These days, it seems that there are so many different “versions” of Christianity. There is always someone with a new interpretation, a denomination, or a new definition of what it means to be a believer in Christ. In the midst of all the confusion, it can be far too easy to lose sight of the truth. Believers and nonbelievers alike are left wondering which version is the right one. So what does it truly mean to be a Christian, according to scripture?

First and most importantly, to be a Christian means to believe in the message of the Gospel, and the Gospel boils down to one problem and one solution. Romans 3:23 NIV says, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” The problem is that all of us, by nature, have a rebellious heart toward God. We are born sinners, and nothing we could do could ever atone for it. The solution? Consider the triumphant words of John 3:16 NIV, one of the most famous verses in the Bible: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” The Good News says that we no longer have to work for our salvation; the death and resurrection of Jesus has purchased it for us. All we have to do is repent and commit our lives to Him.

But this is not the end of Christianity; in fact, it is just the beginning. Because true belief ultimately requires action. Once we have been saved, we cannot go back to the way we used to be. We must be transformed each and every day, growing in our faith, and becoming more like Jesus. 2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!.” When we come to Christ, we surrender our old selves unto Him. We receive the Holy Spirit, which moves us to act on our faith. As a result, we find joy in serving others, in preaching the Gospel, and in exercising love instead of hate on a daily basis.

Galatians 5:22-23 NIV says, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” These things show what it means to be a Christian. Your faith is merely not defined by going to church every Sunday or by tossing money in the offering plate – although these are things that we should do in our worship toward God. Being a Christian is not about judging or condemning those who have different views. It is not about your political views or even being a good citizen. It is about trusting in the fact that Jesus Christ died for sinners, and knowing that the love He gave to us is the love we, in turn, should give to all.

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