If you are a Catholic, you are already a Christian! Catholics are indeed part of the Christian faith, which includes many different traditions (such as Protestantism, Orthodoxy, and others) that all center on faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
What It Means to Be a Christian
Being a Christian means following Jesus Christ, believing in Him as the Son of God, and embracing His life, death, and resurrection as the foundation of salvation. Catholics hold these beliefs just as other Christians do, which is why Catholicism is a Christian tradition.
- John 3:16: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”
- Romans 10:9: “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”
Both Catholics and other Christians share these core beliefs. The Catholic Church believes in the divinity of Christ, His resurrection, the power of the Holy Spirit, and the hope of eternal life through faith in Him.
The Shared Foundation of Faith
The Catholic faith is rooted in the Bible and the teachings of Jesus and the Apostles, just as other Christian traditions are. Catholics adhere to the core beliefs of Christianity, including:
The Trinity: Belief in one God in three Persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
- Matthew 28:19: “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.”
Salvation through Jesus Christ: Faith that Jesus’ death on the cross offers forgiveness of sins and the hope of eternal life.
- Ephesians 2:8-9: “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”
Scripture and Tradition: Catholics believe that God’s revelation is present both in Scripture and in the Sacred Tradition of the Church. This tradition was handed down from the apostles and has been preserved by the Church through the centuries.
- 2 Thessalonians 2:15: “So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the traditions that you were taught by us, either by our spoken word or by our letter.”
The Sacraments: Catholics believe in the sacraments as visible signs of God’s grace, instituted by Christ. These include Baptism, Eucharist (Communion), Reconciliation (Confession), and others.
- John 6:53-54: “So Jesus said to them, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.’”
The Community of Believers: Catholics see the Church as the “Body of Christ,” a community that Jesus founded to be a visible witness of His presence on earth.
- 1 Corinthians 12:27: “Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.”
- Matthew 16:18: “And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.”
Growing Closer to Christ
If you are interested in deepening your faith or understanding more about how to follow Christ fully, you can focus on:
Reading and Reflecting on the Bible: Catholics are encouraged to read Scripture and learn from it. Meditating on the Gospels, in particular, helps Christians draw closer to Christ’s life and teachings.
- Psalm 119:105: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
Developing a Personal Relationship with Jesus: Christianity is about knowing Jesus personally and inviting Him into your life each day. This relationship grows through prayer, reading the Word, and participating in the sacraments.
- Philippians 3:10: “I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death.”
Living Out Faith in Action: Catholics and other Christians are called to love others and serve those in need, as a reflection of Christ’s love.
- James 2:17: “So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.”
- Matthew 25:40: “And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’”
Summary
As a Catholic, you already share the central beliefs of Christianity and are part of the Christian family. Embracing and living out your faith as a follower of Jesus, deepening your relationship with Him, and seeking to live in accordance with His teachings is what truly defines a Christian life. The Catholic tradition offers many ways to grow in faith, such as the sacraments, the teachings of the saints, and a rich tradition of prayer. These resources can all help you in becoming more like Christ and in drawing closer to God each day.