What does it mean to be a Christian

A Christian is a follower of Christ.

The word occurs three times in the New Testament:

• "The disciples were first called Christians in Antioch" (Acts 11:26);
• Agrippa said to Paul, "You almost persuade me to be a Christian" (Acts 26:28);
• Peter exhorted, "If anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed" (1 Pet. 4:16).

In each instance, the word Christian assumes that the person called by the name was a follower of Christ. The designation of the early followers of Christ as Christians was started by the non-Christian population of Antioch. Originally it may have been a term of derision. Eventually, however, Christians used it of themselves as a name of honour, not of shame. Prior to their adoption of the name, the Christians called themselves believers (Acts 5:14), brothers (Acts 6:3), or saints (Acts 9:13), names that also continued to be used.

Jesus explained how someone could become a believer, in other words a Christian. He said "Whoever believes in me shall not perish but have eternal life." (John 3:15), and "If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross daily, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it." (Luke 9:23, 24)

It is clear from this that a Christian is someone who believes that Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah who was prophesied of old, who would save his people from their sins. He or She seeks to follow Christ. They make a decision to turn away from living for themselves, and to become obedient to their saviour. Taking up their cross they die to themselves, and live for Christ. In following him they become disciples of his, learning all they can, never reaching the end because there is always more to learn.

As they learn and follow, they seek to become more like Christ. The process does not make them perfect in this life, and they always have to battle against sin and temptation, but they know that Jesus will keep them by his power until he eventually presents them "faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy" (Jude 24).