produces the fruit. Likewise, works do not make a Christian—but a Christian will inevitably produce works that demonstrate the life of God within him.
A Christian Is One Who Confesses Christ Publicly
Jesus said:
“Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father.” — Matthew 10:32
A true Christian is not silent. He openly identifies with Christ in word and deed, unashamed of the gospel, unmoved by the fear of man.
A Christian Is One Who Endures to the End
The Christian life is not a moment—it is a lifelong walk. True believers persevere:
“He that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.” — Matthew 24:13
Endurance does not earn salvation; it proves salvation. The Spirit within a true believer will not let him turn back permanently.
A Christian Is One Who Loves the Brethren
One cannot love Christ and hate His people. Scripture is explicit:
“We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren.” — 1 John 3:14
A Christian is marked by a spirit of unity, forgiveness, humility, and sacrificial love toward other believers.
A Christian Is One Who Longs for the Coming of Christ
The early church lived with a prophetic expectation:
“Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.” — Titus 2:13
A Christian understands the times, discerns the spiritual battle, and watches for the return of the Lord. His hope is not in this world, but in the world to come.
A Christian Is One Who Separates From the World
The world system stands opposed to God. Scripture commands separation from its values and wickedness:
“Come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord.” — 2 Corinthians 6:17
A Christian lives differently—morally, spiritually, and doctrinally. His allegiance is to the kingdom of God.
Conclusion: The Scriptural Portrait of a True Christian
The Bible paints a clear and uncompromising picture of what it means to be a Christian:
- One who has repented
- One who believes the gospel
- One who has been born again
- One who follows Jesus as Lord
- One who keeps His commandments
- One who bears the fruit of the Spirit
- One who loves the brethren
- One who separates from the world
- One who endures to the end
- One who lives in expectation of Christ’s return
A Christian is a transformed, obedient, Spirit-filled follower of Jesus Christ. He is not merely religious—he is redeemed. Not merely a believer—he is a disciple. Not merely forgiven—he is regenerated and set apart for God.
This is the biblical, definitive, and prophetic identity of a true Christian according to the Scriptures.