A Christian is generally defined as a follower of Jesus Christ, someone who adheres to the teachings and beliefs that arise from the life and message of Jesus as presented in the New Testament.
**1. Follower of Christ:** The term “Christian” first appeared in Antioch as a designation for the disciples of Jesus. In Acts 11:26, it states, “And in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians.” This indicates that Christians were recognized as followers of Christ.
**2. Belief in Jesus as the Messiah:** Central to being a Christian is the belief that Jesus is the Messiah and the Son of God. John 3:16 highlights the significance of this belief: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
**3. Emphasis on Salvation:** Christians believe that through Jesus’ death and resurrection, salvation is available to all who accept him. In Romans 10:9-10, it’s stated, “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.”
**4. Transformation and New Life:** Being a Christian means undergoing a spiritual transformation. 2 Corinthians 5:17 expresses this idea: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”
**5. Loving Others and Following His Teachings:** Christians are called to love others and live according to the teachings of Jesus. In John 13:34-35, Jesus commands, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this, everyone will know that you are my disciples if you love one another.”
**6. The Great Commission:** Christians are also tasked with spreading the message of Jesus and making disciples. Matthew 28:19-20 records the Great Commission: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.”
In summary, a Christian is a person who believes in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, identifies with the community of believers, seeks to follow His teachings, and actively participates in the mission to spread the gospel.