According to the Bible, a true Christian is someone who has put their faith and trust in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. This means they have acknowledged their sinfulness, repented, and believed that Jesus’ sacrificial death on the cross paid the penalty for their sins. The true Christian life is characterized by following Jesus’ teachings, being transformed by the Holy Spirit, and producing spiritual fruit. Though Christians still struggle with sin, the true Christian is being progressively sanctified by the Spirit and perseveres in faith. Here is a more in-depth explanation of key aspects of the true Christian life according to the Bible.
Faith in Jesus Christ
A defining mark of a true Christian is believing in Jesus Christ as Savior. As John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” Salvation is found in Jesus alone. A true Christian has realized their sinfulness and need for a Savior, repented and placed their trust in Christ and His atoning work on the cross. True saving faith goes beyond mental assent to believing in your heart and confessing with your mouth (Romans 10:9-10). Faith in Christ is foundational to the Christian life.
Indwelt by the Holy Spirit
At the moment of salvation, a true Christian is indwelt by the Holy Spirit. God puts His very Spirit within them (Ezekiel 36:27; Ephesians 1:13-14). The Holy Spirit works to conform the true Christian to the image of Christ. As 2 Corinthians 3:18 explains, “And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.” The Spirit guides, convicts, teaches, and empowers the believer to obey God’s Word.
Repentance and Obedience
Repentance and obedience characterize the true Christian life. At salvation, a person turns from sin and commits to following Jesus as Lord. Jesus said, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments” (John 14:15). 1 John 2:3 says, “And by this we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments.” Obedience is not done to earn salvation, but because of salvation. The Spirit empowers obedience as the true Christian submits to God. Though Christians still struggle with sin, the trajectory of growth is toward increasing Christlikeness.
Love for God and Others
True Christians have a heart transformed by God’s love to love Him and others. Jesus said the two greatest commandments are to love God and love your neighbor (Matthew 22:36-40). 1 John 4:7 says, “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God.” Love motivates evangelism and good works. Christians especially love fellow believers, which Jesus said would be a defining mark of His disciples (John 13:34-35).
Pursuit of Holiness
True Christians increasingly pursue holiness and Christlikeness. As Hebrews 12:14 explains, “Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.” In contrast to the world’s values, Christians hunger for righteousness. Though stumbling in sin, they are characterized by repentance rather than ongoing unrepentant sin. Sanctification flows from justification. Christians are being transformed into Christ’s image with the Spirit’s help.
Perseverance
Despite trials, struggles with sin, and doubts, a true Christian will persevere in faith. Jesus said that the one who endures to the end will be saved (Matthew 24:13). Philippians 1:6 says, “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” The Spirit enables endurance. While some fall away in the faith, the true Christian continues believing, obeys God’s commands, and increasingly grows in Christlikeness through life.
Desire to Obey God’s Word
True Christians have a sincere desire to know and obey God’s Word. 1 Peter 2:2 states, “Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation.” Regular Scripture reading, study, and meditation characterize the growing Christian. They pursue sound doctrine and biblical teaching. The Word transforms their minds and renews their thinking (Romans 12:2). Though stumbling at times, they aim to obey Scripture by the Spirit’s help.
Part of the Church
True Christians identify with the body of Christ and serve God alongside other believers. The Bible emphasizes the importance of Christian community and meeting together regularly (Hebrews 10:24-25). Acts 2:42 describes early church disciples as devoted to “the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.” True Christians see themselves as members of Christ’s body, not lone rangers. They utilize their spiritual gifts to serve the church.
Making Disciples
A true Christian shares their faith and makes disciples. Jesus commanded His followers to “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, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19-20). Faith in Christ naturally results in telling others about Him. The true Christian cares about evangelism, missions, disciple-making, and living out their faith before a watching world.
Bearing Spiritual Fruit
True Christians bear spiritual fruit such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). This happens as a result of the Spirit’s work within. Others can examine a professing Christian’s character and conduct to evaluate if their faith is genuine. While imperfect, true Christians are being conformed to Christ’s image and their lives reflect the fruit of the Spirit.
Humility and Selflessness
Following Jesus’ example, true Christians demonstrate humility and self-sacrificial living. Jesus said, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me” (Luke 9:23). True faith abandons selfish pride and lives for God’s glory. Christians aim to model Jesus’ humility and servant-heartedness. They consider others’ interests before their own and willingly sacrifice for one another (Philippians 2:3-4).
Continually Growing
True Christians are continual learners and growers. There should be clear growth in Christlikeness from the time they first believed until death. The Christian life is progressive sanctification. A true Christian is not content to remain stagnant but seeks to grow through Scripture, prayer, fellowship, obedience, sharing their faith, service, etc. They desire to know Christ more and reflect Him better. Spiritual growth in understanding, wisdom, and obedience characterizes true believers.
Hope for Eternity
Lastly, true Christians have a hope set on eternal life with God. Titus 1:2 describes “the hope of eternal life, which God, who never lies, promised before the ages began.” This hope motivates perseverance, endurance, and living for the kingdom. Christians know Christ is preparing a place for them and they will dwell with God forever (John 14:2-3). This eternal perspective influences how true Christians live and relate to the world.
In summary, according to the Bible, a true Christian is characterised by faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, repentance from sin, obedience to God’s Word, the indwelling and sanctifying power of the Holy Spirit, love of God and others, pursuit of holiness, perseverance through trials, desire for God’s truth, involvement in a local church, making disciples, bearing spiritual fruit, continual growth in Christlikeness, humility and selflessness, and hope in eternal life with God. The true Christian life revolves around knowing and worshiping Jesus Christ.
